Jonathan Koven
@jonathankoven.bsky.social
author/poet 🌿 PALM LINES (Toho, 2020), BELOW TORRENTIAL HILL (Electric Eclectic Prize 🏆, 2021), MYSTIC ORCHARDS (Kelsay, 2023), SPARK BIRD (Thirty West, 2024) ✍️ he/him 🥨 south philly
Pinned
#MWE
I Promised the World - S/T (2026)
Throwing a bone to the ex-scene kids. Somehow this still scratches an itch for me. Unreal how these guys are a time machine to Myspace era post-hardcore/screamo: breakdowns, blast beats, soaring guitars & all. They pull it off. RIYL: Saosin, Underoath, Chiodos
I Promised the World - S/T (2026)
Throwing a bone to the ex-scene kids. Somehow this still scratches an itch for me. Unreal how these guys are a time machine to Myspace era post-hardcore/screamo: breakdowns, blast beats, soaring guitars & all. They pull it off. RIYL: Saosin, Underoath, Chiodos
Reposted by Jonathan Koven
The Analog Africa label has spent 20 years bringing us African scream contests, cosmic sounds of Cape Verde, Brazilian western soundtracks and Beninese vodou, now @mojomagazine.bsky.social wants to know your pick of their releases. Hit me with the what and the why and let's make this definitive.
February 19, 2026 at 6:10 PM
The Analog Africa label has spent 20 years bringing us African scream contests, cosmic sounds of Cape Verde, Brazilian western soundtracks and Beninese vodou, now @mojomagazine.bsky.social wants to know your pick of their releases. Hit me with the what and the why and let's make this definitive.
Reposted by Jonathan Koven
Keep in mind, as #MWE coincides with Black History Month, please be sure to include albums by Black artists in your picks. That has always been one of the exercise's core tenets, and I promise you will find some new favorites in doing so.
February 3, 2026 at 9:51 PM
Keep in mind, as #MWE coincides with Black History Month, please be sure to include albums by Black artists in your picks. That has always been one of the exercise's core tenets, and I promise you will find some new favorites in doing so.
Anyone who still needs albums to listen to this month for #MWE (music writers exercise), check my sprawling list of recs. For those seeking out international music across the decades—ALL genres represented.
February 2, 2026 at 10:40 PM
Anyone who still needs albums to listen to this month for #MWE (music writers exercise), check my sprawling list of recs. For those seeking out international music across the decades—ALL genres represented.
#MWE Album 1
Sinéad O'Connor - I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got (1990)
A triumphant, openhearted plea for justice. Silence and space breathe alongside textured art-pop and folk elegies. O'Connor's voice is a healing balm, mourning a corrupt world. Feels a bit like a blend of Mazzy Star and Sade.
Sinéad O'Connor - I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got (1990)
A triumphant, openhearted plea for justice. Silence and space breathe alongside textured art-pop and folk elegies. O'Connor's voice is a healing balm, mourning a corrupt world. Feels a bit like a blend of Mazzy Star and Sade.
January 30, 2026 at 4:41 AM
#MWE Album 1
Sinéad O'Connor - I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got (1990)
A triumphant, openhearted plea for justice. Silence and space breathe alongside textured art-pop and folk elegies. O'Connor's voice is a healing balm, mourning a corrupt world. Feels a bit like a blend of Mazzy Star and Sade.
Sinéad O'Connor - I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got (1990)
A triumphant, openhearted plea for justice. Silence and space breathe alongside textured art-pop and folk elegies. O'Connor's voice is a healing balm, mourning a corrupt world. Feels a bit like a blend of Mazzy Star and Sade.
Hi there, skyfam. I’ve been lurking here this whole time, but now it’s my time to shine. February is #MWE (Music Writers Exercise) and I’ll be listening to a ton of good stuff and posting reviews here and IG again. Will be starting early so keep an eye out!
January 30, 2026 at 12:22 AM
Hi there, skyfam. I’ve been lurking here this whole time, but now it’s my time to shine. February is #MWE (Music Writers Exercise) and I’ll be listening to a ton of good stuff and posting reviews here and IG again. Will be starting early so keep an eye out!
