I love this Pe. I feel the same way about Substack. I am looking forward to the podcast style as well. And don't worry about your voice/accent. We love you just as you are and have no issues understanding you. I admire what Andy does so much. I hosted a little subscriber get together before the holidays and that was fun. I think I will try that again periodically throughout the new year. I really need to get over my fear of video and going live, etc. but I am what I am. I love reading your stuff, regardless of how long it is.
Thanks, Taz, that’s very kind of you. I know my English is more than adequate to take this on; I do write in English quite fluently after all. Still, it’s probably wise to start with a disclaimer before the questions begin 😁
I’m genuinely excited about exploring these new frontiers, and especially curious to see what you and other fellow writers will do with the audio and video possibilities now that they’ve become so much easier to use.
Wishing you and your family all the very best for 2026, Taz. I’m really looking forward to reading your work, seeing what you set up, and interacting along the way.
What’s goin’ on here? There’s a lot of talk about “underwear” in this piece, and a shameless plug for being a “big boy”. 😂 I kill me. Yeah, that’s right, it’s funny and ya know it, clap ya hands 👏 👏 👏
Welcome to my podcast/listening feed, Pé! I love that you’re doing audio for season two. I read a *lot*, so having something to listen to instead of read is amazing. I love that I can now enjoy The Twelve Inch while cooking, going on a walk, etc., when I’m less able to carve out time to focus on reading and only reading. Can’t wait to hear you soon!!
Likewise, Max. This decision was largely driven by my own experience. The ability to listen is a big bonus, it really extends the time you can spend engaging with content. For me, reading out loud and podcasts are quite interchangeable.
It’ll be an adventure to find the format that feels right, both for me and for the audience. In any case, it’s a great new journey, and I’m glad to have you along for the ride 😁
Thanks so much for your support, Max. My very best wishes to you and all your ventures. I’m really looking forward to seeing and reading everything you bring to life this year.
First off, thank you so much for the shout out and your very kind words. I'm humbled and honoured to have played a part in some of your ideas for the next season. Voiceovers are a lot of fun to do, and I always find they help sharpen my writing. Pro tip: encourage people to click on the Play button. Remind them it's not AI but your own voice. And have FUN!!! I'm really looking forward to your next chapter 👏🏻👏🏻
Haha… that last piece of advice played a big part in the decision. The fun I had working on the vital records episode with you made me realise just how much I’d enjoy doing this. And thanks as well for the other tip, Andy, very useful!
My very best wishes to you and your husband, my friend. I hope 2026 turns out to be a great year and that you get to realise everything you’re hoping for. As for me, I’m really looking forward to reading, listening to, and seeing your work, and to our interactions, which always bring me so much joy.
Thank you so much, Pe! You're too kind. I am so glad to hear you enjoyed your Vital Records episode so much. What an honour. I also had a lot of fun preparing for and, especially, recording that episode. And like I told you, you're a natural! Our energy "on stage" was so electrifying and, honestly, I wouldn't have trusted anyone else to say goodbye to the audience, like I did with you, for fear of "putting them on the spot" but, with you, I just felt you were more than able to roll with it. And you smashed it! Don't mean to brag but my instinct tends to be right with these things (purely because I spent my entire childhood and teenage years receiving some very intense performing arts training).
The great thing about your new venture with voiceovers is that it gives you a great platform to then branch out to video if you ever feel like doing that (you'd be BRILLIANT). It also helps you strengthen your connection with the audience. Coupled with your masterful writing, GREAT things await you, my friend.
All my very best wishes to you and your husband too! The feeling is mutual. I am really really glad we connected on here, and really looking forward to 2026 and beyond! ♥️🙌🏻
Happy new year Pé!! I’m glad you were able to take a break, it’s so important. But I’m also really looking forward to following along with your voiceovers this year (I like to read and listen at the same time). Thanks for your kind words on my writing, wishing you all the best for 2026!
