Reinventing No Depression

For 13 years, the magazine No Depression gave exposure to alternative country music that was virtually ignored by the mainstream. Many bands of this broad and diverse genre owe a debt of gratitude to No Depression for helping them connect with a passionate and hungry fan base.

But with so many people changing their habits in this downloadable world, small print publications are having a harder time keeping that audience. Last February, No Depression announced that its bi-monthly publication would cease production, and that their May/June issue would be their last. Several niche music magazines have folded or gone digital this year, including Harp, Resonance, Bluegrass Now, and Punk Planet went under last year.

But today, No Depression launches their new website, and they'll publish their first “bookazine” in October. The magazine’s co-founder, Peter Blackstock, joins Word of Mouth on changes in music journalism and the evolution of Americana music.

Also, musician Justin Townes Earle talks about his childhood as the son of songwriter Steve Earle, his teenage infatuation with drugs and alcohol and why he prefers mountain music of yesteryear over popular music of today. Click here to listen.