Kira Grunenberg
@shadowmelody1.bsky.social
Music Journalist🎵📰
Words: DownBeat, No Depression, NPR Music, Bluegrass Situation, etc. | Asst. Editor Aromatica Poetica | Writer for Hire📝 | Hot Sauce 🌶️ | Hockey🏒| Puns
ThrowtheDiceAndPlayNice.com
Words: DownBeat, No Depression, NPR Music, Bluegrass Situation, etc. | Asst. Editor Aromatica Poetica | Writer for Hire📝 | Hot Sauce 🌶️ | Hockey🏒| Puns
ThrowtheDiceAndPlayNice.com
Pinned
Study Reveals Stark Gender Gap in Jazz Education
A new report from the Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice and researcher Lara Pellegrinelli finds that male jazz faculty outnumber their female counterparts six to one.
www.berklee.edu
Cheers to Lara Pellegrinelli for her study on the faculty gender gap in Jazz Studies, published today by the Berklee School of Jazz & Gender Justice.
So many fields of study, and thus, fields of work, are male dominated. Music, and jazz especially, are no exception.
www.berklee.edu/berklee-now/...
So many fields of study, and thus, fields of work, are male dominated. Music, and jazz especially, are no exception.
www.berklee.edu/berklee-now/...
Y’all, Jon has been hard at work writing & compiling this book for a while now & you absolutely should pre-order it.
Don’t know who Justin Townes Earle is? You’ll learn new things about someone who meant a whole lot to a whole lot of folks.
Pre-orders are CRUCIAL for authors. You know what to do.
Don’t know who Justin Townes Earle is? You’ll learn new things about someone who meant a whole lot to a whole lot of folks.
Pre-orders are CRUCIAL for authors. You know what to do.
My biography of Justin Townes Earle will be released on January 13th, 2026, the week after what would’ve been his 44th birthday.
It’s called ‘What Do You Do When You’re Lonesome’
If you’d like to support a debut author, you can pre-order here:
www.hbglibrary.com/titles/jonat...
It’s called ‘What Do You Do When You’re Lonesome’
If you’d like to support a debut author, you can pre-order here:
www.hbglibrary.com/titles/jonat...
September 5, 2025 at 2:33 PM
Y’all, Jon has been hard at work writing & compiling this book for a while now & you absolutely should pre-order it.
Don’t know who Justin Townes Earle is? You’ll learn new things about someone who meant a whole lot to a whole lot of folks.
Pre-orders are CRUCIAL for authors. You know what to do.
Don’t know who Justin Townes Earle is? You’ll learn new things about someone who meant a whole lot to a whole lot of folks.
Pre-orders are CRUCIAL for authors. You know what to do.
Countdown to the flood of op-eds on Taylor Swift’s new album in 3…2…1…
August 13, 2025 at 11:25 PM
Countdown to the flood of op-eds on Taylor Swift’s new album in 3…2…1…
In this small, singular, very humid moment, I just want to say that I am grateful for the ability to make a glass of iced coffee. 🧊
July 8, 2025 at 2:50 PM
In this small, singular, very humid moment, I just want to say that I am grateful for the ability to make a glass of iced coffee. 🧊
Katie Pruitt’s “Look the Other Way” still rings as accurate as ever.
Take care of one another. We can’t–no, we won’t, give up.
“The devil's wearing a suit and tie.
Swearin' on the Bible, there's a twitch in his eye, I guess
Every crook's got an alibi
As long as they got money to blow.”
Take care of one another. We can’t–no, we won’t, give up.
“The devil's wearing a suit and tie.
Swearin' on the Bible, there's a twitch in his eye, I guess
Every crook's got an alibi
As long as they got money to blow.”
Katie Pruitt - Look The Other Way (Lyric Video)
YouTube video by KatiePruittVEVO
youtu.be
July 3, 2025 at 7:35 PM
Katie Pruitt’s “Look the Other Way” still rings as accurate as ever.
Take care of one another. We can’t–no, we won’t, give up.
“The devil's wearing a suit and tie.
Swearin' on the Bible, there's a twitch in his eye, I guess
Every crook's got an alibi
As long as they got money to blow.”
