In 2002 I started this blog, in part, as a way to continue the conversations that I had with my dear friend who was living in Melbourne and whose long distance calls were filled with moments where recievers were held to stereos, parts were sung, records discussed, shows deconstructed, and sounds generally worshipped. The Music Issue became a way to close the distance between us, to continue my thoughts and share them with him even as he went about his day a half globe away.

I am very happy to say that I will return to New York City this fall and once there, I will find this fabulous person on my doorstep - my new musical partner, my best friend, my brother. And since we are closing that gap, I would like to close this gap too, by making The Music Issue a collaboration between us, and hopefully between other great music lovers I know.

I've been rambling alone for eight years. It's time for new directions with the sounds and people I love. So welcome Neil Sweeney to The Music Issue. His first post will appear shortly, and soon the site will be redesigned to more fully show our collaborative writing, as well as other collaborative projects.

Thanks for staying tuned.

DC