Editor’s Note – Issue 10: FUNDAMENTALS

By: Tabassum Siddiqui | Art by: Laura Stanley

Welcome to Issue #10, the Fundamentals issue. What does that term mean to you? Maybe you think of something elemental or foundational to who you are, or what you want the world around you to be. At New Feeling, we’re always thinking back to the core of what we’re hoping the writing and art we publish conveys: an enthusiasm for the deep creativity of the artists making great music across this country, through a lens of community and connection.

In this issue, Montreal writer Sun Noor takes us deep into the sounds that are fundamental to her and her Somali-Canadian peers—and how they’re taking inspiration from the golden age of Somalia’s music scene to fuel their own understanding of their roots and making music that reflects their unique place in the diaspora.

And Daniel G. Wilson examines the passion behind the Canadian extreme metal scene, exploring the legacy and influence of bands like Voivod, Fuck the Facts, and their next-gen counterparts like Mares Of Thrace. Wilson looks at some of the fundamental elements of the scene, including its timelessness, rebellion, and sense of community, while reminding us of its diversity of sound and the impact of the many BIPOC musicians instrumental in its foundation. 

In our Group Chat feature, Wilson, Tom Beedham, and Leslie Ken Chu offer up their perspectives on Edmonton metalcore band EXITS’ heavy tune “The Forever Crashing of Waves,” while Beedham, Galen Milne-Hines, and Wilson reflect on Toronto-born, Nunavut-based producer </DAD>’s lo-fi hip-hop track “Better Then the Worst.” More than mere reviews, these writeups get to the heart (or what is fundamental, you might say) of how these songs—tunes you may not have heard before but that are worth seeking out—make our writers feel and think.

Of course, New Feeling is more than just the publication of our online issues—behind the scenes, the co-op has been busy putting in place a ‘buddy triangle system’ that connects all members with a buddy and a third member to pool resources, diversify skill development and prevent burnout. It’s yet another move that helps to uphold our values by ensuring collective growth while prioritizing accountability.

Speaking of collectivity, we continue to reach out to readers and those discovering New Feeling for the first time to encourage everyone to join the co-op as a member—whether you want to get involved in writing for the publication, helping to organize behind the scenes, or just support the group’s work, there’s a place for you as a member! Increasing our membership will allow us to reach new goals this fall, including adding another feature story to each issue; grow our reserve fund for commissioning long-lead stories, invest in our website and deal with other expenses; and raise the rate paid for features. Learn more about the co-op and join or donate here.

We’ve got lots of interesting initiatives on the go of late, including What’s New, our bi-monthly newsletter; our Reading Group continues, with a terrific discussion earlier this month about Sasha Geffen’s history of gender fluidity in pop music, Glitter Up the Dark; and as New Feeling’s first Public Editor, I took over our Twitter account to explain more about the role and ask how I can best serve our readers (feel free to email me with any questions or ideas at nfpubliceditor[at]gmail.com).

We hope New Feeling becomes a fundamental part of your music reading—and that the music you read about in each issue also finds its way into your essential listening.