Reposted by Jonathan Koven
This is a welcoming account. 🏳️⚧️
October 23, 2025 at 2:04 AM
This is a welcoming account. 🏳️⚧️
Reposted by Jonathan Koven
RIP D'Angelo, the greatest singer since Marvin departed. Who took the grit & attitude of hip-hop & alchemized it into angelic voodoo. He condensed the human condition - sex, suffering, addiction, love, oppression - into pure transcendence. A comet emitting blinding light & soul.
October 14, 2025 at 4:24 PM
RIP D'Angelo, the greatest singer since Marvin departed. Who took the grit & attitude of hip-hop & alchemized it into angelic voodoo. He condensed the human condition - sex, suffering, addiction, love, oppression - into pure transcendence. A comet emitting blinding light & soul.
Hey Skyfam. It’s my birthday and there’s nothing I would love more than selling a few of my books today. I have four, so take your pick! You can get them here: linktr.ee/jonathankoven
jonathankoven | Instagram | Linktree
Linktree. Make your link do more.
linktr.ee
August 27, 2025 at 3:46 PM
Hey Skyfam. It’s my birthday and there’s nothing I would love more than selling a few of my books today. I have four, so take your pick! You can get them here: linktr.ee/jonathankoven
Reposted by Jonathan Koven
Reposted by Jonathan Koven
Invisible - El Anillo del Capitan Beto [Argentina, Rock/Psych](1976)
https://redd.it/2khysw
https://youtu.be/kUMCncTnOMY
https://redd.it/2khysw
https://youtu.be/kUMCncTnOMY
Invisible - El Anillo del Capitan Beto [Argentina, Rock/Psych](1976)
youtu.be
July 22, 2025 at 5:24 PM
Invisible - El Anillo del Capitan Beto [Argentina, Rock/Psych](1976)
https://redd.it/2khysw
https://youtu.be/kUMCncTnOMY
https://redd.it/2khysw
https://youtu.be/kUMCncTnOMY
Reposted by Jonathan Koven
Write for your worst reader. But to upset them.
June 12, 2025 at 12:39 AM
Write for your worst reader. But to upset them.
Reposted by Jonathan Koven
tbh bluesky has exactly the same problem as twitter — needs more people committed to the shortform poetic arts; to wielding the platform to catalyze meaningful work & prosocial ends; to uplifting and multiplying the positive forces of others…
June 9, 2025 at 7:32 PM
tbh bluesky has exactly the same problem as twitter — needs more people committed to the shortform poetic arts; to wielding the platform to catalyze meaningful work & prosocial ends; to uplifting and multiplying the positive forces of others…
Reposted by Jonathan Koven
I feel like most of my followers know this but because I see a lot of cis folks who have a specific blind spot for it:
This includes the theme park. I don't care if you want Butterbeer or want to get a wand or are already there so why not just walk in. It's all Her. Everything with the name is Her.
This includes the theme park. I don't care if you want Butterbeer or want to get a wand or are already there so why not just walk in. It's all Her. Everything with the name is Her.
J.K. Rowling is using her wealth attained from the "Harry Potter" series to create an organization dedicated to removing transgender people's rights "in the workplace, in public life, and in protected female spaces.”
🔗: bit.ly/3ZBRxYk
🔗: bit.ly/3ZBRxYk
May 29, 2025 at 12:56 AM
I feel like most of my followers know this but because I see a lot of cis folks who have a specific blind spot for it:
This includes the theme park. I don't care if you want Butterbeer or want to get a wand or are already there so why not just walk in. It's all Her. Everything with the name is Her.
This includes the theme park. I don't care if you want Butterbeer or want to get a wand or are already there so why not just walk in. It's all Her. Everything with the name is Her.
