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By : Poetic Pattie
8 min read
Poetic Pattie, Music Journalist and 2023 Boston Music Awards Nominee for “Best Music Journalist”
What inspired you to pursue a career in music journalism, and how did you get started in the field?
My drive for pursuing a career in music journalism came from my love for literature & my admiration for music of all genres. I’ve been singing since the 4th grade and have been a lover of rock, alternative and blues ever since. When I went to business school, all of my professors also pushed me to go for a career in art and music because of my admiration so I naturally found a way to tie them together through journalism. Back in January, Sam—the founder of Brain Arts Org—asked me to do a recap on The Chamber. I had always remembered hearing the Boston Compass mentioned at my internship, so of course I accepted the offer and I’ve been contributing to the blog ever since.
How did it feel to be nominated by the Boston Music Awards as the “Best Music Journalist of 2023?” What does this award mean to you?
I cried for like 30 minutes straight in a Dunkin donuts parking lot then texted all my best friends like “WTF is life even real right now?” I know I’m always at events and in the public eye 24/7 but I didn't really think people noticed me—I like to think I’m lowkey. This award means absolutely everything to me, even if I don’t win knowing that my sleepless nights, drives chasing artists around tour and hunting down new talent has paid off. It's only going to push me to go ten times harder.
Can you describe a recent music-related event or story that impacted you, and how it influenced your reporting/writing style?
Recently being at the No Label Academy event at Harvard definitely made me switch up my reporting style. As opposed to waiting until I got back to my laptop I was whipping out my phone in public and starting my articles right in the moment. Even for Bams Fest, there’s some specific moments that I know I won’t forget but I’m immersed in so many different topics and rooms writing them down helps me remember.
What is one of your all-time favorite songs or albums? Why is it so special to you?
The Strokes, Foster the people, Phoenix. Kendrick Lamar’s Duckworth song, Come Together by The Beatles. These bands & songs are special to me because they gave me a deep appreciation for music with the way the lyrics go so well with the drums and the emotions the artist convey in their storytelling. If you listen to any of those songs/bands you’ll get some hints of reality & nostalgia for sure….
What do you love about being part of the Boston Compass?
How welcoming everyone is! From owners, editors to contributors and even the supporters we have…it’s felt like family since day one in every sense of the word.
Akbota Saudabayeva, Editor in Chief
What inspired you to become a copy editor in the first place?
I think I first encountered the Boston Compass on Instagram, when Artist Julia Baroni was one of the newspaper’s designers (and expansion coordinator!). We never really talked at school, but I followed and admired her art. It compelled me that people were finding off-campus opportunities to foster their artistic passions. I’m a writer, so I wanted to learn more about other people and about what was going on. Copyediting articles felt strangely exclusive, like a sneak-peek into future discourse or happenings. Print production is something I’ve always been passionate about, especially in a world where digital media is choking out local print publications. I've been involved in newspaper production since high school and later served as the editor-in-chief of my university’s newsmagazine. Having the opportunity to craft something physical with a team of local artists, writers, designers, and activists is always worth the grunt work. In fact, I love the grunt work—which is why taking on more responsibility was a massive privilege to me as I continued on the rag.
What is one of your all-time favorite songs or albums? Why is it so special to you?
My favorite song of all time is “Your Woman” by White Town. It’s one of those timeless songs that makes you want to tap your foot on the T, to click your tongue during the in-between beats, to dance down an empty street after one too many drinks. I’m always in love. I’d like to say that I keep it in my pocket for a rainy day, but I find myself playing it incessantly when I’m alone, walking thirty-five minutes to whatever location. I love that the lyrics can be so ambiguous, yet always resounding against the old-time Bing Crosby swing: “I could never be your woman.” This has been true for all of my life, in all the greatest and most emotional ways.
How does it feel to be managing the production for Boston Compass Newspaper?
When you’re editor-in-chief of a newspaper, it’s almost always on your mind. There’s not a lot of down time on the production calendar for the Compass—even though it’s a monthly paper, there’s always a question of what will happen next. Who’s writing the next articles, what will they be about, who’s designing the front cover. I’m a bit of an introvert—one of the many reasons that I asked for the position after Kevin left was to get myself out into the Greater Boston Area and actually connect to all the amazing people that live and make art here. I know how to produce a paper, yes, but if I am not social, the paper flails. Sam and Emma have been amazing new friends and mentors (Brain Arts and this paper is essentially their “child”), so I’ve been doing my best to remain chill so far.
What do you love about being part of the Boston Compass?
I have always loved receiving the physical print of the Boston Compass. The finished paper is such a testament to all the earnest work that was put in by the writers, artists, and designers; in extension, it’s a love letter to and from the vibrant arts community in the Greater Boston Area. New music, new art exhibits, new food, new chillustration to cut out and hang on your wall… It’s simple. It’s elaborate. It rocks.
Originally published in-print in Boston Compass Newspaper #163 November 2023
Check out all the art and columns of November's Boston Compass at www.issuu.com/bostoncccompass