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 of folks: Frank Turner, Justin Pearson, Tobias Jeg, Body Stuff, Tsunami Bomb, Locrian, the Bollweevils and more to tell us about 2024 in music and how they experienced it.
Here are a few choice quotes from some of our friends about 2024 in music:
"[2024 was] a year I’ll remember as incredibly dynamic and refreshing. At the same time, we can mark 2024 in history as the year AI truly and officially entered the music industry. "
Or alternatively, here's Justin blazing righteously on politics:
What I'm really looking forward to is an alien invasion, not the right-winged "illegal" ones, but otherworldly ones. I'm ready for humanity to get its ass handed to itself. An arrogant backbiting species with no respect for this planet or themselves does not even deserve music and art at this juncture.
– Justin Pearson (Deaf Club / Planet B / Satanic Planet / Three One G Records)
Or if you prefer, here's Will talking about the resurgence of major-label music:
2024 was the year the major labels all came back with a vengeance. 2020-2023 were truly the years that small labels and DIY thrived and with the economy on the downswing and big bands being back on tour, DIY is a bit put aside.
Want more? Read on below, and use the page links to browse each of our artist/label respondents. Let's pass the mic!
Frank Turner
photo by Aaron H.
What are your top five albums that were released in 2024? (In order 1-5)
- Pedro The Lion - Santa Cruz
- Nick Cave - Wild God
- Grace Petrie - Build Something Better
- Amigo The Devil - Yours Until The War Is Over
- OBGMs - Sorry It's Over
What band did you discover in 2024 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? How so?
Nobro. One of my absolute favourite bands. Reminded me why punk rock is the best.
How will you remember 2024 (in terms of music)?
I've spent the year touring my new record, Undefeated, so that will be the memory for me.
What can we look forward to from you in 2025?
Endless touring, and my 3000th show.
What records are you looking forward to most in 2025?
The new Lottery Winners record.
How do you try to get your news to fans as media platforms and algorithms change?
It gets harder every year, and it burdens my soul when new platforms get launched. But this is the world I have to exist in. Alas, I try to focus more on making good music and playing good shows.
Jon Snodgrass
What are your top five albums that were released in 2024? (In order 1-5)
in no order, except alphabetical. sorry.
- Christy Costello - From The Dark
- Guided By Voices - Strut of Kings
- Scott Reynolds - Magic Beans & Time Machines
- Swami & The Bed Of Nails - All This Awaits You
- X - Smoke & Fiction
What band did you discover in 2024 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? How so?
the I DON’T CARES.
It’s a Paul Westerberg / Juliana Hatfield LP from 2016. I’d never listened to it before. I listened to it ALL October.
How will you remember 2024 (in terms of music)?
The year of Abe Brennan projects & two records from me.
What can we look forward to from you in 2025?
Working on weekender, ideas w/ BÜDDIES.
So far, FLA ⚾️ in March, CA& New England in summer 🤫 +more
What records are you looking forward to most in 2025?
Chad Price - Peace Coalition LP is out in March.
How do you try to get your news to fans as media platforms and algorithms change?
I have no idea. I’m booking gigs around buds availability, baseball games and the GHOST BAND domestic shows.
Fink (Angel Face)
photo by BB Clark
What are your top five albums that were released in 2024? (In order 1-5)
- The Saints - I’m Stranded box-set
- Shakane - Big Step
- Terry Stamp - Fatsticks
- various artists - A Good Thing Going!
- Hammersmith Gorillas - Why Wait ‘ Till Tomorrow
What band did you discover in 2024 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? How so?
Middle Edge
How will you remember 2024 (in terms of music)?
The price of vinyl records has skyrocketed to the point of ridiculousness. Someone please tell me why!
What can we look forward to from you in 2025?
Records to return to previous prices.
And someone please discover how to make records quickly and cheaply.
What records are you looking forward to most in 2025?
That is, of course, good records at price you can easily afford.
That was a bit dull. Personally, I'd like to see old soul and R&B records re-released at a reasonable price. Even reissues are more expensive than new releases now. I don't understand why.
How do you try to get your news to fans as media platforms and algorithms change?
It would be nice to make a good record and have everyone listen to it at a low price.
Fink – social media links
- Instagram: @angelface_band
Seth Gile (Arms Aloft)
What are your top five albums that were released in 2024? (In order 1-5)
IU - The Winning EP
Illit - SUPERREALME EP
Kendrick Lamar - Not Like Us (The single drop and surrounding hysteria all ruled.)
Kim Deal - Nobody Loves You More LP
Le Sserafim - EASY EP
I'm sorry I didn't listen to any punk records. It's not all you wonderful bands' fault.
What band did you discover in 2024 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? How so?
You know, my back had been giving me a hard time at work, so early in the year I finally switched from wearing fuckin Vans to work everyday to some company called Lem's. They're a little like... systems admin guy mode (respectfully). Definitely verging on a dad shoe, I guess. But instantly helped my back and knees. And they're made for hiking so even the (vegan!) materials they use have been tough and are pretty waterproof and stuff. I can bike, in slush, in them and not regret it.
Oh shit, "BAND"? I did, "BRAND". My b.
How will you remember 2024 (in terms of music)?
It was one of the rare years in which we actually released something, so that's always a landmark of sorts. Sadly also means that the songs I heard most this year were actually Arms Aloft songs. Woof! But that was probably the biggest musical moment of the year, for me. In terms of live music, I saw IU and her absolutely insane band, in Chicago. It was one of the best (if not THE best) gigs I've ever seen. Cried like a baby, multiple times.
What can we look forward to from you in 2025?
We have extremely vague hopes to write another EP and at some point hit the road for at least a week or whatever. Come visit some of you freaks. But we shall see! The groupchat is always buzzing but "real life" also beckons ever sweetly, from the shore. Something, though! We're not dead yet.
Also in 2025, we're all going to get to see a freed Palestine.
What records are you looking forward to most in 2025?
I feel woefully out of touch. New Propagandhi is coming, right? That's always a welcome injection of everything they do.
Otherwise, I hope the NewJeans contract nonsense works out in the artists' favor and in a way that means they can put out new stuff. Everything they'd released in the last couple of years was super sick and always kinda weird and just... cool. But then they got grounded. Bummer times. (Look it up, if that's all nonsense to you. Pretty compelling drama!)
How do you try to get your news to fans as media platforms and algorithms change?
God have mercy, I haven't the slightest idea. We still use some of les classiques terribles, like IG and whatever. But now you've gotta make videos, for that, if you want the robot to show your post to anyone. No pics anymore! I've been trying to move from X to Bluesky, for words-style social media... but it just isn't "there" yet, I don't think. Honestly, the parasocial part of being in a band can be a fuckin 'nightmare, so ultimately I hope we all figure out a way to get the word out about gigs and records and whatever, without relying so heavily on the robots and their fascist owners. Independent music and art could probably do without a comment section or a reply button, let alone a reliance on websites run by mutants like Musk (he yells, shaking his fist at a cloud).
Seth Gile – social media links
- Instagram: @armsaloft
Curran Reynolds (Body Stuff)
photo by Paul Roura
What are your top five albums that were released in 2024? (In order 1-5)
- Alan Vega - Insurrection
- Rare Form - Softcore
- Thou - Umbilical
- Kim Gordon - The Collective
- Anno - Anno
What band did you discover in 2024 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? How so?
My pal Jeff turned me on to Lord Spikeheart, a guy in Kenya making really wonderful techno-metal. It's a feast for the ears. I also discovered The Last Men, a New York band from the late '70s that put out a single on ZE Records. Soulful punk rock songs about necrophilia and stuff.
How will you remember 2024 (in terms of music)?
I've been writing the new Body Stuff album and, a few nights ago, I got to open for one of my heroes, Martin Rev.
What can we look forward to from you in 2025?
I'll be recording the new Body Stuff album. On top of that, I am thinking a lot about community these days and how I want to continue collaborating with people who inspire me, whether it's playing shows together or contributing to each other's songs. I also look forward to traveling and bringing Body Stuff to some new towns.
What records are you looking forward to most in 2025?
I like the new Dax Riggs songs I've heard.
How do you try to get your news to fans as media platforms and algorithms change?
With Body Stuff, the mission is to express myself as wholly and genuinely as I can. My energy goes into writing songs, making artwork, and performing with maximum conviction. People will take it or leave it.
