Each year at SPB we reach out to the wide stable of artists, labels and other music scene folks to find out what their take was on the year just finished. This time around we've spoken to over 40 bands and label owners to hear about their favourite records of the year, what's coming up from them in 2018, and their take on 2017's political/social conflicts.
Here's a quick sample of what to expect – click below to continue reading as we pass the mic to artists and labels for 2017.
"It's been rough witnessing what's happened to our country over the last year. But it makes playing music more important than ever. We have a platform to stand up for what we believe in."
"I don’t give a shit about the modern world, it’s just depressing. I live for dreamlife and the world of the night. It just makes me go farther out, I’ll create the world I want to live in with music."
"I found the band Samiam this year, sorta. I had known one song of theirs for many years, but I stumbled across their record called You Are Freaking Me Out a few months ago and I wish I had listened to it when I was a kid. It has all the things I like hearing."
Adam Carroll (Good Friend)
1. What are your top five albums that were released in 2017? (In order 1-5)
This was tough there were a couple extras I wanted to add in. (The Flatliners and The Lillingtons)
The Menzingers - After The Party
Nothington - In The End
Sincere Engineer - Rhombithian
Shinobi Fantobi - Dogs in Pubs with Clothes on
I Like Allie - s/t
2. What band did you discover in 2017 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
I am not sure there was a band that had a singificant influence on my life. But these bands got me through 2017 intact.
PUP, Turnover, Direct Hit!, Julien Baker, The Copyrights, Creeper, and Violent Soho.
3. How will you remember 2017? (In terms of music)
It will always been remembered by me as the year we met MakeWar and for the three weeks we spent taking on America together for the first time on the Red Scare, League of Nations Tour. It was definitely a year of firsts for us and we want to continue that in the future.
4. What can we look forward to from you in 2018?
We are going to Europe around spring time and getting some more miles under our belt. Hopefully we get back to the States later in the year too. We are currently writing a new album which we will be recording this year. We're busy, it's exciting and we are gonna kick the dick clean off it!
5. What records are you looking forward to most in 2018?
I am really looking forward to the Steveo & the Crippling Addictions record, Desolation Monday out in January. We got to hear a few of the songs when we played together in The Tin Roof, Charleston, SC together and I can't wait to hear them on record.
The new Xcerts album will be out too. From the snippets it sounds like there are more hooks than a pirate convention.
6. For most, 2017 will be remembered as a year of political and social conflict. How does that cultural atmosphere influence your own music or artistic life?
I think everyone has a responsibility as a musician to document their place in time. Things have been kind of crazy all over this year with Trump, Brexit, and the Irish border issue, The collapse of the government in Northern Ireland, The spread of the alt right, The Cholera outbreak in Yemen, Catalans struggle for independence, the continued terror campaign by ISIL, The end of Mugabe's dictatorship, the deaths of Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, and Tom Petty, North Korea's Nuclear tactics and probably best not mention Russia... They probably already know we have mentioned them... But historically with political and social turmoil comes a creative outpouring from the world and a new movement so at least we can look forward to that. We certainly have a lot of material to work with...
André Foisy (Locrian)
1. What are your top five albums that were released in 2017? (In order 1-5)
I don't have a top five, but here are some albums that I have enjoyed:
Arca – s/t
Gnaw – Cutting Pieces
Fever Ray – Plunge
Godflesh – Post Self
Pharmakon – Contact
2. What band did you discover in 2017 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
I didn't discover them this year, but I have listened to Public Image Ltd a lot. I'm particularly impressed by Keith Levene's guitar playing. I love how hypnotic is is.
3. How will you remember 2017? (In terms of music)
I will remember 2017 as being a total blur.
4. What can we look forward to from you in 2018?
I expect that we will record a new Locrian album in 2018 and it will either be released in late 2018 or early 2019.
5. What records are you looking forward to most in 2018?
Anything on Utech Records.
6. For most, 2017 will be remembered as a year of political and social conflict. How does that cultural atmosphere influence your own music or artistic life?
The current atmosphere demonstrates that musicians and artists need to help inspire conversations about pressing issues, which may be uncomfortable, but that need to happen.
Andrew Grant (The Vomit Arsonist/DHIM/Danvers State Recordings)
1. What are your top five albums that were released in 2017? (In order 1-5)
Gnaw - Cutting Pieces
Primitive Man - Caustic
Trepaneringsritualen - Kainskult
Shock Frontier - Tumult
Dean Hurley - Anthology Resource Vol. 1: ??
2. What band did you discover in 2017 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
Chelsea Wolfe. I'd heard all about her, but I never bothered to listen to her music until recently. It was a rainy, cold, miserable day and I was looking for something to listen to that matched that atmosphere. I'm mad at myself for not listening sooner, especially knowing how many times I've missed seeing her live.
3. How will you remember 2017? (In terms of music)
I released one CD and a tape of my own work, and a few tapes for other projects. I played one show on my own, and three or four as a member of other groups. I was far less productive this year than I've been in years past, outwardly, but I've spent a lot of time retooling things, fine tuning whatever skills I may have, experimenting with different setups and instruments.. It's been a studio year.
4. What can we look forward to from you in 2018?
A collaboration with THEOLOGIAN, The Icy Bleakness of Things, which will be released on cassette in early spring. The Further cassette will see the light of day early in the year. Possibly a new full length, although that could take the entire year just to write. I'm hoping to do a short tour somewhere in the US toward the end of the year, although I'd prefer to hit finally hit Europe.
5. What records are you looking forward to most in 2018?
Whatever Richard D. James releases, KINTAAN's self-titled debut, new Gnaw Their Tongues... and probably a ton of hip hop that I can't think of right now.
6. For most, 2017 will be remembered as a year of political and social conflict. How does that cultural atmosphere influence your own music or artistic life?
I find the world to be more disgusting and reprehensible than I ever have before. That's what the political and social climate of this year has done for me. It's made me more negative, more cynical, more bitter, and it's completely removed any small glimmer of hope I may have had. This has all been very beneficial in when it comes to writing bleak music; instead of using how badly I feel about myself as my main influence, I've expanded outward into feeling completely disgusted with the human condition and using that. As long as the world keeps going to shit, I'll have no shortage of music to write.
AWMA
1. What are your top five albums that were released in 2017? (In order 1-5)
answers by Conor Devlin and Jason Lakis.
Conor: The only record I bought in 2017 that was released in 2017 was Krallice. So that's my top 1-5.
2. What band did you discover in 2017 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
Conor: King Crimson's entire output, generally, and Joni Mitchell's Court and Spark, particularly. Significance: Crimson's daring and Mitchell's song structures.
Jason: I like that new Omni LP. Con got me to pull out all my old King Crimson LPs.
3. How will you remember 2017? (In terms of music)
Conor: I don't know what happened in music in 2017. Was it good? Seeing Opeth three times is what I'll remember most.
Jason: King Gizzard put out FOUR full-length albums. Hot Snakes in SF. Recording and Mixing in Berkeley.
4. What can we look forward to from you in 2018?
Conor: We'll finish a full-length and maybe play some shows. It's hard since we live in two continents.
5. What records are you looking forward to most in 2018?
Conor: I'd be happy to see new records from Opeth, Deathspell Omega, Krallice, Mutilation Rites and Scott Walker.
Jason: the new Hot Snakes
6. For most, 2017 will be remembered as a year of political and social conflict. How does that cultural atmosphere influence your own music or artistic life?
Conor: It doesn't affect how I write music or create art in any way.
Benjamin Guerry (The Great Old Ones)
1. What are your top five albums that were released in 2017? (In order 1-5)
Wolves in the Throne Room - Thrice Woven
Leprous - Malina
Igorrr - Savage Sinusoide
Mastodon - Emperor of Sand
Der Weg Einer Freiheit - Finistere
2. What band did you discover in 2017 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
It's not black metal at all, and it's not really a discovery because I already knew him with Strapping Young Lad but I think Devin Townsend had a big impact in my life this year. I never tried before to listen to his solo songs and I'm totally addicted now. There is a true dramatic feeling in his voice especially in song like "Stormbending," that touches directly my heart.
3. How will you remember 2017? (In terms of music)
It's the year of the release of our new album, EOD - A Tale of Dark Legacy, so it will always be an important year for me, and for all the band of course. We prepared us a lot, and tried to make a completely accomplished album.
I have to add that I'm writing these answers backstage during our tour with Gaahls Wyrd. It's an amazing experience to tour with this great black metal icon.
4. What can we look forward to from you in 2018?
We will make the most gigs we can; we love that. I almost finish to composing the new album so maybe studio at the end of the year!
5. What records are you looking forward to most in 2018?
I'm really looking about the new Portal album. The first extract shows that we must expect a new monument of madness.
6. For most, 2017 will be remembered as a year of political and social conflict. How does that cultural atmosphere influence your own music or artistic life?
Because I write music and lyrics about litterature, it's a little disconnect of the reality, and so actuality. But there is always a sort of melancoly in the music of The Great Old Ones so all the mondial conflicts, the new items of murders and rapings, the stupidity of some political leaders influence certainly our desire to make angry and oniric music. It's the best way to expel all these things.
Bobby Hussy (The Hussy/Fire Heads/Cave Curse/Kind Turkey Records)
1. What are your top five albums that were released in 2017? (In order 1-5)
ISS - Endless Pussyfooting
My favorite new band in forever. Confrontational, edgy and dancey punk rock. Most songs are based around drum samples from '70s and '80s punk, kraut and goth staples such as The Cure, Faust, and the Slits. This is the most unique record I've heard in half a decade at least.
Peter Perret - How The West Was Won
Ex The Only Ones first album in fifteen years. Fantastic meandering rock with conversationalist vocals. Opening track is an awesome reworking of "Sweet Jane."
Wood Chickens - Countrycide
Meat Puppets meets Minutemen meets Dead Milkmen.This record has it all! Rock, surf, psych, country, punk, hardcore, speedy indie, and everything in between. Madison's finest local band.
Vacation - Southern Grass/The Continuation Of Rock N Roll
Probably the best underground punk band in the country currently. Just got off a tour supporting the Breeders. This band has written some of the finest catchy punk-pop songs over the last decade. Their new record is two volumes, and both are completely essential and work off of each other extremely well. Lo-fi experiments interspersed between the catchy fist pumpers.
The Smells - Manure Spreader
Local country punks. Angular Jesus Lizard guitar meets the lo-fi rock of GBV with a dash of slacker indie along the lines of early Pavement. Home recorded by the band in true DIY fashion.
2. What band did you discover in 2017 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
ISS - Best new band in forever. Well I had known the dudes in it from their previous projects...most notably Whatever Brains, who I had booked in Madison about 5 years ago. Really great band!
3. How will you remember 2017? (In terms of music)
The year everything went pretty synthy. Lot more excellent synth happening. Kind of an end of an era for Garage-Rock I think.
