Hello there! This dispatch is exclusively for Train Songz subscribers. I got a number to use for Train Songz purposes. It’s (405) 225-6629. I chose the 405 area code because it’s kinda like “Train 45” – close enough for government work.

Feel free to save that number as “The Conductor” in your phone. Text me if you have cool shit to show me. Text me if you have a question about your subscription or think your issue is lost in the mail.

• If you also want to join this subscriber-only private chat on Instagram, you can do so here. You won’t be missing out on anything serious if you don’t join, but it’s a random feature Instagram has I’m trying out.

Why I got a Train Songz number: I am about 10 months behind on hundreds of Instagram DMs. It’s on my list to catch up before the end of the year, and I will. I used to be really good about keeping up with all of them, but there’s only one of me, and it got to be a lot. I totally gave up after I got laid off in April and had to focus on looking for new work, and I’m still behind because new work is busier than old work. Go figure.

The fact of the matter is that account now has over 26,500 followers. As the follow number grows, so too does the DMs. I care to keep in touch with you as a zine subscribers above all else. I appreciate you and your investment into Train Songz — I love the memes, but the print is what I’m all about.

Once again: (405) 225-6629. My train burner. Subscribers only. It’s not a whole separate phone, just an app on my actual phone hosting a separate number.

This all being said, I will try to be better about Instagram DMs. But need a few weeks there to dig a little deeper in the digital well.

Anyway, if you’re still reading this, join me in watching the Chris Thile and Michael Daves NPR Tiny Desk on this rainy Sunday.

See you at Jalopy Tavern in Brooklyn on Thursday (music starts at 9 PM) if you’re coming to our pre-party or Newark if you’ll be at those shows. Hit me if you hear of any extra GA on Friday or Saturday.

–The Conductor