Fig & Mint

Joe Koch

Owner/Editor: Washington, DC

Joe Koch is a scholar and a patriot.  Some have described him as the Interweb's version of the theoretical lovechild between Jim James and Angus MacGyver.  Naysaying aside, he enjoys poetry, attractive women, firm handshakes and the music of the Grateful Dead.  "My eyes are blue but my favorite color is green," he slyly winks to the camera.

John Miller

Managing Editor: Memphis, TN

John Miller likes to read, listen, talk, and use his motor skills in endeavors that while largely unprofitable and occasionally socially questionable, tend to be mildly to extremely amusing and rewarding.  After a vicious bout with legal education and the accompanying insanity, he decided to opt for a less soul-crushing environment.  Thusly, he currently works for an independent record label as a musical sponge, HTML amateur, international deal maker, co-marketing director, artist representative, talent scout, etc.

Gary Sheppard

Managing Editor: Chicago, IL

Gary is a graduate student in English at Depaul University.  He is currently upset at the fact that over 60% of his music library is in digital format (ie. itunes) and is currently in the process of switching back to vinyl.  Yes, BACK to vinyl.  He is also a writer of fiction and enjoys writing epic sagas that include all of the titles of Elizabeth Taylor movies.

He also recently discovered the experimental jazz sounds of the Art Ensemble of Chicago and he enjoys them very much.

You can correct his grammar at GSheppard83@gmail.com

You can read his Salon.com bog here.

Forthcoming from Fig and Mint:

Full-length feature essay on the genius and unfortunate obscurity of The Ronettes.

A short-short story  utilizing all Elizabeth Taylor movie titles entitled "These Old Broads."

A twofer review of Islands albums Return to the Sea and Arm's Way.

A not-so-imaginative essay on the epistemological woes of working in a cubicle and eating lunch from a styrofoam box tentatively titled: "The Marriage of Heaven and Office Work."

Kyle

Managing Editor: Brooklyn, NYC

Kyle is a studious rhythm lover with an eclectic taste for everything from early blues to modern electronica. You'll find him somewhere between happy-hour and closing time, following the drink specials with a secondary hope of hearing a good tune or turning a conversation on its head. Known for a buzz-killing sincerity, his commentary seems to toe the line between clarity and insanity.  He reviews albums on an island, choosing not to approach an artists past work as a reflection on their current endeavors. He says, "Evolve, don't REvolve!"

Frenchy Steinitz

Managing Editor: The Roaring 20s

Crimony sakes, you call that a heater? Tossin' dewdrops like that, we could turn ya loose in a looking-glass factory and ya wouldn't do the goods no harm… Aw, naw! The next soul who sees that one'll be the street sweeper in Schenectady, because it's leaving Baltimore on the High Line. McIlhenny, you eephus! Well, I guess even Polacks has their moments. Next time he's up, though, the pitcher'd better leave him with no place to wear his hat.