4. What can we look forward to from you in 2018?
The first Hussy live LP ever! Then maybe a new Hussy LP full of new tracks. The Cave Curse record just came out but it's basically gonna be coming out on January 13th in Madison. That's when I have the release show planned.
5. What records are you looking forward to most in 2018?
The new Wood Chickens record I've been recording for a month, the new Proud Parents record I've been recording for a year, and the No Hoax record that I've been recording for 2 years. As for records I'm not working on: The new Digital Leather record, probably a new Sneaks record. Who knows. We'll see what's in store when it comes around.
6. For most, 2017 will be remembered as a year of political and social conflict. How does that cultural atmosphere influence your own music or artistic life?
I try to use my pent up anger and energy as a catalyst for creating music. I never have been much of a politically charged music guy so I try to keep politics out of my music but I know that for a lot of people it's a good way to get it out as well. it's just not for me. I'd rather use the energy playing and beating up a guitar and whatnot, but maybe not base my band and lyrics around politics.
Curran Reynolds (Body Stuff)
1. What are your top five albums that were released in 2017? (In order 1-5)
TV Baby - Dignity Don't Dance
Code Orange - Forever
Jay-Z - 4:44
Martin Rev - Demolition 9
Analepsy - Atrocities from Beyond
2. What band did you discover in 2017 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
I saw Ian Svenonius' new solo act, Escape-ism, a couple times. Really inspiring to see him rocking with so much heart after all these years. Also been enjoying the ascent of Bhad Bhabie.
3. How will you remember 2017? (In terms of music)
Playing Body Stuff shows around NYC and beginning the recording of Body Stuff 3.
4. What can we look forward to from you in 2018?
Body Stuff 3
5. What records are you looking forward to most in 2018?
Not sure if they have new albums coming up in 2018 but I can only hope: Jesus Piece, The Soft Moon, Olivia Neutron-John, Neon Music, Chorizo, Lansing-Dreiden.
6. For most, 2017 will be remembered as a year of political and social conflict. How does that cultural atmosphere influence your own music or artistic life?
Heightened sense of how precious every day is.
Dark/Light
1. What are your top five albums that were released in 2017? (In order 1-5)
Mr Wrong - Babes in Boyland
Public Eye - Relaxing Favorites
Dead Moon - What A Way To See The Old Girl Go
Kendrick Lamar - DAMN
SZA - ctrl
2. What band did you discover in 2017 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
Well, we are all really into music, so we're each constantly discovering new and old stuff and digging into old stuff we knew about but maybe hadn't sunk our teeth into in a while...It's a non-stop adventure of of finding something, getting hyped, zoning out on it, and then hearing something else to get psyched on - it's been a really great and inspiring year for that. It's all significant, each in their own ways, but largely because of killer songs and pure emotional and sonic impact. Here are some that have affected us this year: C.O.M.A., William Onyeabor, Irreversible Entanglements, Roxy Music, the Jesus and Mary Chain, Green River demos, The Raincoats, Younger Lovers, VOG, Macho Boys, Gag, VHS, Pere Ubu, Alice Bag...on and on and on...
3. How will you remember 2017? (In terms of music)
2017 was a great year for live music, both locally in Portland, and for us traveling (our bassist flew to Australia just to see shows!). Seeing amazing live performances by the classic artists who inspired us: Patti Smith, Iggy Pop, Television, Pere Ubu...There were some great fucking local reunion gigs put together to benefit our good buddy Jonnycat, who is battling cancer - The Spits, The Observers, Sleepwalkers R.I.P., Defect Defect, the Minds, The Epoxies...all total ragers. It was great to see the local music scene evolve, both in terms of bands taking their art/craft to a new level, and just the atmosphere in general at shows. Felt like every show we played there were bands that blew our minds, rooms full of friends and soon-to-be-friends, and just an intensity - or urgency, that has maybe been building up for a while. Plus It also seems like there weren't quite as many boring yuppie fucks staring at their phones this year, which is a total bonus.
4. What can we look forward to from you in 2018?
We will be releasing a 4-song 7" EP on Dirt Cult Records, hopefully by summer, and will be doing lots of touring up and down the west coast! Can't wait!
5. What records are you looking forward to most in 2018?
Roxy Music first LP reissue, A TON of local releases by bands we love:The Stops (2nd LP), Cool Flowers, Mannequin Hand, Remnants, Era Bleak demo...
6. For most, 2017 will be remembered as a year of political and social conflict. How does that cultural atmosphere influence your own music or artistic life?
LOTS of benefit shows!
Deanna Belos (Sincere Engineer)
1. What are your top five albums that were released in 2017? (In order 1-5)
The Menzingers - After The Party
Protomartyr - Relatives In Descent
Iron Chic - You Can't Stay Here
Oliver Houston - Whatever Works
Meat Wave - The Incessant
2. What band did you discover in 2017 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
I found the band Samiam this year, sorta. I had known one song of theirs for many years, but I stumbled across their record called You Are Freaking Me Out a few months ago and I wish I had listened to it when I was a kid. It has all the things I like hearing. Also, Doolittle by Pixies. I'm real late to that game, too.
3. How will you remember 2017? (In terms of music)
Some things I'll remember about 2017: I put out my own record, called Rhombithian, on my favorite record label. I attended and played at Fest for the first time. I experienced The Hold Steady at the Empty Bottle in Chicago. It was 1,000 degrees. All of my bestest friends were there with me and there was a lot of confetti. It was beautiful.
4. What can we look forward to from you in 2018?
I want to play around the US as much as possible in the coming year, and hopefully write some new songs in the process.
5. What records are you looking forward to most in 2018?
Brendan Kelly & The Wandering Birds, The Brokedowns, Red City Radio, The Sidekicks, Turnspit
6. For most, 2017 will be remembered as a year of political and social conflict. How does that cultural atmosphere influence your own music or artistic life?
To be honest, those things don't particularly influence my music or song writing. That being said, it is very hard to, on a daily basis, not feel depressed, scared, and appalled at the things that have been happening lately in this country.
del-Toros
1. What are your top five albums that were released in 2017? (In order 1-5)
answers by Sicco (bass), Guido (guitar) en Ton (drums)
Sicco:
Liam Gallagher – As You Were
Arno De Cea And The Clockwork Wizards – Flash Freezing The Sun
InHeaven - InHeaven
Powertrip - Nightmare Logic
Obituary - Obituary
Guido:
Heath Green & the Makeshifters - s/t
Disastroid - Screen
Dead Cross - s/t
Death Alley - Live at Roadburn
Da Captain Trips - Adventures in the Upsidedown
2. What band did you discover in 2017 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
Guido: I still discover gems in music history.
There is this band from the '80s called Alter Natives they're from Virginia and basically all members from GWAR. I've been listening a lot to their 4th and last album Buzz (SST ‘89) It's an amazing redivinition of surf-punk. If it can be catagorized at all.
Sicco: I discover still a lot of music, both new and old. A little less than when I wrote for music mags, but still. I love Travis Meadows. Americana/ Country artist. He's been around for a while, but I just discovered his music. Impulse Mannslaughter. Crossover metal band from the mid-eighties. I've always been a big metal fan. I was a tape trader in the 80ies. Sometimes I still discover some bands from that period. Most of the time because I buy them somewhere on vinyl (2nd hand). Same goes for Watchtower (Energetic Disassembly). Another great band is Bario Tiger. Really love their new album Ave Maria.
3. How will you remember 2017? (In terms of music)
Guido: Still discovering older bands, most new releases are things iIve heard before, but not better. Some make it their own and blend it into something new. But it's hard to keep up with all platforms, it's more devided now.
Sicco: As the year we worked hard on our new album. I think that was and still is my main focus.
4. What can we look forward to from you in 2018?
Our brand new album. We recently finished the recordings. It's our first fully instrumental record. We are really excited about that. And a new video.
5. What records are you looking forward to most in 2018?
Sicco: The new one from Tool...
Guido: I don't know until I've heard them.
6. For most, 2017 will be remembered as a year of political and social conflict. How does that cultural atmosphere influence your own music or artistic life?
Guido: It doesn't, except that we start to integrate even more foreign influences (scales and rythm).
Sicco: I agree..
Dino Von Lalli (Fatso Jetson/Big Pig/Brass Eyebrow)
1. What are your top five albums that were released in 2017? (In order 1-5)
Melvins - A Walk With Love and Death
Ty Segall - s/t
Pissed Jeans - Why Love Now
Queens of the Stone Age - Villans
Mastodon - Emporer of Sand
2. What band did you discover in 2017 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
In 2017 Fatso Jetson did a US tour with The Obsessed and Karma to Burn. I was a first time listener for both bands and they both blew me away! Wino, Reid, Brian, Paul, Will, Eric and Evan are the sweetest dudes and they play the heaviest tunes in the world. They had a huge impact on my attitude and approach towards playing music. Those dudes are realer than the streets!!!
3. How will you remember 2017? (In terms of music)
It's been a weird year.
4. What can we look forward to from you in 2018?
Big Pig will be releasing a 4-song EP, Fatso Jetson will hopefully be writing and recording, Brass Eyebrow will continue to try and take over the world one double double at a time. Plus too many live shows from all thee bands!!!
5. What records are you looking forward to most in 2018?
No idea, surprise me 2018! Plenty of Donald Trump fueled punk rock I'm sure!
6. For most, 2017 will be remembered as a year of political and social conflict. How does that cultural atmosphere influence your own music or artistic life?
Politics, Shmolitics I'm more concerned with writing about where my next burrito is going to come from!
Disastroid
1. What are your top five albums that were released in 2017? (In order 1-5)
Metz - Strange Peace
Mutoid Man - War Moans
Elder - Reflections of a Floating World
Municipal Waste - Slime and Punishment
Queens of the Stone Age - Villains
2. What band did you discover in 2017 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
Whores! These guys hit such a sweet spot between sludge and noise rock, and really sound like they're channeling so many bands we love. I appreciate how they are able to give shape to relatively simple songs by mixing up the guitar tones, creative use of feedback, and well-placed breaks...creating structure through texture. We have a habit of over-complicating our songs sometimes by writing too many riffs and parts, and it's really valuable to be reminded by bands like this that you can sound super heavy and compelling while keeping it simple and just playing hard.
Also, it doesn't really count as "discovery," but we started digging deeper into Frank Zappa's catalogue. It's inspiring and rewarding and sometimes frustrating. It also helps put things in perspective, whenever we start to worry that the songs we're working on are too stylistically diverse, sonically varied, or weird.
3. How will you remember 2017? (In terms of music)
2017 is a milestone for us because we put out a record we're really proud of (Screen). So I'll always remember it in terms of that accomplishment, and playing shows / touring to try and support that record.
