Jeff Elder Isn't Real is a Substack by writer and musician Jeff Elder, a place where the curtain is half open. Part memoir, part creative process, part cultural observation. Warm, honest, and a little strange. Just like life.

In this episode, Jeff reads his latest post, "Goodbye, Old Friend" — episode 23 of his ongoing Substack. Today marks the release of I'm A Star: The Remixes and the completion of the Starr Love audiobook, which also means saying goodbye to a story Jeff has carried around for over thirty years. Plus, a look at what's coming this fall, including a synth vocal project, a licensing album, an animated series about a dog named Sipsey, and the next book already taking shape.

Audio credits:Intro/Outro music: Seasons in the Sun by Terry Jacks

Subscribe to Jeff Elder Isn't Real on Substack for new posts every week, including audio versions of most every essay.

Jeff Elder Isn't Real is a Substack by writer and musician Jeff Elder, a place where the curtain is half open. Part memoir, part creative process, part cultural observation. Warm, honest, and a little strange. Just like life.

In this episode, Jeff reads his latest post, "Just Sign Here" — episode 22 of his ongoing memoir. It's about closing the John chapter for good. The damned house. The corporation he signed onto because someone needed a signature. The unpaid taxes nobody knew about. The New York trip that killed the bar. The gay mafia who camped outside his house. The friends who weren't. And somehow, in the middle of all of it, two records and a new Mike. It's the end of one era and the beginning of something better.

Audio credits:Intro/Outro music: Faith by Trust

Subscribe to Jeff Elder Isn't Real on Substack for new posts every week, including audio versions of most every essay.

Jeff Elder Isn't Real is a Substack by writer and musician Jeff Elder, a place where the curtain is half open. Part memoir, part creative process, part cultural observation. Warm, honest, and a little strange. Just like life.

In this episode, Jeff reads his latest post, "Minute by Minute" — episode 21 of his ongoing memoir. It's about 1993, the decline, and the decision to stay. AZT that didn't work. Drinking that got sloppy. A dude ranch trip that went sideways in the middle of the night. A psych ward. A pen that produced words that didn't exist. Hospice at home. And a quiet hospital room where Jeff held someone he loved as he died. This one is heavy. But it ends with gratitude, and a reminder to hold the people you love a little tighter.

Audio credits: Intro/Outro music: Minute by Minute by The Doobie Brothers

Subscribe to Jeff Elder Isn't Real on Substack for new posts every week, including audio versions of most every essay.