Reed Fischer named new music editor of City Pages

Photo by Ian Witlen

Incoming City Pages music editor Reed Fischer

​As we near the end of 2011, big changes are in the air for Gimme Noise and the City Pages music section. After holding down the position of music editor for almost four years, I've decided to pursue an opportunity outside the company and will wrap up my stint here on Wednesday, January 4.

Starting January 9, I will move to Minnesota Public Radio to fill a new music journalism position that has been created at the Current. You can find more details here.

It wasn't a decision I made lightly. I've spent the past few years cultivating not only a locally focused print music section but an online community under the Gimme Noise name, and we've been in the trenches documenting some of the most exciting developments in Twin Cities music in recent memory. It's important to me that Gimme Noise stays strong when I walk away, and I'm relieved to report that I'm leaving the blog and my corner of the paper in capable hands.

Music fans of the Twin Cities, meet your new music editor, Reed Fischer. Reed was born and raised by musical parents in Northfield, Minnesota, and has most recently worked as the music editor of New Times Broward-Palm Beach in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Over the past two years he helped the Broward paper create their own music blog, County Grind, which won a third place AltWeekly award for best music blog this year. He received a master's in journalism from the University of Missouri, and has written for Rolling Stone, Village Voice, Alternative Press, CMJ, and Paste.

Reed says he is excited to return to his hometown to continue his career as a music journalist and editor here at City Pages, and he's prepared to hit the ground running upon his arrival.

"I spent the first 18 years of my life in Minnesota, and City Pages was my initial cultural lifeline," Reed says. "Moving to the Twin Cities is a return to the slush-soaked dance floors that nurtured my love of live music in the first place, and it's the honor of my life to join the Twin Cities' staggeringly talented community of music journalists. Quoting Prince: 'I can't disguise the beating of my heart/ It beats so strong.'"

See what I mean? Something tells me Reed and the Twin Cities scene are going to get along famously.

To all of you who have become active readers, voices, and participants in the Gimme Noise community over these past few years: Thank you. This job has provided me an incredible opportunity, and I couldn't have done it without all of you running alongside me. Pick up the January 4 issue of City Pages for my parting words to readers.

And on behalf of all of us here at Gimme Noise and City Pages, welcome Reed!