I'm not sure why, but I didn't find 2017 to be a great year in terms of new albums. For me personally, 2016 brought so many fantastic albums that I still listen to regularly... this past year just didn't measure up. While I was trying to come up with the "top 5," almost every record that immediately sprung to mind was from 2016.
It has been a great year for live performances, though. A lot of heavy bands that I love have played SF in the last year: Exodus, Unsane, Iron Reagan, Helms Alee, Whores, Big Business, Anciients, Hammers of Misfortune, Vektor, Trap Them, Nails... and a ton more shows I'm forgetting. This week the Jesus Lizard is coming to town, which is really exciting — they're a big influence and I never got a chance to see them back in the day. So I have a feeling I'll remember 2017 for this!
4. What can we look forward to from you in 2018?
We will keep pushing for more exposure for our newest record. But, we're pretty much always working on new songs, too — Enver in particular is very prolific and constantly throwing out new ideas. So we'll start weaving some new material into our set over the course of the new year. We're already starting to veer towards slightly more complex arrangements, so the next record (whenever that rolls around) is probably going to be a slightly weirder, more compositionally ambitious one.
5. What records are you looking forward to most in 2018?
I really liked the thrash band Black Fast's last record, and I think they're going to put something out next year. Likewise for American Sharks — I love their vibe, the straightforward driving energy of their last album, and the fact that it blasted by in like 20 minutes. I'm looking forward to hearing new stuff from them.
Apparently Tool is going to release a new album, and I have to admit I'm curious to see how that sounds (it's not really my jam any more... but dammit, teenage-me just can't help it.)
6. For most, 2017 will be remembered as a year of political and social conflict. How does that cultural atmosphere influence your own music or artistic life?
We're not a political band, so our music doesn't speak to the current political climate directly. But I think it's impossible not to be psychologically and emotionally affected by what's going on — the turn that the country has taken politically is baffling and depressing to us. We have a lot of late-night conversations about it, when we're taking a break from practice and drinking a few beers — how incredulous and sad we are to watch democratic norms being abandoned and public institutions being dismantled. Like a lot of people, I think, we feel powerless to stop it. We do take some solace in being in California, which feels like a slightly more rational and hopeful place. And although we don't make music specifically about these subjects, for me personally, the act of playing music itself is cathartic and uplifting and helps me stay sane.
Domenic Romeo (Integrity/A389 Recordings)
1. What are your top five albums that were released in 2017? (In order 1-5)
Too difficult to to narrow down and put in order, so here are five that I enjoyed very much.
Como Mamas - Move Upstairs
Full Of Hell - Trumpeting Ecstasy
Death of Lovers - The Acrobat
Cavalera Conspiracy - Psychosis
Ampallang Infection - Tachophobic
2. What band did you discover in 2017 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
Como Mamas. Their album Move Upstairs was my most listened to record of 2017. Super inspired and energized old-style gospel R&B that puts me in a good mood any time I hear it. I try to listen to it often as possible.
3. How will you remember 2017? (In terms of music)
I think it was a very healthy year across the board. Both younger and older bands have been releasing their best material in years and
reaching new heights. It was a great year for new music.
4. What can we look forward to from you in 2018?
Integrity recorded some EP tracks and covers over the summer that we'll hopefully wrap up this year. Other than that I've been working on demos for the next LP as well as other stuff that I have yet to figure out what I'm going to do with.
I guess time will tell.
5. What records are you looking forward to most in 2018?
ILSA: Corpse Fortress for sure. One of my favorite bands and it's some of their heaviest / most memorable material to date. Three guitarists now too. Insane. Also I'm not sure if it's on deck for 2018 but I'm really excited for new music by Nothing, Genocide Pact and the new Young and In the Way.
6. For most, 2017 will be remembered as a year of political and social conflict. How does that cultural atmosphere influence your own music or artistic life?
For me creating music comes from a much more personal and emotional headspace. Hats off to anyone who draws their inspiration from those things, but that's just not me.
Edward Ricart (Monotrope)
1. What are your top five albums that were released in 2017? (In order 1-5)
I love finding new music, and I cover a lot of different ground with my listening. There are so many ways a record can be satisfying, so it's tough trying to superimpose a framework to so many disparate, great, unique sounds. All that said, here we go!! Four records from musicians I have followed for years, and a long-awaited follow-up from Cleric that just came out the other week, and is simply mind-blowing in its scope, intricacy and intensity.
The Painted Bird - Amidst
Yowie - Synchromysticism (Skin Graft Records)
Craig Taborn - Daylight Ghosts (ECM Records)
Loincloth - Psalm of the Morbid Whore (Southern Lord)
Cleric - Retrocausal (Web of Mimicry)
2. What band did you discover in 2017 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
Jason Noble's music has played an enormous role in my own development as a musician, especially during some crucial, formative listening years. He played in Rachel's, Rodan, and Shipping News. This year began with a release called Amidst -- previously unreleased music from Jason Noble, who passed away in 2012, alongside Christian Frederickson (Rachel's) and drummer Ryan Rumery, as The Painted Bird. The record came out in January, but I really rediscovered it this past fall. It's a really great record in and of itself, but I also hear this comforting, lovely, lived-in familiarity. I'm so glad this record exists.
3. How will you remember 2017? (In terms of music)
I am stepping out of 2017 with some really personal takeaways that won't mean nearly as much to other people. I've spent almost two years grappling with the economic and psychological implications of the surprise bankruptcy of Allegro -- the distributor that handled my record label, New Atlantis Records. 2017 was the year that I finally started picking up the pieces, regrouping and moving forward. We were able to release our 50th title this year -- guitarist Brandon Seabrook's killer Die Trommel Fatale record, and it is both devastating and insane. After not having theopportunity to make much new music of my own for a couple years, 2017 marked the opportunity to ecstatically document the new band I am in, Monotrope. We had about 4 days of dedicated practice time back in February to get the music together, played a week's worth of shows, and then made our first record. In all selfish honesty, 2017 marked really significant personal milestones- my first recording credit as engineer, the first record from a new band, and the first pair of releases on New Atlantis since our hiatus, with a new distro.
Finally, I am so psyched to see labels like Sleeping Giant Glossolalia and Astral Spirits relentlessly releasing challenging, creative new music. They're absolutely worth checking out. Plus, labels like Southern Lord and Thrill Jockey still manage to blow my mind and keep broadening their horizons, after hundreds of records each.
4. What can we look forward to from you in 2018?
My previous band, Hyrrokkin, has a collaborative record with Merzbow on the way sometime next year, called Faltered Pursuit, on Sleeping Giant Glossolalia. I'm really excited for that one... and Monotrope will be recording new music in March, hopefully releasing a new record by the end of the year. We're also working on a 2x7" split, with one unreleased track each from Monotrope, Bellini, Hyrrokkin, and Unraze.
There are a few things in the works for New Atlantis, including the launch of a new sub-label imprint with more of a direct focus on creative rock music, and an archival project for one of my favorite DC post-hardcore bands. We are also releasing the debut record from Matter Waves - David First (Notekillers) + Kid Millions (Oneida/Man Forever) with Bernard Gann (Liturgy) and Rhys Chatham. We are also going to be releasing a tape of new solo music from Ryan Miller (of Portland OR's U-Sco), who is one of the most gifted guitarists I know of.
5. What records are you looking forward to most in 2018?
Hot Snakes! Pittsburgh's Microwaves will have a new LP, and I hear it is fantastic. Stern have an awesome, strange new record on the way- so many good sounds on the way.
6. For most, 2017 will be remembered as a year of political and social conflict. How does that cultural atmosphere influence your own music or artistic life?
One of the most beautiful, intrinsic elements of the underground music community is its genuine independence from so much what goes on in the world. The fundamental importance of shining a bright light, casting out injustice and rottenness goes without saying. I firmly believe in working to use music as a demonstration of solidarity, to negate some small portion of the world's misery. At its best, the musical underground can be an inclusive, parallel structure not beholden to external forces for success, praise or nourishment, and hopefully making music and releasing records will inspire more people to take dig in and take part. I remain hopeful that we can fix this place.
Eli Hansen (Real Numbers)
1. What are your top five albums that were released in 2017? (In order 1-5)
The Stevens - Good (Chapter Music)
Rays - Rays (Trouble In Mind)
Business of Dreams - Business of Dreams (Parked In Hell)
Mick Trouble - It's the Mick Trouble EP (Emotional Response) -- these two are actually EP's but they're so good
Finesse - Unbroken Memory (Guilt Ridden Pop)
2. What band did you discover in 2017 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
The Carousel. They sounds like if the Marine Girls were from the 15th Century.
3. How will you remember 2017? (In terms of music)
I'll remember 2017 fondly for the Real Numbers West Coast tour which was a major adventure. Ever been to Chico's Sycamore Pool?
4. What can we look forward to from you in 2018?
Expect at the very least a new COZY 45. Real Numbers is currently writing new material but will it be out in time for next year.
5. What records are you looking forward to most in 2018?
The Mick Trouble LP!
6. For most, 2017 will be remembered as a year of political and social conflict. How does that cultural atmosphere influence your own music or artistic life?
If I was younger I probably would have started a punk band to vent but that ship has most definitely sailed. As it stands we're going to keep making music and letting it evolve without too much modern external influence while donating as much band money as possible to charitable causes. Our first LP came out a month before the election so I'd like to believe that it helped relieve some stress or put smiles on faces or something.
1. What are your top five albums that were released in 2017? (In order 1-5)
Music:
Ryuchi Sakamoto - Async
B.J Nilssen - Massiff
Mary Jane Leach - Pipe Dreams
Ryo Murakami - Esto
Aine O'Dwyer
Lungfish - Sound in Time
The Caretaker
Leland Kerby
Terry Riley - Les Yeux Fermes
Jon Mueller
Phil Elvirum live
Endon - Through the Mirror
Daniel Menche - Sleeper
Nordra - s/t
SUMAC practicing/writing/recording at my home
Art:
Kelly Akashi
Postcommodity
Gilda Davidian
Akina Cox
Giséle Vienne
Paulo Gonzales
Candice Lin
Drawing/comics:
Travis Rommereim
Sarah Ferrick
2. What band did you discover in 2017 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
Ryuchi Sakamoto and The Caretaker
3. How will you remember 2017? (In terms of music)
Music is equated with saying no to performing live shows because I wanted to stay home with my newborn baby!
4. What can we look forward to from you in 2018?
Records I will have out in 2018:
Mára - Silver Disc CS (SIGE)
Barnett + Coloccia LP/CS - VLF (SIGE)
Mamiffer 2xLP - The Brilliant Tabernacle
and a few collaborations.
