This whole thing started as an Instagram meme page called @train_songz.

Once that started picking up steam, I decided to turn my little audience onto my true love: print media.

That idea, born of a meme page, became the eponymous train_songz zine, which is published at the end of Billy Strings' seasonal tours. Summer '24 marks the fourth issue.

The first issue in January sold out of 550 copies. It was a handmade, eight-page zine printed at home.

The second issue in April sold out of 1,750 copies. I tried to make a 12-page zine at home with some fancy machines like a paper-folder and a booklet stapler...but I eventually got overwhelmed and had to work with a print shop.

The third issue in June sold out of 2,750 copies. It was professionally printed and bound. Unlike the first two issues, more people involved than just the two of us. It started to become a real group project, by and for Billy Strings fans.

So here we are on the fourth issue, which examines and reflects on Billy Strings' summer '24 tour...with some other non-Billy surprises in there, as well.

The cover artists were given the theme of "Ol' Zinefoot," combining "Ole Slew Foot" and "Leadfoot," one of the singles off Billy Strings new record, "Highway Prayers."

I'm sure I'll say this every time, but this feels like the best zine yet. It's come such a long way since January, and I'm incredibly proud to work with the talented and dedicated folks below:

Art Director … Liza (@liza_chaplin) Copy Editor … Brakeman (@freight_train_boogier) Cover Artist … Logan Walker (@logan.walker.art) Caboose Artist … R.E.B. (@darkstaratlas) Hand-Carved Stamp ... Casey (@caseyart__) Engineers … Austin, Noraflora, Crewman Cort Sr. Slow Train Surveyor … Lexi Borb Vibe Stylist … Big Train Puzzler … Tara (@swamptroll) Choo-Choo Advisor … Chessie Creative Designer … Harley Denise (@harleydenise_)

$$ THE ZINE IS PAY WHAT YOU WANT $$

I want this to be accessible to all, which is why payment is open-ended and even $0 works. I suggest $7 to help me break even and re-invest all profits back into future zines, but you can pay more or less based on what it's worth to you and what you're able to give.

Those who have gotten past issues of the zine know that the quality has improved pretty dramatically, and that's because I reinvest all profits back into the zine.

When paying...please keep in mind: • Each complete mailed envelope costs me about $3 • That price does not include my own time • I don't charge extra for shipping • Platform + credit card fees take about 15% of sale • All zine contributors are paid • Your contribution is invested back into the zine