Blog Names: No Depression

I’m proud to bring you a feature on the newest music blog on the scene – one that conveniently has 13 years of experience. No Depression Magazine ceased publication in April of this year and this week unveiled its re-vamped website – which by many standards can be considered a music blog.

No Depression was the foremost authority on all things alternative country since 1994, bringing you stories on artists from Son Volt to Buddy Miller and everyone in between. Although the magazine’s readership remained strong, the simple answer for their demise was falling revenue. With the growing popularity of music information on the web (with blogs like this one, and sites such as Pitchfork and Stereogum) and the more specialized genre of No Depression – as opposed to mags like Rolling Stone – the demand for printed music commentary just doesn't exist anymore. I only became a subscriber in the last couple years, but I cherish each and every issue I’ve received. And intuitively, I purchased a few bundles of back-issues just months before the news of their calling it quits. I’m sure the going-rate for those issues are much higher these days.

The good news for us alt-country fans is that the magazine’s contributors have decided to continue the legacy in an un-printed form. The new website features news, reviews, and columns, as well as archives from the magazine. I haven’t had the time to explore the site completely, but can’t be more exited that the entity still exists in some form.

No Depression was the title of a Carter Family tune penned some 80 years ago by those most affected in this country’s lowest of lows – so far. The song may see a rise is relevance in the coming months. But the song inspires hope and a spiritual longing for better times in the afterlife. Here’s to the digital afterlife of No Depression.

The Carter Family: No Depression

[purchase]

Uncle Tupelo paid homage to the first family of country music in the title of their 1990 debut album.

Uncle Tupelo: No Depression

[purchase]