Hi, I’m Dave Maher, and this is where I pitch you on why you should read this newsletter, Definitive Answers. So let’s take a few approaches. Take your pick of which appeals to you.
Credits
You may know me from:
Performing theatrical one-man comedy shows in Chicago at Edinburgh Fringe
My afterlife interview podcast, This Is Your Afterlife
Writing music news for Pitchfork between 2005 and 2008. This one’s a long shot, but it’s a cool credit and I feel like it gives my music recommendations credibility, maybe?
Interests
Perhaps you’re here for content ONLY, and you wanna make sure I write about stuff you like. Here is a non-exhaustive list of topics you’ll see here:
Comas
Comedy specials
Horror movies
Experimental or pretty music
Music documentaries
Survivor
Police and prison abolition
Creative process
DIY ethics
Sobriety
Disability
Darkness
Hope
Sincerity
This is probably the fifth time I’ve revised this “about” page in the past three years, trying to sum up everything Definitive Answers is, but I can’t. It is many things, and it changes all the time.
I’m not a famous name. I’m a flawed, curious, mischievous, independent comedian with strong opinions about culture, people, and The Way Things Are that come from a unique mix of life experiences (coma + sobriety + evangelical upbringing + music journalism + 20 years performing live + abolitionist organizing, etc).
I value being Not a Dickhead enough to find ways to express those opinions that are helpful, comforting, or at least interesting. I try to squeeze meaning out of everything. I like making light of heavy shit and taking frivolous things too seriously.
If you read this and think, “Yeah, I’d like to hear what Dave is thinking and get some excited recommendations from him every week,” you’ll love Definitive Answers. Did I just sum it up?