Gelukkig nieuw jaar Pe! Goed dat je de ontwikkelingen en je gedachten zo deelt. Laat ik beginnen te zeggen dat ik echt genoten heb van je stukken. 1 deel, 2 delen ik vind het allemaal mooi. Omdat het voor mij iets toevoegt. Mooie verdieping op nummers of platenlabels die ik al kende, de kans om nummers te beluisteren die ik nog niet kende. En inderdaad... Ook ik heb niet bepaald meegedaan met de interactie. De reden zal ik met je delen: gebrek aan tijd. En dat komt weer omdat ik helemaal nieuw ben op Substack en, misschien ken je het, ik ben op ontzettend veel geabonneerd ben zodat mijn "postvak" altijd vol zit. Mijn voornemen is om het aantal abonnementen af te bouwen en uiteindelijk maximaal 5 betaalde abonnementen aan te houden. Daar zit jij overigens zeker bij. Dan maak ik meer tijd voor interactie en kan aan de stukken de tijd en aandacht geven die ze verdienen om dan te komen tot het community gevoel dat je beschrijft. Want dat is gewoon wel heel erg leuk maakt de echte kracht die muziek heeft voor mij weer duidelijk. Het kan me op een plaats of moment (tot op de minuut!) brengen. Mooi of slecht, overigens. En hoe ik als tiener de ene 12" verruilde voor de andere, middagen of avonden lang. Heerlijk! Dus: houdt het mooie werk vol, je wordt gezien en gelezen (en beloofd, ik ga ook luisteren) want ik heb er in 2025 veel plezier aan beleefd!
Wow Dave, wat een leuk reactie! Doet mij enorm plezier. Mijn allerbeste wensen! De community komt wel hoor. De eerstvolgende stap om audio & video te gaan doen zal dit alweer een stukje dichterbij brengen. Het gaat een leuk jaar worden 😁 Bedankt om te reageren Dave!
I love the audio versions of the stories we tell (and that's what we do, when you boil it down, tell stories). As a dog walker, I have limited time to read, so the people who do audio versions (and not the default AI voice readings) get my attention first. I know that it's tough when we include lots of links to songs and such (which can't be played, podcast-like, in our voice stories), to feel that the true essence of our piece is being told. But that's why I also play your MixCloud radio show as well!
Haha, thanks Steve. You (and Max) are confirming exactly what I’ve been thinking. Same here: reading is great, but audio really opens things up and extends the possibilities. In any case, I’m genuinely glad to have you along for the ride. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts!
Haha… thanks, Todd. And thanks as well for the inspiration around the idea of turning the mixtape into a radio-show. I’m not there yet (first priority is getting the read-out-loud Substack version properly up and running, of course), but we’ll get there. I did some further research over the holidays and I now have a pretty clear idea of where I want to take it.
It’s going to be a great year—I agree! Thanks, my friend, as always, for your constant support on every venture, and for the joy of your own shows on Mixcloud.
Great new ideas for the new year, Pe....congrats! I look forward to your added audio content! I love it when we self-reflect, are inspired by others (in your case, Andy and Mark N., and likely, others not mentioned here!), and then find ways to incorporate these new elements into our little corner of the 'Stack, and all the while, being our own unique and authentic selves! Full speed ahead, Pe!😁👍
Thanks so much, Brad, for your encouraging words and for bringing the Music Writers Stack community together. You’re a huge inspiration as well. The Twelve Inch is where it is today in no small part thanks to your work.
I really admire the way you engage with new writers and, through the fantastic TT, help give them a leg up and introduce their work to a wider audience. In my own case, it gave me the confidence I needed at that moment to keep going.
Happy New Year, my friend. I’m really looking forward to how our activities will develop this year—and to all the fun interactions and collaborations ahead!
Thanks, Pe, for the uplifting and encouraging (and dare I say....sweet) words! You know I can spot about where your "gear" shifted into "high" even long before your landmark Casablanca series!
If I contributed even a comma to your jet-propulsion, I'd be humbled, but, knowing you....you saw (as we say in Texas) that bull, grabbed its horns, and "rassled" that dogie to the ground....YOU did that! (gawd, bless your heart...has anyone actually ever talked Texan to you before?!?!?)🤠Your Belgian head must be spinning!!🐄🤠🐮
And, you know how I appreciate your similarly "Brad" background and industry acumen (I've heard some call Pe the "intercontinental Brad"....fine; that was in MY head!!!😉), although you were far more embedded in it than I ever was! I always dreamed of working on or even near the label end, but I'm proud of my "periphery" work in radio and retail💿s!
