Maggot Brain Issue 16

This is a really packed, special issue of Maggot Brain, with the feature cover story a comprehensive interview by celebrated writer Sasha Frere-Jones with our favorite living essayist, LUCY SANTE (who’s written for every issue of MB since the start), on the occasion of her awesome memoir about transitioning, I Heard Her Call My Name.

PHILL NIBLOCK: A tribute to the genius musician, filmmaker, label head, and generous promoter of ecstatic sound, by Steve Silverstein.

TRESA LEIGH: An in-depth feature on the star of Efficient Space’s beloved Ghost Riders compilation! Really a beautiful, untold story.

DREDD FOOLE: As his legacy is revealed through Corbett vs Dempsey’s archival series, Foole talks to Six Organs of Admittance’s Ben Chasny about the role of his band the Din in the Boston underground. Plus sidebars from Christina Carter, Kris Price, and Phil Milstein.

LOOPSEL: Mike McGonigal on some of the most elusive, beautiful contemporary music, straight out of Gothenburg.

JEFF NOON: We’re so chuffed to run an illuminating interview with the British speculative writer on his newest work as well as the 30th anniversary of the stunning Vurt.

SLEATER-KINNEY: 30 vital years of uncompromising music, by none other than Audrey Golden!

HUDSON of FEATURE INC.: A celebration of the most innovative gallerist of our lifetime on the occasion of the Soberscove Press book about his work and life.

SHABAZZ PALACES: The creator of vital, spiritual hip-hop beautifully interviewed by Detroit-based musician and writer Zachary Weedon.

BIRTHA: Finally, we get to run Nate Carson’s in-depth feature on the pioneering, all-women boogie-choogle act. 

SHONTO BEGAY: One of our favorite contemporary writers, JD O’Brien, in deep discussion with the great Native American painter—with particular emphasis on how his works engage with and are influenced by music. This piece alone is so well-written and illustrated it’s worth buying the issue for.

SOME COLUMNS: The debut of archivist Andy Zax’s fabulous ‘Extinctophonics’ column! Cassette reviews, plus copious book and record reviews as well! Ana Gavrilovska on Detroit-based jazz duo Balance! Nate Carson on the Earth documentary, in the debut of our music documentary column! The latest Icons column finds Michelle Dove exploring the work of Chicago’s beloved Douglas McCombs! 13 Questions for contemporary folk great Lael Neale by Mike McGonigal! And more Lucy Sante; we’re not worthy!!!