Feature / Music / Year End 2023
Pass The Mic: Artists and labels on 2023

Words: Loren • December 11, 2023

Pass The Mic: Artists and labels on 2023
Pass The Mic: Artists and labels on 2023

Matt Martinez (Common Wounds)

by Kindness Photo Co.

What are your top five albums that were released in 2023? (In order 1-5)

  1. Truth Cult - Walk the Wheel
  2. Great Falls - Objects Without Pain
  3. Panopticon - The Rime of Memory
  4. Jeromes Dream - The Gray In Between
  5. Body Stuff - Body Stuff 4

What band did you discover in 2023 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? How so?

Truth Cult. I found this band via a friend sending me a YouTube video. The music instantly connected with me, recalling the passion, energy and emotion of '90s post-hardcore/ emotional hardcore (think DC Hardcore, Ebullition Records). This nostalgia feeling was conveyed while presenting music that was still fresh and exciting. I went out of my way to catch them live, and they delivered everything that was captured in the recording. Their music inspires me and makes me hopeful for the future.

How will you remember 2023 (in terms of music)?

For me, 2023 was year of inspiration, innovation and energy... especially when I think about heavy music.

Inspiration comes from newer and younger bands making their mark and doing things in their own unique way. Innovation comes from established bands releasing music that continues to challenge their audience's expectations. Energy comes from fans who amplify the passion that artists are attempting to convey.

What can we look forward to from you in 2024?

Common Wounds is about to enter the studio to record our first full length LP. We are hoping for a mid-to-late year release.

What records are you looking forward to most in 2024?

I am looking forward to new music from Young Widows, Pissed Jeans, Leaving, Kal Marks and hopefully the final Hot Snakes record.

With physical media sales seemingly less popular than ever, what are some the best ways that fans can help to support the musicians when they go to a live show?

Fan involvement and presence is crucial...First and foremost GO TO SHOWS! Build your scene, drive your scene! Make zines, interview bands, take videos and photos at shows, book shows, start bands, share and advocate for the bands you find and love. These are all ways to ensure that touring, and live music in general, is still viable and have audiences.

Matt Martinez – social media links

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Loren • December 11, 2023

Main photo: Sam Russo

Pass The Mic: Artists and labels on 2023
Pass The Mic: Artists and labels on 2023

Pages in this feature

  1. Opening page
  2. Aaron Tyree (Shadow Age)
  3. Alex Goldfarb (Debt Neglector)
  4. American Television
  5. Andy (Sell The Heart Records / Tsunami Bomb)
  6. Chris Mason (Faulty Cognitions / Dirt Cult Records)
  7. Chuck Coffey (aka Charlie Continental) (Snappy Little Numbers / SPELLS)
  8. Conan Neutron (Conan Neutron & the Secret Friends)
  9. Cory (Shape of Storms Records)
  10. Curran Reynolds (Body Stuff)
  11. Darron (DC-Jam Records)
  12. Daryl Wilson M.D. (The Bollweevils)
  13. Deanna (Sincere Engineer)
  14. Eli Hansen (Real Numbers)
  15. Felipe Patino (SACK)
  16. Frank Turner
  17. Ian Cory (Lamniformes / Bellows / Model Child / Laughing Stock / Fictionss / Told Slant)
  18. J. Wang (Come Closer / Fast Crowd Records)
  19. Jon (The Path)
  20. Keaton Rogers and Kacey Greenwood (Raised on TV)
  21. Mason Lowe
  22. Matt Hutchison (Shattered Platter Publicity)
  23. Matt Martinez (Common Wounds)
  24. Michael Reisinger (Sleeping Giant Glossolalia)
  25. Nick Hertzberg (Wet Cassettes)
  26. Rev (The Drowns)
  27. Rob Good (The Goods)
  28. Sam Russo
  29. Shahab Zargari (GC Records)
  30. Shauners (Middle-Aged Queers)
  31. Speaking as a radically evolved hivemind (Heart & Lung)
  32. Teddy Panopoulos (Dead Waves)
  33. Terence Hannum (Locrian / The Holy Circle)
  34. The Ape-Ettes
  35. To Live A Lie Records
  36. Travis & Jack (Fat Heaven)
  37. Trevor Shelley de Brauw (Pelican)
  38. Ty Vaughn (Broadway Calls)

Series: Year End 2023

Our roundup of the best music of the year 2023

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