What a great interview of a great interviewer! As a musician, I’ve always seen Wayne’s role as providing context, helping us understand what we’re hearing, who’s making the music, and what drives them. That’s always mattered, but never more than it does now. There’s a reason hardly anyone listens to a full album anymore. We’re not only served every note ever recorded for eight dollars a month, we also need to feel a kinship with the music and its creator. Wayne’s gift was, and still is his ability to make that connection. Without his words, it’s likely that some of our better-known artists would have remained far less known.
Excellent interview. I've been an admirer of Wayne's writing since the Creem & Village Voice days ('Zep Zapz Kidz' 1977!), and was delighted to find him here on Substack when I joined last year.
Great interview. And I absolutely agree that learning "how the sausage is made" is/was vitally important for a music critic, whether via record company employment, being a gigging musician, or working at a radio station, record store, nightclub, etc. When I was writing about music for my high school and college papers, I had no real understanding of how the music industry actually worked, and in retrospect I made some pretty embarrassing gaffes as a result.
Whenever I encounter a writer online that I grew up reading and whose work I enjoyed in print, I make an effort to thank them for helping to educate, and entertain me. My sincere thanks, Mr. Robins. You were one of the writers who made life more interesting and exciting for me. I wish you continued success, and a long and happy rest of your life.
The Professor is one of my faves on here! Thanks for pulling the curtain back and letting him share his story with everyone.
Great interview. What a career Wayne's had.
What a great interview of a great interviewer! As a musician, I’ve always seen Wayne’s role as providing context, helping us understand what we’re hearing, who’s making the music, and what drives them. That’s always mattered, but never more than it does now. There’s a reason hardly anyone listens to a full album anymore. We’re not only served every note ever recorded for eight dollars a month, we also need to feel a kinship with the music and its creator. Wayne’s gift was, and still is his ability to make that connection. Without his words, it’s likely that some of our better-known artists would have remained far less known.
Excellent interview. I've been an admirer of Wayne's writing since the Creem & Village Voice days ('Zep Zapz Kidz' 1977!), and was delighted to find him here on Substack when I joined last year.
Thanks for this! I knew of Robins but little of his background. He got a new subscriber!
Great interview. And I absolutely agree that learning "how the sausage is made" is/was vitally important for a music critic, whether via record company employment, being a gigging musician, or working at a radio station, record store, nightclub, etc. When I was writing about music for my high school and college papers, I had no real understanding of how the music industry actually worked, and in retrospect I made some pretty embarrassing gaffes as a result.
So much to learn from Wayne! Thank you for this interview. Gotta run and order your book now!
Great convo!
What a fun read!
Whenever I encounter a writer online that I grew up reading and whose work I enjoyed in print, I make an effort to thank them for helping to educate, and entertain me. My sincere thanks, Mr. Robins. You were one of the writers who made life more interesting and exciting for me. I wish you continued success, and a long and happy rest of your life.
Wayne rocks!