Curran Reynolds – social media links
- Instagram: @bodystuffworldpeace
Erinc Guzel (Caz Plak)
What are your top five albums that were released in 2024? (In order 1-5)
- Don Cherry / Okay Temiz - Music for Turkish Theater 1970 (Caz Plak)
- Kanye West / Ty Dolla Sign - Vultures I (YZY)
- Alain Goraguer - Rare Soundtracks & Lost Tapes (Transversales Disques)
- Primal Scream - Come Ahead (BMG)
- Future & Metro Boomin - We don't trust you (Sony)
What band did you discover in 2024 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? How so?
Thanks to the sample list of "Like That," the track by Future, Metro Boomin, and Kendrick Lamar that sparked major waves afterwards, I discovered Rodney O and Joe Cooley. This southern California duo, with beats crafted 40 years ago, has gifted me music that remains strikingly fresh and timeless even in 2024.
How will you remember 2024 (in terms of music)?
It was a year when incredible albums were released across almost every genre, from punk to hip-hop to jazz -- a year I’ll remember as incredibly dynamic and refreshing. At the same time, we can mark 2024 in history as the year AI truly and officially entered the music industry.
What can we look forward to from you in 2025?
In Caz Plak headquarters in Istanbul we’re gearing up for another jazz release that will make a mark in 2025.
What records are you looking forward to most in 2025?
Our LP releases, perhaps.
How do you try to get your news to fans as media platforms and algorithms change?
It’s truly one of the challenging processes, if not the most. As a completely and fiercely independent record label operating from one of the most unlikely corners of the world, this is the biggest struggle for us right now. Thankfully, there are still real music listeners out there who share and support us.
Erinc Guzel – social media links
Charles Kieny (CKRAFT)
photo by Manuel Braun
What are your top five albums that were released in 2024? (In order 1-5)
Honestly I find this to be an incredibly difficult question because the things I listen to the most are generally oldies (classic jazz records, 2000s metal records and Middle Ages chants!) and, at the same time, this year was so crazy full of awesome releases! So here’s how I’ll do it: I’ll just check my streaming platforms' history and randomly throw in some of the 2024 records that I enjoyed, in the chronological order of their release. Spoiler: mostly weird stuff!
Chrones - ZONE
(Very) angry avant-garde jazz quartet led by a good friend of mine, Pierre-Marie Lapprand, a real sax virtuoso and hell of a composer.
Kilter - La Suspendida
This is a jazz-metal opera led by bassist and composer Laurent David.
Folterkammer - Weibermacht
Black metal with operatic singing led by singer Andromeda Anarchia and Imperial Triumphant’s Zachary Ezrin.
Imperial Triumphant - Vile Luxury “Redux 1924”
Speaking of Imperial Triumphant... This is a remaster of their legendary 2018 record.
Ever Forthright - Techinflux
This is virtuoso guitarist Nick Llerandi's band. Awesome indescribable techy stuff topped with unexpected clean singing (which I usually have a hard time with, but the riffs are out of this world, so in the end the combination is killing!)
What band did you discover in 2024 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? How so?
I discovered Knocked Loose through their new album You Won't Go Before You're
Supposed To, which blew my mind. It reminded me of the feeling I had when I
discovered Suicide Silence with their 2020 record Become The Hunter, or all those KoRn albums back in the 2000s, in terms of heaviness. It just feels like… such a straightforward, “honest” violence, you know what I mean? It’s so groovy and flexible, you can really hear the musicians smash their instruments, the grooves are simple in a way, but they’re executed with such a crushing rage in their sound.
How will you remember 2024 (in terms of music)?
Like the previous few years I guess, a lot of very technical, fast, nerdy stuff coming out every week. I may sound old-fashioned, but music nowadays feels a bit “cold” and computerized in comparison with the older stuff I mentioned before. I keep on rambling about Knocked Loose (sorry) but I think they really bring back some kind of human feel to the metal/extreme/produced music listening experience and their 2024 album completely deserves its fame in my humble opinion!
What can we look forward to from you in 2025?
We’re releasing our new album, Uncommon Grounds, on January 17. You can pre-save it here.
It’s jazz-metal that clearly has death/prog influences as well as medieval melodies, just like our first record, Epic Discordant Vision, two years ago.
What records are you looking forward to most in 2025?
The one we’re mostly looking forward to is our own, of course! We put so much love, energy, sweat, tears (and blood occasionally) into it. It might seem a bit self-centered but it can only be that one really.
I recently discovered a very original 5-piece band from Amsterdam called Behind Closed Doors. It’s a super unexpected combination of instruments (cello, viola, violin, bass, drums, guitar!), led by guitarist and composer Chris Teuschel. They released a new single (“prichitat | stabat filius”) with guitar soloing vibes that remind me of Fredrik Thordendal and Alan Holdsworth, as well as… cello chugging! Cello is probably my favorite instrument, and Chris’ music sounds fantastic so I’m really looking forward to Behind Closed Doors’ full-length album as well as seeing the whole band play live!
I also write for cellos by the way, here’s my cello-cello-accordion trio, CrozPhonics:
I’m finishing mixing an album for that project at the moment, it will probably be released in 2025 as well so I’m looking forward to that one too!
How do you try to get your news to fans as media platforms and algorithms change?
Well our whole musical identity is quite unexpected and the instrument I play is
surprising too (it’s a kind of augmented synth-accordion) so it can be a challenge for new fans to wrap their heads around our thing, if they only see/hear a snippet on social medias. Let alone be noticed by algorithms. Therefore we recently started taking this issue very seriously and working hard to communicate as clearly as possible around this new release. For the past few months a videographer followed us in rehearsals and concerts and also interviewed me with a professional setup, and is now making all of our social media much neater and more organized, so hopefully our weird jazz-metal with saxophone and accordion will reach a lot of new ears in 2025!
Charles Kieny – social media links
- Instagram: @ckraft_band
Scott Pasch aka Mr. P (DCxPC Live (The x is silent))
What are your top five albums that were released in 2024? (In order 1-5)
- Sick Move - Intrusive Thoughts
- Trouble Bound - Broken Ribs and Blood Clots
- Miracle Blood - Hello Hell
- Meth Rats - Anger Unanimous
- Worldsucks - No Go (It might be higher if it wasn’t a 7”)
I only did vinyl releases. One, that’s how I prefer to listen and two, it helped winnow the field a bit.
What band did you discover in 2024 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? How so?
I didn’t discover Soji in 2024 because I’d been following them on social media and jamming to their shit online since 2023, but I finally got to see them live at Camp Punksylvania 4 this past summer, and they were everything I’d been hoping they would be. Fucking killed it live, and made me want to jam to their tunes even more. They have a split tape with Winter Wolf (Another rad as fuck band) coming out in early December. I don’t really fuck with tapes, but for this I might ‘cause both bands are so damn fucking good.
How will you remember 2024 (in terms of music)?
On a personal level it was a year well spent with two great dudes playing music in a band called Leave it Behind, which has sadly gone into indefinite hiatus. Playing with them allowed me to experience the Hudson Valley hardcore, punk, ska, and metal scene from the inside -- both musically and personally. Having just moved here in January of 2023, getting the chance to get to know and love so many people in the HV scene will definitely be my musical memory of 2024. Holly and Outsider, all the dudes in RBNX and Trouble Bound, and Kev from Negative Raxxx in particular have made me feel more welcome than I can describe. I can’t list everyone that has affected me, so I’d just like to wish much love and PMA to all the bands, promoters, venues and people that have welcomed me into the scene. Even if I didn’t mention you, you know who you are, and you know that I am grateful to have you in my life.
What can we look forward to from you in 2025?
As a label I’m looking forward to several releases. The following are already in production in the studio or being pressed:
- Comp Punksylvania 4 Live (Recorded at Camp Punksylvania 4)
- DCxPC Live Vol. 25 Ninety Pound Wuss 12”
- DCxPC Live Vol. 30 American Jetset 12”
- DCxPC Live Vol. 32 2AMature / The Snorts Split 12”
- DCxPC Live Vol. 33 Sick Move 12”
- DCxPC Live Vol. 34 Marc-Alan Prince/Red at Night Split 12”
- DCxPC Live Vol. 35 The Whiskey Bats 7”
- DCxPC Live Vol. 36 Shark Noises 12”
- DCxPC Live Vol. 37 Urban Waste / Soji split 12”
In the works with sets recorded but not yet assigned released numbers are albums by Submachine, Celebration Summer, Wolf-Face, Pickaxe (DC), 504 Plan, Cut-Rate Druggist, Betty Blowtorch, Scum, Half-Dizzy, Chumhuffer, The Lousekateers, Ape Metro, Trouble Bound, Dark Hippie, Rest Assured, Resistance Company, RBNX, Cecropia and more!
