Feature / Music
Pass The Mic: Record Labels and Artists on 2010

Another year ends, and another Scene Point Blank year-end feature rolls around. This time though we're firing on all cylinders - the site has relaunched, we've recruited new staff, and we've spoken to a record number of participants for our annual Pass The Mic report for 2010 - 50 bands, labels and industry contributors have offered their thoughts on the past twelve months in music for our humble webzine.

This year we asked our subjects about their favorites of the past year; their musical memories of 2010, things they're excited about for 2011, and questions about the future of CD, vinyl, word-of-mouth and more. Read on for an insight about the last year from the other side of the stage.

New this year: a handy jump menu below each article so you can skip to different writeups. Enjoy!

- the SPB team

Aaron Bridgewater (As They Sleep)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2010? (In order 1-5)

Honestly, I feel bad saying it, but I haven't bought or payed attention to any music released in 2010... We have been so focused on our own release so I am a little behind this year.

What band did you discover in 2010 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

Hmmmm, see question 1? Hahaha

How will you remember 2010? (In terms of music)

I will remember it as the busiest year of my life, musically. And I will remember that the years of hard work finally paid off that year. Solid State!

With more and more bands switching to digital methods of releasing music and communicating with audiences in 2010, do you think there's still a place for physical CDs and word-of-mouth shows in the future?

For sure, I mean digital music is super popular now, but let's face it, there is still a butt load of people out there (including myself) who like having the physical CD and booklet in their hands. And as for shows, some of the best ones we've played have been word of mouf. Haha, mouf.

What can we look forward to from you in 2011?

Lots of touring and maybe even some new music later on in the year! Gotta keep it fresh.

What three records are you looking forward to most in 2011?

Again, out of the loop. I'll be able to focus on the newer stuff in '11 much better as I'll finally have some breathing room. I breath from my mouf.

Adam (Withdrawal)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2010? (In order 1-5)

1. Crucified - Coldest Winter; The Darkest Reaches Of The Mind

While the actual temperature of nor-cal is a matter of debate amongst the Withdrawal camp, all of us can agree that the long awaited Crucified full length LP was without a shadow of doubt, the best metallic hardcore record of the year. It's obscene just how good everything on the record is. Crucified have managed to take everything they did right on the split's and follow up tenfold. At one point while we were listening to it for the first time my brother said to me that the record was amazing, but he wished they would switch it up and do a "1-2" beat. Lo and behold, during "coldest winter" at 0:45 one appeared, it was as if the record could sense that's what we wanted and threw one in there to satisfy our carnal lust for nor-cal thrash. It's a mature, focused metallic hardcore record from start to finish, with scathing vocals and frantic playing from all members involved. Perhaps best of all, a sense of dynamics sorely missing from hardcore that allows the faster songs to be fast, the slow songs to be slow, and the sombre interludes and instrumental passages to breathe without throwing shit at the wall and hoping it sticks. This record makes many of the other metallic hardcore records released this year look foolish, childish, pedestrian and tame. It makes me sick for even trying.

I can go on endlessly about this record and this band. Any self-respecting hardcore kid reading this who hasn't heard this record: put down whatever shitty hardstyle nonsense your dumb friend told you to check out, pick this record up and listen to the best record of 2010. To Nick, Phil, Colin, Clark and Collin, congratulations and we'll see you soon.

2. Integrity - The Blackest Curse

I'm not sure this really counts as a 2010 release, as to my knowledge it was recording in 2005 and sat in Deathwish's vaults in a state of half-completion for 5 years, but it was worth the wait. No matter the line up, Integrity are, as far as my tastes are concerned, the best hardcore band of all time, and this record places itself firmly between all their classic previous releases. People can fucking cry about the Melnicks not being around as long as they want, but Integrity's song writing from To Die For and onward is unimpeachable. The sound is rawer, darker and arguably faster and more metallic than any of Integrity's previous records. "Before the VVorld vvas young" is an epic, soaring number that is about as close to a balad as Integrity could be. Cello and acoustic guitars abruptly give way to scaling metallic leads and twists. Just one of the numbers on this record that make it great. Everyone's favorite misanthropist Boyd Rice makes an appearance, lending a venomous spoken word passage to "Learn to love the lie". Anyone familiar with Boyd's work with the Scorpion Wind collaboration should recognize the lyrics; they lend themselves perfectly to the song.

