AI, Journalism, and the Dead
Cross-posted at Substack Photo by BoliviaInteligente on Unsplash I recently became aware of an Instagram account (which shall remain nameless) that is posting AI audio recordings of late Alice in Chains singer Layne Staley’s voice, based in part on information I reported in my book. Like so many people, I have mixed emotions…
Read MoreStacked
I recently started a Substack account, where I will be doing some occasional writing here and there. Head over there and subscribe!
Read MoreCharles R. Cross Remembered
I’m absolutely devastated by the news that Charles R. Cross passed away. From Variety: Charles R. Cross, a Seattle-based music journalist who edited the city’s preeminent alt-weekly, the Rocket, and penned bestselling biographies of Kurt Cobain, Jimi Hendrix and other major rock figures, died Friday at age 67. “We are sorry to share that Charles…
Read MoreNew Project
Since February, I’ve been working on a project that can finally be revealed. The first episode of my new podcast Zero Hour: A History of 9/11 was released this morning. It is a narrative nonfiction limited series, with a new episode airing each week. For those of you who missed the trailer, you can listen…
Read MoreMia Zapata’s Killer Has Died
Rolling Stone published my story breaking the news on Sunday. It marks an end to one of the darkest and most tragic episodes in the history of rock music. To put Mia Zapata’s life and legacy into perspective, I interviewed Gits drummer Steve Moriarty, Gits friend and Evil Stig collaborator Joan Jett, and NPR music…
Read MoreWhat’s In a Name?
I’ve gotten a few emails from people thinking I am the screenwriter of the Netflix movie The Platform (also known by its Spanish name El Hoyo). As much as I enjoy receiving fan mail, I can’t accept praise or credit for something I had nothing to do it. (I may have to watch it now,…
Read MoreA Piece of Alice in Chains History
Seattle musician and producer Dave Hillis (who was an engineer on Sap and who I interviewed extensively for my book) posted a picture of his 1/4-inch reel copy of the early Alice in Chains demos (circa 1988, before they recorded their first album Facelift) If you aren’t doing it already, follow Dave on Instagram.
Read MoreSusan Silver: “I’m in Exploration Mode Right Now”
Seattle attorney Joleen Hughes recorded an interview with Alice in Chains manager Susan Silver for her podcast. She and Susan talk about the early days of the Seattle music scene, her way of doing business, and Susan’s possible plans for the future. The most newsworthy part of the interview in my opinion begins at around…
Read MoreSirius XM Radio Interview on December 4
Mark your calendars… I will be on the Sirius XM Volume show “Feedback” on Tuesday, December 4 talking about Alice in Chains: The Untold Story. Turn on Sirius XM channel 106 at around 9:20 a.m. Eastern time to listen.
Read MoreAlice in Chains Paperback Edition Is Here
Happy Black Friday! If you’re looking for a stocking stuffer for that special someone, the paperback edition of Alice in Chains: The Untold Story is available now at all book retailers.
Read More