april 13th, 2025
r.i.p. snock.
i was so sad to hear the news last week that michael hurley had passed. his music means so much to me and i’m feeling grateful for the times i got to see him play. his shows always followed a similar script: he’d shuffle across the stage, lean up against a stool, and struggle a bit turning on his amp. then, without ceremony, he’d start to play and it was instantly clear to everyone in the room that we were witnessing magic.
it’s not easy to be heartbroken, goofy, profound, and hopeful, all at the same time. and even harder still to capture this feeling in song. but michael showed that it’s possible and inspired a generation of songwriters in the process. i’ve been returning to his songs in recent days, plucking my way through my favorites, trying to pay my own private tribute. i’ve got a hunch i’m not the only one doing this, and it got me thinking: why keep it private?
i want to hear your tribute.
send me a recording of you playing a favorite michael hurley song.
don’t sweat it too much – heartfelt is better than perfect.
i’ll put them together and share them around. maybe even make a tape?
can’t wait to listen.
yours,
traeve AT traeve DOT com
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