Take care of one another. We can’t–no, we won’t, give up.
“The devil's wearing a suit and tie.
Swearin' on the Bible, there's a twitch in his eye, I guess
Every crook's got an alibi
As long as they got money to blow.”
Looking for some peaceful late night music? @watchhouseband.bsky.social’s new’s album “Rituals” fits the bill.
While you’re listening, enjoy this candid conversation I had with Emily & Andrew all about it, as The Bluegrass Situation’s Artist of the Month.
thebluegrasssituation.com/read/watchho...
While you’re listening, enjoy this candid conversation I had with Emily & Andrew all about it, as The Bluegrass Situation’s Artist of the Month.
thebluegrasssituation.com/read/watchho...
Watchhouse Found New 'Rituals' Amid the Push and Pull of Change - The Bluegrass Situation
We sat down with our Artist of the Month for a chat about growth, balance, and their new album, 'Rituals.'
thebluegrasssituation.com
July 1, 2025 at 2:56 AM
Looking for some peaceful late night music? @watchhouseband.bsky.social’s new’s album “Rituals” fits the bill.
While you’re listening, enjoy this candid conversation I had with Emily & Andrew all about it, as The Bluegrass Situation’s Artist of the Month.
thebluegrasssituation.com/read/watchho...
While you’re listening, enjoy this candid conversation I had with Emily & Andrew all about it, as The Bluegrass Situation’s Artist of the Month.
thebluegrasssituation.com/read/watchho...
Cheers to Lara Pellegrinelli for her study on the faculty gender gap in Jazz Studies, published today by the Berklee School of Jazz & Gender Justice.
So many fields of study, and thus, fields of work, are male dominated. Music, and jazz especially, are no exception.
www.berklee.edu/berklee-now/...
So many fields of study, and thus, fields of work, are male dominated. Music, and jazz especially, are no exception.
www.berklee.edu/berklee-now/...
Study Reveals Stark Gender Gap in Jazz Education
A new report from the Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice and researcher Lara Pellegrinelli finds that male jazz faculty outnumber their female counterparts six to one.
www.berklee.edu
June 26, 2025 at 1:52 AM
Cheers to Lara Pellegrinelli for her study on the faculty gender gap in Jazz Studies, published today by the Berklee School of Jazz & Gender Justice.
So many fields of study, and thus, fields of work, are male dominated. Music, and jazz especially, are no exception.
www.berklee.edu/berklee-now/...
So many fields of study, and thus, fields of work, are male dominated. Music, and jazz especially, are no exception.
www.berklee.edu/berklee-now/...
Taylor Swift regaining control over her first six masters isn’t the most important news of the day.
But I definitely wish it was.
Still, it’s a symbolic win for artists. Now the bar just needs to come way down so musicians who aren’t billionaires like Swift can control their IP too.
But I definitely wish it was.
Still, it’s a symbolic win for artists. Now the bar just needs to come way down so musicians who aren’t billionaires like Swift can control their IP too.
May 30, 2025 at 9:59 PM
Taylor Swift regaining control over her first six masters isn’t the most important news of the day.
But I definitely wish it was.
Still, it’s a symbolic win for artists. Now the bar just needs to come way down so musicians who aren’t billionaires like Swift can control their IP too.
But I definitely wish it was.
Still, it’s a symbolic win for artists. Now the bar just needs to come way down so musicians who aren’t billionaires like Swift can control their IP too.
Mood Machine needs to be mandatory reading for collegiate music programs.
@lizpelly.bsky.social’s breakdown of Spotify’s manipulative practices and how it takes cues from other exploitative business models, is eye-opening and infuriating (in a good way).
*Everyone in music NEEDS to read this.
@lizpelly.bsky.social’s breakdown of Spotify’s manipulative practices and how it takes cues from other exploitative business models, is eye-opening and infuriating (in a good way).
*Everyone in music NEEDS to read this.
May 16, 2025 at 2:13 PM
Mood Machine needs to be mandatory reading for collegiate music programs.