All in all, a fine release from hardcore's confrontational, controversial, heavily debated and mysteriovs king of beasts. Long live Holy Terror. I should mention, the new splits are great too. I can't wait to hear more Orr written material.


3. Killing Joke - Absolute Descent

This is the first record with the original members of Killing Joke in almost 30 years. At first, I couldn't believe it didn't turn out to be embarassing, then I couldn't believe it was as good as it is. Killing Joke, well into their 50's have managed to take all of their old sounds and stylistic shifts and meld them into a cohesive and classic record. It's heavy, lumbering, dancy, melodic and crushing. It's unfortunate that it took the passing of Paul Raven to convince this lineup to get back together, if this record is any indication they could have been releasing amazing records for years had they not splintered in the 80's.

4. Black Breath - Heavy Breathing

A blistering slab of HM-2 pedal drenched Sunlight Studios worship. Parts of Entombed, Dismember and Sabbath are filtered through D-Beat and Thrash. It's not exactly the most original sound, but it's not the most overdone style of music around in the current aggressive music climate, and that's all I need at this point. Top quality from start to finish is all you can hope for in music, and that's what Black Breath do on this record.

5. Ill Fated - Smother The Fire

From my own home town of Winnipeg, the best band in Winnipeg hardcore really. 5 tracks of heavy, moshy, uncompromisingly hard Straight Edge hardcore. The fact that this band doesn't tour is criminal, because it's robbing everyone outside of Winnipeg the chance to hear them live. Strife without the speed, Foundation but faster, the influences are fairly obvious and worn on their sleeve. They're so good that they made our bass player wish he was straight edge again just so he could play in them. Eradicate releases are sold out of all their tapes, so I suggest downloading it wherever you can. Much like how anything good in my life is taken away from me, they're kind of on a hiatus of sorts. They're figuring a line up out after two of the guys in the band decided to be total cornballs and break edge. Our ex-guitarist plays in them now, I'd say he fits in alot better with them too really, so I'm hoping they rebound from the line up changes they went through and put something new out because I'm sure it will fucking pound.

What band did you discover in 2010 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

This is a harder question than it seems. I got pretty heavy into Boyd Rice's music, as Non, or in colaboration with Death In June et all. They worked on a record called "Scorpion Wind" that I really got into over the past year. This is going to sound fairly melodramatic and corny, but i don't give a fuck so here goes: I was listening to the record recently while walking through town. It was shortly sunset and a storm started looming overhead, and while the sun was slowly sinking into the night and the clouds the crescendo of "The Cruelty of the Heavens" served as the soundtrack, it was perfect. The closest I could come to a religious experience recently, to be honest. I think alot of the music that Boyd Rice has put out is dark, vulgar, abrasive, challenging, misanthropic and pretentious so I guess that struck a chord during what amounted to be a shitty year full of constant misery and anger.

How will you remember 2010? (In terms of music)

As a performer, I'll remember it as a year I managed to tour more than any other year of my life. Highlights include playing Rainfest, Van Isle Hardcore Fest, getting to tour with Shai Hulud, Touring with Soujourner, driving from LA to BC with a flat tire we kept refilling at every gas station, going to the west coast of the states for the first time, a complete rebirth of the band and getting to tour with the guys in Crucified who are some of the best friends anyone can ask for on such a rotten planet. Lowlights include being broke all the time, band in-fighting, playing shitty shows in run down ghettos, losing friends and having nothing to show for everything other than some memories.

As a listener, I'd say that bad music keeps getting worse, and great music keeps getting better. It's just easier to find bad pop music everywhere, and harder to find good new music.

With more and more bands switching to digital methods of releasing music and communicating with audiences in 2010, do you think there's still a place for physical CDs and word-of-mouth shows in the future?

I don't think we'll ever press a CD. We don't even make money off vinyl and that's traditionally been the "go to" format for a hardcore kid. That being said, there is something pleasing to the eye and warming to the soul to be found in buying a record that you don't get in downloading one. You can look at the artwork, hold the record in your hands, etc etc. Downloading just means you clicked a button. Like I'm gonna pay for something on the internet so that I can listen to it, but not own it. As for communicating with audiences, it's great. You can immediately inform your fans about what you are doing, and hear back from them just as easily too. We managed to set up a garage show in Calgary with us and Shai Hulud pretty easily after one of our shows fell through in Lethbridge, and we got all the details to all our friends and fans in Calgary via facebook. So that's great I guess. It sucks no one is postering for shows anymore though, I'd love to have some posters from the shows we played on my walls.

