Performing Songwriter Ceases Publication
“It’s kind of a celebration of sorts,” says Performing Songwriter Publisher/founder Lydia Hutchinson. “I always wondered what the finish line would look like, but now it’s clear to me we have reached it.” The 16-year-old publication will cease publication after its June issue.
“As sad as change and letting go are, it feels like a celebration of accomplishment more than anything else,” said Hutchinson. “There was a moment of clarity after we signed off on this June issue, telling me that now is indeed the time to let go and end at its peak. This publication started with no funding 16 years ago out of my guest bedroom and has never taken one penny of investment money. It’s been completely supported by advertisers, subscribers and the community it represents. Performing Songwriter has always had a big heart, and our job was to take care of it so it could do its magic. By ceasing publication now we know the magazine will never risk losing its integrity and or its quality. All of us here are grateful for this journey, and feel like we’ve crossed the finish line with our heads held high.”
Performing Songwriter’s most recent online information claims a circulation of 55,000, readership of 150,000 and 8X per year print schedule. A one year subscription was $25.95 in the U.S. Its web site address is http://www.performingsongwriter.com. Although Performing Songwriter will cease publication, Hutchinson says the PS offices will remain open while she writes the next chapter in her career. “I feel like somehow it will include songwriters,” she added.
In an open letter to readers, advertisers and staff Hutchinson wrote, “We know there’s a train coming in the form of an uncertain economy. We know there are changes that need to be made due to the nature of both the print and music industries that will affect the essential spirit of the magazine and take it in a direction that’s not really true to itself. And we know the only thing we have control over is this moment and our decision to lay the magazine down on our terms. It will be with dignity and pride, knowing the quality will never be sacrificed, its debts will be fully paid, our hearts will remain filled with gratitude, and we can stand tall knowing that we did it and it was a job well done. I can’t think of a more beautiful way to end this chapter of a most incredible journey.”
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The Lydia Hutchinsons of the songwriting world are endangered species. Though I’m excited to see what lies ahead for Lydia this is a bittersweet day for all of us who loved her magazine.
What an elegant statement from Lydia. To run any business(even more impressive…a nationally respected magazine!) for 16 years with no investors is a pretty astonishing feat.
Bravo Lydia- you certainly set the bar very high with your passionate and wonderful farewell!Thank you for many years of great publications and genuine insight into the crazy world of intellectual creation known as songwriting!! Best of luck with your new beginnings, I know I speak for many when I say you will certainly have my support!
Lydia,
Congratulations on the years of making a successful business out of a personal passion. I certainly believe the days doing something born out of passion, not market position, are going to revive. The other approach isn’t serving us all that well at present.
Best wishes down the road.
I believe Performing Songwriter Magazine was the very best of it’s kind.
Everything from the quality of the paper it was printed on
to the articles and interviews were first class.
I’m sorry to hear that it’s over.
Thankyou for 16 years.
Paul Scull
Great job for so many years. What wonderful memories you must have, sharing with so many artists/writers, and giving a bit of each one to us. My studio clients will miss your presence. We all know the end is always another beginning.
I love her. I love PS. My heart hurts.