As a promoter, I’m stoked to continue to work with Snugs in New Paltz and El Dorado in Troy for shows here and there. I’m also pumped to be doing monthly Sunday matinees at Snapper Magee’s in Kingston starting this January. And I’d be lying if I wasn’t super excited about the biggest show I’ve ever booked: Big D and the Kids Table with Planet Smashers at the Unicorn Bar in Kingston. It’s a 150 capacity venue, so it’s gonna sell the fuck out!
Personally, I’m jamming with my wife and some friends on some punk covers that may or may not turn into originals. And I’m keeping my ears out for an opportunity to join/start a new band (I’m a drummer) that’s into playing out of town versus just playing the Hudson Valley.
What records are you looking forward to most in 2025?
That’s hard to say. I guess I should be more in tune with who is recording new stuff, but I’m not. I know The Goons from DC have reformed and are recording, so I’ll be grabbing that the moment it comes out. Worldsucks is also going into the studio soon, and I know their shit will rip. Beyond that I’m not sure what’s coming out. Definitely keeping an eye on Phameless Records. I bought a bunch of their shit this past year: Jaelyn, 13 Cavities, Assemble, Chemical X and Disoviet. All of it just fucks. Pure sonic fuck.
How do you try to get your news to fans as media platforms and algorithms change?
It’s hard to do, for sure. I do the standard email list, but I try not to overdo it. I use IG the most and that crossposts to FB and Threads. I mostly share new releases, shows that I’m doing, shows that other people are doing 'cause I like to support the scene, and new music from bands even if they are not on my label. I also try to record at least one full song of every band I go to see, and then I share that on IG, FB, TikTok and upload to my YouTube page. I should probably get something better than my shitty phone.
Oh, and for shows, I’d like to think I’ve earned the reputation as someone who is bringing paper back. I hang flyers all over the area and surrounding areas, I pass out hundreds of handbills at shows in the weeks prior, and I even mail copies of flyers and handbills to bands on the show I’m promoting. I also try to make 2-3 different social media images for the show to combat scroll fatigue.
I’m also working on an old school mail order catalog like the old SST ones.
Scott Pasch aka Mr. P – social media links
- Instagram: @dcxpc_live
Brian Amalfitano (Deaf Club)
What are your top five albums that were released in 2024? (In order 1-5)
- Tropical Fuck Storm - Inflatable Graveyard”
- Metz - Up On Gravity Hill
- The Cure - Songs Of A Lost World
- The Smile - Wall Of Eyes
- Nick Cave - Wild God
- Previous Industries - Service Merchandise
- Kendrick Lamar - GNX
- Beth Gibbons - Lives Outgrown
- Idles - Tangk
- Jesus Lizard - Rack
Honestly there’s so much more.
What band did you discover in 2024 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? How so?
Girl Scout. In particular the track “I Just Needed You To Know.”
Just sort of obsessed with some of the weird guitar stuff. Even in catchy pop songs there’s a way to get away with it. They do it really well.
How will you remember 2024 (in terms of music)?
Too much to remember. I own a record store (Spinning Plate Records) and every week I get new releases. It amazes me the amount of “rockers” or “punks” that say music is dead or their genre of music is dead. Those statements show how lazy they are as music consumers / discoverers. The only thing that got murdered this year was Drake.
What can we look forward to from you in 2025?
Deaf Club has new music on the way. There was an obvious push forward in terms of songwriting and exploration. Less limitations. I think we are all happy with the growth of the band musically speaking.
What records are you looking forward to most in 2025?
Kendrick Lamar - GNX (physical release)
How do you try to get your news to fans as media platforms and algorithms change?
Unfortunately we are at the whim of algorithms and billionaires who own them. Luckily there is always a network of people who still just pay attention to and support local artists and businesses and help each other out. In DIY we trust.
Justin Pearson (Deaf Club / Planet B / Satanic Planet / Three One G Records)
photo by Becky DiGiglio
What are your top five albums that were released in 2024? (In order 1-5)
- Cumgirl 8 - The 8th Cumming LP
- Help - Courage EP
- Venus Twins - Stitching EP
- Paper Mice - Neurotic City EP
What band did you discover in 2024 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? How so?
I discovered Cumgirl 8 in 2024. The impact was that I found a very cool band and became friends with some of the members when they were on my podcast.
How will you remember 2024 (in terms of music)?
I honestly do not listen to a lot of music. I tend to listen to talk radio or when not listening to humans talk, I'm in the studio working on stuff, so I get music fatigue outside of that. However, the albums I listed above are all superior art, created by amazing people, and no doubtedly withstand the test of time.
What can we look forward to from you in 2025?
I cringed at the last time we had a DICKtator in office here in the US and people said, "Well, music and art will be good" as if the murky shift of parties in our two party system should make people react differently, when in reality, there is plenty to create combative, revolutionary, and thought provoking art for regardless of who's in power here in the US, the supposed pig of the world. So here we are again, and well, things are bleak in my opinion. What I'm really looking forward to is an alien invasion, not the right-winged "illegal" ones, but otherworldly ones. I'm ready for humanity to get its ass handed to itself. An arrogant backbiting species with no respect for this planet or themselves does not even deserve music and art at this juncture. We have the right, who is very much into hating downwards and the left, who divides itself by shitting on one another. In 2025 I hope dogs end up making music. I'll respect that.
What records are you looking forward to most in 2025?
Haunted Horses - Dweller, and the awesome stuff I am not aware of yet.
How do you try to get your news to fans as media platforms and algorithms change?
I typically e-fart news out on the various narcissistic platforms, which so far essentially seems to be the same from one to another. I anxiously awaiting for our attention spans to shorten to one second clips, where you have to figure out what the fuck is going on from one second to the next. Then, at least things will be constantly interesting at that juncture.
Justin Pearson – social media links
- Twitter: @pearson_justin
- Instagram: @justinpearson31g/
Lo'Spider (Destination Lonely / Magnetix² / Swampland studio)
What are your top five albums that were released in 2024? (In order 1-5)
Oh Telephone - Kill Kill Kill (Voodoo Rhythm)
I recorded this one. It's a mix of garage pop trash and surf punk from the Swiss mountains... Refreshing!
Nick Wheeldon & Friends - Make Art (Le Pop Club)
An English friend who lives in Paris that everybody should be informed of!
Class - A Healthy Alternative (Feel It)
Really good band from Tucson, AZ
various artists - Haunted Presence (Numero Group)
A Halloween compilation but quite different from the one with only '50s or '60s bands... Only nuggets from blues to funk!
The Drin - Elude the Torch (Feel It)
One of the best bands I've seen live last year. Leathered boys playing some weird African wave!
What band did you discover in 2024 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? How so?
The Benny Trokan album on Wick is a must -- composition and sound at its best.
LISTEN TO THE FALL... & meditate!
And you can have a look at the film Western Lands by Nicolas Drolc w/ Andy Dale Petty.
How will you remember 2024 (in terms of music)?
... As the previous ones! There are always some good bands to listen to or to see live... Especially the young Australian scene (Billiam, Stiff Richards, satanic togas, The Unknowns, Gee Tee, RMFC, etc.) Personally, it was a pretty good year with lots of bands visiting Swampland and the reformation of the legendary Magnetix as Magnetix² with the addition of the three from Destination Lonely.
What can we look forward to from you in 2025?
We've got a new album with Destination Lonely, to come on Voodoo Rhythm... It should be called Nobody's Friends to respect the specifications! / Maybe a 7" also; we are looking for the right label. We are gonna record new material and tour in May with the Magnetix².
Swampland Rec. is ready to welcome you if you wanna record some good music from dissident folk to punk rock'n'roll and garage trash!
What records are you looking forward to most in 2025?
I don't know which records are planned for 2025, but I can wait for the ones I've recorded: Bart & The Brats, always improving his one-man band experience; CP Westman Orkëster from Sweden/France; Sloks LP, who will come through Goodbye Boozy; Vision 3D from Belgium; My friends The Angry Dead Pirates that come back with a new LP, Pierre Omer's Swing Revue and one I'll be particularly proud, Jérôme Sage with his new "situationist" project!
How do you try to get your news to fans as media platforms and algorithms change?
Somebody else will do that for us, no? Maybe god... don't know anything about that, but thank you.