Sige records will be releasing:
Black Spirituals - Black Access/Black Axes
William Fowler Collins - Field Music
Nordra - Pylon ll
SUMAC - Live on WFMU
Mára - Silver Disc
Barnett + Coloccia - VLF
5. What records are you looking forward to most in 2018?
Black Spirituals
Zachary James Watkins
Marshall Trammell
Sumac
William Fowler Collins
Nordra
Aaron Turner solo music
Philip Jeck
6. For most, 2017 will be remembered as a year of political and social conflict. How does that cultural atmosphere influence your own music or artistic life?
It gives me a stronger belief in and dedication to community, love, underground communication, bonding, supporting creativity, and valuing that which makes life good and worth living.
Frank Turner
1. What are your top five albums that were released in 2017? (In order 1-5)
Homeless Gospel Choir - Normal
Converge - The Dusk In Us
Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit - The Nashville Sound
Milk Teeth - Be Nice (it's an EP, but it's ace)
Sarah Walk - Little Black Book
2. What band did you discover in 2017 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
Holy Moly & The Crackers. They're just great.
3. How will you remember 2017? (In terms of music)
Mainly in terms of making a new record in Texas. That's been the central preoccupation of my year, muscially and personally.
4. What can we look forward to from you in 2018?
Said new album being released!
5. What records are you looking forward to most in 2018?
I think Arkells are brewing something new. I'm not that good on knowing what's in the pipeline, truth be told.
6. For most, 2017 will be remembered as a year of political and social conflict. How does that cultural atmosphere influence your own music or artistic life?
I think that the last few yaers have been distinguished, as no others in my life have, by being ones where politics is unavoidable for everyone. That's a new and unpleasant development, but it has certainly influenced my writing. Next album in particular!
J. Wang (Shallow Cuts/Chagrin/Fast Crowd Records)
1. What are your top five albums that were released in 2017? (In order 1-5)
According to Spotify, I fall in line with Van Morrison and Morrisey and don't "dig" new music so I thought I would put the
embarrassing top 10 played on my Spotify since I've crossed over to the dark side, I deserve it:
Against Me - Crash
R.E.M. - Harborcoa
Pinegrove - Angelina
Sheer Mag - Fan theFlames
Echo and the Bunnymen - Bring on the Dancing Horses
Guided by Voices - Motor Away
The Chameleons - Up the Down Escalator
Terry Malts - Gentle Eyes
Benjamin Booker - Right on You
Toots and the Maytals - Pressure Drop
2. What band did you discover in 2017 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
Galaxy 500 and Luna. I don't know why I missed this part of my life but they've both become some of my favorites and I'm exhausting the catalogs currently. I think sometimes in your life you are not ready for certain sounds, and right now, this is perfect for me. At the time of these bands I was in a much different state of mind and don't think I had the mentality to appreciate them, which is a good thing that I can revisit years later and truly enjoy it like it's brand new.
3. How will you remember 2017? (In terms of music)
The goodbye to the number 1 DIY venue in the U.S. V.L.H.S. R.I.P. old friend and thanks to everyone that made it happen!
4. What can we look forward to from you in 2018?
New songs from Shallow Cuts as well as a full-length from a band Davey Quinn and I have been working on.
5. What records are you looking forward to most in 2018?
Dillinger Four's double album.
6. For most, 2017 will be remembered as a year of political and social conflict. How does that cultural atmosphere influence your own music or artistic life?
Writing has always been an outlet and a sense of protest for me and it always will be, so the latest stuff I've been writing will definitely have this content involved.
Jen Razavi (The Bombpops)
1. What are your top five albums that were released in 2017? (In order 1-5)
Menzingers – After the Party
Odd Robot – A Late Night Panic
Bad Cop/Bad Cop – Warriors
Lillingtongs – Stella Sapiente
The Flatliners – Inviting Light
2. What band did you discover in 2017 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
Odd Robot. They are hands down one of the best new bands I've heard in a long time. They also happen to be from Los Angeles. The album features superb songwriting, dark lyrics with catchy melodies and hooks for days. They have an Alkaline Trio kinda feel and that's a good thing.
3. How will you remember 2017? (In terms of music)
It's been a fantastic year for pop punk. It's wonderful to see some of my all time favorite bands continuing to release great records. Also, it's been a great year for female fronted bands. Our debut full-length came out on Fat Wreck this year, Bad Cop/Bad Cop released their sophomore record on Fat and Fat also signed The Last Gang. That makes 3 female fronted bands on Fat Wreck Chords this year, it's history in the making and we're? proud to be a part of it.
4. What can we look forward to from you in 2018?
A lot of touring and some new music.
5. What records are you looking forward to most in 2018?
I am definitely excited to hear The Last Gang's full-length. Also, I saw on Instagram that Dead to Me is in the studio, so that's gotta be something to look forward to!
6. For most, 2017 will be remembered as a year of political and social conflict. How does that cultural atmosphere influence your own music or artistic life?
It's been rough witnessing what's happened to our country over the last year. But it makes playing music more important than ever. We have a platform to stand up for what we believe in. The cultural atmosphere surrounding gender equality is one issue that definitely influences us as a band. Society puts certain expectations on women and this even translates to the punk scene. If you're a punk band and you're female, you're almost expected to still be a certain way. You should be singing about women's rights or openly about feminism and if you don't, then you're sending the wrong message. But that's not how we look at it. We're women, playing in a pop punk band, doing exactly what we want to do and singing about what we want to sing about, that in itself is feminism.
Jensen (Iron Lung Records)
1. What are your top five albums that were released in 2017? (In order 1-5)
Of the things we did not release:
Lebenden Toten - Mind Parasites
Necrot - Blood Offerings
Sleaford Mods - English Tapas
Brandon Terzic & Ravi Padmanabha - Live at Shakti Yoga
Shabazz Palaces - Quazarz albums
2. What band did you discover in 2017 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
If I had to limit it to one artist, I kind of found Skepta and 67 at the same time and so they are connected in my brain. Rap is largely a disposable genre these days so it's sick to hear something that may stick in my head for longer than a few weeks. 67 blends Drill and Grime together perfectly making an unholy alliance of ugly, dark rap that is very aggressive. That is the energy I always want to hear regardless of the genre. Skepta has this song called "Top Boy" that I just can't stop listening to. A hard-ass beat and smooth flows from an earnest, hard working artist with longevity and creativity. What's not to respect in that?
Runners up to this are John Berberian and the Rock East Ensemble, Bruce Langhorne and his incredible score to The Hired Hand, Hide (live show!), Nosferatu (TX) and Ras Michael & The Sons of Negus. I'm always looking for new sounds so I really can't limit myself to one artist after all. Fuck that.
3. How will you remember 2017? (In terms of music)
The year that took a year to make the Innumerable Forms album that still isn't done but almost is. The year I had to pack my records and move thus interrupting my flow of musical discoveries. The year that Lebenden Toten put out new records proving that they are still America's best current hardcore band.
4. What can we look forward to from you in 2018?
The label is always pushing out so expect more noise, more ferocity, more experimentation and more freedom. Hardcore forever.
5. What records are you looking forward to most in 2018?
The Mortiferum LP, Acrylics LP, a new Gauze album????, David Bailey (Cages/Gas Chamber) solo album.
6. For most, 2017 will be remembered as a year of political and social conflict. How does that cultural atmosphere influence your own music or artistic life?
It's impossible to ignore the insane amount of sexual harassment and outed racism that is happening in this country. People have always been disappointing to say the least but this year they have reached a new low that completely infuriates me. All that rage comes out on my drums. I feel bad for them but it's better than going to prison for murdering nazis.
Jesse Korman (The Number Twelve Looks Like You)
1. What are your top five albums that were released in 2017? (In order 1-5)
This Patch of Sky - These Small Spaces
Septicflesh - Codex Omega
Vinyl Theater - Oragami
Cradle of Filth - Cryptoriana
Eric Nally - Black
2. What band did you discover in 2017 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
I discovered the band This Patch of Sky, I can't believe I never heard of them before. My mind is a mess, its always going and I'm constantly thinking about projects, ideas, lyrics, film stories, etc; sometimes its hard to concentrate on them because of the crazy music I listen to. The instrumental music of that band is sooo amazing to have these ideas that seem big running through your head because they sound even BIGGER with huge dramatic music playing... .until you turn off the record, then you realize all your ideas are shit.
3. How will you remember 2017? (In terms of music)
I will remember this being the year that the artist I manage, Eric Nally, who I've been working with for 10+ years as the singer of Foxy Shazam, put out his solo music which was a big step for us.
4. What can we look forward to from you in 2018?
Well I'm on a pretty sweet diet and I'm strength training a lot these days so you can expect leaner body and tighter abs from me.
Musically, a hot damn new #12 album.
5. What records are you looking forward to most in 2018?
Good question, I'm always looking to be surprised because whenever I get excited about a band I love releasing a new album and it sucks... I get even more bummed out. So now I don't expect anything from anybody and if its good, I'm thrilled!
6. For most, 2017 will be remembered as a year of political and social conflict. How does that cultural atmosphere influence your own music or artistic life?
Huge influence, when you have the most dramatic/worst political year in my lifetime, it lights a fire in me. Growing up being bullied my whole childhood is a horrible reminiscent feeling of what is happening now with our shithead of a president. Taking land away from its rightful owners, painting liberals into a corner, allowing hate crimes to go unpunished... it fucking infuriates me. I never considered myself to be into politics or give a shit about it, but when it affects me and my friends, I have no choice but to speak up. Because if I don't and everyone who feels the same way as me doesn't, then the country will assume we are content with the status quo. We are not. I have a microphone and I'm gonna use it.
Junior Bruce
1. What are your top five albums that were released in 2017? (In order 1-5)
Monolord - Rust
Darkest Hour - Godless Prophets
Elder - Reflections of a Floating World
Ufomammut - 8
Chelsea Wolf - Hiss Spun
2. What band did you discover in 2017 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
Sun & Sail Club/Mannequin. I'm obsessed with the vocoder. It's so fucking cool hearing those vocals over the heavy ass grooves those dudes create. I can't even deal it's so badass. Endlessly searching for something unique!
3. How will you remember 2017? (In terms of music)
I think the deaths of a bunch of really talented and beautiful artists ring throughout the year more than anything. I'll look back at 2016/2017 as a reminder that good music lasts forever, even after death.
4. What can we look forward to from you in 2018?
New music is the goal. The new songs so far reflect a little more out of the box creativity and a little approach to change. Hopefully people like our new stuff because we do!
5. What records are you looking forward to most in 2018?
Not sure what's coming out offhand but if it's good then let's fucking rock! Would love to hear the Melvins reunite with Coady and Jared for some more records and touring though. The video on YouTube, "THE MELVINS Live at Hellfest 2011," is the best live Rock n Roll show I've ever fucking seen in my life. If you haven't seen it do yourself a favor...
6. For most, 2017 will be remembered as a year of political and social conflict. How does that cultural atmosphere influence your own music or artistic life?