What can we look forward to from you in 2011?

We start recording a new 7" tentatively titled "Faith, Flesh & Blood" in 5 days. It's our first release with the new lineup since we got a new drummer, bass player and lead guitarist. Since the line up change we've been really focused on writing a dark and ugly metallic hardcore record that will serve as our follow up to Unknown Misery. So we're excited to record and get it out. That's going to be coming out, I believe, on a record label I admire and respect, but I can't spill the beans yet. But I think that's gonna work out great. After that, we're going to be touring North America pretty much non-stop in the spring and summer, hopefully with some friends for a bunch of the dates once we iron out the logistics of who can do what, where and when. We're gonna try and tour Europe in the Fall, we'll see how that turns out. I'm sure I'll end up stalking Alan Wilder of Depeche Mode and being deported from the UK for trying to steal and drink his bathwater. "Destroying heaven in two thousand eleven."

What three records are you looking forward to most in 2011?

New Crucified, New Gehenna, and hopefully more releases from Turquoise Jeep.

Andrew Seward (Against Me!)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2010? (In order 1-5)

5. Torche - 'Songs For Singles'

From Floor to Torche.....Steve has the voice of an angel and can do no wrong. Record is super short, but I dig how it's a quick kick in the ass that leaves you wanting more.

4. Off With Their Heads - 'In Desolation'

Uplifting songs about warm summer days and ice cream. I hear their singer hates you.

3. The National - 'High Violet'

At first I didn't think I was going to be able to get into this record like I did 'Boxer'.......but I kept putting it on, and on, and on. I've listened to this record almost everyday for months. "I was afraid that I'd eat your brains". Classic.

2. Franz Nicolay - 'Luck and Courage'

Franz is a great musician and an awesome guy. Great and original record. He's a pal of mine, so I'm biased. Whatever, it's my list ya ding dong.

1. Soundtrack to 'Red Dead Redemption'

First off...get this on double red vinyl. Amazing spaghetti western instrumentals, William Elliot Whitmore, and the only videogame soundtrack I've ever put on my Ipod. Oh yeah, the game is by far the best game of the year. Posse Up!

What band did you discover in 2010 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

I listened to Fleetwood Mac's 'Rumours' a whole lot in 2010. I kinda knew the record, but I never appreciated it to it's fullest until 2010. Why? I have no fucking idea.

How will you remember 2010? (In terms of music)

My best memory is seeing the FLOOR reunion show in Gainesville. Don't know who FLOOR is? Well, look it up. It's for your own good. Anyways, the show was spectacular. You could say I was floored. ouch.

With more and more bands switching to digital methods of releasing music and communicating with audiences in 2010, do you think there's still a place for physical CDs and word-of-mouth shows in the future?

Word of mouth will always be the most important tool for a band. I will always seek out a band if a friend tells me that I should. It's the best way to find new bands. CD's are pretty dead. Vinyl still rules, and Vinyl with digital download cards really rule.

What can we look forward to from you in 2011?

We're going to hit the road and play all over. Hopefully, we'll make a new record as well.

What three records are you looking forward to most in 2011?

The new Ninja Gun EP, Hopefully a new Future of the Left record. That's it. Only two for now. I cheated.

Ben Crew (In Defence)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2010? (In order 1-5)

1. MDC/Restarts split lp
2. DRI dirty rotten lp reissue
3. Off With Their Heads in desolation
4. Dresden Lp
5. Fix My Head/knife in the leg split lp

What band did you discover in 2010 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

Fix My Head from San Franscisco. In Defence toured the west coast this summer and we did northern California with Fix My Head. The band has a very tight, very fast style of playing. They remind me of Limp Wrist. And they are rad dudes who totally hooked it up for us in the bay area and made sure we were taken care of.

How will you remember 2010? (In terms of music)

With more and more bands switching to digital methods of releasing music and communicating with audiences in 2010, do you think there's still a place for physical CDs and word-of-mouth shows in the future?

I will remember 2010 as the year glen Danzig listened to the In Defence lp. When we were in LA we stayed with his tour manager who wanted to get us on the Blackest of the Black tour with Danzig. He set up a meeting with Glen and played our record for him. I guess Danzig said he liked it but there were bigger bands with professional represention who had dibs on the tour. We didn't make the cut but Danzig listened to our band.

What can we look forward to from you in 2011?

What three records are you looking forward to most in 2011?

