This is the first installment in my new Interview a Blogger series.
John Maglite: What are you listening to right now?
CM Wilcox: At the moment, it’s the Tulare Dust tribute album from 1994. Katy Moffatt’s cover of Hag’s “I Can’t Be Myself.”
Excellent. I love that album.
Yeah, it’s pretty great.
Talk a little about your background.
I was born and raised in California. I’ve been listening to country music ever since a friend turned me on to it in grade school, but have only been seriously studying and collecting since 2002. I graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz earlier this year with a BA in English Literature and decided to start up a little country music blog soon thereafter.
Tell us about the blog.
Well, it began as a place for me to record some of my thoughts… mostly just for myself, since I had 0 readers to start… but it has since developed a pretty decent following. I’ve been surprised at how well it has caught on in such a short time.
What’s it called?
Country California.
That’s the name of my blog.
Yeah, so?
So you’re me?
That’s right.
So you’re interviewing yourself?
Well, someone has to do it…
Why’d you call yourself John Maglite if your name is actually CM Wilcox?
Two reasons. First, this was my first venture into blogging, so I was counting on it being a spectacular flop. Since I considered this a trial run, not an actual beginning, I didn’t give much thought to tying it to a real name. Second, there are quite a few young, fledgling country music blogs out there. Part of the struggle at the beginning is just to be memorable. How many other Maglites do you know?
I see your point. So why are you changing your name now?
Well, Maglite is a brand name. In that regard, it probably wasn’t the wisest choice. Also, I’m hoping to eventually do some work here that I won’t mind claiming.
Can people still call you John Maglite?
Sure, if it makes them happy.
Will you stop interviewing yourself and get back to talking about country music?
Happily. Stay tuned.
Could you be any funnier?! I knew your Maglite name wasn’t real from a comment on Squintydan’s, but I don’t know if I should entirely believe that you have, in fact, revealed your real name now either. I guess I’ll never really know.:)
–Leeann
PS. Top notch interview, by the way. Ha.
Welcome aboard, CM Wilcox.
And a sad farewell to you, John Maglite.
OK, but don’t be surprised if you’re referred to very soon in a national magazine as “John Maglite.”
Whatever could Chris N be eluding to?
I’d say this is an essential interview.
I have no idea, Leeann.
I do have to say that this is probably one of the best interviews in history. It’s like reading an interview and watching Fight Club at the same time.
I told you not to talk about Fight Club! It’s like the first rule.
Adieu, John. Welcome, CM. :)
Chris N., does this mean Country California is going to be featured in Country Weekly?
Best Blog Post of 2008 has a new contender for the crown.
That’s what it means, Carolyn. Pretty exciting, huh?
Sorry, Blake… I think I might have just knocked that Loveless interview off the list entirely. There’s only so much room, you know. :P
I have to wonder who your next interviewee shall be! Where does one go from here?
Okay, so maybe calling it a “series” was a slight overstatement. It will probably just consist of this one post, unless I make a habit of interviewing myself.
Wha’? :( Patty will not be pleased.
John Maglite/CM Wilcox, I would’ve gladly interviewed you and you could’ve avoided the multiple personality exchange.
I mean, at this rate, you might as well just join the unspoken country bloggers’ Facebook Revolution that seems to be going on now.
Take it from a pro, though: if you REALLY want your blog to flop, you have to name it something so weird no one can take it seriously, then discontinue all posting entirely, except for occasional “I’m still alive” entries. And you just generally have to stop writing so well. Once you start getting your only views from obsessive, lyric-searching Billy Ray Cyrus fans, you’re on your way.
@Carolyn: I can say no more.
It’s a little-known fact that Chris is also an editor for O, The Oprah Magazine. This blog will be taking on a new all-inspirational female empowerment format in the next couple weeks. Brace yourselves.
What’s this about a Facebook Revolution? I know it’s unspoken and all, but I’m still surprised that I haven’t heard.
I was actually talking about Playgirl. Sorry about the confusion.
Seems as though one “Trailer” went around on a facebook friending frenzy and now I know what some people’s faces look like. It’s creepy-cool.
I enjoyed this. and dude, CM Wilcox is an awesome name.
yeah, I’m unsure about the facebook thing. On one hand I want to spy on all you guys, on the other I’m not sure I want everyone to be privy to my non-blogging life.
I mean, if you can’t be mysterious online….
I use my real name, so Facebook-add me if you must. I am not ashamed!
Ah. I only use Facebook for people I know in real life. It’s too weird to have worlds intersecting in ways I can’t control.
This is not good. Worlds are colliding! George is getting upset!
Anybody?
Anyway, I’ve added Dan on Facebook because I unfortunately do know him in person. :)
Blake sucks.
George Costanza is cool, though.
I would never join facebook!
Oh…wait…I’ve already added all of you.
Ah…Facebook…