Origin Story
When I first started YouTube, my goal was simple: create another way to promote my writing and connect with readers. However, I quickly discovered that I was a little inexperienced when it came to the world of BookTube and, in many ways, I didn’t quite fit the traditional mold.
I don’t read books quickly enough to keep up with a constant review schedule. I tend to support indie authors more than mainstream releases, and I simply don’t have the time to chase every new book trend. Instead of forcing my channel into something that didn’t feel natural, I started experimenting with different types of content.
That’s when music reactions and concert footage began finding a home on the channel. Although I still talk about my writing, share updates, and post the occasional book Short, music has become one of the most enjoyable parts of my social media journey. From discovering new artists through reactions to sharing live concert and festival moments, the channel has grown into something much different and much broader than I originally imagined.
I’m still learning, experimenting, making changes, and growing throughout my YouTube journey. Part of that growth means finding better ways to organize the channel and help viewers discover the content they enjoy most. That’s why I’ve been working on new thumbnails and updated playlists, while also giving some of my older playlists a fresh look. Each playlist represents a different side of Polar Press Presents, from books and writing to music reactions, live performances, concert footage, and more.
So, take a look around! Find the playlist that speaks to your or check them all out. You never know what you might discover next. The channel may have started with books, but the story is still being written.
Raise Your Horns
Here are the two playlists that really started it all for Polar Press Presents. If you love metal, rock, punk, or Celtic music, this is the place to start.
These playlists bring together my music reactions and live concert clips, featuring everything from familiar favorites to new artists and unexpected discoveries. Whether you’re here for the reactions or the energy of live music, crank it up and Raise Your Horns!
A Pleasant Surprise
The journey continued to evolve, and viewer recommendations played a huge role in where it went next. I originally wanted to broaden my perspective on bands within the metal genre, but viewers soon encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone and explore country, bluegrass, and K-pop music.
I didn’t hesitate to take the opportunity. After all, one of the best ways to grow is by listening to others and willing to learn along the way.
I owe the K-pop and bluegrass communities a tremendous amount of thanks for their patience, knowledge, recommendations, and continued support. Discovering this music has been an incredible experience, but learning about the artists, songs, and cultures surrounding it directly from passionate fans has made the journey even more meaningful.
What started as music reactions has become an opportunity to discover new genres, challenge my own musical expectations, and connect with communities I may never have encountered otherwise. And there is still plenty more to discover.
What was missing from Social Media
I want to be clear that I’m not trying to criticize the book community, and I hope nothing I’ve shared comes across that way. I’m speaking solely from my own experience as an author navigating social media. There are many incredible readers, authors, and supporters within the community who continue to do amazing things.
For me, however, trying to find my place within the online book community eventually began to feel like I was putting myself into a bubble. I felt pressure to focus almost exclusively on book and writing content. At times, I even encountered reader frustration when I couldn’t provide free copies of my books.
Over time, those experiences began to affect how I viewed myself and my abilities as an author. Of all my experiences on social media, my time trying to establish an author-focused presence had one of the biggest impacts on my mindset. I realized I needed to step outside that bubble and give myself permission to create content about everything I enjoy.
That’s where YouTube changed things for me.
Creating All Things Saur and The VHS Generation
YouTube gave me the freedom to create All Things Saur and, more recently, The VHS Generation. These playlists allow me to bring together interests that don’t fit into one traditional category.
From movies, music, books, and writing to education, zoos, nostalgia, personal experiences, and tributes to those we’ve lost, these playlists represent more of who I am beyond an author. Most importantly, they helped remove the creative boundaries I had placed around myself. Instead of worrying about whether every post fits into a specific niche, I can share the things I’m genuinely passionate about.
Ironically, stepping outside that bubble didn’t mean leaving books or writing behind. It simply gave them room to exist alongside everything else I love. And for the first time in a long time, social media became fun again.
Visit these playlists to explore a little bit of everything that makes Polar Press Presents unique, from movies, music, books, and writing to education, nostalgia, tributes, and more. All Things Saur and The VHS Generation are where passions collide, memories come alive, and there’s always something different to discover.
Stay Tuned
From the YouTube playlists that started it all with metal, rock, punk, and Celtic music reactions to unexpected journeys into K-pop, country, and bluegrass, Polar Press Presents has grown into something far beyond what I originally imagined. Playlists like All Things Saur and The VHS Generation have also given me the freedom to explore movies, books, writing, nostalgia, and so much more.
Each playlist represents a different part of my YouTube journey, shaped not only by my interests but also by the recommendations, knowledge, and support of viewers along the way. There is still much more to explore, so stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll dive into even more Polar Press Presents playlists, content, and the continuing evolution of the channel!