Ben Weasel

What are your top five albums that were released in 2010? (In order 1-5)

1. The Steve Adamyk Band – S/T
2. The Manges – Bad Juju
3. Statues – Holiday Cops
4. The Queers – Back To The Basement
5. The Visitors – Avenging The Visigoths

What band did you discover in 2010 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

A few actually, all from Ottawa, ON of all places: The Steve Adamyk Band, The Visitors, the Creeps, Sedatives, and a bunch of other terrific pop-punk and garage bands. Ottawa seems like a very lively and exciting place for music right now. I don’t know that music has too much significance for me these days beyond getting my toes tapping and my fingers snapping but these bands all deliver on that count.

How will you remember 2010? (In terms of music)

See above. The best of the newer melodic punk bands seem less willing to conform to genre restrictions than did the bands of the 00s. I don’t know how wide their appeal is – playing unabashedly fun pop-punk without copying the flavors-of-the-moment isn’t a recipe for success - but these bands seem to be the genuine article and they remind me that there are always ways to make the simple exciting and inspirational.

With more and more bands switching to digital methods of releasing music and communicating with audiences in 2010, do you think there's still a place for physical CDs and word-of-mouth shows in the future?

CD sales are in the toilet at the moment but I can’t imagine the vinyl craze lasting for too much longer. I hope it does if only so we can keep seeing our jacket art done up at a proper size. I prefer digital music but I’ve got a family and I don’t have the physical space for a lot of records. If I were single and in my 20s I’d be buying vinyl.

As for shows, if you’re relying on word of mouth you’re crazy. I’ve never done that and I never would. You’ve got to promote your shows.

What can we look forward to from you in 2011?

A new Screeching Weasel album called First World Manifesto, out March 15th on Fat. And a bunch of Screeching Weasel shows.

What three records are you looking forward to most in 2011?

The only one I’m aware of that’s coming out next year is Lemuria’s new one in January on Bridge Nine, and I’m chomping at the bit for it.

Benjamin Gallaty (Andrew Jackson Jihad)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2010? (In order 1-5)

1. ROAR – I Can’t Handle Change
2. The Arrivals – Volatile Molotov
3. Bomb the Music Industry – Adults!!!...Smart!!! Shithammered!!! And Excited by Nothing!!!!!!!
4. Johnny Flynn – Been Listening
5. Titus Andronicus – The Monitor

What band did you discover in 2010 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

I remember watching the music video for “Going the Distance” when I was younger and thinking it was okay, but this year I have fallen in love with CAKE. Prolonging the Magic has become a desert island album for me.

How will you remember 2010? (In terms of music)

This year, AJJ was invited to the Harvest of Hope Festival in St. Augustine, FL. This wonderful experience exemplified the state of music in 2010 for me. The festival hosted a variety of musical genres and proved to me how open minded our music community is. I got to see Billy Bragg, High on Fire and Dead Prez in the same weekend!

With more and more bands switching to digital methods of releasing music and communicating with audiences in 2010, do you think there's still a place for physical CDs and word-of-mouth shows in the future?

CDs are still relevant but may become unnecessary in the next several years. Word-of-mouth is always going to be an important element in getting people out to shows. The word just typically starts on a webpage instead of a paper flyer now. Which means it’s cheaper and less wasteful.

What can we look forward to from you in 2011?

New full length album, random releases, touring and a baller-ass AJJ webstore!

What three records are you looking forward to most in 2011?

Laura Stevenson and the Cans, Propagandhi and David Bazan.

Brent Eyestone (Magic Bullet Records / Forensics / Aughra / Meditative Sect)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2010? (In order 1-5)

1. R Kelly "Love Letter"
2. Black Mountain "Wilderness Heart"
3. Grinderman "2"
4. Masshysteri "S/T"
5. Jonsí "Go"

What band did you discover in 2010 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

I'm not afraid to admit that I was super late to the game on Bon Iver. There's just so much music being released every year now that I miss most things, honestly. But my friend Aaron drew a poster for him that I had framed and hung up in the house, so I figured I better check out the jams as well in case anyone quizzed me on them. I seriously couldn't believe how awesome that stuff is. It's absolutely beautiful music and it just puts me in a very comforting place when I listen to it. It's so simple, but so pure and heartfelt. It's like my friend Beth was saying the other day when we were talking about R. Kelly's new record: "what's wrong with actual showcased vocal talent and a love song about love?" I think that applies to Bon Iver too... dude is coming from a really good place with his music. Well, I say this as he's "collaborating" with Kanye West (i.e. he does the heavy lifting, Kanye gets the credit), but that first LP and follow-up EP are as great as it gets.