Lo'Spider – social media links
- Instagram: @swamplandrec666
Shahab Zargari (GC Records)
What are your top five albums that were released in 2024? (In order 1-5)
- Red Scare Industries: 20 Years Of Dreaming And Scheming
- Vicious Dreams -Turn Off My Brain
- HOTS - Songs of Freedom fundraiser LP
- Con Shoal EP
- Bjork & Rosalia - Oral fundraiser remix
What band did you discover in 2024 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? How so?
How will you remember 2024 (in terms of music)?
Events are back in full swing now that COVID lockdown is far behind us, which is nice. Now we just need to get more people to come out to shows!
What can we look forward to from you in 2025?
More music, more videos, more crazy!
What records are you looking forward to most in 2025?
Really excited about a fresh new band out of Vegas called Brake Check and their new album, which drops soon:
How do you try to get your news to fans as media platforms and algorithms change?
The biggest way is our email newsletter and website news feed where Meta and Google and X algorithms don't hide our posts.
Adam Carroll (Good Friend)
What are your top five albums that were released in 2024? (In order 1-5)
1. Niamh Bury - Yellow Roses
2. (tie) Stu Daly - Loggerheads
2. (tie) And So I Watch You From Afar - Megafauna
3. Alkaline Trio - Blood Hair and Eyeballs
4. MakeWar - A Paradoxical Theory of Change
5. Sludgeworth - Together Not Together
What band did you discover in 2024 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? How so?
It was great to hear new material from MakeWar. A band we are close with and toured with a few times. Also magic from ASIWYFA, as always.
How will you remember 2024 (in terms of music)?
Definitely for the 20-year anniversary of Red Scare. The release of the compilation, the Vegas punk rock museum takeover, and some fun shows all round the States to celebrate the greatest record label in the world.
What can we look forward to from you in 2025?
A new album from Good Friend, touring, shows with The Menzingers, some more shows at home in Ireland and the UK as well as USA later in the year.
What records are you looking forward to most in 2025?
Our own…10 years in the making, so I just want it out. Also looking forward to new material from The Starting Line.
How do you try to get your news to fans as media platforms and algorithms change?
We try to communicate across most of major platforms, although We’re not on X anymore. Instagram is probably where you can stay up to date.
Adam Carroll – social media links
- Instagram: @goodfriendband
Colin Dawson (Haunted Horses / Snakey Dublay / Daisyheroin)
photo by J. Donovan Malley
What are your top five albums that were released in 2024? (In order 1-5)
- Cindy Lee - Diamond Jubilee
- Kendrick Lamar - GNX
- Help - Courage
- Tyler the Creator - Chromakopia
- Kim Gordon - The Collective
What band did you discover in 2024 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? How so?
The artist I discovered this year was Brenda Lee. I heard the song “Sweet Nothin’s” and fell in love with vocal stylings and simplistic classic rock n' roll vibe.
How will you remember 2024 (in terms of music)?
2024 was filled with a lot of great new music, which I found hard to keep up with. I got to see Kim Gordon with Moor Mother on their recent tour, which was a massive highlight. I made some fun music videos.
What can we look forward to from you in 2025?
We are starting the year by releasing our new LP, Dweller. We hope to do lots of touring. My other project, Snakey Dublay will start playing out some shows.
What records are you looking forward to most in 2025?
I am not really sure what's coming out in 2025.
How do you try to get your news to fans as media platforms and algorithms change?
We hope for the best.
Colin Dawson – social media links
- Instagram: @haunted_horses
Heaty Beat
What are your top five albums that were released in 2024? (In order 1-5)
I’m such a Zoomer that I’m pretty sure that I’ve only sat down and listened to 4 albums exactly this year. Which is 4 more albums than the majority of my other friends. Here are the albums I was most excited to listen to this year.
- Cordae - The Crossroads
- Logic - Ultra 85
- Spose - What Could Go Wrong?
- Sniper2004 - 2000fourrr
All these albums go so hard in their own unique ways.
What band did you discover in 2024 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? How so?
Haircuts For Men is an artist that I’ve been bumping a lot of this year. They make Vaporwave/Synthwave music and as far as life impact goes whenever I need something to listen to as I work their catalog is definitely a go-to. Plus it’s fun to freestyle over their songs because they use boom-bap type drums on very unique sounding instrumentation sometimes. They’ve been pretty much getting me through my senior year of college.
How will you remember 2024 (in terms of music)?
A year of variety for sure! A lot of my favorite artists have started to branch out of the genre of music they typically make and I think that’s something really cool and inspiring to see. There’s also just a whole bunch of music out there, especially in the world of hip-hop I feel like we’re seeing a lot more sub-genres emerge. Not everyone is sounding the same, there are a lot of new different sounds that are distinct from each other. I feel like there's a genre of music made for every type of person nowadays whereas in the past I couldn't say that as confidently.
What can we look forward to from you in 2025?
Since I’ll be graduating from university in 2025, you can expect many more songs and videos from me! I want to drop a lot more than I have recently. Not only do I want to drop a variety of new sounds from me. Let's branch out from the "rappity-rap" stuff I usually do and mix things up a bit -- pick up the guitar. Plus a physical release of my first-ever EP, The Warm-Up, is something that’ll happen, too!
What records are you looking forward to most in 2025?
Anything made by the people around me! Seeing my friends and people I’ve met express themselves creatively through music is the coolest thing ever to me. If they can do it, why can't I? It's just really motivating. Sriracha, Joey Aich, Peyton Rameriez, The Dumplings Band & AnnaDa’Vonna I’m, looking at y’all!
How do you try to get your news to fans as media platforms and algorithms change?
One thing I started doing this year that I’ve never done before is stream on Twitch. So, in addition to the usual Instagram posts and YouTube videos, I can directly talk to my chat on Livestream whenever something big happens. When I dropped my EP, The Warm-Up, I did a stream where I performed each song and explained the lyrics and meanings with my chat and it went really well. Plus, when there’s not much going on music-wise, it’s still fun to go on there and just talk to other people. Not only is it a great way to connect with current supporters it’s a great way to gain new ones too. I’ve become obsessed!
Heaty Beat – social media links
- Twitter: @HeatyBeat
- Instagram: @heatybeat
Rainer Fronz (Learning Curve Records / Caterwaul)
What are your top five albums that were released in 2024? (In order 1-5)
- Bronson Arm - s/t
- Scrunchies - Colossal
- Mary Timony - Untame the Tiger
- Couch Slut - You Could Do It Tonight
- The Triceratetops - Charge!
What band did you discover in 2024 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? How so?
Anything and everything from Wrong Speed Records in the UK. Joe and his crew have a great thing going. No genres or rules. Best UK indie label. It's been an honor to work with and be a partner label to them. The band Irked was my favorite discovery this past year from Wrong Speed -- amazing garage rock. Super fun.
How will you remember 2024 (in terms of music)?
Booking and surviving another Caterwaul.
What can we look forward to from you in 2025?
I have a slew of great releases from bands for Learning Curve that I am really excited about. We are looking to branch out with our sound and reach a wider audience as well.
What records are you looking forward to most in 2025?
New Bronson Arm, Tonguecutter, Unstable Shapes, Heet Deth (on TGIC), In Lieu, Intercourse(NY), Thin and what ever else my friends releasee (especially from TGIC, mpls ltd, and Forbidden Place)
How do you try to get your news to fans as media platforms and algorithms change?
Be persistent and always create content.
Terence Hannum (Locrian / The Holy Circle / Axebreaker)
What are your top five albums that were released in 2024? (In order 1-5)
Top 5 LPs I purchased in 2024:
- μ-ziq - 1977
- Mdou Moctar - Funeral for Justice
- Starflyer 59 - Lust for Gold
- Kim Gordon - The Collective
- Zombi - Direct Inject
Top 5 albums I streamed:
- Blood Incantation - Absolute Elsewhere
- TR/ST - Performance
- The Cure - Songs of a Lost World
- Ex-Easter Island Head - Norther
- Underworld - Strawberry Hotel
Top Reissues of 2024:
- Omit - Disclosures 2011 - 2016
- Clikitat Ikatowi - s/t" (Cassette)
- Gas - s/t
- MF Doom - Mm...food
- New Order - Brotherhood
What band did you discover in 2024 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? How so?
VIAGRA BOYS.
I was sick with COVID and bed ridden, bored and finally got around to paying attention to a bunch of bands everyone around me was talking about The Chisel, Amyl and the Sniffers, a few others and Viagra Boys. I think Viagra Boys just caught me immediately with their live rendition of "Research Chemicals" at Glastonbury. I feel like I missed out, and spent the year catching up.
