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The final Bandcloud

Even the sun goes down, heroes eventually die, horoscopes often lie, and sometimes, “Y”. Nothing is for sure, nothing is for certain, nothing lasts forever… OutKast - Aquemini

When I sent my first Bandcloud email to 40-odd people back in 2014, I had no idea what it would become or how long it would last. In an age of blogging and click-chasing, it was intended as an outlet that people could ask for, request.

For a long time I asked for feedback, and while it wasn’t always forthcoming, I’ve had enough of it over the years to suggest that on the whole, people liked and appreciated what I was doing. If anyone read my mail and then went and bought a release or found a new favourite song or artist, my job was done. That was all I ever wanted, to share music and bring it to new ears.

As stated in that OutKast song above, sadly, nothing lasts forever. I never thought seriously about the end of Bandcloud until this year. Next month I’m going back to college to embark upon a new career, and this is a point at which I can no longer dedicate the time and energy to keeping up with and writing about music. Rather than try to keep Bandcloud going to a lesser standard, or to send it more infrequently, I think now is the right time to draw a line in the sand and say it’s over. As Lady Ella sang, something’s gotta give.

This isn’t the Oscars or an album inlay card, but I need to thank some people. Magoo, for the idea in the first place. Everyone at Truants. Everyone who’s done a guest mix or written a mail while I’ve been on holiday. Everyone who took part in the two compilations I put out. Anyone who contributed to those end-of-year lists. Anyone who’s ever sent me music, whether I’ve included it or not. I appreciate the leap of faith it takes to present your work to someone without knowing what they’ll say or do. (I’m sorry to anyone to whom I haven’t replied. It’s not you, it’s me.) Everyone who’s shared music they found themselves, sent me a tweet or DM or email or whatever about something they thought I might like.

My wife and children, even if you wonder what the hell I’m doing half the time. I love you.

Thanks to everyone who asked me for a guest mix or radio spot, everyone who’s listened to my own shows or mixes. The team at Dublin Digital Radio for allowing me to dedicate two hours a month to this project. Speaking of which, my final show aired on Sunday, and it’s a kind of A-to-Z of Bandcloud.

Paul Guinan for his help with design and his friendship over the years.

If you signed up in recent weeks, I’m so sorry. I appreciate it, and I’ve noticed. But this is it.

What more can I say? “Let’s see what happens when I no longer exist.” (Jay-Z)

There are lots of great newsletters out there, and while I like to think mine has been unique, I’m sure you will be able to find great music elsewhere.

If you want to keep in touch, reply to this mail and I’ll be on the other end.

It’s been a pleasure.

Photo by Tandem X Visuals on Unsplash