A quick intro: if you’re reading this, at some point you agreed to receive emails from me (thanks!), either via my website or through the TML or AHT Bandcamp.

You likely know me from my “night job” (music and DJing), but my day job is as a brand strategist, where I’m primarily tasked with understanding people and culture. And before any of that, I was a writer (an honest-to-goodness music blogger, specifically).

I’m starting this newsletter for two reasons: First, I’ve been addicted to sifting through vast amounts of music and links for decades. Second, I believe humans, collectively, need to explore new ideas to survive the seismic shifts happening around the world.

Over the last little while, I’ve realized there may be value in sharing what’s on my mind instead of keeping it locked away or confined to conversations with a handful of friends and coworkers.

With each issue, expect a few sounds to listen to and a few ideas to consider—hopefully something sparks imagination.

MUSIC

Special Guest DJ - Our Fantasy Complex

Things are not good in Minneapolis right now (more on that later). After discovering this record a few weeks ago, I’ve played it through several times as a kind of medicine. It feels reflective of being alive in 2025 (and now 2026): inflamed, meditative, seeking solace. Time-stretched vocals and rolling sub-frequencies. Ambient but experiential. A late add to my EOY list. See also superbath (2024 remaster). (And yes, Special Guest DJ is their actual artist name.)

Joe Seven x dBridge - Radical Apathy

I took some time off music digging this summer and am still getting caught up on Bandcamp emails. Case in point: I follow both Exit Records and 3XL and am only now getting into this one, a few months after release. I’m unfamiliar with Joe Seven, who has previous releases on Exit, but I’ve recently become a huge fan of dBridge’s take on autonomic tunes that straddle electro and drum and bass. Together, they flesh out a world that encompasses all of that and more, exploring familiar tropes alongside new ground with a minimalist, sci-fi bent. A luxury to have a full LP to explore.

upsammy at Draaimolen Festival 2025

Upsammy played my favorite DJ set of last year at Making Time, casually flexing the hidden sound system next to the Delaware River with her unique meld of club music—a steely blend that sounds like techno and beats like drum and bass. Excited to explore this three-hour live recording from Draaimolen, which is on my shortlist of events to check out.

LINKS

So, How’s the Occupation Going for You?

How much can a city take? 

As mentioned above, the ICE occupation in Minneapolis is insane. If you are at all unfamiliar with what’s happening, or want to learn more, I suggest the two above first person accounts, one from my friend Taylor, and another via The Verge. For daily, on-the-ground updates, follow Minneapolis City Council President Elliott Payne on Instagram.

Why videos of ICE in Minnesota are a ‘breakthrough moment’ online

Minnesota wants to win a war of attrition 

The impact of social content on daily life, and the reflection of daily life back onto social media, is felt viscerally here. These pieces attempt to articulate how that feedback loop has taken shape, and the longer-term consequences it may carry for ICE.

How to Help: Twin Cities Residents 

How To Help if You are Outside Minnesota 

If you’re looking to support those most affected by ICE, Naomi Kritzer has put together two comprehensive starting points for people in and out of the state. (I also recommend signing up for her emails for thorough coverage of local elections.)

MORE

steeped @ New World, Minneapolis | Feb 28

When every week feels like a month, February seems like an eternity away—so it’s not a great time to have an event to promote. That said, I’ll be DJing an underground party in Minneapolis next month with some special guests. Maybe music and dancing will feel less weird by then (or maybe they’re still necessary even now). I haven’t been able to flex late night in Minneapolis for a little while, so I’m excited for this one. Info here.