@lizpelly.bsky.social’s breakdown of Spotify’s manipulative practices and how it takes cues from other exploitative business models, is eye-opening and infuriating (in a good way).
*Everyone in music NEEDS to read this.
@lizpelly.bsky.social’s breakdown of Spotify’s manipulative practices and how it takes cues from other exploitative business models, is eye-opening and infuriating (in a good way).
*Everyone in music NEEDS to read this.
I’m With Her (Sara Watkins, Sarah Jarosz, Aoife O’Donovan) talk sisterhood, storytelling, and the secret behind their songwriter magic on LP 2, Wild & Clear & Blue, for The Bluegrass Situation:
thebluegrasssituation.com/read/the-many-journeys-of-im-with-hers-second-album-wild-and-clear-and-blue/
thebluegrasssituation.com/read/the-many-journeys-of-im-with-hers-second-album-wild-and-clear-and-blue/
The Many Journeys of I'm With Her's Second Album, 'Wild and Clear and Blue' - The Bluegrass Situation
More than eight years since the February 2017 release of their acclaimed debut album See You Around, Aoife O’Donovan, Sarah Jarosz, and Sara Watkins have come back together with an abundance of histor...
thebluegrasssituation.com
May 16, 2025 at 1:12 PM
I’m With Her (Sara Watkins, Sarah Jarosz, Aoife O’Donovan) talk sisterhood, storytelling, and the secret behind their songwriter magic on LP 2, Wild & Clear & Blue, for The Bluegrass Situation:
thebluegrasssituation.com/read/the-many-journeys-of-im-with-hers-second-album-wild-and-clear-and-blue/
thebluegrasssituation.com/read/the-many-journeys-of-im-with-hers-second-album-wild-and-clear-and-blue/
That was FAST.
All right, let’s see what happens…
All right, let’s see what happens…
May 8, 2025 at 4:46 PM
That was FAST.
All right, let’s see what happens…
All right, let’s see what happens…
“Journalists are given the power to decide whose stories are told and whose are forgotten and that responsibility carries heavy consequences.”
- @kimkelly.bsky.social from “Fight Like Hell”
Kim’s book y’all. Read it in three days. The chapter on disability and labor got me emotional.
- @kimkelly.bsky.social from “Fight Like Hell”
Kim’s book y’all. Read it in three days. The chapter on disability and labor got me emotional.
May 6, 2025 at 1:50 PM
“Journalists are given the power to decide whose stories are told and whose are forgotten and that responsibility carries heavy consequences.”
- @kimkelly.bsky.social from “Fight Like Hell”
Kim’s book y’all. Read it in three days. The chapter on disability and labor got me emotional.
- @kimkelly.bsky.social from “Fight Like Hell”
Kim’s book y’all. Read it in three days. The chapter on disability and labor got me emotional.
Sometimes we all could use a cat.
That’s me everyday but especially today.
That’s me everyday but especially today.
May 6, 2025 at 1:09 PM
Sometimes we all could use a cat.
That’s me everyday but especially today.
That’s me everyday but especially today.
Properly celebrating May Day with floral tea and @kimkelly.bsky.social’s “Fight Like Hell,” read via #audiobook and borrowed from my local library using the #Libby app.
Only a few chapters in and learning a lot; also have so many questions forming as I read.
Only a few chapters in and learning a lot; also have so many questions forming as I read.
May 1, 2025 at 12:51 PM
Properly celebrating May Day with floral tea and @kimkelly.bsky.social’s “Fight Like Hell,” read via #audiobook and borrowed from my local library using the #Libby app.
Only a few chapters in and learning a lot; also have so many questions forming as I read.
Only a few chapters in and learning a lot; also have so many questions forming as I read.
Celebrating Easter & waking up to find out Pope Francis has died…very hard pill to swallow.
Pope Francis modeled living like Jesus his whole papacy, whether the super trad sect wants to acknowledge it or not.
May he rest in peace knowing he brought people from all walks of life closer to God.
Pope Francis modeled living like Jesus his whole papacy, whether the super trad sect wants to acknowledge it or not.
May he rest in peace knowing he brought people from all walks of life closer to God.