How will you remember 2024 (in terms of music)?
Locrian released End Terrain and did our first tour in almost a decade. I saw a ton of great shows from Blood Incantation, A Place to Bury Strangers, BEAT, Dysrhythmia, Amen Ra, Primitive Man, Ringo Deathstarr and hosted a ton of great bands in Baltimore.
In many ways it was great but also kind of seeing behind the curtain a bit, touring made me realize that our current music system is unsustainable -- so many venues are operating at the margins, and so many bands are barely hanging in there. I don't have a solution but it's pretty messed up.
What can we look forward to from you in 2025?
Locrian is working on two reissues, one of The Crystal World and another a box set of early cassette and CDR stuff that is way out of print. My project Brutalism will have a new split coming out in early 2025. The Holy Circle has some live dates in 2025 and Axebreaker has a new record it is finishing up.
What records are you looking forward to most in 2025?
The only thing I care about being released in 2025 is The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) soundtrack from the original tapes. This is one of my favorite scores of all time and that it was overseen by Wayne Bell really makes me happy -- the online tracks sound excellent. Really glad Waxwork Records put this together. I recorded this of of VHS in the 1980s and would play the cassette of the movie to hear this music. It's so good. Also the new Mogwai, I am sure will be exciting. The new FACS is another one.
How do you try to get your news to fans as media platforms and algorithms change?
I am the worst person to ask this. I am honestly actively removing myself from more media platforms and actively unfollowing bands and labels. Honestly I am trying to be more involved seeing concerts, in art groups, emailing friends or calling people. The whole promotion of music and the aura of hype is exhausting.
Heavy Halo (McKeever)
photo by Irene
What are your top five albums that were released in 2024? (In order 1-5)
Christoph De Babalon - Ach, Mensch
Christoph crafts misanthropic, claustrophobic, and positively haunted jungle & DnB. I found out about him through an interview with Thom Yorke from the early 2000s. Apparently he opened for Radiohead on the Amnesiac tour and freaked out audiences with his beautifully fucked tunes. His new EP delivers the goods, best heard on bassy headphones LOUD.
Chat Pile - Cool World
An album borne of necessity that reflects our country’s unique flavor of dystopia.
These lyrics chill me to the bone:
"To be lost, to be whole, to be bought, to be sold
To lose hope, to lose God, to find hate, to find law"
This couplet skewers the hollow promise of the social contract. Gaze into the mirror and behold your cracked visage, America!
Blood Incantation - Absolute Elsewhere
If Chat Pile’s record forces you to confront our ugly reality, Blood Incantation’s Absolute Elsewhere searches for transcendence through universal humanism and communion with the sublime. If you think that’s all hippy-dippy nonsense your cynicism will melt after listening. This album makes you want to believe…
Curses - Another Heaven
I have a ton of respect for everything that Johnny Jewel touches, from Chromatics to Glass Candy and beyond. I mean David Lynch selected him to perform on Twin Peaks, enough said.
As a fan of Curses too, I knew I had to listen when I heard Johnny co-produced this album. Sonically, the record hits all the sweet spots of post-punk, industrial, and darkwave. The title track walks the elusive tightrope of euphoria and despair that every songwriter should strive for. Plus, the lofi orchestra samples just rule.
Charli XCX - Brat
This is an obvious pick, but being someone generally skeptical of pop music and celebrity culture, I thought this one would pass by me, despite liking Charli’s work in the past. But then I heard “Sympathy is A Knife” and loved it. I was taken by how the album presents a slick 365 party girl worldview but with enough vulnerable cracks in the mask to show you true self-doubt and uncertainty.
2. What band did you discover in 2024 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? How so?
What band did you discover in 2024 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? How so?
In 2024 I got deep into the discography of Gridlock, RIP lead member Mike Wells…
This electronic project’s trajectory moves from industrial into some type of post-industrial IDM. Their early records show clear influence from Skinny Puppy but then they mutate into something reminiscent of a goth’d-out Autechre. Unreal production and composition all round. My favorite album from them is probably Trace, which apparently only still exists because Mike ran into a burning house fire to salvage the sole copy on his hard drive…true dedication to the craft…
How will you remember 2024 (in terms of music)?
More so than listening to records, the primary way we’ve experienced music this year is live. There are so many inspiring artists in the Brooklyn underground scene from goth/darkwave bands to hardcore rave/industrial DJs to punk/metal thrashers. We voraciously consume it all. Genre is an arbitrary construct.
In terms of our band, we’ve written and produced more songs this year than ever before. I will remember hours in front of drum machines, sequencers, and guitars.
The bones of Album 3 are there, I cannot wait to lay down the vocals and finalize these tracks…
What can we look forward to from you in 2025?
2025 for us is focused on dropping the remaining singles and videos from our album Damaged Dream and releasing both of our albums on vinyl for the first time.
As far as the concept behind the record, a "Damaged Dream" is what you're left with when the ideals you hold shatter. Cruel reality brings the hammer down on the purity of innocence, energy, joy, youth, love, creativity, optimism...
But while the Dream is Damaged, it is not completely destroyed. In fact, desperate times call for desperate measures, and you can use the longing spark deep within you as fuel to wage war against the negative forces pulling you down. You can reject nihilism and strive to reclaim your agency and meaning in a chaotic world.
I wouldn't call the album optimistic, but it lashes out like a wounded animal, refusing to go down without a fight...
5. What records are you looking forward to most in 2025?
What records are you looking forward to most in 2025?
There have been rumblings and rumors of new NIN material in the works, and we are both definitely looking forward to that.
As far as New York acts, I’m very impressed with the new Bambara single “Pray To Me” which is a super-charged shoegaze murder ballad. Amazing lyrics too…
Their new album was produced by Graham Sutton of Bark Psychosis, so you know it’s going to be next level sonically.
I met the Bambara guys while playing in a grungy warehouse on the same bill over a decade ago so it’s been rad to see them evolve and get their flowers.
How do you try to get your news to fans as media platforms and algorithms change?
Cutting through the white noise of the internet is increasingly frustrating cuz it’s a race to the bottom with the lowest common denominator “content” reaching the furthest. Everyone knows and feels this.
We’ll never be a band that takes a bunch of selfies or talks through the minutiae of every day on live streams. It seems corny, and frankly, it would be boring as hell.
So, we try to reach people through deliberate curation of our music, lyrics, logos, artwork, videos, and the worldview that drives them. We also make an active point of not focusing too narrowly on just the two of us. That feels like an ego-trip and there’s already enough of that out there.
This band is nothing without our friends, collaborators, and the underground scene we breathe in, so we try to bring shine to them as much as possible. No shortcuts, do the thing for real, everything spirals out from there…
Heavy Halo – social media links
- Instagram: @heavyhalo.nyc
Shauners (Middle-Aged Queers)
What are your top five albums that were released in 2024? (In order 1-5)
- The Hammerbombs - E For Effort
- Build Us Airplanes - All Things Expire
- Trap Girl - The Savage Goddess
- Se Vender / Corrupt Vision - How Much Trash Is Enough?
- Seized Up - Modify the Sacred
What band did you discover in 2024 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? How so?
Gas Station Boner Pills! I first discovered them at a Hogs N Heifers club show during Punk Rock Bowling, and their live show was ridiculously sloppy and fun, as punk rock should be. They remind me of the San Francisco band Hickey, but instead of nihilism and methamphetamines, they're fueled by fart jokes and energy drinks.
How will you remember 2024 (in terms of music)?
Nu Metal is making a comeback and I'm honestly fine with it.
What can we look forward to from you in 2025?
Our third album, Theatre of Shame, will be out in early 2025 on Sell the Heart and Engineer Records.
Compared to our first two albums, Too Fag For Love and Shout At The Hetero, which were both recorded in quick 24-hour sessions, we took our time crafting these tunes and the production. We also brought in some friends for guest spots on the record, including Anna Joy Springer of Blatz and Jeff Suffering of Ninety Pound Wuss.
We're looking forward to you hearing it!
What records are you looking forward to most in 2025?
I've heard rumors of new Tsunami Bomb tracks coming out next year, but you didn't hear that from me.
Dollar Store will be recording their first album this month for a release next year. They're ex-members of Fifteen, Crimpshrine, Wire Graffiti and my old band Agonist Party.
How do you try to get your news to fans as media platforms and algorithms change?