We hardly ever talk about politics when we're all together. Playing music together is our chance to escape the fine shit mist being sprayed upon us from Washington D.C. and the news. Junior Bruce pretty much operates from a fantasy world and that's the way we like it! ;)
Justin Pearson (Three One G/Retox/Dead Cross/Planet B)
1. What are your top five albums that were released in 2017? (In order 1-5)
Panicker LP
Metz - Strange Peace LP
Anal Trump - If You Thought 6,000,000 Jews Was A Lot of People, You Should've Seen My Inaguration! 5" EP
Chelsea Wolf - Hiss Spun
Liars - TFCF LP
2. What band did you discover in 2017 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
Working with Luke Henshaw of Planet B. Everyone and everything has significance, however, the details are in the way the man works.
3. How will you remember 2017? (In terms of music)
Talk radio.
4. What can we look forward to from you in 2018?
Possibly new material from Dead Cross, Retox, and Planet B. Probably other stuff as well, as I live in a weird world.
5. What records are you looking forward to most in 2018?
I try to avoid anticipation.
6. For most, 2017 will be remembered as a year of political and social conflict. How does that cultural atmosphere influence your own music or artistic life?
It affects and influences everything in my life. From the music that I'm part of, to how I present myself, even down to how I spend time and energy, you can't avoid the shit show that we are currently experiencing. This resonates for me:
The opposite of love is not hate, it's indifference. The opposite of art is not ugliness, it's indifference. The opposite of faith is not heresy, it's indifference. And theopposite of life is not death, it's indifference. Because of indifference, one dies before one actually dies. To be in the window and watch people being sent to concentration camps or being attacked in the street and do nothing, that's being dead.
- Elie Wiesel
Lee M. Bartow (Theologian, Annihilvs Power Electronix)
1. What are your top five albums that were released in 2017? (In order 1-5)
To be perfectly honest, the past year is an almost overwhelming blur. I concentrated mainly on releases on my own label and the work of my friends, and didn't pay much attention to a great swathe of other artists.
Here is a list of the first five releases I put out in 2017 (in order of appearance):
Longpig - Shrine of the Longpig
Husere Grav - Entropy & Illusion
Sire - Evocation of the Serpent
The Holy Circle - s/t
CASAS - s/t
2. What band did you discover in 2017 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
As a label owner, I have felt a sense of duty to help put the work of other artists into the world. I started 2017 off with a very ambitious release schedule, and while I did not get everything out this year that I'd planned to, it was nevertheless an extremely productive period. The debut full-length by THE HOLY CIRCLE, the new "dark pop" band from Terence Hannum of LOCRIAN, fell in my lap this year, and I proudly released it in June (thank you for your review), and had them perform at the Autumn Electronix Festival, which I presented at the Garner Arts Center in October.
CASAS, another act that I released this year, came to my attention unexpectedly, and it was a truly exciting moment for me. To celebrate the release of their self-titled cassette, they performed at our July 1 event at The Silent Barn alongside Annihilvs labelmates SIRE.
3. How will you remember 2017? (In terms of music)
Disappointing. Extremely challenging. I started the 2017 with a sense of renewed purpose, but that did not last. While I presented multiple events, including one celebrating the 20th anniversary of my label, and released several albums, as the year has progressed, I have been pulling back from "the scene" because I've come to feel like a dinosaur and a pariah among outcasts. I have latterly been disturbed by the co-opting of what was once considered the underground by more "mainstream" concerns, such as paying thousands of dollars for PR, leaves a lot of great artists without spotlights shone on them because they lack those same resources, despite the fantasist notion of the Internet making everything an even field. After two decades of working shitty day jobs to finance my activities, it's been disheartening to witness the undoing of what was once a meritocracy. I have put tremendous effort and heart into these endeavours, and it all seems so pointless to me now. I no longer care to go to shows or buy new music. I've long considered all of this to be the only true source of meaning in my life. I admit I'm currently at a loss for what to do next. Burning as many bridges as possible occasionally seems to be a logical step.
4. What can we look forward to from you in 2018?
The first 2018 release from Annihilvs will be a remixed/remastered CD-R/digital reissue of the THEOLOGIAN cassette, Forced Utopia which was recently put out by Danvers State Recordings, the label run by Andy Grant of THE VOMIT ARSONIST. He and I are also working on a collaborative cassette for Cloister Recordings, called "he Icy Bleakness of Things.
I've still got several releases planned from this year, and previous years, to get into the world. But, as I've become more disenchanted, I wonder whether there's any real point in any of it.
Something needs to change, or I'm going to simply give up.
5. What records are you looking forward to most in 2018?
I'm planning to release an utterly, profoundly beautiful album by BONEDUST, which is a project of Pippi Zornoza (formerly of VVLTVRE, currently of RECTRIX), and Chrissy Wolpert, who is the director of THE ASSEMBLY OF LIGHT CHOIR, and frequent contributor to THE BODY.
6. For most, 2017 will be remembered as a year of political and social conflict. How does that cultural atmosphere influence your own music or artistic life?
At the beginning of the year, I instituted the slogan INDUSTRIAL MUSIC IS PROTEST MUSIC as a point from which to move forward, but time and circumstance led me to become overwhelmed by ennui. 2017 was a year when my slow withdrawal from "the scene" began to accelerate, especially toward the latter end of the year. I have struggled with chronic and persistent depression for the entirety of my adult life, and I think the shift in our culture and the realities of contemporary politics has had a discernible impact on my ability to feel hopeful or enthusiastic about the future. This would, in the past, have been a motive for pushing onward with an artistic agenda in opposition to this wave, which it did in the beginning of the year, but as 2017 has drawn to a close I have become more overwhelmed with a sense of futility. I've recently had to cut a lot of toxic people out of my creative life who either didn't share my values, or my creative goals, and it's taken a toll.
Luke (The Copyrights)
What are your top five albums that were released in 2017? (In order 1-5)
My super important Top 10 Records of 2017 list!
Lost Balloons - Hey Summer
Midnight Reruns - Spectator Sports
The Menzingers - After the Party
First Base - Not That Bad
White Reaper - World's Greatest American Band
The Dopamines - Tales of Interest
JD McPherson - Undivided Heart and Soul
Waxahatchee - Out in the Storm
Charly Bliss - Guppy
Vince Staples - Big Fish Theory
Mario Lalli (Fatso Jetson/Yawning Man)
1. What are your top five albums that were released in 2017? (In order 1-5)
Saccharine Trust - The Great One Is Dead
True Widow - Avvolgere
Double Naught Spy Car
PJ Harvey- The Hope Six Demolition
Circle - Terminal
2. What band did you discover in 2017 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
A project called Deru.
The album 1979 in particular... the opening track of layered pianos and keyboards has a melody approach that really influenced my writing musically.
3. How will you remember 2017? (In terms of music)
Lots of hard work touring, 2 US tours and 2 Euro UK tours ...first time really making this kind of commitment.
4. What can we look forward to from you in 2018?
Both Fatso Jetson and Yawning Man will be releasing new full-length records and extensive touring.
5. What records are you looking forward to most in 2018?
Big Pig, Earth, PJ Harvey
6. For most, 2017 will be remembered as a year of political and social conflict. How does that cultural atmosphere influence your own music or artistic life?
I have never really written from that part of my consciousness but I'm sure the anxiety makes its way into the music for sure.
Mike Blaha (The Blind Shake/BLAHA/Shadow in the Cracks)
1. What are your top five albums that were released in 2017? (In order 1-5)
The Stallion - The Dark Side of the Wall triple LP
Chain & the Gang - Experimental Music
Golden Pelicans - Disciples of Blood
Hand and Leg - s/t
Exploded View - Summer Camp Early EP
2. What band did you discover in 2017 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
Got to rediscover The Make Up and Man or Astroman? in 2017 when we had a chance to play with them during a European Tour. Their live shows destroy so much of what is considered good today. Their sense of urgency is contagious. I don't always see that from popular current bands. I hope they understand that if you have low energy in your twenties, it's not going to get better with each passing decade. It's okay to be excited about what you do! You can wear a long, baggy Garfield shirt and still give a damn. Those don't have to be opposites.
3. How will you remember 2017? (In terms of music)
I'll definitely remember all the deaths. But I think from the aging demographic of rock legends, we'll see even more in 2018. Hopefully no more deaths of people as young as Lil' Peep. I don't know anything about emo-rap. It's sounds like it would be a laughing stock within 5 years, but it sucks that a kid made the death list of 2017. He didn't get to experience much in life. Must be devastating for his family.
4. What can we look forward to from you in 2018?
A new BLAHA album and a new acoustic album as Blaha & Costello. A new Blind Shake single is coming out on God Unkown Records in the UK, too.
5. What records are you looking forward to most in 2018?
Hot Snakes new record due in the Spring of 2018!
6. For most, 2017 will be remembered as a year of political and social conflict. How does that cultural atmosphere influence your own music or artistic life?
I find myself not very active on Twitter other than to troll the president these days. I originally thought I'd use it to post shows about the new band and follow bands I like, but I'd rather make wisecracks to Trump fans to hurt their feelings and frustrate them. The political climate hasn't really directly made it into my lyrics, since I don't want to be limited by rhyming or meter or melody if I'm intent on letting my political opinions fly. But it definitely gives me a type of lone-wolf stress that is best released by creating music.
Mike Wiebe (Riverboat Gamblers/Drakulas/Ghost Knife)
1. What are your top five albums that were released in 2017? (In order 1-5)
Total Control - Laughing at the System
Culture Abuse - Peach
The Shins - Heartworms
A Giant Dog - Toy
Wu Tang Clan - The Saga Continues
2. What band did you discover in 2017 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
Traams. I know little about them but I love them and what they do. They've made me think about minimalism in music.
3. How will you remember 2017? (In terms of music)
Trying to streamline my songwriting. looking at new aspects of music.
4. What can we look forward to from you in 2018?
I hope new Gamblers, Drakulas and possibly a solo record... I'm recording with all of those projects but I'm not sure if they'll all get released in 2018.
5. What records are you looking forward to most in 2018?
Hot Snakes, Roky Moon and Bolt. I hope new Danny Brown? Hopefully something amazing that I've never heard of before.
6. For most, 2017 will be remembered as a year of political and social conflict. How does that cultural atmosphere influence your own music or artistic life?
It's been horribly depressing and it's made me have to work harder to not be distracted, but cutting down on distraction is a good thing to learn.