April 21, 2025 at 11:13 AM
Celebrating Easter & waking up to find out Pope Francis has died…very hard pill to swallow.
Pope Francis modeled living like Jesus his whole papacy, whether the super trad sect wants to acknowledge it or not.
May he rest in peace knowing he brought people from all walks of life closer to God.
Pope Francis modeled living like Jesus his whole papacy, whether the super trad sect wants to acknowledge it or not.
May he rest in peace knowing he brought people from all walks of life closer to God.
I’m looking at you #NYU…
The optimist in me wants to believe Harvard is taking a hardline stance because MORALS.
The realist in me is thinking Harvard is looking over at Columbia and the continued self-inflicted obliteration of their reputation and thinking: “Let’s not do THAT.”
The optimist in me wants to believe Harvard is taking a hardline stance because MORALS.
The realist in me is thinking Harvard is looking over at Columbia and the continued self-inflicted obliteration of their reputation and thinking: “Let’s not do THAT.”
Harvard has set an example for other higher-ed institutions - rejecting an unlawful and ham-handed attempt to stifle academic freedom, while taking steps to make sure students can benefit from an environment of intellectual inquiry, rigorous debate and mutual respect. Let’s hope others follow suit.
April 15, 2025 at 2:06 PM
I’m looking at you #NYU…
The optimist in me wants to believe Harvard is taking a hardline stance because MORALS.
The realist in me is thinking Harvard is looking over at Columbia and the continued self-inflicted obliteration of their reputation and thinking: “Let’s not do THAT.”
The optimist in me wants to believe Harvard is taking a hardline stance because MORALS.
The realist in me is thinking Harvard is looking over at Columbia and the continued self-inflicted obliteration of their reputation and thinking: “Let’s not do THAT.”
This is unconscionable.
#Libraries are community resources that everyone should have access to. They provide a vast bevy of resources that is so much more than books.
Communities having a safe and open place to gather is a good thing. Having access to information is a good thing.
#Libraries are community resources that everyone should have access to. They provide a vast bevy of resources that is so much more than books.
Communities having a safe and open place to gather is a good thing. Having access to information is a good thing.
Entire staff at federal agency that funds libraries and museums put on leave
The staff of the Institute of Museum and Library Services was placed on administrative leave Monday morning, following a meeting between IMLS leadership and DOGE staff.
www.npr.org
April 1, 2025 at 1:18 PM
This is unconscionable.
#Libraries are community resources that everyone should have access to. They provide a vast bevy of resources that is so much more than books.
Communities having a safe and open place to gather is a good thing. Having access to information is a good thing.
#Libraries are community resources that everyone should have access to. They provide a vast bevy of resources that is so much more than books.
Communities having a safe and open place to gather is a good thing. Having access to information is a good thing.
For any non-US residing folks who believe Americans aren’t getting up and protesting…
Please remember that the U.S. is VASTLY larger than most other countries — especially in the EU. People are uniting as best they can.
Also, mainstream US news definitely isn’t acknowledging these efforts.
Please remember that the U.S. is VASTLY larger than most other countries — especially in the EU. People are uniting as best they can.
Also, mainstream US news definitely isn’t acknowledging these efforts.
We just wanted to say amazing work to everyone this weekend—an estimated 200,000 protesters took to the streets. Elon Musk claims that we are “paid” protesters, and many of us are curious about how to sign up to get paid (/s).
March 31, 2025 at 12:54 PM
For any non-US residing folks who believe Americans aren’t getting up and protesting…
Please remember that the U.S. is VASTLY larger than most other countries — especially in the EU. People are uniting as best they can.
Also, mainstream US news definitely isn’t acknowledging these efforts.
Please remember that the U.S. is VASTLY larger than most other countries — especially in the EU. People are uniting as best they can.
Also, mainstream US news definitely isn’t acknowledging these efforts.
I would love it if the ideal word was always right there.
I look at a thesaurus as the tool that helps me not only find a unique but similar word but more often, it’s about deciding on a word that conveys the correct…emotional temperature.
And I’m always going to want to have that “a-ha!” moment.
I look at a thesaurus as the tool that helps me not only find a unique but similar word but more often, it’s about deciding on a word that conveys the correct…emotional temperature.
