Dear Reader,

I/O began as an idea for a platform to showcase artists who might otherwise be lost to the margins, or written out of music history books. As a guitarist working in improvised music, I have grown frustrated with the lack of resources for musicians like myself who occupy the gray area between genre boundaries. Furthermore, there are challenges associated with working in an industry that often imposes expectations on artists based on their gender identity. Many of us have been told that we need to work harder – be louder, faster, better – to earn our place onstage.

The women and non-binary musicians I have encountered are some of the most innovative and daring artists I know. The mission of this publication is to amplify the voices of this community by documenting their advancements in non-mainstream music scenes throughout the U.S. “Input” refers to the gender discrimination that women and non-binary artists experience in the music industry; “output” describes the ways in which these experiences do – or do not – shape our work.

In this first issue you will meet seven artists, each chosen for their meaningful contribution to the creative music community in Massachusetts. Although this selection of artists represents a cross-section of scenes, it only scratches the surface. There are voices not present in this first issue, voices that I am eager to include as I/O grows and expands. With that in mind, I want to hear from you. Who do you think should be featured in I/O? What do you want to read about? This is a magazine, but more importantly, it is a conversation – one that is only just beginning.

Sincerely,

Magdalena Abrego

Founder and Editor in Chief, INPUT/OUTPUT

1. Tour Guide: Western Massachusetts
   Improvising guitarist, banjo-player, and vocalist Wendy Eisenberg walks us through the hidden gems of Western Mass. Read now…
   
   

2. Listen Up!
   Allison Burik counts down their top five favorite albums featuring alto saxophone. Read now…
   
   

3. Meet Myrtle
   Claire Dickson and Camila Ortiz have joined forces as Myrtle. The two sat down with Magdalena Abrego for a conversation about songwriting beyond the bounds of genre. Read now…
   
   

4. Experimental Music in Salem: A Conversation with Andrea Pensado
   Composer, performer, and educator Andrea Pensado welcomed Magdalena Abrego into her teaching studio for a discussion of experimental music’s past, present, and future. Read now…
   
   
   

5. This (Song) Changed My Life
   Claire Dickson on Laurie Anderson’s “O Superman.” Read now…
   
   

6. Six Appeal
   Grace Ward transcribes the solos of legendary jazz guitarist Charlie Christian. Read now…

Magdalena Abrego, Editor-in-Chief

Eliana Grossman, Copy Editor

Erika Hansen, Creative Director

Sasha Pedro, Photographer

Veronica Nunes, Makeup Artist

Note: The views and opinions expressed in these articles are solely those of the article authors and interviewees and do not necessarily represent those of INPUT/OUTPUT or its staff. All articles and interviews have been edited by INPUT/OUTPUT for length and clarity. All interviews were conducted in-person by Magdalena Abrego.