Nato Coles (Nato Coles & the Blue Diamond Band)
1. What are your top five albums that were released in 2017? (In order 1-5)
NOT REALLY IN ORDER, label names in parentheses/
Lee Bains III & the Glory Fires - Youth Detention (Nail My Feet Down To The Southside Of Town) (Don Giovanni)
Vacation - Southern Grass: The Continuation Of Rock'n'Roll Volumes One and Two (Recess)
New Swears - And The Magic Of Horses (Dine Alone)
Chinchees - s/t (Dirt Cult)
Steve Earle & The Dukes - So You Wanna Be An Outlaw (Warner Bros)
2. What band did you discover in 2017 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
I might have first heard them in late 2016, but it's close enough to say that Lee & the Glory Fires are my favorite discovery this year. And it seems fitting that a band of white boys from the deep, deep south playing kind of rock'n'roll and singing the kind of songs that ought to wake Woody Guthrie from the dead stormed into my life right around the time that the current president - who will go down in history as one of the two or three worst of all time, mark my words - took office and the Republican party and their donors ramped up to turbocharged levels their all-out class war against the poor, working, and middle class. Music for the times, when the time is right for fighting in the streets.
3. How will you remember 2017? (In terms of music)
The year Tom Petty died. It overshadows everything else for me. But there was plenty of good music being made, too.
4. What can we look forward to from you in 2018?
A new album of original material. We're mixing it now. Regional shows in a new van. We need a van. Our old one crashed and died. Luckily none of us did.
5. What records are you looking forward to most in 2018?
Bud Bronson & the Good Timers need to put their next record out as soon as possible. Other than that, if I'm being 100% honest... as of July 2018 it will have been 5 years since we put out Promises To Deliver, so a new album of original material from Nato Coles & the Blue Diamond Band is something I'm really looking forward to! We've taken far too long to do this, and it's almost all my fault. Too much touring and extracurriculars, not enough focus on the process.
6. For most, 2017 will be remembered as a year of political and social conflict. How does that cultural atmosphere influence your own music or artistic life?
On the mic, since Trump was elected, I've spoken much more about the injustices in the world that piss me off. Specifically the dangers that we now face if we want to maintain a progressive multicultural state and society, and at the same time as a society where wealth has become increasingly stratified - this ain't new, but it's even worse now - and many of our elected officials seem to equate societal progress and justice with whatever fucking number the DOW ends the day at. Any thoughts of "too much preaching to the choir" are banished. It's pretty clear that, to paraphrase Billy Bragg, in 2018 the choir needs all the ammunition it can get.
Nick 13 (Tiger Army)
1. What are your top five albums that were released in 2017? (In order 1-5)
Lana Del Rey - Lust For Life
Grave Pleasures - Motherblood
Batmobile - Brand New Blisters
Depeche Mode - Spirit
Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives - Way Out West
2. What band did you discover in 2017 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
Probably Lana Del Rey... I got into the whole catalog at once this year. There's very little out there that's good that's done for art's sake and it was inspiring to see someone care about that at a pop level. My favorite newer music looks backwards to the golden ages of rock 'n' roll and pop but still moves forward, that's what hers does.
3. How will you remember 2017? (In terms of music)
Like most recent years, there are just a few bright spots in the void of the mediocre or downright bad. We lost a lot of people of course. There are certain eras where there's almost no one left. On the positive side, it seems like there are some rumblings in the underground of real music from the youth, guitar rock 'n' roll.
4. What can we look forward to from you in 2018?
Well, starting now we're off the road and I'm writing songs for a new album. We have plans to enter the studio in 2018, although it's too early to say if something will actually be released next year or not.
5. What records are you looking forward to most in 2018?
There are some underground bands that have had cool 7"s or EPs... I don't know if they plan on releasing full-lengths or if they'll be able to sustain what's exciting past a few songs here and there but I look forward to finding out! I keep track of new releases, but I don't really know who's doing what before records come out. To be honest, the record most on my mind is the next Tiger Army!
6. For most, 2017 will be remembered as a year of political and social conflict. How does that cultural atmosphere influence your own music or artistic life?
I don't give a shit about the modern world, it's just depressing. I live for dreamlife and the world of the night. It just makes me go farther out, I'll create the world I want to live in with music.
Old Man Gloom
1. What are your top five albums that were released in 2017? (In order 1-5)
Old Man Gloom, while in a Hyundai Elantra hatchback, moving from one undisclosed location to another, received a "2017 wrap up" press request. The following is what occurred. All names have been changed to protect the individuals involved in this conversation.
All members staring at phones in silence.
Blantos: we got some "2017 wrap up" interview thing.
Blate: From who?
Blantos: Scene Point Blank.
Blate: the fuck is that?
Blantos: I have no idea, and I have no idea how they have my email.
Blaleb: the first problem is that you have email in the first place. Thats how they track you. Thats how they watch you, idiot.
Blantos: I actually pretty much televise every single thing I do on Facebook to anyone thats remotely interested in Old Man Gloom, so what the fuck do I care if they email me?
Blaaron: Facebook isn't television. You aren't "televising" anything. You're just writing so that people will pay attention to you. Because no one in real life pays attention to you. You aren't on television.
Blantos: It's on a tiny screen. Just like a television.
Blate: SO this interview, the one you got on your tiny television, using your stupid logic, is how this started. Can we just do that so we don't have to talk about your Facebook habit?
Blaleb: Yes. I'd prefer talking about television than Facebook.
Blaaron: Don't you guys know? Facebook is on television according to Blantos.
Blantos: If you guys keep ganging up on me, i'll write about it on Facebook. It's a win win for me.
Blate: I'll give you a thousand dollars if you don't say "Facebook" for 24 hours.
Blaleb: I'll do it. Can I get a thousand dollars?
Blate: You don't even know what Facebook is.
Blaleb: And i don't subscribe to your bullshit make believe gold based economy, so keep your money. I'll do it for a spiral cut ham.
Blantos: OK. Let's do this interview. first question:
What are your top five albums that were released in 2017? (In order 1-5)
Blate: Sumac's most recent record. I think it's called "art notes."
Blaaron: Whatever albums we list, Converge is OBVIOUSLY number one. I mean, they're LEGENDS.
Blate: Oh, why THANK you Blaaron. So kind.
Blantos: Sounds perfect. I'll just round out the list with the 13 ambient noise project albums Aaron released with whatever dildo crawled onto his private island.
Blaleb: Fuck yeah. That's one thing Blaaron did right. Off the grid. When the shit hits the fan, you'll take up arms and defend the island. I may join you.
Blaaron: I don't...I...Sure Blaleb. Whatever. I own a private island. An island of dildos.
Blantos: I would love to summer on the island of dildos. Sounds enchanting.
Blate: Next question.
2. What band did you discover in 2017 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
Blantos: Carly Rae Jepsen.
Blaaron: Agreed.
Blate: Third agree.
Blaleb: Fourth.
Blantos: Great. We're getting somewhere.
Next question.
3. How will you remember 2017? (In terms of music)
Blaaron/Blate/Blaleb: Carly Rae Jepsen.
Blantos: ok. Next.
4. What can we look forward to from you in 2018?
Blantos: I think we can all agree that what most people can expect is that I'll keep being hilarious, and you'll all be in your real bands. Except Blaleb, I think he'll probably be living in a Guatemalan jungle if I had to guess.
Blaleb: There's still a war going on, and those people need me. Don't joke. I'm basically a god to them. A wrathful god who is awesome with a Bo staff.
Blate: I think i'll be busy with Converge, and busy ignoring the Old Man Gloom text thread that Blantos is the only one who relentlessly abuses. I'll also be not reading the self indulgent shit he writes on...that web site.
Blaaron: I'll also be NOT paying attention to Blantos, and I will make art. Something no one else in this car does. Except maybe Blaleb, as his art is war, apparently. When did you become a guerrilla? I thought you were a contractor?
Blaleb: The less you know the safer you are. And you should put some tape over the camera on your laptops.
5. What records are you looking forward to most in 2018?
Blantos: I think its safe to say NOT an Old Man Gloom record, right?
Blate: Hell no.
Blaaron: I mean, you guys can write songs if you want. I'm not going to.
Blaleb: I'm thinking of just not making music ever again. Thats how they read your thoughts man. Through the tunes. Seriously. It's real.
Blantos: This is a terrible set of questions. I mean, we're doing a bad job, but this is truly terrible.
Blaaron: I think we're doing an amazing job. This is fucking important shit. People need to know what we think of dildo island!
Blate: I'm hungry. I want to go to Cracker Barrel.
Blaleb: I usually won't eat at a corporate shit hole, but I could fuck up an "Uncle Herschel's favorite" right now.
Blaaron: Fine, but no peg game. We can't go through that again.
Blantos: There's one more question.
6. For most, 2017 will be remembered as a year of political and social conflict. How does that cultural atmosphere influence your own music or artistic life?
Blate: 2017 was like butt fucking.
Blantos: Uuuuuuh boy.
Blate: Seriously. It's like, some people really like it, some people really don't like it, but either way, it's pretty intense. That's 2017. No middle ground in butt fucking.
Blaaron: You can't answer with that. For one thing, I hope to never hear anyone say "butt fucking" ever again.
Blaleb: You just said it.
Blaaron: Thank you Caleb. And second, it doesn't work. It's an awful analogy.
Blantos: I don't know. It's not that bad. I would say anal sex instead of butt fucking.
Blate: Anal sex can be very intimate. Butt fucking is not. I think the analogy works better with butt--
Blaaron: STOP. Don't say it again. No more saying it. It's a terrible analogy, and it's a terrible phrase. And I don't want to hear about your intimate anal sex.
Blantos: He didn't say he had intimate anal sex. I mean, it was implied, but he didn't say it.
Blate: I basically said it. And basically meant it.
Blaleb: I'm torn. I think the analogy kinda works, but the phrase is terrible, and I hate it. Can we try something else?
Blantos: Why don't we just simplify it and say "2017 sucked because Trump is butt fucking the entire country."
Blaaron: I'm actually fine with that, in that context. You have my blessing.
Blate: Agreed.
Blaleb: Agreed.
Blate: Exit 21c is Cracker Barrel.
At the Cracker Barrel, Blaaron and Blaleb got into a scuffle over the legitimacy over a table peg game victory. The entire party was removed from the Cracker Barrel. Cracker Barrel has ignored repeated attempts to comment on the incident.
Roo Pescod (The Hippaes)
1. What are your top five albums that were released in 2017? (In order 1-5)
White Reaper – World's Best American Band
Hard Girls – Floating Now
Phoebe Bridgers – Stranger in the Alps
Cloud Nothings – Life Without Sound
Thee Oh Seas – Orc
2. What band did you discover in 2017 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
I was having breakfast with some friends in Bristol and Margaret Glaspy's album came on and I loved it instantly. Such great subdued, simple production, and the way she winds her guitar around her vocals is incredible. Her voice and guitar have great timbres to them, and without changing the sound at all she really uses the dynamics to push both into natural distortion. Brilliant musically, insanely listenable, and I love anyone who makes me rethink how I play guitar. Emotions and Math would have been in my top 5 if I hadn't been a year late to the party.