How will you remember 2010? (In terms of music)

I'll always remember 2010 as a "holy shit" year on my end. I think it's surpassed 2004 for me in terms of "best year ever." 2010 was essentially a rapidly rolling snowball of excitement and activity and moments of complete disbelief in terms of what was happening. How Charles Manson, the All-American Rejects, Integrity, and Christie Front Drive all ended up working with a little DIY label from Virginia all within the course of a year is still beyond me. I also got to go play my music further away from home than I ever have in 13 years prior... I'd really like to get in the habit of continuously challenging myself ever year to try to go further and go harder than the year before. I couldn't be more positive on music in general right now and I'm so fucking excited to see what is still up ahead on this long-term journey.

With more and more bands switching to digital methods of releasing music and communicating with audiences in 2010, do you think there's still a place for physical CDs and word-of-mouth shows in the future?

Of course there is! As long as you make KILLER sounding/looking CD's and sell them for a fair price, people will continue to buy them. We still have titles that we repress with regularity. The only difference now is that when a release bombs, it bombs HARD. Haha. But you hedge that by starting a pressing with only the bare minimum... you can always repress if it actually takes off. I'm done with people in "the industry" blaming the economy and blaming fans for their profits shrinking. Take some responsibility, jackasses. You lost your audience when you tried to gouge them. We build, grow, and maintain our audience by treating them as we'd like to be treated and giving them reasonable pricing from bands that are actually awesome and not a marketing ploy.

As for "word-of-mouth shows," I assume you're talking about a band being able to catch on via friends telling friends about bands? That will never die... As to the shows angle, you've got to be able to deliver live if your band is going to have a long run. You might be able to have a good year if you're an "internet sensation," but people still want to see bands prove it live 99 out of 100 times.

What can we look forward to from you in 2011?

I wish I knew! Haha. I imagine it will be as insane and surprising to me as it will to everyone else. On the label end, we've got 3 more Charles Manson full lengths to get out, an Integrity release of the new stuff, Jesuit's discography, the rest of the Christie Front Drive discography, SSORC's LP, a new Golden City record, maybe get started on the Engine Kid discography... I forget what else. I'm sure there will be at least 4 or 5 things that come up within the context of the year that will be totally out of left field and so fun to work on that I don't even know about yet. That's always how it goes. No advance planning, really. Just go and do it...

As for my own music, I'm thinking about throwing everything past/current on the backburner or killing off some/all of it so that I can put full, undivided attention into a new project I'm working on with a mix of new and old bandmates. What we're doing so far is something I've always wanted to do with music, but never had the crew on hand to pull off effectively. It's liberating to be in my new situation, so I think I'm going to just draw a nice line in the sand and run with it. We'll see.

What three records are you looking forward to most in 2011?

I'm so out of the loop on current music... Let's see. I know Mogwai has a new one coming out, so that's tops. Cave In and Pygmy Lush just put new full lengths in the can - super excited for those. Old Man Gloom is doing a new record too. I'm either telling the absolute truth or lying through my teeth right now... you decide. I will also be paying close attention to any and every release coming out of the Odd Future camp. I love those crazy ass kids.

Brian (Seven Sisters Of Sleep)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2010? (In order 1-5)

The only album that came out in 2010 that I could list is the new SWANS. I just didn't listen to much new shit this year. The SIXX record that Nuclear War Now released this year (but recorded 20 years ago) is a close second.

What band did you discover in 2010 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

Sleepwalker from Santa Cruz (I think). I don't know much about them other than they are Fell Voices guys, and their ep is probably the thing I listened to more than anything else this year.

How will you remember 2010? (In terms of music)

2010 should be the year that I listen to music in my flying future car and that shit didn't happen so I'd say it was just another year, albeit one with a new SWANS record.

With more and more bands switching to digital methods of releasing music and communicating with audiences in 2010, do you think there's still a place for physical CDs and word-of-mouth shows in the future?

I don't think SSOS would have ever gotten the attention that it has this quickly if it weren't for things like blogs and YouTube. The way bands can share what they are doing today is nothing short of incredible. I do believe that the traditional independent record label release won't soon vanish because that is still the main way for people to be tangibly involved with the music they like. I'm talking strictly vinyl here though. Vinyl is a "permanent" format, you can't burn an LP to an LP on your laptop. CDs, I think as a format are no longer relevant precisely because they are digital. As far as shows, i'd say twitter and message boards are a form of word of mouth.