I, too, look forward to what all we #MusicStackers have cooked up for '26! I've already seen (on folks' sites and Notes) some of the different and new directions that are being pointed to, and it's beyond exciting!
But, to hear you say my encouragements and affirmation gave you the "confidence you needed at that moment to keep going" is beyond humbling and "fills my bucket" no end, and I'll carry that with me into my new '26 adventures! Thanks again!!💪😁👍
Those "Let The Beat Be Your Guide" mixes are fire. I hope everyone in the comments here signs up for mixcloud and starts to enjoy them! It will be exciting as well to hear you reading your articles, looking forward to a great 2026!
Wow, Jonathan, that’s such a wonderful compliment. Sadly, Mixcloud and Substack aren’t the best of friends, so sharing Mixcloud sets on Substack isn’t as easy as it should be. Still, I’m really glad you managed to discover them and that they bring you joy. They’re an absolute pleasure to make, it truly feels like a kid in a candy store with no budget limits 😂😂😂
I usually have to stop myself from going past the 1h30 mark. In any case, there will definitely be more episodes. Probably less regularly than the weekly mixes, but whenever I feel like dropping one, I will.
Thanks so much for reading, listening, and reacting, Jonathan. I’m really happy to have you along for this next chapter of the adventure. Happy New Year to you and all your loved ones, may 2026 bring you nothing but joy!
Thanks, Paul. My vision is for them to be complementary, not just another format. But I learned to be a bit patient and to start at the beginning: making them as good as possible first. 😁
In any case, my very best wishes to you and your loved ones. I hope 2026 turns out to be a great year for you. And I’m truly glad to have you along for the ride in the second season!
Haha, thanks Dan! My very best wishes to you and your husband. I hope you both have a wonderful year ahead and get to enjoy your beautiful home and garden, zen garden included, to the fullest. Looking forward to all your posts and videos, and to our interactions as always! 😁
I love this Pe. I feel the same way about Substack. I am looking forward to the podcast style as well. And don't worry about your voice/accent. We love you just as you are and have no issues understanding you. I admire what Andy does so much. I hosted a little subscriber get together before the holidays and that was fun. I think I will try that again periodically throughout the new year. I really need to get over my fear of video and going live, etc. but I am what I am. I love reading your stuff, regardless of how long it is.
Thanks, Taz, that’s very kind of you. I know my English is more than adequate to take this on; I do write in English quite fluently after all. Still, it’s probably wise to start with a disclaimer before the questions begin 😁
I’m genuinely excited about exploring these new frontiers, and especially curious to see what you and other fellow writers will do with the audio and video possibilities now that they’ve become so much easier to use.
Wishing you and your family all the very best for 2026, Taz. I’m really looking forward to reading your work, seeing what you set up, and interacting along the way.
😊 thanks Pe
What’s goin’ on here? There’s a lot of talk about “underwear” in this piece, and a shameless plug for being a “big boy”. 😂 I kill me. Yeah, that’s right, it’s funny and ya know it, clap ya hands 👏 👏 👏
haha.. thanks Donald. Happy New Year my friend! Looking forward to many more of our interactions here and on mixcloud!
You always show a great sense of humor, and moreover, an impressive skillset for writing. Stay funny and keep writing, you’re the best at it.
Welcome to my podcast/listening feed, Pé! I love that you’re doing audio for season two. I read a *lot*, so having something to listen to instead of read is amazing. I love that I can now enjoy The Twelve Inch while cooking, going on a walk, etc., when I’m less able to carve out time to focus on reading and only reading. Can’t wait to hear you soon!!
Likewise, Max. This decision was largely driven by my own experience. The ability to listen is a big bonus, it really extends the time you can spend engaging with content. For me, reading out loud and podcasts are quite interchangeable.
It’ll be an adventure to find the format that feels right, both for me and for the audience. In any case, it’s a great new journey, and I’m glad to have you along for the ride 😁
Thanks so much for your support, Max. My very best wishes to you and all your ventures. I’m really looking forward to seeing and reading everything you bring to life this year.
Many (not all) times I hear sets so so horrible https://www.youtube.com/shorts/8g_12_pnYYg
First off, thank you so much for the shout out and your very kind words. I'm humbled and honoured to have played a part in some of your ideas for the next season. Voiceovers are a lot of fun to do, and I always find they help sharpen my writing. Pro tip: encourage people to click on the Play button. Remind them it's not AI but your own voice. And have FUN!!! I'm really looking forward to your next chapter 👏🏻👏🏻
Haha… that last piece of advice played a big part in the decision. The fun I had working on the vital records episode with you made me realise just how much I’d enjoy doing this. And thanks as well for the other tip, Andy, very useful!
