Text me to my face
Introducing the Telegraph's new lovable curmudgeon

Hi, how are you? It’s been a decent bit, and we sometimes forget to check in with people. Being hyper-connected to all the things, all the time, it’s easy to sidestep what makes us human. The interpersonal. Talking to another person. Actually talking. Face to face. Even on the phone, I suppose. No, not texting, messaging or DM’ing. None of that shit. I’ll repeat that: NOT TEXTING.

I’m mostly fine. Right now – today, anyway – thanks for asking. Had you inquired three or four months ago, maybe not so much. That is a longer story, for another day. And in person. But today? Today I’m OK. Things bother me – on some level – daily, but that’s part of life. Part of humanity. If you aren’t bothered or perturbed, you are either 1) not paying attention 2) blissfully and willfully ignorant or 3) have achieved some Dalai Lama level of understanding and compassion that is often lost on and beyond me. I need to work things out; sometimes breathe things out. I may even work through some of those bothers right here.

What this monthly column will become is somewhat unknown and certainly malleable. The upstanding humans at The Telegraph allow for a lot of creative liberty and autonomy, which is immensely appreciated. I may pepper in music recommendations on occasion. There are often fantastic, exceptionally worthwhile musical draws a few short hours away in larger cities for those who enjoy travelling to see music.

Now, that is in no way suggesting there are not worthwhile musical offerings here in Durango. Far from it. We currently have, and have always had on varying levels, a vibrant and semi-diverse music community in town. Note the “semi-diverse” – that could be a stretch, depending on musical taste – but if something is missing, pick up an instrument and bang away. Make it happen. Or be alright – like I am – with travel for it. 

I do fully believe that a fan of music must and should support the local music made in the community. I also passionately believe that the musicians making music and playing out should support the other bands and spaces within that same community. If you are a headliner, watch and support the opener(s). If you are a local opener, stick around for the headliner. Chances are, you got a lot of people there early to see your band(s). If a whole slew of your people come out to support YOUR band, stick around for the other bands on the bill – local, regional or touring.

Stay at the venue that hosted you and your friends, and patronize it before and after you play, rather than heading down the street to another random bar. The same love and respect you show is the same love and respect you will (hopefully) get. Do not be too cool and exclusive; be open, welcoming and encouraging. I f***ing hate clique-iness. Bolster the other people and bands in your community; don’t alienate them. Common courtesies, you know? Actually, you might not know. Or, perhaps you just didn’t realize or think about it. That’s OK. We all make mistakes; some of us more than others.

Earlier, I mentioned travelling to see live music. A lot of us do it on the regular, but a lot of factors play into when and how often we leave. Geography is one. We are 3½ - 7 hours away from larger towns with heavier touring traffic. There are also fiscal factors – it gets pricy hitting the road with gas, food, lodging and extras.

This week, it’s work constraints keeping me from seeing music. I just cannot make it happen. Of course, this work week coincides with multiple – literally one right after the other – shows that I’d usually travel for, just down the road in New Mexico. Maybe some of you were on the ball and picked up tickets to the now-sold-out Osees, shame, Viagra Boys or Kevin Morby shows happening this week. If you have the time off and act fast, you can still head down to catch the Iceage, Earth and – this one really stings – Divide and Dissolve shows. D/D made one of my favorite albums last year in “Gas Lit.” The duo that comprises the band, Takiaya Reed and Sylvie Nehill, are from Australia and identify their music as “Instrumental Doom Metal.” You can see them at Sister Bar in Albuquerque on Oct. 4. This may be their first lengthy North American tour in quite some time, and I’m bummed to be missing it. 

Maybe that’s why I’m a little salty at present. Just a little peeved to be missing a solid bunch of stellar bands, a few short hours south of us. That’s all. With any luck, I’ll be back in print right here, next month. Or perhaps I’ve overstayed my welcome. Either way, feel free to reach out any time with questions, comments or gripes. Especially the gripes. ?

Jon Lynch is the program director at KDUR. He can be reached at KDUR_PD@fortlewis.edu