Email! You can join the Middle-Aged Queers email list at: http://eepurl.com/hTIESf
Jiffy Marx (Night Court / Autogramm)
photo by Tyler McLeod
What are your top five albums that were released in 2024? (In order 1-5)
oh dang in order?
The Dumpies - Gay Boredom
Night Court - $HIT MACHINE
(am i allowed to pick my own? Well looks like I just did! And it turned out great so why wouldn’t I?!)
Split System - Vol.2
George from Egg Idiot was bartending at a place Autogramm played in Leipzig. He played this and I was hooked kept hearing it everywhere after that and had to have it. Also that night George was hanging out with Giuli from Autobahns who also put out an awesome album this year called First LP! Egg Idiot also put out Best Of LOL but I think that was a compilation, of sorts, so I’m not sure that counts?
Bug Club - On the Intricate Inner Workings of the System
Best lyrics and enviable harmonies. Kinda still surprises me this came out on Sub Pop? Stoked for them, tho.
Clown Sounds - Par For The Curse
Would have been hard to pick between Todd’s other release Ex-Posse Vol.1 by Toys That Kill, but it's another compilation so CS takes the spot.
What band did you discover in 2024 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? How so?
Sexy! This band had somehow escaped my radar but I’m really lucky to have become friends with The Dumpies who turned me on to this. Unfortunately there’s only one album but it’s so good! It kinda reminds me of Operation Ivy minus the ska. Or, wait, does it have ska parts? There’s some cheeky jazz parts that are somehow forgivable (which just shows how great this band was lol).
How will you remember 2024 (in terms of music)?
I got to play with so many good bands!! Too many to name but Marked Men, Sicko, Avengers, Toys That Kill, Wimps, Pointed Sticks, The Globs, Radioactivity, Dirt Bike Annie, Dumpies, Drolls, SPELLS, Mass Text, Lenguas Largas, Berzerk, Reality Trap, Sensitive Beings, Crisis Actor, City Mouse, Gaytheist, VCR, Worrywart -- sorry I’m not going to list every band I’ve played with but seriously so many good bands!
What can we look forward to from you in 2025?
Autogramm is going to Spain in March and, I don’t want to jinx it, but I think we’re far enough along now to announce that Night Court’s first recordings originally released on cassette as Nervous Birds One + Too will finally be seeing a vinyl release thanks in part to our pals at Debt Offensive, Snappy Little Numbers, and Drunk Dial Records. Autogramm has a new 7” coming via our friends Dirt Cult and Germany’s Goodwill Records, and Night Court also have another cool split 7” in the works but too soon to let that proverbial cat out of el bag.
What records are you looking forward to most in 2025?
I heard awhile back from a mutual friend that Mike Krol was or is working on a new album which I’d be really excited for if/when that happens. Also very excited to hear more of my new label mates Dauber!
How do you try to get your news to fans as media platforms and algorithms change?
Oh man, that’s a big question. That shit drives me crazy! I’ve definitely made an effort to make friends with media outlets like SPB and really appreciate the support my bands have received! I’ve also hired publicists and dabbled in “digital marketing” but honestly it seems like touring -- as draining financially and emotionally as it can be -- is still the best way to reach existing fans and make new ones.
https://autogramm.bandcamp.com/ @autogrammband on socials
https://nightcourtpunk.bandcamp.com/ @nightcourtpunk on socials
Eli Hansen (Real Numbers)
What are your top five albums that were released in 2024? (In order 1-5)
- Lightheaded - Combustable Gems (Slumberland)
- Sharp Pins - Radio DDR (self-released)
- Umbrellas - Fairweather Friend (Slumberland)
- Cindy Lee - Diamond Jubilee (self-released)
- Pleasant Mob - Pleasant Mob (Inscrutable)
What band did you discover in 2024 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? How so?
Sharp Pins! Stellar mod-indiepop from Chicago. Their messaging is very DIY, very youth-movement-esque, harkening back to the Times / Television Personalities / Desperate Bicycles. Very inspirational for me since I feel the midwest falling behind the coasts in this department.
How will you remember 2024 (in terms of music)?
Real Numbers re-entered the studio, for the first time since pre-pandemic winter, to record the first half of the next LP. The songs we tracked go back to the 2018-2020 period so we wanted to get them done ASAP. We are just putting the finishing touches on the remaining brand new ones so we'll be returning to Soft Cult Studios very soon. Matt Castore has been our long-time producer/engineer so it's been great working with him again. And the new Soft Cult space is amazing!
What can we look forward to from you in 2025?
Real Numbers has been lying quite low show-wise, focusing on recording, so in 2025 we wanna "get back out there." Maybe do a Madison/Milwaukee/Chicago tour.
What records are you looking forward to most in 2025?
Cassie Ramone (ex-Vivian Girls) just put out an excellent solo LP called Sweetheart and I'm hoping for many more to come. Also the Smashing Times have been pushing the limits of pop abstraction as of late with their Mrs Ladyships And The Cleanerhouse Boys LP. Will they push deeper into the realms of enchanted popsike madness? Fingers crossed.
How do you try to get your news to fans as media platforms and algorithms change?
Nothing beats going to other band's shows and telling friends face to face. Instagram has been wearing me down but it's still our primary spot for updates. We are on Bluesky now but it's just a placeholder at the moment. I have a personal account on Bluesky too that may just end up being pics of records from my collection and nerdy prose.
Eli Hansen – social media links
- Instagram: @real.numbers
Tobias Jeg (Red Scare Industries)
What are your top five albums that were released in 2024? (In order 1-5)
I say it every year and I’ll say it again: Red Scare puts out my favorite albums, so I’m biased towards the new music from Broadway Calls, Arms Aloft, Sludgeworth, and all the new songs on the 20 Years of Dreaming and Scheming collection. But I won’t dodge your question! Here’s 5 good songs from 2024 in no particular order:
- Rixe - Tir Groupé
- X - Sweet Til The Bitter End
- Die Verlierer - Fickt diese Stadt
- Scratch Perry - Green Banana
- The Chisel - Bloodsucker
Honorable mention to Post Malone for having the dumbest/best album title of the year. Fuggit, here’s 5 good songs from 2023 too, while we’re at it:
- Worriers - "Trust Your Gut"
- The Menzingers - "Try"
- Olivia Rodrigo - "get him back!"
- MxPx - "Excuse My French"
- Sincere Engineer - "California King”
What band did you discover in 2024 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? How so?
I got to see Bar Dust in NYC! They’re a Pogues cover band outta Philly (with members of Modern Baseball and The Menzingers) and they do a very tasteful tribute. I also finally got to see Brooklyn’s Tired Radio. Everyone loves those dudes and their new songs sound good. I also saw a band called Rancoeur in an oyster bar that blended French Oi! with Joy Division. They were pretty rockin'. Oh, I discovered that they did a MUSICAL episode on Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. That counts, right?
Trini Lopez is one of my jukebox faves, and I "discovered" this video of him playing for some UCLA kids 70 years ago:
How will you remember 2024 (in terms of music)?
I think those ska bands died? The ones who scolded everyone about everything? I dunno, seems like they’ve gone away. Trust me, we know a thing or two about fading relevancy. ANYHOW, in 2024 we celebrated Red Scare’s 20th anniversary with a comp that had new songs from Cobra Skulls, Dead To Me, The Menzingers, Laura Jane Grace, The Falcon… lotsa jams. That was a ton of work, but the compilation came out great and it was the first time Rolling Stone ever covered anything we did. Yay? We put together some showcases in Chicago and Vegas and everywhere in between. In the words of Monty Python and the Holy Grail: there was much rejoicing.
What can we look forward to from you in 2025?
I know Elway and Sam Russo are cooking up new shit. I think The Brokedowns are too? Sludgeworth has music in the can… There’s Good Friend working on tunes in Ireland… I wanna do something with The Methadones… what else? A couple years ago Fat Mike said he would give us a song for a split with NOFX and the F.U.s, and I’m gonna hold him to that! If I write about it here, does that mean it will happen? Let’s find out!
What records are you looking forward to most in 2025?
Uhhh, see above!
I looked at a list for 2025 and there was Eric Clapton and Buckcherry and a buncha Pitchfork crap. I know Sub Pop is re-issuing The Gits stuff, so that rules, but it looks like ONCE AGAIN Red Scare is going to be tasked with the job of bringing you the best music. It’s our cross to bear…
How do you try to get your news to fans as media platforms and algorithms change?