My very best wishes to you and your husband, my friend. I hope 2026 turns out to be a great year and that you get to realise everything you’re hoping for. As for me, I’m really looking forward to reading, listening to, and seeing your work, and to our interactions, which always bring me so much joy.
Thank you so much, Pe! You're too kind. I am so glad to hear you enjoyed your Vital Records episode so much. What an honour. I also had a lot of fun preparing for and, especially, recording that episode. And like I told you, you're a natural! Our energy "on stage" was so electrifying and, honestly, I wouldn't have trusted anyone else to say goodbye to the audience, like I did with you, for fear of "putting them on the spot" but, with you, I just felt you were more than able to roll with it. And you smashed it! Don't mean to brag but my instinct tends to be right with these things (purely because I spent my entire childhood and teenage years receiving some very intense performing arts training).
The great thing about your new venture with voiceovers is that it gives you a great platform to then branch out to video if you ever feel like doing that (you'd be BRILLIANT). It also helps you strengthen your connection with the audience. Coupled with your masterful writing, GREAT things await you, my friend.
All my very best wishes to you and your husband too! The feeling is mutual. I am really really glad we connected on here, and really looking forward to 2026 and beyond! ♥️🙌🏻
Happy new year Pé!! I’m glad you were able to take a break, it’s so important. But I’m also really looking forward to following along with your voiceovers this year (I like to read and listen at the same time). Thanks for your kind words on my writing, wishing you all the best for 2026!
haha Thanks Mark. Wishing you & your loved ones all the best for 2026.
Gelukkig nieuw jaar Pe! Goed dat je de ontwikkelingen en je gedachten zo deelt. Laat ik beginnen te zeggen dat ik echt genoten heb van je stukken. 1 deel, 2 delen ik vind het allemaal mooi. Omdat het voor mij iets toevoegt. Mooie verdieping op nummers of platenlabels die ik al kende, de kans om nummers te beluisteren die ik nog niet kende. En inderdaad... Ook ik heb niet bepaald meegedaan met de interactie. De reden zal ik met je delen: gebrek aan tijd. En dat komt weer omdat ik helemaal nieuw ben op Substack en, misschien ken je het, ik ben op ontzettend veel geabonneerd ben zodat mijn "postvak" altijd vol zit. Mijn voornemen is om het aantal abonnementen af te bouwen en uiteindelijk maximaal 5 betaalde abonnementen aan te houden. Daar zit jij overigens zeker bij. Dan maak ik meer tijd voor interactie en kan aan de stukken de tijd en aandacht geven die ze verdienen om dan te komen tot het community gevoel dat je beschrijft. Want dat is gewoon wel heel erg leuk maakt de echte kracht die muziek heeft voor mij weer duidelijk. Het kan me op een plaats of moment (tot op de minuut!) brengen. Mooi of slecht, overigens. En hoe ik als tiener de ene 12" verruilde voor de andere, middagen of avonden lang. Heerlijk! Dus: houdt het mooie werk vol, je wordt gezien en gelezen (en beloofd, ik ga ook luisteren) want ik heb er in 2025 veel plezier aan beleefd!
Wow Dave, wat een leuk reactie! Doet mij enorm plezier. Mijn allerbeste wensen! De community komt wel hoor. De eerstvolgende stap om audio & video te gaan doen zal dit alweer een stukje dichterbij brengen. Het gaat een leuk jaar worden 😁 Bedankt om te reageren Dave!
I love the audio versions of the stories we tell (and that's what we do, when you boil it down, tell stories). As a dog walker, I have limited time to read, so the people who do audio versions (and not the default AI voice readings) get my attention first. I know that it's tough when we include lots of links to songs and such (which can't be played, podcast-like, in our voice stories), to feel that the true essence of our piece is being told. But that's why I also play your MixCloud radio show as well!
Haha, thanks Steve. You (and Max) are confirming exactly what I’ve been thinking. Same here: reading is great, but audio really opens things up and extends the possibilities. In any case, I’m genuinely glad to have you along for the ride. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts!
