To Live A Lie Records
What are your top five albums that were released in 2023? (In order 1-5)
- Deliriant Nerve - Contaminated Conscience LP (Malokul)
- World Peace - It Is Written LP (Twelve Gauge)
- Suppression with Bastard Noise - Infernal Legions (Anthems of the Undesirable)
- Shitstorm - Only In Dade LP (Malokul)
- Brain Tourniquet - An Expression in Pain LP (Iron Lung)
Honorable mentions - Gel LP (Convulse), Sea of Shit LP (Nerve Altar), Speed Plans LP (Iron Lung), Electric Chair LP (Iron Lung)
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?
I rediscovered Hum in 2023 which I know doesn't line up with the above list of top five albums, but I love music that straddles lines and the heavy but delicate sound of their last album really resonated with me. Blending genres is a really risky thing for bands to do and I think they've done the heavy shoegaze for so long that making an album after all the years really showed how they matured into that sound.
How will you remember 2023 (in terms of music)?
I think 2023 was the evening back out of everything post-pandemic. As a label I've never sold as much stuff in my entire life in 2021 and 2022 and I think 2022 was the start of a return to normalcy with stores and major labels. DIY had its time in the sun with major labels holding releases and now we have to get back to the hustle. I'd hope people saw how competent underground music is and stick to it.
What can we look forward to from you in 2024?
I have some records at the plant and on the way to the plant that I haven't announced, so stay tuned for a major full-length by an amazing powerviolence band that has been around since the '90s, a first time on vinyl '90s NC metalcore release, and a killer LP by Oregon's Dry Socket.
What records are you looking forward to most in 2024?
The Undying LP represses didn't seem to come out this year so I'm looking forward to that in 2024. I grew up seeing them and had the vague possibility to fill in as bass player for their Euro tour in 2004, I think, but that clearly didn't pan out.
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?
I mean, obviously going to see them in the first place and telling your friends to come out is a huge step. Recording the band and posting on social media is helpful. Buying merch goes directly to the band fund and is huge. Talking to the band and making connections. DIY is about taking what you like in life and applying it to shows -- interviewing the band for a podcast, or taking photos for a photo zine for instance.