Ugh, THIS bullshit. Ya know, when Red Scare started we were a pretty tech-forward operation, but I just don’t see how you can keep up with this stuff in any sorta dignified manner. Every morning I make a list of tasks, and I have to literally *write down* “Check IG” and I still rarely look at that damn thing. But alas, we scream into the void and post on all the platforms like every other flock of dickheads. If anyone out there has any ideas or wants to help, I am all ears. Until then, I am gonna keep on thinking that a million people will see our ad in Razorcake.
One last thing: a new year means we need to be cognizant of the world around us and check in. Maybe they can find peace in the Levant and maybe the Russian invaders fuck off back to their homes. Fingers crossed. Take care of your friends/family, and good luck out there!
Tobias Jeg – social media links
- Twitter: @RedScareToby
- Instagram: @RedScareToby
Andy Pohl (Sell The Heart Records / Tsunami Bomb)
photo by A. Sanchez (@bullyphotos)
What are your top five albums that were released in 2024? (In order 1-5)
- Smashing Pumpkins - Aghori Mhori Mei
- The Cure - Songs of a Lost World
- Alkaline Trio - Blood, Hair and Eyeballs
- Nø Man - Glitter and Spit
- The Jesus Lizard - Rack
What band did you discover in 2024 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? How so?
I discovered the band Home Front this year. I had been seeing their name all over the place, but hadn't taken the time to check them out until December when they played a show in San Francisco with our artist Build Us Airplanes (for their album release show at Bottom of the Hill). Since I was already planning to go support them for the show I was stoked to finally check them out. I was absolutely blown away at how good they were. While I wouldn't necessarily say that they have done something completely new, I do think they have done a VERY good job of incorporating a rad blend of styles into something that is pretty special. Their live show was off the charts. It was a pleasant surprise to see a band that could blow me away like that. It's a good reminder to pay attention and to always be receptive to new bands / artists, you may find your new favorite band in the process.
How will you remember 2024 (in terms of music)?
On a personal level, it was the year that I finally got to perform/tour in Europe for the first time with Tsunami Bomb, which was a HUGE goal of mine that I finally got to check off the list (next is Japan).
From the label standpoint, it's the year that I released more albums in one year than any year previously, so I am both feeling accomplished and exhausted, haha!
What can we look forward to from you in 2025?
It's our 15th year as a label, so I'm plotting a few special things that I am hoping will come together (can't spill the beans on those, though). Right out of the gate we are releasing the new banger from Oh The Humanity!, which is a great start to the year. We have at least 5 other albums already in various stages of being completed, with at least a few more that will come together, BUT, I am absolutely resolute in scaling things back a bit in 2025. This year was probably our biggest year in terms of the number of releases, and though it was fun in theory, in practice it proved to be a mistake since I was just spread too thin and I feel like we didn't see as much come together as I would have liked. That's not to say that I think it was a bad year or anything, but I feel like scaling back will be a better way to really nurture each release and get the most impact.
What records are you looking forward to most in 2025?
Beyond the albums being released on Sell The Heart, I am psyched to hear new music from Mogwai, Bartees Strange, the inevitable 12 albums from King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, and the new Fugazi album (.....ok, I cannot prove this is real, but I am hopeful).
How do you try to get your news to fans as media platforms and algorithms change?
Sigh... this has been the bane of my existence. I rely heavily on my email list, Bandcamp mailing list, and encouraging people to share our posts, particularly the ones that are really important (like album announcements, etc). I always appreciate the work that zines/blogs like Scene Point Blank, Punknews, The Bad Copy, Punk Rock Theory, The Punk Site, That's Good Enough For Me, New Noise, etc do to help spread the word -- it all makes a big difference. I've managed to partner with some great PR agents that have really helped to push the news out, too. Can't help but give props to folks like Kevin at Part Time PR, Tim at Sweet Cheetah PR, Mike at Earshot Media, Kendra at Type-A Promo, etc.
Andy Pohl – social media links
- Instagram: @selltheheartrecords
Shell and Shag (Shellshag / Starcleaner Records)
photo by Rafe
What are your top five albums that were released in 2024? (In order 1-5)
- Night Court - Hit Machine
- Con Shoal - Lost Boys Session 1
- Howardian - In the Lapse of Luxury
- Fuckcrusher/Penny - "The Long Awaited Split
- Kim Deal - Nobody Loves You More
What band did you discover in 2024 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? How so?
100 Gecs, cool sounding band. Favorite songs are "dumbest girl alive" and "Hollywood Baby."
We wanna hang out with this band.
How will you remember 2024 (in terms of music)?
As the year of The Sardine in San Pedro, CA. We played at the Recess Romp and at the Sardine 5th Anniversary, as well as a few other shows -- very rad venue. Great folks, great town, great bands, inspiring.
What can we look forward to from you in 2025?
a new shellshag album
What records are you looking forward to most in 2025?
a new shellshag album
How do you try to get your news to fans as media platforms and algorithms change?
In person, on tour is preferred -- or on the phone while catching up -- but we use all the usual suspects:
follow us on instagram, bandcamp, x, emailing, etc., sign up for our mailing list at shellshag.com, www.starcleanerrecords.bandcamp.com, https://shellshag.bandcamp.com/music.
Shell and Shag – social media links
- Instagram: @shellshag
Chuck Coffey (aka Charlie Continental) (Snappy Little Numbers / SPELLS / Chap)
What are your top five albums that were released in 2024? (In order 1-5)
- Swami And The Bed Of Nails - All Of This Awaits You
- Dumpies - Gay Boredom
- Tiikeri - Te Se Itse EP
- Night Court - $hit Machine
- Scared Of Chaka - "Baited Breath b/w Nobody”
What band did you discover in 2024 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? How so?
It’s hard to pin just one down, but this year I’m going with Tiikeri from Turku, Finland. Tiikeri blends the sounds of early UK punk (think ’77-’79) with ferocious power pop and a bit of scrappy pop punk. The quality of the songwriting is fantastic. They strip everything down to the bare essentials and deliver short, catchy gems. I really like their art and packaging too. It’s eye-catching, fun and absolutely encapsulates the DIY aesthetic of punk and hardcore. Their lyrics and art are in Finnish. I’m a big voice-as-instrument fan and hearing different languages in music just expands on that. Plus, of course, punk is global.
How will you remember 2024 (in terms of music)?
For me personally, my musical memories of 2024 will include joining a band called Chap on bass. Bass is my favorite instrument and I’ve known some of the guys for 25+ years. Also, SPELLS had a lot of fun on our PNW tour with Night Court over the summer. We also had an excellent time in FL during Fest week. As a fan, the highlight was the new Swami album. John Reis has the golden touch.
What can we look forward to from you in 2025?
Early on we’ll have new releases from ZEPHR, Heaty Beat and a new SLN roster addition, No Dreams. SPELLS will have more dates outside of Colorado.
What records are you looking forward to most in 2025?
So far, I haven’t heard much about anything scheduled for 2025. I haven’t had my ear to the ground quite as much the last several months. I’m sure I’ll be pumped about a few things once they hit my radar. Maybe we’ll get that second Plosivs album next year.
How do you try to get your news to fans as media platforms and algorithms change?
This is the magic question! There seem to be quite a few answers, but I’m a bit of a dinosaur and don’t try to learn any of the social media algorithms or focus on streaming results. I just do my best to share SLN-related news and make the music available in as many places as I can (digital and physical). I’m still of the mindset that if I can consistently try to do those two things, people that are truly interested will find SLN and our artists. We’re easy to find if you know about us, so feel free to check in anytime. Hopefully word-of-mouth and the occasional breakthrough post or stream will bring more people into our orbit. I also gotta say that the artists on the label all do great jobs of hyping what they have going on. We’re definitely a team and together we have a longer reach than if any of us just went at it alone.
Chuck Coffey (aka Charlie Continental) – social media links
- Instagram: @snappylittlenumbers
Robby Vena (Spanaway)
photo by Coffin Blossom
What are your top five albums that were released in 2024? (In order 1-5)
- DIIV - Frog In Boiling Water
- Fontaines D.C. - Romance
- The Hope Conspiracy - Tools of Oppression/Rule by Deception
- Uniform - American Standard
- Still In Love - Withdrawal Symptoms Pt. II
What band did you discover in 2024 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? How so?
I’d recently seen Pharmakon in a small club in Bethlehem, PA. It was my introduction to their music and I was genuinely blown away. I felt as though I’d ran the gauntlet… Heavy dissociation turned to palpable discomfort. It was as confrontational as it was cathartic. I haven’t felt that strongly about a live show in quite some time. If I was allowed one more top album, their recent Maggot Mass would be an instant pick. Holy shit.
