2026: The Year I Get Around To It

John Lennon told us life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans. Still, there’s no reason not to have ambitions.

Failure to plan is a plan to fail. So, here we are. Another new year. Another chance to reach for the dream. Another year to plan.

But this time, things will get done.

For the last few years, my desire to be a musical content creator has been met with fits and starts. I’ve done more than a little writing for this site, and my YouTube channel holds more than a few quality interviews and fun shorts. (Please subscribe if you haven’t already. It’s very helpful toward getting things to the next level.) But the consistency has been lacking. I’m the first person to admit it.

More often than not, the biggest impediment has been my back. A slipped disc with others bulging, lumbar stenosis, and arthritis have left me in agonizing pain. Standing at concerts (which is frequently necessary) became exercises in endurance and tolerance for pain.

Trying your best not to hurt takes tons of energy. There was little to no energy to do anything else. The number of gigs I missed because I couldn’t get off the couch was positively infuriating. The last show I saw in 2025 was on October 18 when I saw Mike Keneally at Reggie’s. That gig was an exercise in endurance, as I was in the high nines on the 1-10 pain scale. But I promised Mike I would be there, though he was more than a little surprised to see me.

*With Mike Keneally at Reggie’s three days before my back surgery. Can you see how much pain I’m in?*

Three days after the show, I checked into the University of Chicago Hospital, where I underwent a spinal fusion and laminectomy. After two or three agonizing days, things began to feel better. As I write these words, I’m just over two months removed. My back feels fantastic!

A barrier has been removed. It’s almost time to go ahead at full speed!

2026 is the year I get around to doing the many things I have planned. The learning curve will be steep, as so few of my previous career abilities (save for interviewing skills) lend themselves to the life of a music journalist/content creator. No worries … it’ll prove worthwhile.

So, what’s going to happen this year? If I have my way, a lot. My outings will have to wait until February, when my post-operation movement restrictions are scheduled to be lifted. But there will be plenty of movement when the time comes.

Plans are plentiful. I’m hoping to monetize a couple of them via subscriptions. I’ll be putting a lot of work and there will be more than a little personal expense. Making a buck or two will be crucial. Don’t worry … I’ll make it very affordable.

Here are a few of the things I have in mind.

Extended writings on “controversial” topics. I aim to make these more than mere “blog” entries. These will be articles I aim to make magazine-worthy. But rather than aim for publications, they will be available via a Substack subscription, which won’t run more than $2.99 a month. My free Substack page — which features short personal and musical thoughts — is already up and running. I’ll announce the subscription page when the time comes.
Stores and Stages, where I visit record stores and concert venues throughout Chicago and other areas. These will be featured on my YouTube channel.
25 from 25. It dawned on me that the new century is already a quarter over. This led me to reflect on the 25 most important music-oriented things and moments (for me) of the last 25 years. I’ll celebrate them via writing and YouTube.
The Patreon. There will be monthly subscription features available via Patreon. Here you will find livestream listening parties, forums, in-depth music analyses, and other features that will be both labor intensive and tough to feature intact on YouTube. The absolute price ceiling will be $2.99 a month.
In My Life. Lengthier interviews with some of my favorite musicians discussing their careers. The complete chats will be available earlier via Patreon, with “cut down” versions being featured on YouTube.
How It’s Done. Musicians will take time to do a little “show and tell,” educating us on some of the tricks of the trade and revealing parts of their musical process. Patreon subscribers will have early access to these features, with edited versions on YouTube.
More Chats with CirdecSongs. I have a blast interviewing musicians. No need to stop now.
Fun Day to Day Content. Shorts and other silly things I’ll put on TikTok and YouTube Shorts. These are the wild cards. Who knows what will happen from one day to the next? Regardless, it should be a lot of fun.
The stuff you already enjoy. Album reviews, short features, playlists, and the other things you’ve come to expect here.