Pastepunk Comes To An End

November 28 2012 // Posted by

After more than 14 years of existence, it is time to close the doors on Pastepunk. I have long told myself that when the energy and excitement in doing the site was not there, it was time to put it to rest. Truthfully, it’s been time for awhile now, and I am sure that many of you have realized that through the sporadic posting and general pairing down of content. I’ve never wanted Pastepunk to turn into something that lacks commitment, so I think the song below (“All or Nothing”) from CAULDRON is most appropriate.

Thank you to everyone who has helped out along the way. I cannot put into words the immense gratitude I feel from having the support of our readers, and the bands, labels, and beloved PR firms that have shown an interest in what we were about. The incredible hard work that drives the gears of the independent music scene should be an inspiration to all, and I know that I will continue to be impressed by the lengths people go through to do great things on their own terms. To paraphrase one of my favorite SILENT MAJORITY songs, “No I’m Not”, this was my therapy, this was my outlet, this zine her tape recorder, this platform, a leather couch.  I will continue to maintain the @pastepunk Twitter account, please feel free to reach out. The site will also be kept online for at least a year for archive purposes.

Finally – I did an interview with ScenePointBlank in August for an upcoming “the coalition of the webzines” feature. They graciously allowed me to post it on the site as a “some last words” entry. Please check it out here, and look for the upcoming SPB feature which I expect to be well worth reading.

Five Favorite Releases of 2012

  • 1. WHITE LUNG – Sorry
  • 2. MAKE DO AND MEND – Everything You Ever Loved
  • 3. CONVERGE – All We Love We Leave Behind
  • 4. STRIFE – Witness A Rebirth
  • 5. HOT WATER MUSIC – Exister

And here’s a note from our senior contributor James Hepplewhite, to which I owe my sincere appreciation:

Thank you all for reading. Pastepunk was something special and I’m overjoyed to have done it. To the PR firms, labels and everyone who offered content, thank you. To the bands that took the time to talk to us, thank you even more. All this madness ultimately revolves around your art. Don’t ever forget that. Thank you Jordan, for taking me on. Time to be someone else. Love, James Hepplewhite.

Bonus James content: audio interview with HOSTAGE CALM conducted in October 2012.