What can we look forward to from you in 2011?

Our self titled LP comes out in January on A389 records. We have a split LP planned with Children of God for sometime in 2011. Maybe a small tour. Plenty of weed smoked.

What three records are you looking forward to most in 2011?

I live in a bubble and have very little clue as to what there is to look forward to. When is that new Eyehategod coming out?

Brian and John (Shores)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2010? (In order 1-5)

Brian

1. shipping news - one less heartless to fear
2. tre orsi - devices & emblems
3. wooden wand - death set
4. liam the younger - revel hidden worlds
5. lower dens - twin hand movement

if reissues count, i might have to reconsider my list for carissa's wierd - songs about leaving.

John

1. black tambourine - black tambourine (reissue)
2. christie front drive - christie front drive (reissue)
3. surfer blood - astro coast
4. no age - everything in between
5. young livers - of misery and toil

What band did you discover in 2010 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

Brian

tre orsi, whirl, and morrow are all new bands that largely caught my attention, sort of injecting new thoughts into the same ideas that bands of the '90s had that got me wanting to play music in the first place. the martha's vineyard ferries--bob weston and chris brokaw? an obvious choice. some older bands discovered that i couldn't believe i missed the boat on: bluetile lounge, should, and i got way into chokebore again. also, john's thousands of attempts to get me into the jesus lizard finally paid off for him. that happened, in a big way.

John

i'm glad all of my attempts at trying to get brian into the jesus lizard finally paid off i'll tell you that. as far as new bands go i'm really bad at this, i;m really stuck in the '90's. i try to pick up on new bands that brian tells me about and that usually helps. this year i got into a band from minneapolis called, buildings. they are right up my alley. early '90's style touch and go records type thing, ala jesus lizard, tar, and even a bit of the amrep band hammerhead in their sound. great band. as far as other bands i dug up alot of my early '90's hardcore music like universal order of armageddon, navio forge, john henery west, indian summer, and drive like jehu. i also came to realize that after years of denying the band i actually like the first three pearl jam records. i know, awful. whatever, the drums on those records are fantastic.

Brian

we aren't allowed to talk about pearl jam, ever. shudder. eww.

How will you remember 2010? (In terms of music)

Brian

playing a twelve hour turn cover behind the no idea house, while ending up borrowing rich diem's amp, hearing later that twelve hour turn was standing there watching, straight from john of twelve hour turn, telling us how glad he was to see no idea put out our record--that's how it's been personally, one gigantic "wow." generally, i thought it was yet another great year, full of great things, much more than i could ever keep track of, though i still try.

John

playing the fest this year with a new band is something that was really exciting for me. for the 7 years i played the fest with my old band which people knew so it was always fun but i always knew what people expected. this year with Shores no one really knew who we were so it was like a clean slate or something. it just felt really good and also to have all the cats at No Idea really into the record and really behind the band just made it probably the greatest 4 days of the year. also seeing twelve hour turn after many years was nice so now once that Palatka reunion happens ill be all set.

With more and more bands switching to digital methods of releasing music and communicating with audiences in 2010, do you think there's still a place for physical CDs and word-of-mouth shows in the future?

Brian

i'm not sure it's quite as bad as people think it is, just yet anyway. if anything, being that our "studio project" has only just turned "live" [or "real band" as we call it] in the last half of the year, we've found pretty amazing success in being able to level with like-minded people in bands we love, and audiences that are into the same ideas and music that we are. we chose not to go with a physical cd for 'coup de grace,' mostly because personally there's nothing better than an lp with a download code for us. bandcamp seems like a great tool that i wish all of my previous bands would have had, and i've actually heard of/found out about a ton of new music through that site this year. people do still seem to care enough to seek things out, to see things live. here in grand rapids, there seems to be quite a bit of competition for attention between bands, which is unfortunate at most times, with egos and perceptions, but then again, i can't deny that it does consistently present audiences for us and everyone else to play for. a lot of it is just buzz, whether you want to see that as a good thing or a bad thing.
this also steers my brain off into something much larger, about the apparent need for immediate gratification, immediate response, availability, info at your fingertips all the time, everywhere--that seems to be taking over a vast majority of the population. i can't say i'm not a part of that at times, but i can see it getting kind of out of hand. we've had a lot of fun, been fortunate enough to work with and meet great people thus far, but as a band, we're still quite young. we'll see what 2011 brings, as we get out and into the shit a little bit more.

