We Have an Issue: Artistic Creation Can Happen Anywhere

Let's tackle the unfun stuff up top.

We are very much still in the middle of a pandemic. You know this. COVID spikes following holidays are inevitable, but there are common sense steps you can take to lower your risk. Austin Public Health leadership recommends that if you're going to travel or gather with a large group, get tested first. Wear a well-fitting mask for large indoor gatherings or when mingling with high-risk individuals. Make sure you know the transmission rates of the community you're traveling to; you'll want to be extra diligent with social distancing and masking if transmission rates are high. Consider dining al fresco ... although as I type this, we're looking at a soggy day in Central Texas.

The holidays are a double-edged sword when you put out a weekly newspaper. Time off means the days leading up and after move at a gallop; we produced this issue in four days, and we'll tackle next week's in three. It's been a little sweaty, but I don't think you can tell in the finished product.

Entirely not by design, we have two stories about creativity and the physical act of creating art. Kevin Curtin and Rachel Rascoe collaborated on our cover story, which profiles six Austin creators turning to digital platforms like TikTok and Twitch to rethink how musicians make and distribute their work, build a fan base, and actually pay the bills doing it.

In a more analog direction, we also have a moving personal essay from Michael Ventura about the drive to keep writing after his doctor issued a dire diagnosis. Longtime readers know Michael from his "Letters at 3AM" column that ran in this paper from 1993 to 2014. For most of that time, Jason Stout illustrated the column, and I'm so happy that he agreed to illustrate this piece as well. It's a real treat to get to revel in Michael's voice again, and to see that voice illuminated by Jason one more time.

Happy Thanksgiving, friends. However you choose to celebrate – or not celebrate! – I hope you get to enjoy a safe and restful time off.

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ONLINE THIS WEEK

Obey @ Long Play Shepard Fairey's artwork, gifted to his pal John Doe, now adorns the walls of Long Play Lounge.

The Rolling Stones Deliver Satisfaction In only their second-ever Austin appearance, the world's most famous rock & roll band blew the proverbial roof off COTA ... but epic traffic and parking woes put a damper on the night for many.

Parquet Court'ing Catastrophe The Brooklyn indie stalwarts brought their divisive, funky new album for a Friday night show at Stubb's.

The Sensual Kitchen RBG filmmaker Julie Cohen explores how Julia Child changed cuisine in her documentary, Julia.

High-End Liquor Roundup Wayne Alan Brenner offers five posh options for your bougiest bar cart.

Resident Evil Goes Back to Basics Director Johannes Roberts discusses his reboot, Welcome to Raccoon City.

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The Austin Chronicle Show on KOOP 91.7FM

This week, Kevin Curtin and Rachel Rascoe talk about musicians finding success online, and Richard Whittaker discusses the big film and TV releases of the season.

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Tune in Fridays, 6pm, to KOOP Community Radio. Past episodes at austinchronicle.com/av.