Thrilled this piece found a home! Check out our collaborative poem, as inspired by Guglielmo Alberto Nacci’s beautiful, obscure painting below ⬇️
May 22, 2025 at 9:01 PM
Thrilled this piece found a home! Check out our collaborative poem, as inspired by Guglielmo Alberto Nacci’s beautiful, obscure painting below ⬇️
Hi new followers! Just a quick intro: I’m a writer based in Philly with four books out right now, two poetry books and two literary fiction novels. Grab a copy of one of them here: linktr.ee/jonathankoven! Currently working on a big fiction project with multiple timelines and POVs 📚
jonathankoven | Instagram | Linktree
Linktree. Make your link do more.
linktr.ee
May 5, 2025 at 7:34 PM
Hi new followers! Just a quick intro: I’m a writer based in Philly with four books out right now, two poetry books and two literary fiction novels. Grab a copy of one of them here: linktr.ee/jonathankoven! Currently working on a big fiction project with multiple timelines and POVs 📚
Honored to have this new duplex poem included in the ‘24 Featured Poets Anthology by @moonstonearts.bsky.social! This is my first piece to be published (outside of a collection) after almost two years 🥰
April 5, 2025 at 8:51 PM
Honored to have this new duplex poem included in the ‘24 Featured Poets Anthology by @moonstonearts.bsky.social! This is my first piece to be published (outside of a collection) after almost two years 🥰
It’s been so hard to feel motivated to write lately. Asking my fellow poets and authors here… What’s keeping you going? How do you beat the fatigue?
March 4, 2025 at 2:02 PM
It’s been so hard to feel motivated to write lately. Asking my fellow poets and authors here… What’s keeping you going? How do you beat the fatigue?
Reposted by Jonathan Koven
Your monthly reminder:
Keep writing. When no one cares, persist. When things appear to be crumbling, keep at it. When it's difficult, push through. When you feel alone, listen to the stories in your blood. Just write. The world needs your stories.
Keep writing. When no one cares, persist. When things appear to be crumbling, keep at it. When it's difficult, push through. When you feel alone, listen to the stories in your blood. Just write. The world needs your stories.
March 3, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Your monthly reminder:
Keep writing. When no one cares, persist. When things appear to be crumbling, keep at it. When it's difficult, push through. When you feel alone, listen to the stories in your blood. Just write. The world needs your stories.
Keep writing. When no one cares, persist. When things appear to be crumbling, keep at it. When it's difficult, push through. When you feel alone, listen to the stories in your blood. Just write. The world needs your stories.
No Lynch tribute is extremely disappointing.
March 3, 2025 at 3:53 AM
No Lynch tribute is extremely disappointing.
Reposted by Jonathan Koven
¡ Today’s Album !
Litto Nebbia - Bazar de los Milagros (1976)
Soaring synth solos, magical modulations, impassioned vox—an immersive, enchanting joyride drifting from Earth to space. Intro to “Bituca” hits me in my soul! Glad I listened to the bonus version. I fear the Discogs grail.
#MWE Day 27
Litto Nebbia - Bazar de los Milagros (1976)
Soaring synth solos, magical modulations, impassioned vox—an immersive, enchanting joyride drifting from Earth to space. Intro to “Bituca” hits me in my soul! Glad I listened to the bonus version. I fear the Discogs grail.
#MWE Day 27
Bazar de los milagros, by Litto Nebbia
8 track album
vampisoul.bandcamp.com
February 27, 2025 at 7:30 PM
¡ Today’s Album !
Litto Nebbia - Bazar de los Milagros (1976)
Soaring synth solos, magical modulations, impassioned vox—an immersive, enchanting joyride drifting from Earth to space. Intro to “Bituca” hits me in my soul! Glad I listened to the bonus version. I fear the Discogs grail.
#MWE Day 27
Litto Nebbia - Bazar de los Milagros (1976)
Soaring synth solos, magical modulations, impassioned vox—an immersive, enchanting joyride drifting from Earth to space. Intro to “Bituca” hits me in my soul! Glad I listened to the bonus version. I fear the Discogs grail.
