Michael Gutierrez is a writer, editor, educator, and media creative.

Call me Mike.

Born in Washington, DC. Raised in Connecticut and Massachusetts. Met my wife while living, studying, and teaching in Chicago. Resettled back in Massachusetts in 2018. Love to cook, bike, read, and hike. Currently I reside in Boston, working as a writer, editor, and freelance creative.

My academic background includes experiences as both student and teacher. I received my BA from Columbia University, my MA from Boston College, and completed coursework towards a PhD in philosophy at Loyola University Chicago before leaving to explore opportunities outside of academic philosophy. Both my teaching and graduate research energies were directed towards topics in phenomenology, ethics, aesthetics, and classical literature.

As a lecturer in philosophy (Loyola University, Dominican University) and ancient literature (DePaul University), I had the opportunity to introduce young minds to big ideas and great texts. I presented research at conferences and seminars around the world. I helped remove barriers to diversity in higher education as a member of the Diversity Committee at the American Society of Aesthetics. Outside the classroom, I volunteered as a judge and moderator at regional undergraduate debate competitions.

I’ve also taught K-12, serving as a teacher, coach, and mentor for middle and high school students at private schools in New England (Eaglebrook School, Meridian Academy). My main subject areas were English and History, though I took a special joy in creating interesting electives like the history of cycling, how to build a gingerbread house, and digital literacy. I also stayed active with debate, establishing or re-establishing debate clubs at two different schools and incorporating nationally-recognized debate curriculum into the program.

Currently, I write (and edit writing) about arts and culture. Music in particular. My writing credits go back a decade, penning pieces for a laundry list of publications, including QRO Magazine, DrownedInSound, Boston Compass, Working Mass, on topics in art, culture, politics, sports and labor.

I’m the music columnist at Cambridge Day. I write a weekly column, highlighting the best sounds coming out of Camberville. I also work behind the scenes at The Big Takeover as the Premieres Editor, curating, copyediting, and publishing a regular mix of exclusive premieres of the best new, emerging, and experimental pop music. I’m a hopeless music junkie.

In 2022 I founded Hump Day News, a Boston-based online news site that focuses on hyper local music coverage. I wear most of the hats at the site: editor-in-chief, writer, videographer, social media manager, you name it. I collaborate with a small team of writers, photographers, and podders as well. Through reviews, interviews, video recaps, and podcasts, Hump Day News covers more live music than any other outlet in Boston. Twice-nominated for Best Music Publication (2023 and 2024, Boston Music Awards) – one day we’ll get that W.

In 2023 I set up Hump Nights, the events wing of Hump Day News, to present and promote local music. Each month fans can win free tickets to a slate of concerts by getting the highest score on our monthly music quiz. (Want to try your luck?) The promotion is one example of the work I’ve done throughout my career, connecting audiences to arts and culture.

I love being a catalyst who helps someone discover a new reason to be excited. I’ve sought out those opportunities in various forms: organizing the Cambridge Day Record Store Walk, marketing the event calendar at Regent Theatre, managing a philosophy conference series at Loyola University, launching a sponsored music concert series for QRO Magazine, and more.

I’m passionate about the work I do because I know, whether I’m writing, teaching, editing or event planning, it’s about more than pushing more “content” down the pipeline. Ultimately, the work is about building community, using the best means available to stir a sense of wonder at the beauty of our shared experience. In troubled times, the beauty of art and ideas, and the relationships we build with others through their celebration, can sustain us.

No surprise, then, that I love to collaborate! Have an idea for a project or initiative that you think I can help progress? Contact me below. Or if you just want to chat, I’m here for that too.