WAIM #129: Music Writer Will Hermes

Will Hermes grew up at the epicenter of cool. Coming of age in Queens during the mid-to-late 1970’s, Will was faced with a binary choice; head east and go out further out on Long Island to find a life of quiet, comfort and suburban tranquility, or head west and venture into the intimidating wild of Manhattan. Without a second thought, Hermes opted for the gritty, mean streets of the city and found himself witness to the burgeoning scenes happening all throughout Manhattan and the other boroughs in the late 1970s and early 80s.Will saw Television at the famed club, CBGB’s shortly after the band released their infamous debut album, Marquee Moon. Hermes also attended a ton of other shows within the vaunted NY punk and no-wave scenes as well as making forays into the city’s Latin music scene, early hip hop, jazz, and more.Almost since he first fell in love with the New York music scene Will became entranced by writing about what he was hearing and seeing. His terrific tastes and his way with words have led to his work with vaunted outlets such as The New York Times, National Public Radio, Rolling Stone, The Guardian, Pitchfork, Uncut Magazine, and more. He has also published a pair of terrific books, Lou Reed: King of New York, and Love Goes To Buildings On Fire, a story of five years in the New York music scene of the 1970s.During our roving discussion, Will and I explore his old New York haunts a bit while also focusing on the here and now of the musical world. Will shares his recent affection for Latin Pop which is having a real moment right now behind the momentum of Bad Bunny Super Bowl appearance, and singer Rosalia, who just sold out a series of shows at Madison Square Garden.Will and I also delve into the place where we sit in our current cultural and musical ecosystem. We explore the value and role of the critic in an era when fans can hear anything they want to for no additional cost than a Spotify membership. There is talk of the influence of the algorithm and how it affects our relationships with criticism and with curation. And, we discuss the ways in which our criticism and conversations about music have changed, simply by shifting the way we listen to music.There is also talk of focusing on the culture at the fringe and what that can tell us about what might be the next zeitgeist. Will and I discuss the oppressive nature of mass culture, and even explore the value and excitement of cultural curation in an age of endless information.Here are a pair of music nerds talking about how much great music is still being made, how tough it can still be to find it, and why it all matters now more than ever.Cheers,Matty C------------------------End CreditsThanks so much to Will for joining me. Be sure to subscribe to his great Substack, New Music Is Old Music at https://newmusicoldmusic.substack.com/The What Am I Making podcast is hosted, written, and produced by me, Matty C. Our theme music was written and recorded by David J. BaldwinYou can subscribe to our show wherever you get your podcasts. Please be sure to like, rate and review the show if you enjoy it. Our work is solely sponsored by listeners and readers like you. Please lend your support today with a paid subscription at whatamimaking.substack.com/. Now is a crucial time for new paid subscribers. Please step up and support the show. You can email the show anytime at [email protected]. You can also leave us a voicemail with your questions or concerns at speakpipe.com/whatamimaking Get full access to What Am I Making at whatamimaking.substack.com/subscribe