Hello internet, welcome to Ruined Music. We’re still tinkering with technology and reading through our first round of submissions, but we wanted to launch the site now, despite its proto-form, so we could smash these bottles of fauxpagne against our computers.

A word about submissions: bring ‘em!

Another word about submissions: many of you have asked us about the limits of our theme. Initially we asked for stories about songs that were ruined by bad memories of an ex-girlfriend or boyfriend, but if you want to, you know, stretch the boundaries, go for it. Did your roommate, brother, neighbor, bandmate, mom, or pet hamster ruin a song you used to like? Tell us about it, in fewer than 1,000 witty words. While we’re partial to stories focusing on the aftermath of wrecked romances, we’re certainly open to other interpretations of “ruined music,” if that’s what you’ve got. But no matter what, we hope that by sharing your story with us - and with the internet public - you’ll experience a cathartic healing and be able to reclaim your record collection.

Thanks for reading. Tell your friends. Send us your questions, comments, and muffin recipes: info@ruinedmusic.com. Send those stories: submit@ruinedmusic.com.

Love and 45s,
Bryan & Mary

ps. Just so we’re clear - we aren’t looking for music reviews or criticism. Personal essays only, and keep your story focused on the relationship, its aftermath, and the ruination of a particular song, album, or artist. This will cut down on the number of times we ask you to re-write your essay, which will save time and energy and the internet equivalent of trees!

pps. Just so we’re clearer than ice, remember, essays are subject to mild editing to improve clarity and awesomeness. We might even ask you to do a re-write, tweak, or polish if you’ve got a great story that just needs a little work. Why? Because quality is job #1. Rocking is job #1.5. That’s our promise to you, dear readers.