Welcome to Midnight Donuts!
What is Midnight Donuts?
Midnight Donuts is your one-stop shop for print journalism in this world that we call Christian Hip-Hop! Herein you will find news, interviews, reviews, the whole nine yards. Midnight Donuts exists only in print and will be published quarterly throughout the year. The goal isn’t to supplant existing publications, of course, but rather to carve out a new niche in our space. We’re excited about this project and hope you are too! Questions? Hit us up at midnightdonutszine@gmail.com. Thanks for reading!
What is a zine?
Typically a self-published, DIY, magazine-like publication. Comes in a variety of formats. Super indie. Friend of subcultures. Perfect for our purposes! Pronounced “zeen” like in “magazine.”
Why make a zine?
The internet age induced a mass exodus from physical media. People of all ages have flocked to ebooks, digital photos, blogs, and MP3s—all good and helpful technological advances!—in lieu of their tangible counterparts. As time has gone on, however, the value of physical media (not more valuable than digital, but separately valuable, i.e. valuable in a different way) has become apparent. Anyone following trends in Digital Streaming Platforms like Spotify is likely to have noticed how digitization promotes distance, disconnection, and devaluation.
To give two specific examples:
In 2022, HBO dumped almost 200 episodes of Sesame Street. Why? To cut the cost of paying residuals.
In 2023, Disney+ dropped their heavily-marketed Willow series–that released less than a year ago. Why? To save a few bucks.
In the past 5 years (ish), purchasers are starting to remember the value of physical products—something that’s clearly exemplified by film (like for taking pictures) shortages and the vinyl resurgence. And it’s not just nostalgia prompting this recovery either.
The long and short of it: physical media matters. And it’s only going to matter more in the years to come.
We at Midnight Donuts are convinced of this fact. Since we also care a lot about CHH, it makes sense to want to help reestablish the print infrastructure niche for the CHH community.
How do I get my hands on a copy of Midnight Donuts?
Order yours here!
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