Papa Was A Rollin' Stone

Photography (c) 2006 Art Litwell

Susan urged me to apply for this.

For those of you too lazy to click on links, it's an application to appear on an MTV reality television show. Sound a bit icky? Well...yes. But get this - the grand prize is a one-year contract as a music writer for Rolling Stone.

Holy!!

I frantically filled out the application form and made plans with these great guys to shoot my audition tape. When Caitlin and I met up at Shanghai Cowgirl, I gushed to her about the opportunity and told her to apply.

But sweet Caitlin, though she embraces an irresponsible rock 'n' roll lifestyle, was the levelheaded voice of reason.

"I've thought about it," she said. "But if I did get on the show, I don't think I'd ever be taken seriously as a music journalist again."

From the mouths of babes, people!

I don't want to become the Ryan Malcolm of music journalism. So I did not and will not apply.

Just in case I regret this decision, here is a list of very sound reasons why I decided against it:

• Reality TV? Gross!
• I would never again be taken seriously in the industry, whether or not I was victorious.
• If I won, other journalists would shun me because I did not adequately pay my dues.
• New York City is fun for a few days, but would be really scary to live in. While I love its amazing energy, the place hardens you.
  
• I would have to postpone my trip to Europe. Fuck that noise!
  
• Toronto is full of good things. Family, friends, super awesome boy, thriving music community, plenty of writing opportunities, etc. This city has never felt more like home than it does right now.
  

Maybe someday we will be together, Rolling Stone.

But not yet.

(Now playing: "All Leads Back", The Saffron Sect)