I’ve been writing emails to some of you for over 20 years. I used to send them in small batches to dodge the spam filters. When I finally signed up for an email service, I tried to figure out how to split things by region. Then I thought, why? Everyone everywhere knows someone somewhere. I’ve tried to make it worth your while to read every email, and you’ve entertained me with your replies and friendship. So.
I’m playing a show. It’s not a big deal. Just a local bar, a pretty cool one, and we’re going to pass the hat instead of charging a cover. It’s been a few years since I played a gig like that. It wasn’t a great way to make money, but it drew a diverse audience and gave the night an organic, unpredictable appeal.
The more I thought about whether I wanted to do this gig, and how I wanted to do it, the more something nagged at me. I really hate the technocratic oligopoly that has taken over our communication and entertainment. If I’m not on Facebook, I don’t hear from my friends. If I’m not on TikTok and Instagram, I don’t know the new music. People will organize an entire event through a single app that one guy in California owns.
This email list (and the Substack account I use to manage it for free!) belongs to us. We built it.
I want to tell you about this show I’m playing, but I don’t want a single word of it on social media. Call your friends and tell them. Send an email. Drive to their house. Distribute flyers. I don’t care if you do it any other way, just please not on the apps. Deal? Deal.
July 25th, 2025
Sidetrack Bar & Lounge
5906 Millhouse Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
7pm
with Blue Cactus! We will play and sing together, promise. I’m not going to livestream the show or put videos up on the internet. I’m not even going to go on Instagram and say what a great show it was with a sweaty group selfie. Just between you and me.
Your fan,
Jonathan Byrd
Actually wrote this poem today (very related feeling):
Thinking Inside The Box
We all live in boxes
Sitting on shelves
We all speak in boxes
With only ourselves
We do what we're told
Never what we're asked
When we ask for help
We're wearing a mask
If I could live better
If I could live free
The only success I would want
Is to be happy
with my friends and family
If you could change society
Or at least the community around
You could make a difference
Small yet profound
It only takes one drop
To make a ripple in the crowd
If we all join in
Then our voice will be loud
Singing together
Working as a team
For a better future
Living our dreams
Together be happy
Each other sublime
Live your dreams!
One day at a time
I don’t wish I lived in the USA, but I do wish I could join you at this gig. It will be wonderful.