Performing Songwriter is ceasing publication after 16 years. The magazine’s June 2009 issue, sent to subscribers and newsstands this week, will be its final edition, Lydia Hutchinson, its editor and publisher, has announced.
“As sad as change and letting go are, it feels like a celebration of accomplishment more than anything else,” said Hutchinson. “There was a moment of clarity after we signed off on this June issue, telling me that now is indeed the time to let go and end at its peak. This publication started with no funding 16 years ago out of my guest bedroom and has never taken one penny of investment money. It’s been completely supported by advertisers, subscribers and the community it represents. Performing Songwriter has always had a big heart, and our job was to take care of it so it could do its magic. By ceasing publication now we know the magazine will never risk losing its integrity and or its quality. All of us here are grateful for this journey, and feel like we’ve crossed the finish line with our heads held high.”
With encouragement from writers, artists and producers who valued its creativity-first focus and “Be Heard” philosophy, Performing Songwriterr established itself as a leading independent magazine connecting those who love music with those who create music. The magazine recognized and supported independent musicians and their work, with a call for “Do It Yourself “(DIY) submissions running in the debut issue and DIY CD reviews in every issue thereafter.
Performing Songwriter featured interviews with artists, producers and musicians across all genres; special reports and issue-focused stories; spotlights on the latest gear for the studio and stage; album reviews, and other articles focused on the craft of songwriting.
Hutchinson founded the magazine in Nashville in 1993, with the first of its 118 issues appearing that June and featuring Nanci Griffith as its cover artist. Among other artists who graced its covers over the years were Shawn Colvin, Dan Fogelberg, Billy Joel, John Prine and Bonnie Raitt.
A Note from the Editor (a popular staple of each issue) was mailed to subscribers and other supporters earlier this week with the news of the final issue. In the column entitled “Endings, Beginnings & Gratitude,” Hutchinson wrote: “One of my friends said that Performing Songwriter has never been just a magazine. It’s the community that formed around it and supported it, and it just wore the clothes of a publication. The community is still there, steadfast and strong; it’s simply time to change clothes. I don’t know exactly what the outfit’s going to look like, but that wonder is part of the joy. And I’m looking forward to dreaming up the next chapter, closing my eyes and taking another leap of faith. Because if I’ve learned one thing during these 16 years, it’s that anything is possible.”
The complete column may be viewed on the Performing Songwriter website at www.performingsongwriter.com.
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