3. How will you remember 2017? (In terms of music)
This year I wrote a musical and toured it at the end of the summer, so that's going to stick in my mind. But I haven't done very much standard touring this year and feel a bit out of touch with the UK scene (tellingly my top 5 are all US-based). I've been to a lot less gigs than usual, but unusually I've been really digging the live music that I have seen. Maybe I'll remember 2017 as the year I started enjoying live music again after overdosing in my 20s.
4. What can we look forward to from you in 2018?
The Hippaes are going to play some UK shows in February and release some music when we feel like it.
5. What records are you looking forward to most in 2018?
I saw El Morgan and the Divers play at Deadpunk Fest in May and they were really amazing. I know El's been working on this album for ages in her and Tim's studio and I think it's going to be killer.
6. For most, 2017 will be remembered as a year of political and social conflict. How does that cultural atmosphere influence your own music or artistic life?
It's really highlighted to me that my thoughts and beliefs are not the soft middle ground that I assumed they were. Before this year I was anxiously waiting for the world to swing back to sanity after years of destructively right wing Tory rule in the UK, and then all of a sudden we swung the other way which caught me completely off balance. I spent a lot of the year feeling really miserable and useless, and it's only time passing that has made the everyday horrors seem "normal" again. Creatively it's made me more insular and less willing to engage with the outside world. I've been trying to block out all the noise and do exactly what I want which has led to me spending a lot of time inside jamming with myself, and less time walking the streets at night. Pretty cowardly and unhelpful. Saying that I recorded some songs in a kitchen with a couple of friends this weekend and it was a huge relief to be playing music again instead of just constructing it on my own.
Marco Reosti/Salinas Records
1. What are your top five albums that were released in 2017? (In order 1-5)
Cayetana - New Kind of Norma
Dopamines - Tales of Interest
Freezing Cold - Demo
Nana Grizol - Usra Minor
Poor Form - Achin
2. What band did you discover in 2017 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
The Doughboys - Crush. My partner, who grew up in Canada where the Doughboys were on the radio in the 1990's playing really cool Husker Du influenced melodic punk, introduced me to them. Listening to them was a wake up call that even though I grew up with Canadian radio in Detroit, I probably missed tons of great music that never made a splash in the U.S.
3. How will you remember 2017? (In terms of music)
I don't know. I listened to a bunch of music, I got to see friends through playing live music. It was cool.
4. What can we look forward to from you in 2018?
ONSIND LP
Peach Pit LP
Distants 7"
Fleabite 12"
Missing Earth LP
5. What records are you looking forward to most in 2018?
Bonny Doon LP
Dark Thoughts LP
Superchunk LP
6. For most, 2017 will be remembered as a year of political and social conflict. How does that cultural atmosphere influence your own music or artistic life?
Maybe I'm naive, and maybe I'm taking the view of a history teacher, but I don't think this specific year was all that different than any other. I think the saying "If you're not outraged, you're not paying attention" applies when trying to put 2017 in context. I don't think the records I release or the music I've written has ever been very specifically political. That said, I'm as proud as ever that community that Salinas exists within continues to produce, teachers, lawyers, journalists and social workers whose time in punk has helped informed the important work that they do.
Slow Dancing Society
1. What are your top five albums that were released in 2017? (In order 1-5)
Windswept by Johnny Jewel - Windswept
Cigarettes After Sex - s/t
Hammock - Mysterium
Ryan Adams - Prisoner
Twin Peaks season 3 score by Angelo Badalamanti & others
2. What band did you discover in 2017 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
Brit Floyd. They're an incredible Pink Floyd tribute band that completely blew me away with their performance. They didn't miss a note!
Seeing them perform was one of those shows that you go to so few times in life that renews your love of love music.
3. How will you remember 2017? (In terms of music)
It's been a busy year for me writing and recording as I've been on a bit of creative street which any musician is always grateful for and will certainly help ‘17 stand out.
4. What can we look forward to from you in 2018?
A new EP in February called prologue: The Magic Lantern, which serves as a companion piece/intro to a full-length album in April called The Torchlight Parade.
Those familiar with my past work will see this new music as a spiritual successor to an earlier album of mine called Laterna Magica.
5. What records are you looking forward to most in 2018?
Whatever comes my way. Most of my favorite albums and artists have come my way without me knowing they were to be released.
6. For most, 2017 will be remembered as a year of political and social conflict. How does that cultural atmosphere influence your own music or artistic life?
I began taking an approach to not try and add/contribute to the fire that is politics and social issues in general but rather offer up something of an escape of sorts for not only myself but others; music and art should always be that. Sure, art can be a vehicle to express one's stance or feelings toward an issue or ideal and while there's certainly a place for that, I believe art needs to be an escape. I simply don't prefer to be reminded of how terrible or unjust the world is in art. I'd prefer to allow art to give me that reprieve to where I can come back out of that moment and then approach whatever political or social issue presents itself with rested and cogent eyes.
Steven Williams (Init Records)
1. What are your top five albums that were released in 2017? (In order 1-5)
Propagandhi - Victory Lap
Wolves In The Throne Room - Thrice Woven
Mountain Goats - Goths
Amenra - Mass VI
Hexis - Tando Ashanti
2. What band did you discover in 2017 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
This year I got to go on a two week tour of Europe with Woman Is The Earth, which was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I was introduced to some great bands that they shared the stage which that I thought were amazing: The Fifth Alliance, Wode, and Archivist. I didn't think I would discover any new bands on the tour that would impress me as much as those three bands did!
3. How will you remember 2017? (In terms of music)
My best memory in terms of music and 2017 will be the aforementioned European summer tour with Woman Is The Earth.
4. What can we look forward to from you in 2018?
Woman Is The Earth - This Place That Contains My Spirit LP, Krieg/Vegas split 7", and some other stuff in the works but not enough to talk about it yet.
5. What records are you looking forward to most in 2018?
New albums from Superchunk, Krieg, Panopticon, Watain, Hot Snakes...
6. For most, 2017 will be remembered as a year of political and social conflict. How does that cultural atmosphere influence your own music or artistic life?
I've always worked with artists that have left leaning politics, for the most part, whether the bands themselves are political or not. Although my label isn't overtly political on the surface, coming from punk rock, it's always been something that is important to me, and I really don't have any interest in people supporting my label if they don't believe in equal rights for all genders, races, and orientations.
Teddy Spahgetty (Spaghetty Town Records)
1. What are your top five albums that were released in 2017? (In order 1-5)
Wyldlife - Out On Your Block
Golden Pelicans - Disciples Of Blood
The Bronx - (V)
Dirty Fences - Goodbye Love
Los Tones - What Happened
2. What band did you discover in 2017 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
RMBLR just blew me away. As a live band and the EP they released. I was excited to see they were an Atlanta band. Makes me proud of our local scene here.
3. How will you remember 2017? (In terms of music)
2017 was a killer year for rock bands. In making my top 5 I had to leave off a bunch of records I really liked. In the past, I've hard a hard time finding 5 records that I loved. This year, I had too many great records to pick from.
4. What can we look forward to from you in 2018?
Uruguay's Motosierra are finally going to have a new full length that we're putting out. Their last album Life In Hell was put out in 2007! We'll have a single from Italy's Faz Waltz and I'm sure The Sweet Things will have another release.
5. What records are you looking forward to most in 2018?
These last 2 months have been so crazy busy with the Dr. Boogie and Sweet Things releases, I'm not even sure what's coming out next year.
6. For most, 2017 will be remembered as a year of political and social conflict. How does that cultural atmosphere influence your own music or artistic life?
We all know things are kind of messed up right now. Our goal is to put out great rock records for people to get into. Doing a label, I've met so many great people from around the world. It reminds me that there are still good people out there.
1. What are your top five albums that were released in 2017? (In order 1-5)
Slowdive - s/t
Drab Majesty - The Demonstration
Gnod - Just Say No to the Psycho Right-Wing Capitalist Fascist Industrial Death Machine
Mr. YT - Brand New Day (reissue)
Planning for Burial - Below the House
2. What band did you discover in 2017 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
Oppenheimer Analyses - New Mexico has been a record I return to and become pretty essential to me, I think almost every song is good and the political commentary is really intense.
3. How will you remember 2017? (In terms of music)
Synthetic.
4. What can we look forward to from you in 2018?
Locrian has been writing our next record for over a year, its hard with everyone in different states but we have some threads we're excited about that we'll record soon for Relapse. The Holy Circle has a lot of new material and is almost ready to demo. New Axebreaker EP, The Whited Sepulcher, will be out on Anathemata Editions.
5. What records are you looking forward to most in 2018?
Man I don't even know, no one tells me whats coming out. Probably a lot of movie soundtracks. I just hope we're here next year, it'd be nice with music but I'll take just existing.
6. For most, 2017 will be remembered as a year of political and social conflict. How does that cultural atmosphere influence your own music or artistic life?
Well, it's complicated. All of my bands try and address it in their own way. Axebreaker is the most overt with an anti-fascist stance which with the larger exposure of the alt-right, white supremacy, it's been more of a release. Locrian has been expanding this idea of environmental destruction. I also really enjoy writing fiction because I can kind of create a new world or landscape and get away a bit.
Tim Browne (Elway)
1. What are your top five albums that were released in 2017? (In order 1-5)
Lo Tom - Lo Tom
Cloud Nothings - Life Without Sound
Propagandhi - Victory Lap
Kali Masi - Wind Instrument
Racquet Club - Racquet Club
2. What band did you discover in 2017 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
I stumbled across an Australian band called Press Club and, while they only have two recorded songs, I am such a fan! I hope we hear something new from them in 2018.
3. How will you remember 2017? (In terms of music)
This year I saw The Menzingers sell out a 2,500 capacity venue and I saw Bret Michaels perform to about 300 in a similarly-sized venue. Punx win!
4. What can we look forward to from you in 2018?
Elway will have a new record. We'll play some shows too!
5. What records are you looking forward to most in 2018?
Well, Pedro The Lion is getting back together, so hopefully there'll be a new record! Looking forward to seeing if Jawbreaker can avoid a Refused-caliber post-reunion offering. I've also got a good feeling about the new Typesetter LP.
6. For most, 2017 will be remembered as a year of political and social conflict. How does that cultural atmosphere influence your own music or artistic life?
It influences me in that we're all stuck on this burning garbage barge together. It's terrifying, and my artistic impulse is just about the only coping mechanism that I have. My music doesn't necessarily reflect the culture directly, but the culture does spur my need to create music, if that makes sense.