I can’t wait!! This year is gonna be awesome! 👏 😎
Haha… thanks, Todd. And thanks as well for the inspiration around the idea of turning the mixtape into a radio-show. I’m not there yet (first priority is getting the read-out-loud Substack version properly up and running, of course), but we’ll get there. I did some further research over the holidays and I now have a pretty clear idea of where I want to take it.
It’s going to be a great year—I agree! Thanks, my friend, as always, for your constant support on every venture, and for the joy of your own shows on Mixcloud.
Great new ideas for the new year, Pe....congrats! I look forward to your added audio content! I love it when we self-reflect, are inspired by others (in your case, Andy and Mark N., and likely, others not mentioned here!), and then find ways to incorporate these new elements into our little corner of the 'Stack, and all the while, being our own unique and authentic selves! Full speed ahead, Pe!😁👍
Thanks so much, Brad, for your encouraging words and for bringing the Music Writers Stack community together. You’re a huge inspiration as well. The Twelve Inch is where it is today in no small part thanks to your work.
I really admire the way you engage with new writers and, through the fantastic TT, help give them a leg up and introduce their work to a wider audience. In my own case, it gave me the confidence I needed at that moment to keep going.
Happy New Year, my friend. I’m really looking forward to how our activities will develop this year—and to all the fun interactions and collaborations ahead!
Thanks, Pe, for the uplifting and encouraging (and dare I say....sweet) words! You know I can spot about where your "gear" shifted into "high" even long before your landmark Casablanca series!
If I contributed even a comma to your jet-propulsion, I'd be humbled, but, knowing you....you saw (as we say in Texas) that bull, grabbed its horns, and "rassled" that dogie to the ground....YOU did that! (gawd, bless your heart...has anyone actually ever talked Texan to you before?!?!?)🤠Your Belgian head must be spinning!!🐄🤠🐮
And, you know how I appreciate your similarly "Brad" background and industry acumen (I've heard some call Pe the "intercontinental Brad"....fine; that was in MY head!!!😉), although you were far more embedded in it than I ever was! I always dreamed of working on or even near the label end, but I'm proud of my "periphery" work in radio and retail💿s!
I, too, look forward to what all we #MusicStackers have cooked up for '26! I've already seen (on folks' sites and Notes) some of the different and new directions that are being pointed to, and it's beyond exciting!
But, to hear you say my encouragements and affirmation gave you the "confidence you needed at that moment to keep going" is beyond humbling and "fills my bucket" no end, and I'll carry that with me into my new '26 adventures! Thanks again!!💪😁👍
Those "Let The Beat Be Your Guide" mixes are fire. I hope everyone in the comments here signs up for mixcloud and starts to enjoy them! It will be exciting as well to hear you reading your articles, looking forward to a great 2026!
Wow, Jonathan, that’s such a wonderful compliment. Sadly, Mixcloud and Substack aren’t the best of friends, so sharing Mixcloud sets on Substack isn’t as easy as it should be. Still, I’m really glad you managed to discover them and that they bring you joy. They’re an absolute pleasure to make, it truly feels like a kid in a candy store with no budget limits 😂😂😂
I usually have to stop myself from going past the 1h30 mark. In any case, there will definitely be more episodes. Probably less regularly than the weekly mixes, but whenever I feel like dropping one, I will.
Thanks so much for reading, listening, and reacting, Jonathan. I’m really happy to have you along for this next chapter of the adventure. Happy New Year to you and all your loved ones, may 2026 bring you nothing but joy!
I'll be continuing to read to the end and leave comments in tried and trusted fashion, but wish you luck with the Pod!
Thanks, Paul. My vision is for them to be complementary, not just another format. But I learned to be a bit patient and to start at the beginning: making them as good as possible first. 😁
In any case, my very best wishes to you and your loved ones. I hope 2026 turns out to be a great year for you. And I’m truly glad to have you along for the ride in the second season!
Welcome back Pe! I look forward to whatever version you create for your posts. Love hearing your accent!
Haha, thanks Dan! My very best wishes to you and your husband. I hope you both have a wonderful year ahead and get to enjoy your beautiful home and garden, zen garden included, to the fullest. Looking forward to all your posts and videos, and to our interactions as always! 😁