Big Stir Magazine: An Introduction

Rex Broome of the way-fab Big Stir Records label asked me to write an introduction for the forthcoming first issue of the new Big Stir magazine. When he told me it was an honest-to-Rickenbacker print zine, not just an online phantom, I was an eager participant. That debut issue of Big Stir will make its world premiere at Big Stir's Power Pop & More show in Burbank on March 24th.



Enthusiasm isn't everything. But nothing of value endures without it.

It's not the only thing, and possibly--probably--not the most important thing. It's not a substitute for inspiration, for execution, for creativity, talent, pure mojo. It doesn't magically make you able to play guitar, or compose sonnets, or paint your masterpiece. It doesn't really make you more attractive to persons of potential prurient interest. Nonetheless, it feeds all of the above. It can drive the creator. It can engage the creator's fans. Enthusiasm is its own reward.

If you're a fan of anything--any damned thing--you understand. And you appreciate opportunities to revel in your enthusiasm. Let your freak flag fly!

When I was a teenager in the '70s, rock magazines fanned my burgeoning obsession with rock 'n' roll. Neither Circus nor Rolling Stone was quite right for me (though the latter was more than sufficient to convince smitten li'l me that I should fall in love with Suzi Quatro). But Phonograph Record Magazine was like a communique from someplace greater, sweeter, and louder. Magazines like Bomp!, Creem, Trouser Press, Punk, New York Rocker, Rock Scene, Poser (a local fanzine here in Syracuse), The Pig Paper...! These all fed the flames of my rockin' pop passions. It is not an exaggeration to say that these rock rags were as important as the music itself. To me, anyway. My enjoyment of these publications, the sheer enthusiasm of (and for) fanzine and prozine alike, made me wanna participate. I couldn't play. I couldn't sing. I could write. I've been doing that ever since.

Enthusiasm. It's okay to discard our jaded facades. It's cool to embrace the things we love, to proclaim with glee that we are fans of something, and that we don't care if you think that's weird. Martin Mull compared writing about music to dancing about architecture. We can do that, man. Bucketfull Of Brains. Goldmine. Yellow Pills. Yeah Yeah Yeah. The Big Takeover. Mojo. Shindig! And now, Big Stir. It's time once again to twist about Frank Lloyd Wright, to do the Freddie on behalf of I. M. Pei. Get loud. Get excited! And read on. Read on.



Big Stir magazine # 1 includes contributions from David Bash, John M. Borack, Rex Broome, Christina Bulbenko, Blake Jones, Patrick DiPuccio, Keith Klingensmith, Peter Watts, and Steven Wilson. It features interviews with Karla Kane of The Corner Laughers, Lindsay Murray of Gretchen's Wheel, Teresa Cowles of Pacific Soul Ltd., Mod Hippie, and The Adam Marsland Band, Ella Pearson of Hux & the Hitmen, Ruth Rogers of Spygenius, Christine Bulbenko of The Armoires, and The Fast Camels. Art by Joseph Champniss, Sumishta Brahm, Rex Broome, Miranda Broome, Ridley Broome, Larysa Bulbenko, and Andrew Rennie. Art direction and layout by Joseph Champniss.

You want it? Of course you do! If you can't make it to Big Stir's Power Pop & More show in Burbank on the 24th, keep your eyes on the Big Stir Records website to see when it's available to order. 

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Our new compilation CD This Is Rock 'n' Roll Radio, Volume 4 is now available from Kool Kat Musik! 29 tracks of irresistible rockin' pop, starring Pop Co-Op, Ray Paul, Circe Link & Christian Nesmith, Vegas With Randolph Featuring Lannie Flowers, The Slapbacks, P. Hux, Irene Peña, Michael Oliver & the Sacred Band Featuring Dave Merritt, The Rubinoos, Stepford Knives, The Grip Weeds, Popdudes, Ronnie Dark, The Flashcubes,Chris von Sneidern, The Bottle Kids, 1.4.5., The Smithereens, Paul Collins' Beat, The Hit Squad, The Rulers, The Legal Matters, Maura & the Bright Lights, Lisa Mychols, and Mr. Encrypto & the Cyphers. You gotta have it, so order it here.