John

cd's could disappear for all i care. as long as vinyl is still around i'll be good. but what brian said is pretty accurate and i agree with it totally.

What can we look forward to from you in 2011?

Brian

our second lp, "to volstead," will be coming out on No Idea. a partially collaborative split 10"/lp with our grand rapids besties Charles The Osprey will be out in the spring sometime, on which label, we can't yet say. we're prepping to record for a split with Senders, from gainesville, and also our third lp, which we'll be tracking in the summer of '11. we'll be sneaking around live whenever and wherever we can while all of that goes on!

What three records are you looking forward to most in 2011?

Brian

wow, still trying to fully absorb this year! how about:

1. witches lp, on bakery outlet.
2. grooms - prom lp.
3. anything kurt vile does is usually warmly welcomed and immediately overplayed, and if the kadane brothers sneak anything out, i'll find it and play it to death.

John

1. new dear landlord stuff, anything.
2. the new ampere record
3. anything new by super (awesome) group OFF!
4. really interested to see if the fleet foxes can escape the shadow of their first record with their new one
5. really excited about new stuff from them crooked vultures and queens of the stone age

Chris (Caulfield)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2010? (In order 1-5)

I can't put them in order, or think of a "legitimate" top 5, but here are some of my favorites from this year...

• Surroundings - s/t LP
• The Sword - Warp Riders
• High on Fire - Snakes for the Divine
• Seraphim - s/t 7"
• Electric Wizard - Black Masses

What band did you discover in 2010 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

Graveyard from Sweden and True Widow from Dallas. Both of those bands are incredible, and if you haven't heard them you should stop reading this and listen to them right now.

How will you remember 2010? (In terms of music)

I probably won't remember much more than the shit that I did, and that might be pushing it.

With more and more bands switching to digital methods of releasing music and communicating with audiences in 2010, do you think there's still a place for physical CDs and word-of-mouth shows in the future?

I think word-of-mouth shows are still very prevalent in punk and hardcore today. However, with the rising popularity of shit like digital releases/iTunes/bandcamp/whateverthefuck, and of vinyl and cassettes, I don't think physical cds will have a place for much longer.

What can we look forward to from you in 2011?

All we have planned as of right now is a fest in Kamloops, BC in August with Contagium, Black Wizard, Fear of Tomorrow, and a bunch more. My other band, Rape Whistle, is doing a ten day west coast tour with In Desperation from Jan 3rd-13th. So there is a ton of room for other things to be planned. Hopefully touring and at least one new release will happen.

What three records are you looking forward to most in 2011?

I'm not sure what all is coming out next year, but these are some friends' records that are so be on the look out-

• Seraphim - Light in the Distance (A389 Records)
• In Desperation - Hymns
• Former Thieves - The Language That We Speak (No Sleep Records)

Chris (The Flatliners)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2010? (In order 1-5)

1. Tokyo Police Club - Champ
2. The Menzingers - Chamberlin Waits
3. The Arteries - Dead Sea
4. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs
5. Astpai - Heart to Grow

What band did you discover in 2010 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

I'd have to say The Menzingers. I had heard OF them so many times but never heard their music until this year. And when I finally did it kicked my ass and I fell in love. Like a lot of people did I think. Their new record Chamberlin Waits is so raw, but tight. Its so well thought out but sounds like its just flowing effortlessly. Needless to say, The Menzingers are not to be overlooked. Incredible.

How will you remember 2010? (In terms of music)

2010 I think will go down as the year of hard work. Our friends' bands, and my own, we all worked hard this year. The truth is that for a lot of mid-level bands, it seems like each year it gets tougher and tougher to make something happen. Its no secret that things within the realm of what we do are rapidly changing. But at the end of the day, the music is still there. The connection is still so alive between these bands and the fans that support them. And that's all anyone can ask for in 2010, and we are extremely grateful.

With more and more bands switching to digital methods of releasing music and communicating with audiences in 2010, do you think there's still a place for physical CDs and word-of-mouth shows in the future?