#MWE Day 27
Reposted by Jonathan Koven
#MWE day 21
Woo - When The Past Arrives
filial duo reenters an ambient dreamscape left off in ‘81 as if time traveling. dual guitars glisten. arpeggiators gurgle, syndrums pop and tick, cloudcap synths hover. the structures still play between apprehension and ease, the payoffs soar even higher.
Woo - When The Past Arrives
filial duo reenters an ambient dreamscape left off in ‘81 as if time traveling. dual guitars glisten. arpeggiators gurgle, syndrums pop and tick, cloudcap synths hover. the structures still play between apprehension and ease, the payoffs soar even higher.
February 26, 2025 at 2:50 PM
#MWE day 21
Woo - When The Past Arrives
filial duo reenters an ambient dreamscape left off in ‘81 as if time traveling. dual guitars glisten. arpeggiators gurgle, syndrums pop and tick, cloudcap synths hover. the structures still play between apprehension and ease, the payoffs soar even higher.
Woo - When The Past Arrives
filial duo reenters an ambient dreamscape left off in ‘81 as if time traveling. dual guitars glisten. arpeggiators gurgle, syndrums pop and tick, cloudcap synths hover. the structures still play between apprehension and ease, the payoffs soar even higher.
Reposted by Jonathan Koven
#MWE Day 25: Delicate skeletons of techno/(micro)house structured around ambient waves. Percussion is barely there, but those plinks and faint pulses etch something closer to grooves. Recalls Voight, but the texture is harsher but always carefully crafted in artisanal, aqueous shapes.
February 26, 2025 at 6:58 PM
#MWE Day 25: Delicate skeletons of techno/(micro)house structured around ambient waves. Percussion is barely there, but those plinks and faint pulses etch something closer to grooves. Recalls Voight, but the texture is harsher but always carefully crafted in artisanal, aqueous shapes.
As I read George Eliot’s Daniel Deronda, I’m so glad that books like this exist, where sentences wind and turn and sing and change before your eyes. A single sentence holds so, so much. Always wish for more books today to spare room for sentences to dance and breathe. It’s how I wish my books to be.
February 26, 2025 at 3:26 PM
As I read George Eliot’s Daniel Deronda, I’m so glad that books like this exist, where sentences wind and turn and sing and change before your eyes. A single sentence holds so, so much. Always wish for more books today to spare room for sentences to dance and breathe. It’s how I wish my books to be.
Reposted by Jonathan Koven
Day 25
Jorge Ben Jor - Jorge Ben
A very wonderful time. Another beautiful Brazilian record that's just pure joy to listen to. The guitar work is excellent, he has a fantastic voice and while I cannot understand the words it feels like a pure album
#mwe
Jorge Ben Jor - Jorge Ben
A very wonderful time. Another beautiful Brazilian record that's just pure joy to listen to. The guitar work is excellent, he has a fantastic voice and while I cannot understand the words it feels like a pure album
#mwe
February 25, 2025 at 11:14 PM
Day 25
Jorge Ben Jor - Jorge Ben
A very wonderful time. Another beautiful Brazilian record that's just pure joy to listen to. The guitar work is excellent, he has a fantastic voice and while I cannot understand the words it feels like a pure album
#mwe
Jorge Ben Jor - Jorge Ben
A very wonderful time. Another beautiful Brazilian record that's just pure joy to listen to. The guitar work is excellent, he has a fantastic voice and while I cannot understand the words it feels like a pure album
#mwe
Reposted by Jonathan Koven
Day 25: Like a piano being plucked beneath a winter forest canopy, it feels like Ashikawa pulled the melodies straight from the air. Peaceful and gorgeous, the ambient textures of 'Still Way' have one foot in the distant past and the other keeping one firmly planted in the ever-changing moment. #MWE
February 26, 2025 at 12:27 AM
Day 25: Like a piano being plucked beneath a winter forest canopy, it feels like Ashikawa pulled the melodies straight from the air. Peaceful and gorgeous, the ambient textures of 'Still Way' have one foot in the distant past and the other keeping one firmly planted in the ever-changing moment. #MWE