How will you remember 2024 (in terms of music)?
I feel as though 2024 was a watershed year for a lot artists. It was the year of the "return to form," whether that involved a new release or just a run of shows. We saw it with The Hope Conspiracy, The Blood Brothers, Orchid, Pygmy Lush, the list goes on… In terms of output, I saw so many of my favorite artists really begin to paint with broader strokes. Emerging from the cocoon and abandoning all expectation. I can’t help but feel the socioeconomic state of the world has instilled a renewed and profound urgency. It’s poetic and it’s dire. I see this continuing into 2025 with vigor.
What can we look forward to from you in 2025?
As many Spanaway shows as we can possibly manage in support of Songs Of Yesteryear, while approaching new material somewhere in the background… I’ll also be focusing my attention on small-batch literary releases via my imprint Burial Whisper!
What records are you looking forward to most in 2025?
Maybe this is an odd answer, but I actively try to distance myself from news of artists in the studio/different stages of the recording process. I love to see a formal album announcement somewhat out of the blue, as this kind of definitive "here it is" in its most realized state. This mostly leaves me in the dark when it comes to anticipatory news. That feeling of organically coming across something new is a high I’ve chased my whole life. I look forward to 2025 as it unfolds.
How do you try to get your news to fans as media platforms and algorithms change?
I’ve always viewed social media as a necessary evil. I think that in most ways, platforms and their algorithms are progressively turning their back on small artists/businesses. In lieu of playing the algorithmic lotto, it’s imperative to meet fans "where they live." That means treating fans as human beings and not as transactions. I think Spanaway is most effective when we take a vested interest into who exactly is listening. This manifests as a grassroots "talking to people at shows," etc. But also connecting with and understanding peoples material conditions. Maybe their participation is limited as a result, that doesn’t make them any less of a fan. When you forge human relationships with your fans, dispersing news becomes easy. It’s almost second nature.
Robby Vena – social media links
- Instagram: @spanawayalt
Dr. Daryl (The Bollweevils)
What are your top five albums that were released in 2024? (In order 1-5)
Drug Church - Prude
I am in the top 0.3% of listeners of this record. I am damn proud of that because this record is my favorite thing. There isn't any filler on this record. Everything is fantastic. ("The Bitters" is my favorite one on this record.)
The Cure - Songs of a Lost World
What can I say? This is The Cure. It's an amazing record. Brooding, dark, perfect.
The Effigies - Burned
This is what Chicago sounds and feels like. This record brings me back to experiencing Chicago Punk for the first time, but with a modern day take. The last thing John Kezdy recorded and it's phenomenal. RIP John.
SPELLS - Past Our Prime
To capture the live fun and energy that this band brings and make it into a recording is what you get with this record. "Past Our Prime," the title track, is my anthem. Listen to this record. Go see them live if you have the opportunity.
Ultraman - Dead End Thoughts Under A Crawling Sky
I had been waiting for a long time for new music from Ultraman. This St. Louis outfit didn't disappoint with the release. This hits hard and fast!
What band did you discover in 2024 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? How so?
There were a couple bands I discovered in 2024. Schedule 1 and Amusement are both amazing. Also Chain Cult and Homefeont. Was clued into all 4 by my good friend CJ. When you hear something that makes you have this perpetual smile on your face, you know it's made an impression. All 4 of these bands did that for me. Besides listening to my top 5 these were in heavy rotation. Also discovered Bear Away this year while at FEST. The amazing folks in SPELLS took me to see Bear Away and they were fantastic!
How will you remember 2024 (in terms of music)?
Music seems to be in a good place. Bands are writing phenomenal music, and it seems that for a lot of bands live music is back in swing but not for all bands and artists. We did see a bunch of artists cancel tours and shows due to low ticket sales.
What I mean to say is, 2024 will be remembered as the year the Drake and Kendrick wars ravaged the hip-hop world, and The Freak Off party entered the ether of our collective consciousness.
What can we look forward to from you in 2025?
Well, we were in the process of writing new songs. We are still doing that, but our drummer Pete broke his ankle and will be out and recovering for a good 6 months at least. We do have a substitute drummer for live shows so we are still available for shows. We will work out the songs and have Pete come in and work his magic with all of our parts complete. Mizzi, our bass player, is becoming a father in 2025 so that's exciting! Hopefully we get some fall 20th anniversary invitations to a certain Chicago weekend, and of course FEST in Gainesville is always the best time!
We do have a weekend planned in March (7th and 8th) here at Punk Rock Tacos and in St. Louis for Scum Fest at Red Flag.
What records are you looking forward to most in 2025?
Amusement has some new music coming in 2025! The Raging Nathans should have something hopefully coming as well!
How do you try to get your news to fans as media platforms and algorithms change?
We are still using Instagram and Facebook. How do you tell someone you are old without saying you are old?
Will Butler (To Live A Lie Records)
What are your top five albums that were released in 2024? (In order 1-5)
- Yambag - Mindfuck Ultra LP
- Brain Tourniquet / Deliriant Nerve - split 7"
- Kidnapped - Disgust LP
- Suppression - Spiritual Sepsis LP
- Sissy Spacek - Diaphanous LP
What band did you discover in 2024 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? How so?
Been jazzed (pun!) on Yussef Dayes lately. Not at all in the genres I work with but I've recently built a new music server so have been listening to some different music than I normally do -- from Yes to ADHD. As it gets colder I'll probably be listening to industrial and darkwave again.
How will you remember 2024 (in terms of music)?
2024 was the year the major labels all came back with a vengeance. 2020-2023 were truly the years that small labels and DIY thrived and with the economy on the downswing and big bands being back on tour, DIY is a bit put aside. Personally there has been some interesting mainstream music: new The Cure, new Kendrick Lamar, new Mdou Moctar, etc. I appreciate the musicians in that space, I will keep trying to support smaller labels and musicians.
What can we look forward to from you in 2025?
I really don't know. To be honest 2020-2023 were the most insane sales and highest high points of my label aside from the years I started the label. 2024 was a huge leveling out and I had to cut back extremely in 2024. I expect more in 2025, unfortunately. I'd like to sell some of my current and year old releases to get back on my feet financially and then I'll keep supporting smaller bands. If I can't find that momentum I'll have to mainly focus on the tried and true bands but something in my heart wants to keep supporting smaller bands to break them out into the world, so I hope I can find the funds to do that again.
What records are you looking forward to most in 2025?
I'm still not mentally caught up on 2024! I got some news that a more popular band I've worked with might be recording an LP for 2025 so I'm personally excited for that.
How do you try to get your news to fans as media platforms and algorithms change?
Since punk is anti-authority and anti-corporation I've been on Mastodon and other fediverse places that are non-centralized and FOSS. I'm on Bluesky but haven't put a ton of effort other than automating my posting from other systems there. I hope to see better adoption of alternative social media networks in the future.
Matt & Jake Derting (Venus Twins)
What are your top five albums that were released in 2024? (In order 1-5)
- Bring Me the Horizon - POST HUMAN: NeX GEn
- Bladee - Cold Visions
- Anthony Green - Doom. Spun.
- Fantasy of a Broken Heart - Feats of Engineering
- Lip Critic - Hex Dealer
What band did you discover in 2024 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? How so?
CPU Buddha - we saw them while in Houston and were blown away. They played with tracks and put on such a crazy show. We were nervous about adding tracks/extra electronics to our live set and seeing them def made us see that it could be sick as hell. Awesome EP too -- had it on repeat basically this summer.
How will you remember 2024 (in terms of music)?
2024 is the year we fell SUPER DEEP in love with making music on our computers and writing songs! Super stoked on putting out our EP /\/\/\/\/ with Three One G.
What can we look forward to from you in 2025?
If we can finish it soon, hopefully a new record. Probably a big ass awesome tour or in the US and EU.
What records are you looking forward to most in 2025?
I’m not sure when they’re releasing their next records, but would love to see another release from either Frost Children or Model/Actriz.
How do you try to get your news to fans as media platforms and algorithms change?
We try to have fun with it and not overthink it too much. If we don’t have fun we’ll both get super stressed and hate doing it, therefore won’t at all! Other than that, we try to learn from the best content creators and mock what they’re doing in our own voice.
Linktree - https://linktr.ee/VenusTwins
Matt & Jake Derting – social media links
- Instagram: @Venus_Twins