And I’m always going to want to have that “a-ha!” moment.
I'm still embarrassed when I get stuck on a word and need to use an online thesaurus. Plus, fixing the AI's errors just seems too [pause for googling] cumbrous to help me get things done.
I think the depressing reality we need to accept is that even if companies are successfully pressured not to go all-in on AI slop, a whole lot of writers and artists are going to see it as a shortcut to meet deadlines & use it independently, even if the policy is not to.
March 28, 2025 at 1:28 PM
I would love it if the ideal word was always right there.
I look at a thesaurus as the tool that helps me not only find a unique but similar word but more often, it’s about deciding on a word that conveys the correct…emotional temperature.
And I’m always going to want to have that “a-ha!” moment.
I look at a thesaurus as the tool that helps me not only find a unique but similar word but more often, it’s about deciding on a word that conveys the correct…emotional temperature.
And I’m always going to want to have that “a-ha!” moment.
Have a nice mid-afternoon pick-me-up with I’m With Her ☺️
“Find My Way to You” - from “Wild and Clear and Blue” 🎶
#Folk #Strings #Trio #NewMusic #MusicVideo #RounderRecords
“Find My Way to You” - from “Wild and Clear and Blue” 🎶
#Folk #Strings #Trio #NewMusic #MusicVideo #RounderRecords
I’m With Her - Find My Way to You (Official Music Video)
YouTube video by ImWithHerVEVO
youtu.be
March 27, 2025 at 5:57 PM
Have a nice mid-afternoon pick-me-up with I’m With Her ☺️
“Find My Way to You” - from “Wild and Clear and Blue” 🎶
#Folk #Strings #Trio #NewMusic #MusicVideo #RounderRecords
“Find My Way to You” - from “Wild and Clear and Blue” 🎶
#Folk #Strings #Trio #NewMusic #MusicVideo #RounderRecords
For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women), by Japanese Breakfast
10 track album
michellezauner.bandcamp.com
March 21, 2025 at 2:08 PM
Reposted by Kira Grunenberg
UPDATE: A rep for SXSW has clarified that SXSW Music will now take place concurrently with the rest of the SXSW festivities, not on its own spotlight weekend
SXSW To Scale Back Music Programming In 2026: Report
South By Southwest launched in the 1980s as a music showcase, a Southern companion to New York City’s New Music Seminar. But over the decades, the event has ballooned into a multi-disciplinary confere...
www.stereogum.com
March 17, 2025 at 5:10 PM
UPDATE: A rep for SXSW has clarified that SXSW Music will now take place concurrently with the rest of the SXSW festivities, not on its own spotlight weekend
#INTERVIEW ✍️ #BluegrassSituation 🪕
Start your Saturday with some new music and a fresh interview with spectacular #mandolinist #SierraHull.
We talk about what being an independent musician means to her, how music is much more than a job, and more:
thebluegrasssituation.com/read/with-ea...
Start your Saturday with some new music and a fresh interview with spectacular #mandolinist #SierraHull.
We talk about what being an independent musician means to her, how music is much more than a job, and more:
thebluegrasssituation.com/read/with-ea...
March 15, 2025 at 3:36 PM
#INTERVIEW ✍️ #BluegrassSituation 🪕
Start your Saturday with some new music and a fresh interview with spectacular #mandolinist #SierraHull.
We talk about what being an independent musician means to her, how music is much more than a job, and more:
thebluegrasssituation.com/read/with-ea...
Start your Saturday with some new music and a fresh interview with spectacular #mandolinist #SierraHull.
We talk about what being an independent musician means to her, how music is much more than a job, and more:
thebluegrasssituation.com/read/with-ea...
LET’S GO FOLKS, LINES ARE OPEN!
CALL @schumer.senate.gov’s PHONE LIKE IT’S THE 90s AND YOU’RE TRYING TO WIN A RADIO CONTEST.
#VOTENO
CALL @schumer.senate.gov’s PHONE LIKE IT’S THE 90s AND YOU’RE TRYING TO WIN A RADIO CONTEST.
