What they're saying about Innocent Words Magazine and Records

From Readers

"I think you're dedication to the indie scene, paired up with mass distribution of the paper on college campuses is not only very passionate, but also a great marketing tool. I like it when business people are able to use their heads, but keep them in line with their hearts, as well...one of the many reasons I admire you and your work."
~ Meghan

"Hey, you guys have to know this by now, but what the hell im gonna say it again. Your just pretty damn awesome. I don't mean to sound like a suck-up, but everything you guys do is killer, and you honesty have to be the best label on this planet."
~ Brian Delaurenti

"I was at U of I for the weekend and I read your awesome story about the Riley’s Hospital for Children Benefit CD. You are certainly an inspiration to musicians. Sorry I missed your cd release party. I attended U of I during the 60's with REO, Dan Fogelberg, and Michael from the Doobey Brothers and Irving Azoff who founded the Eagles, etc.......Boy were those the days."
~ Roz Long

"I'm new to Illinois and I just ran into a copy of your paper - Wow! It's really something...definitely needed in this area."
~ Frances Gateward, Unit for Cinema Studies, University of Illinois

From Bands

"In a media dominated world that is quickly and steadily being taken up by all things corporate, directed at people with the average IQ of a 9-year-old sexually abused child, it's a Godsend to see a renegade magazine that is literate, passionate, opinionated and sucks no big business cock. Keep up the good fight Troy!"
~Hamell on Trial

"Innocent Words... it makes pizza taste that much better! For in-depth, serious rock-n-roll reporting, I turn my dial to Innocent Words. I will NEVER wipe my ass with an issue of Innocent Words magazine – it’s that good!"
~ Kevin J. Frank (Haymarket Riot)

"Music really matters to Troy at Innocent Words. He takes music’s importance in life seriously and I think that is really important."
~ Jack Irons (drummer, Red Hot Chili Peppers Pearl Jam)

"Keeping an independent label afloat is almost as difficult as keeping an independent magazine in circulation. The fact that Innocent Words has done both for so long is a testament to their commitment to underappreciated local and national music."
~Rick Valentin (Poster Children)

"Troy's sincere love of music and steadfast belief that it can be a life-altering force becomes apparent in reading Innocent Words. But he is a Packer fan. For this, he cannot be forgiven."
~ Matt Talbott (Centuar and Hum)

"I felt the interview you did with me was one of the more interesting I’ve done. You showed genuine interest about the topic and providing your magazine with good content, not just filling pages with crap you think people find cool. It was refreshing to have that sincerity.
~ Nat (Transistor Transistor)

From Record Labels

"IW magazine and records is one of the hardest working labels in the Mid-West."
~ Hieu @ Aesthetic Records

"It is impressive to see a regional paper reach out and cover national artists and events. And what a kind-hearted soul Troy Michael is. He really cares about his artists and making a positive impact."
~ Dylan @ Badman Records

"Innocent Words is the voice of Illinois rock music, tirelessly supporting all genres of music with style and enthusiasm. The staff is committed to community activism as well, making them a dual threat as promoters!"
~ Heather @ Bloodshot Records

"Troy Michael is so cool, I wish he was my dad. In fact, I think he might be. Innocent Words has changed my life in ways I can’t even begin to describe here without rupturing a spleen. I’ve been an admirer of Troy Michael since his days with Poison. I love that song "Every Rose Has A Thorn." He’s a genius, that Troy Michael. A musical genius, I tell you. Wait…maybe that was Brett. Ummmm… never mind."
~ Jeff Matlow @ Crank! A Record Company

"Innocent Words is one of the few zines out there that doesn't annoy the holy living crap out of me... which in this business says a lot. And Troy Michael likes pants and cheese almost as much as I do, although I am more partial to the pants, while he favors the cheese. I mean, most zines make me want to kill myself, but with Innocent Words, I only feel slightly nauseous. And that's good."
~ A. Friend

"But seriously folks, in a scene where more and more emphasis is placed on glossy, cardboard-cutout bands and their ever-changing hairstyles - style over substance, if you will - it's comforting to know that magazines like Innocent Words exist and continue to fight the good fight."
~ Chuck @ Contraphonic Records"You cannot hope to find a more sincere or interested music lover than Troy Michael."
~ Kim Coletta @ DeSoto Records

"If you want to find sincerity, passion and care in the music industry please check out Innocent Words Magazine & Records. Troy Michael is a stand up guy that you would be honored to call your friend and his magazine and label illustrate why."
~ Louis Posen, Hopeless Records/Sub City

Innocent Word's approach to its music coverage is a sincere and earnest one. Keep up the fight Troy!"
~David Bosch @ KOCH Records

"Innocent Words has always been a great supporter of indie labels and bands and Kung Fu Records is proud to be a part of it!"
~ Sandra @ Kung Fu Records

"Even though he doesn't like pudding (and I usually cannot trust non-pudding-lovers), I still adore Troy and all of his Innocent Words. All of the creamy goodness you want in your music news and none of the stomachache!!"
~ Alicia @ Lookout Records

"Any publication brave enough to put King's X on their cover deserves the attention of discerning music fans everywhere."
~ Jeff @ Muze Inc.

"With the proliferation of magazines and websites that cover music it is hard to know where to go for quality, educated features, reviews and interviews. One source you can count on is Innocent Words. We, as a label, can submit our records for review knowing that they will receive a thoughtful and productive review."
~ Ryan @ Redemption Records

"Where would we be without Troy and Innocent Words? He's a walkin' talkin' RBR-promotin' machine! Seriously, his support of Righteous Babe Records is truly appreciated. It's rare to work with a writer who is willing to set aside musical biases and give new music a fair shake."
~Susan @ Righteous Babe Records

"Troy and Innocent Words Magazine have always been a great pleasure to work with and I look forward to each issue!"
~ Suzi Akyuz @ Sanctuary Records

"Innocent Words, though not completely Innocent, are totally serious about the "Words" part. They’re one of the best smaller mags in the country, especially when they write about Sub Pop bands and send me bottles of Boone’s Farm in the mail (hey, they’re on a budget.)"
~ Joan Hiller, Publicist, Sub Pop Records.

"Innocent Words Magazine saved my house and my marriage. When Thick Records switched from punk to muzzak, Innocent Words offered us the chance to directly reach that tight-assed, Caucasian, 50-something, corporate executive demographic we'd been striving for."
~ Mark @ Thick Records

"Innocent Words is an easy choice to make when you want good music and integrity combined. Sometimes its hard finding both of those as a package. It’s been a pleasure working with Innocent!"
~ Ryan @ Vagrant Records

"Innocent Words is a magazine run by music lovers, for music lovers, with all of the best intentions kept in tact. They really care about music, and do not distort their words to cater to that black hearted music industry....Innocent Words is a breath of fresh air in a world full of capitalism, and consumer oriented publications. Thank you Troy - keep fightin' the good fight!"
-Lily Olive, Yep Roc Records, Director of Publicity

LEGALITIES - Innocent Words Magazine is published multiple times per year and assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or artwork. Reproduction of the contents of this website and/or past printed issue is strictly prohibited without the consent of the writer and/or publisher.