What is gatekeep! all about?

gatekeep! is an international collective of music writers committed to bringing you high quality writing about new music, whether that be the hottest billboard-topper of the week or an under-the-radar scoop that deserves just as much attention.

Our number one priority is thoughtful engagement across a variety of media—with no genre restriction, and no corporate bias. We are a safe haven for subculture adventurers who refuse to let the algorithms dictate their enjoyment of art.

You can always count on us to be honest about what we like and what we don’t, and whether you agree or not, well, you can let us know in the comments! We value constructive discussion above all else, even if that includes a bit of good-natured ribbing. Just remember to keep your gloves on, and the gate unlocked 😉

Why Substack?

When the ark of gatekeep! was sent out amidst the flood, our main goal was docking somewhere quickly — ideally in a pasture that could provide ease of use for our authors, as well as opportunity for growth via community engagement. We wanted to retain that feeling of internet discussion boards, and give people a space to agree, disagree, make acquaintances or life-long frenemies.

Substack has provided those tools, but that doesn’t mean this is the be-all or the end-all of our journey. gatekeep! is only getting started, and we have our sights set on the stars. If that means eventually touching down on a planet of our own, we just hope you will tag along! In the meantime, we hope you enjoy our humble abode.

Are you going to spam my inbox?

Absolutely not! We post on a daily or semi-daily basis, but we only send out one email a week rounding up all of our takes from the previous seven days, including a look forward at things to come. So, you can check our website at your leisure, follow us on instagram, or just wait for Saturday to roll around and see what’s happening in your inbox! Engage your own way.

Subscribe to get full access to the newsletter and publication archives.

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An international collective of music writers focused on reviews for new releases, deep dives, and roundups — all collected into a weekly newsletter.

People

Well, I ain't always right, but I've never been wrong, seldom turns out the way it does in a song
If it hadn't been for the Australian écorché, I'd be gone.
The path to enlightenment must pass through cheeks.
Franco-Belgian idiot
Do you even praise the jun(z)?
Music nerd and writer, here to make some memories and give some opinions!
f.k.a. ashcrash9. word guy. guy who does words.
Trying to work ‘disco’ into my vocabulary more.
Czech fellow. I like my music like I like my partners: weird and kinda unstable.
preyed upon by Darwin Disney and Freud. Words @ gatekeep!
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Earth Crisis is the only band that matters
Discourse with a rusted scalpel — unflinching reviews of the truly heavy
Music writer and English teacher.
Sometimes you have to kick a bear to get the drop