#VOTENO
It's 9 AM, my beauties! Let Senator Schumer know what we think. I left a voicemail and a message.
HOLD THE DAMN LINE, @schumer.senate.gov. Quit appeasing the fascists. Stand up for us, for once.
DC Office: +12022246542
NY Office: +12124864430
HOLD THE DAMN LINE, @schumer.senate.gov. Quit appeasing the fascists. Stand up for us, for once.
DC Office: +12022246542
NY Office: +12124864430
You don't have to be a constituent to blow up Schumer's phone. He folded like a limp, soggy noodle.
March 14, 2025 at 1:11 PM
LET’S GO FOLKS, LINES ARE OPEN!
CALL @schumer.senate.gov’s PHONE LIKE IT’S THE 90s AND YOU’RE TRYING TO WIN A RADIO CONTEST.
#VOTENO
CALL @schumer.senate.gov’s PHONE LIKE IT’S THE 90s AND YOU’RE TRYING TO WIN A RADIO CONTEST.
#VOTENO
HEY @schumer.senate.gov.
STOP HELPING THE REPUBLICANS SCREW US OVER.
WE ARE *DEMANDING* THAT YOU VOTE NO.
STOP BEING SO STUBBORN AND LISTEN TO THE PEOPLE WHO GOT YOU ELECTED.
To everyone reading this: Don’t give up. Call now, leave more messages. Call in the morning. PERSIST.
STOP HELPING THE REPUBLICANS SCREW US OVER.
WE ARE *DEMANDING* THAT YOU VOTE NO.
STOP BEING SO STUBBORN AND LISTEN TO THE PEOPLE WHO GOT YOU ELECTED.
To everyone reading this: Don’t give up. Call now, leave more messages. Call in the morning. PERSIST.
UPDATE: Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-NY, said he plans to vote for a Republican bill to fund the government through September, paving the way for other Democrats to join him.
Senate Democrats signal plans to advance GOP bill to avoid a government shutdown
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-NY, said he plans to vote for a Republican bill to fund the government through September, paving the way for other Democrats to join him.
www.npr.org
March 14, 2025 at 1:45 AM
HEY @schumer.senate.gov.
STOP HELPING THE REPUBLICANS SCREW US OVER.
WE ARE *DEMANDING* THAT YOU VOTE NO.
STOP BEING SO STUBBORN AND LISTEN TO THE PEOPLE WHO GOT YOU ELECTED.
To everyone reading this: Don’t give up. Call now, leave more messages. Call in the morning. PERSIST.
STOP HELPING THE REPUBLICANS SCREW US OVER.
WE ARE *DEMANDING* THAT YOU VOTE NO.
STOP BEING SO STUBBORN AND LISTEN TO THE PEOPLE WHO GOT YOU ELECTED.
To everyone reading this: Don’t give up. Call now, leave more messages. Call in the morning. PERSIST.
If your state senator is on this list, CALL THEIR DC OFFICE ASAP.
🔥The DC Office Switchboard can connect you to any Senator:
(202) 224-3121. 🔥
Tell them to VOTE NO on the Continuing Resolution *and* VOTE NO on Cloture.
NO TO BOTH IS THE ONLY ANSWER. FULL STOP.
🔥The DC Office Switchboard can connect you to any Senator:
(202) 224-3121. 🔥
Tell them to VOTE NO on the Continuing Resolution *and* VOTE NO on Cloture.
NO TO BOTH IS THE ONLY ANSWER. FULL STOP.
March 13, 2025 at 8:01 PM
If your state senator is on this list, CALL THEIR DC OFFICE ASAP.
🔥The DC Office Switchboard can connect you to any Senator:
(202) 224-3121. 🔥
Tell them to VOTE NO on the Continuing Resolution *and* VOTE NO on Cloture.
NO TO BOTH IS THE ONLY ANSWER. FULL STOP.
🔥The DC Office Switchboard can connect you to any Senator:
(202) 224-3121. 🔥
Tell them to VOTE NO on the Continuing Resolution *and* VOTE NO on Cloture.
NO TO BOTH IS THE ONLY ANSWER. FULL STOP.