Tim Clarke (Summon the Birds)
1. What are your top five albums that were released in 2017? (In order 1-5)
Chad VanGaalen – Light Information (Sub Pop)
Art Feynman – Blasting Off Through the Wicker (Western Vinyl)
Grizzly Bear – Painted Ruins (RCA)
Richard Dawson – Peasant (Weird World)
Machine Translations – Oh (Spunk)
2. What band did you discover in 2017 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
I think that would be Melbourne band RVG. Early in the year I heard them on the radio a lot and I couldn't work out if it was a band from the '80s or a new band. There was something about their songs that just felt so classic-sounding and open and honest. I saw them live a few months ago and they were just brilliant. No frills, just great songs played well. Romy is such a great songwriter and vocalist. I can recommend their debut album, A Quality of Mercy, whole-heartedly.
3. How will you remember 2017? (In terms of music)
An embarrassment of riches, one that only really takes on personal meaning through attentive engagement.
4. What can we look forward to from you in 2018?
Our new album, Blood Love, will be released on Hidden Shoal in February. We've been working on it for years and we're all extremely proud of it. Fingers crossed it reaches some appreciative pairs of ears.
5. What records are you looking forward to most in 2018?
If Kevin Shields is to be believed, there'll be a new My Bloody Valentine album next year, which I'm very excited about. The prospect of a solo album from Radiohead's Ed O'Brien is intriguing, to say the least. New albums by my old '90s faves The Breeders and Belly are also piquing my interest. Plus new ones by Porches, Field Music and, hopefully, RVG. There's always loads to look forward to.
6. For most, 2017 will be remembered as a year of political and social conflict. How does that cultural atmosphere influence your own music or artistic life?
It doesn't directly, but I'm sure there are subtle influences at play. For example, we wrote the song "Funeral for a King" a few years ago and it talks of a ruler's "childish anarchy," which seems to allude to Trump, even though the song wasn't written about him at all. The horrible things that have happened in 2017 aren't unprecedented, necessarily – we're just inundated with news about them via social media. I am concerned about the future, but that just makes me more motivated to create music that connects with other people in some small way.
Timo Ellis (Netherlands)
1. What are your top five albums that were released in 2017? (In order 1-5)
Ellen Allien - Nost
Couch Slut - Contempt
Noveller - A Punk Sunset For No One
Noam Pikelny - Universal Favorite
Mortiferum - Altar of Decay
2. What band did you discover in 2017 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
TIDAL ARMS self-titled, second LP (2013) ... snuck up on me, and although I'd heard it before... somehow it just seriously CLOBBERED me this time around - its so harmonically unexpected/ interesting, by turns ruminative, upbeat, and then HEAVVVVY as fuck too... yeah, IMO it's a fucking classic!!! GO LISTEN NOW:
3. How will you remember 2017? (In terms of music)
Notable moments: NETHrock playing with EYEHATEGOD, the arrival of our incredible new drummer Joel "Moon Boy" Willis, EARTHEATER live, BUTOH BEETHOVEN, playing bass with MIHO HATORI at the Yayoi Kusama show at The Broad in LA, CAR BOMB live, PAMELIA STICKNEY (the theremin master) live... and obsessively making my own music for months on end, along with regularly DJ'ing on the fantastic Brooklyn LOT RADIO station throughout the year. Soweeeeeet.
4. What can we look forward to from you in 2018?
Touring with NETHrock! Also kicking major ass/releasing a shitload of my own new music (+ also being a goddamn super vegan/ vocal animal rights motherfucker too, btw).
5. What records are you looking forward to most in 2018?
NETHrock's new EP Hope Porn (out 2.9.18) and everything else on my new label Records and Tapes Records, stay tuned (and also waiting to see if DECAPITATED are innocent or not (um, not holding my breath, unfortunately...)
6. For most, 2017 will be remembered as a year of political and social conflict. How does that cultural atmosphere influence your own music or artistic life?
For me, this "cultural atmosphere" has been informing my work in the way implied by this question for many years now - obviously 2017 was fucking horrendous in certain ways, as we all know... but frankly, IMO things were already profoundly fucked up, and have been wildly out of control in the the US... for decades, now...Meaning, aside from the current insane political trash fire, domestically + internationally (IE Trump's terrifying ineptitude, his open racism, sexism, and endless parade of idiotic, backward-ass and possibly catastrophic bullshit, notwithstanding... )
The US is a longtime, and is still actively... an utterly ruthless, racist, murderous imperial force; and in spite of certain (relatively) progressive advances after WWII, and since the '60's... in the last 20-30 years, a corporate coup in the US HAS been taken place... and it's now complete. Meaning, the US-based (but also supra-national) oligarchical elite will continue to jockey for "world dominance" by any means necessary... even it if means cannibalizing and ultimately destroying even THIS society!! And all while also (constantly) committing state sponsored terror around the world... IMO any remotely educated perspective about this ought to profoundly terrify and fucking infuriate EVERYONE!! So... NEVER FORGET THIS + DECOLONIZE/ RESIST/ FIGHT THE FUCKING POWER, etc. etc.
... so yeah, all this is always on my mind/ informs ALL my music and art!! ;) PEAAAAAACE!!! /T
Tobias Jeg (Red Scare Industries)
1. What are your top five albums that were released in 2017? (In order 1-5)
The best album of 2017 was The Menzingers - After The Party.
Hands down, no questions asked, NOT alternative facts, undisputed champs, etc. Beyond that I made a list of "Ten NON-Red Scare punk(ish) songs from 2017 that are pretty good, in no particular order," and here it is:
Wheeler Walker Jr. "Fuckin' Around" (Pepper Hill Records) Rixe "Tenter Le Diable" (Le Vida Es Un Mus) Worriers "Future Me" (Side One Dummy) Dave Hause "The Ride" (Rise Records) RVIVR "Shaggy" (One Brick Today) Peter and the Test Tube Babies "None of your Fucking Business" (Arising Empire) Bloodclot "Kill The Beast" (Metal Blade) Seaway "Something Wonderful" (Pure Noise) Propagandhi "Failed Imagineer" (Epitaph) Matt Pryor "Risk" (Equal Vision)
2. What band did you discover in 2017 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
I've known about Guerilla Poubelle for years because their singer, Till, is the go-to dude for getting shows in France. All our bands know him from touring over there and he has the reputation of a real sweetheart. When Guerilla Poubelle hit me up about working with Red Scare I was honored because I love their politics and they sorta have a Hot Water Music meets Tragedy vibe, which fits right in on the label. Plus, I get to siphon some of their punk cred. High five!
3. How will you remember 2017? (In terms of music)
I don't get Mumble Rap. I read that Warped Tour created Emo, and that was weird.
What else... I saw some good shows and I saw some hard working friends get some much-deserved attention. There were three or four Red Scare-related acts who made a lot of progress in 2017 and I'm very, very happy for them. For real.
4. What can we look forward to from you in 2018?
Red Scare has new stuff from (in alphabetical order) The All Brights, The Brokedowns, Garrett Dale, Elway, (maybe) Brendan Kelly, MakeWar, a Sicko collection, and probably something from Success. Oh, and hopefully we'll find some new folks to work with too, because that's always fun. Are you reading this, Jason Derulo? I'm a fan.
5. What records are you looking forward to most in 2018?
Our old friends The Sidekicks will have a new one coming on Epitaph, and that should be terrific. I was excited to read that Dead To Me is doing new stuff. Hmmm, I guess I'll listen to a new Major Lazer record?
6. For most, 2017 will be remembered as a year of political and social conflict. How does that cultural atmosphere influence your own music or artistic life?
The scene is pretty weird. Call-out culture is popular and unity is not. The knives are out and it seems like people are more concerned with scoring points on the internet than actually making things better or bringing people together. I think it's going to become increasingly important to ignore the noise of the slacktivists and keep your nose to the grindstone. Do-ers need to keep on doing, because winning arguments on Facebook ain't worth a squirt o' piss in the Age Of Trump.
Will Butler (To Live A Lie Records/Oxidant)
1. What are your top five albums that were released in 2017? (In order 1-5)
Exit Order - Seeds of Hysteria LP
Neanderthal - A History Of Violence LP
Haram - When You Have Won, You Have Lost LP
Aggression Pact - Instant Execution EP
Gets Worse - Struggle LP
2. What band did you discover in 2017 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
I do this every year in these posts, I discovered a lot that wasn't punk this year... listened to a lot of Drab Majesty, Black Marble, Hoops, Turnover, etc. Discovered some folk stuff like Uaral. Just a good year to spread out musically. I have also finally tried to make a plunge into jazz and have found Yussef Kamaal and some other amazing artists. I tend to drift through genres at different points in the year when I have time because I have a firm grasp on hardcore punk and powerviolence but there is a world of music I haven't fully heard and every new genre that strikes me is a whole new surface to break through. I think Drab Majesty resonated the most with me in 2017.
3. How will you remember 2017? (In terms of music)
2017 will be the year that punk got angrier.
4. What can we look forward to from you in 2018?
Oxidant is recording with Mike Dean from Corrosion of Conformity for a yet-to-announced release. TLAL will be releasing the new Sixbrewbantha LP, a Sex Prisoner split with Harm Done, a Godflesh worshiping project by Kyle of Sex Prisoner called Realize's demo as an LP, a new Brian Walsby art zine, a new comp, and the ACxDC/Goolagoon split.
5. What records are you looking forward to most in 2018?
I've been running as fast as I can to catch up in 2017, I'm not sure what is on deck for 2018. I saw that my friends in Mammoth Grinder and Genocide Pact both have LPs coming out in 2018. Body Pressure LP will be amazing. New Joy LP will be great.
6. For most, 2017 will be remembered as a year of political and social conflict. How does that cultural atmosphere influence your own music or artistic life?
It has been an awful year both politically and socially but also in regards to natural disasters. I think politics influence my band a lot and my label even more. The final TLAL comp I have focused on having bands with at least a female/queer/non-binary member because it is a day in age where their lives have become significantly harder.
Pass The Mic: Artists and labels on 2017
Series: Year End 2017
Our annual round-up of the best music of the year 2017.
It's been a strange year. Global turmoil, political unrest, uncertainty and populism dogging every decision and public event. Who knows what 2018 will bring? But political scientists we ain't: what we do know is music. Here's our annual list of the best music to come out of the past twelve …
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It's a new year – hooray. And things are off to a fine start, too. If the thought of corrupt governments, AI domination, unmoderated social networks and endless war is causing you to retreat into the past, we don't blame you. In fact, we encourage it! Our writers have summed …
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It's 2025, somehow. When did this happen?! Okay, okay, four days ago. But honestly. It feels like 2012 was only a few months ago. Is it just SPB who's feeling a little, well, timestruck? But don't worry – we've got you. Did 2024 pass you by, too? Still not caught …
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It's a SPB tradition to formally "pass the mic" to our artist and label friends to tell us about their year in music. What albums did they enjoy? What shows did they see? What are they looking forward to for the new year? We're joined this year by a host …
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