FreshGrass acquires No Depression

FreshGrass, an aggressive new music festival launched last year at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art in North Adams, has acquired the Americana/folk publication, No Depression.

No Depression began as a print journal in 1995, publishing bi-monthly with a focus on alt-country music. They gradually moved to covering a variety of alternative music forms, including most of what is now described as Americana: folk, blues, roots, singer/songwriter, and independent rock. Though never a core part of their coverage, bluegrass artists have occasionally been reviewed and profiled as well.

Before closing down the print magazine in 2008, it had generated a respectable following, just not enough to maintain an advertiser-supported venture in a market where both paper and postage costs were rapidly rising. Founders Peter Blackstock and Grant Alden sold their interests in No Depression over the next two years to their co-publisher, Kyla Fairchild, who has operated in a web-only form since that time, assisted by a staff of volunteers.

FreshGrass principal Chris Wadsworth tells us that Fairchild will continue to be in the mix on both a strategic and advisory level, and perhaps more as things move forward.

“Right now, we don’t have any plans to change No Depression. Mostly, we want to make sure we don’t mess up something good.

We view both FreshGrass and No Depression as gathering places for grassroots music lovers. By combining forces, the influence of the community can grow, and we’re really excited to be a part of it.”

So don’t expect to see any modifications or direction shifts on the web site, now or in the future. 

Chris says that FreshGrass didn’t take over to turn things around, just to help maintain what has been created.

“We have some ideas about how to bring the site to the next level, and may do some upgrades. But always in the spirit of what it has been.”

Kim Ruehl will remain in her position as chief blogger and community manager.

Now enters the next chapter in the story of No Depression.

Share this:

About the Author

John Lawless

John had served as primary author and editor for The Bluegrass Blog from its launch in 2006 until being folded into Bluegrass Today in September of 2011. He continues in that capacity here, managing a strong team of columnists and correspondents.