The End of an Era: Reflecting on Vital Weekly's Legacy and Impact on Experimental Music

Sometimes you don't realize how much something means to you until it's gone. I checked recently and discovered I've been subscribed to the Vital Weekly newsletter since early 2008, nearly seventeen years of discovery landing in my inbox.

Frans de Waard consistently reviewed music before anyone else really cared, regardless of name or perceived status. This wasn't about chasing trends or courting industry favor; it was about the pure pursuit of sound in all its experimental forms. He helped put my own little label on the map, along with countless other artists and labels who were willing to risk the postage with the courage to create something different.

A Literary Approach to Sound

What set Vital Weekly apart was its distinct literary sensibility. I see how Frans has shifted to publishing. A wide swath of wonderful writers have passed through the VW pages over the years, it’s an institution. Frans and his contributors always pushed the limits of what writing about music could be, weaving in odd stories and unexpected perspectives that elevated music criticism to a creative practice of its own.

The site's unique approach has deeply influenced my own understanding and immersion in experimental music over the years. It's exposed me to countless artists and labels I never would have discovered otherwise, serving as a guide through the vast landscape of avant-garde sound.

Personal Connection

I've been fortunate to have several of my own works reviewed by Frans over the years. Most recently, I was lucky enough to get a review of the new Visible Light album in issue #1496, before the doors shut for good. Frans has always resisted anything leaning too close to "New Age" music, so he consistently gives artists like me a gentle poke, which I think is funny and great. That critical edge keeps us all honest.

Our track 'Losing Leaves' was featured in the Vital Weekly Mix for that week. It’s a deep, dynamic listen, I’m thankful to be included.

An Irreplaceable Archive

As we say goodbye, it's important to recognize the archive that remains. The Vital Weekly website stands as a veritable encyclopedia, documenting decades of underground noise and experimental music from artists and labels all around the world. This is a living document, capturing the evolution of the experimental music community as it establishes itself into the post-Bandcamp era in which we find ourselves.

The Road Ahead

There are plenty of other excellent writers maintaining wonderful newsletters about music, and the experimental community will undoubtedly continue to find ways to connect and share discoveries. But in this era of crumbling empires and algorithm-driven discovery, something irreplaceable is ending. It's about a trusted curator, and a voice you recognize, sharing something that resonates.

How else are we going to hear about amplified architecture, or music made from a laptop on fire, or sounds of fabric ripping?
Frans and his readers understand that challenging music demands challenging writing.

Gratitude

Thanks Frans, you're a champion. Your dedication to the margins, your resistance to easy categorization, and your commitment to treating every submission with serious attention has shaped how an entire generation approaches experimental music.

The road is long, my friends, but there are always new sounds waiting to be discovered. ❤️

You can explore the complete Vital Weekly archive at www.vitalweekly.net and listen to the episode #1496 featuring 'Losing Leaves' on Mixcloud.