I will not be surprised when CDs are completely phased out. I'm not sitting here saying I necessarily want this to happen, but its pretty clear to see the way things have gone even in the last few years, and the way they're continuing to go. I believe that music is still as important to people as its always been. Hell, maybe its more important to them now. The only thing that has fallen by the wayside is the physicality of that music. On the flipside though, you have the resurrection of vinyl as a popular medium for music listening. Many people, I suppose, came to their own realization that maybe they've been wasting their time with cassettes and CDs. I say that though because like those "many" people, I'm a vinyl geek. But we do live in a technological age where information is at anyone's fingertips, and the tools people use to obtain that information are evolving every day. Word of mouth has been replaced by "word of blog" or "word of status update" or "word online". And I don't think that's a bad thing in the least. At least the information is out there.

What can we look forward to from you in 2011?

We had a big year this year, and I think were just going to figure out next year as we go. I'm sure we'll write a bunch more songs and have fun with it all. I've never been very good with 'plans', hahaha.

What three records are you looking forward to most in 2011?

Hot Water Music's new record and A Wilhelm Scream's new record. We are lucky people to see these bands continuing to put out music.

Clifford Dinsmore (Dusted Angel, formerly of Gargantula, Spaceboy and B'last!)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2010? (In order 1-5)

1. Fu Manchu - Signs of infinite power
2. Black Cobra - Chronomega
3. High on fire - Snakes for the Divine
4. Christian Mistress - agony and opium
5. Black Breath - Heavy breathing

What band did you discover in 2010 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

It was really cool to see Saint Vitus get back together. I hadn't seen them in 20 years, and they were better than ever!

How will you remember 2010? (In terms of music)

Just another year, and a lot of cool sounds -same as it ever was.

With more and more bands switching to digital methods of releasing music and communicating with audiences in 2010, do you think there's still a place for physical CDs and word-of-mouth shows in the future?

CDs are a shitty format, but it's nice to have some form of material representation of the music. Word of mouth shows will always exist.

What can we look forward to from you in 2011?

A new record, and lots of live shows!

What three records are you looking forward to most in 2011?

I don't know, I guess I'll find out in 2012.

Colin (Kingdom (Bel), Blind to Faith, Amen-ra)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2010? (In order 1-5)

they all sucked.

What band did you discover in 2010 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

no impact whatsoever

How will you remember 2010? (In terms of music)

recorded and released more albums than ever in one year.

With more and more bands switching to digital methods of releasing music and communicating with audiences in 2010, do you think there's still a place for physical CDs and word-of-mouth shows in the future?

of course. once it all explodes itll all duck underground again.

What can we look forward to from you in 2011?

church of ra book.split vinyl.sdeah.caan.art and my presence.

What three records are you looking forward to most in 2011?

caan. and the new blind to faith.

Dave Hause (Loved Ones)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2010? (In order 1-5)

1. Arcade Fire...The Suburbs
2. Jenny & Johnny...I'm Having Fun. Now
3. Kanye West...My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
4. Taylor Swift...Speak Now
5. Superchunk...Majesty Shredding

What band did you discover in 2010 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

The Loved Ones went to Australia for the first time this year, and I'm answering this question from Australia now, where I'm touring solo opening for Hot Water Music and The Bouncing Souls, so I've been down under twice in the same year. I dusted off Midnight Oil's Blue Sky Mining for both trips and fell back in love with that record. It's fantastic to my ears. The songs are really well written musically and I love the lyrics, it's for sure going to influence the next Loved Ones, especially lyrically.

How will you remember 2010? (In terms of music)

For me, it was the Arcade Fire. I love that record so much and finally got around to seeing them this year, at an amphitheater with my wife. She leaned over after 4 songs and said "I suppose this is your new favorite shit, eh?", and she was right.

With more and more bands switching to digital methods of releasing music and communicating with audiences in 2010, do you think there's still a place for physical CDs and word-of-mouth shows in the future?

I don't know what the future of the cd is, seems to be on it's way out. Word of mouth though shows, however, will always be the way. You gotta mean something to one person at a time, and when people care, they tell their friends.

What can we look forward to from you in 2011?

2011 is shaping up to busy. I'm releasing my record in January and doing some solo touring, and then we're hoping to drop the new Loved Ones record in the summer, at which point we'll tour the world on it.

What three records are you looking forward to most in 2011?

The 3 records I'm most looking forward to are the new Bright Eyes, the new Hot Water Music and the Jay Z/Kanye collaboration. Oh, and the next Loved Ones.

Davey Quinn (Tiltwheeel, Dan Padilla, Too Many Daves, International Dipshit)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2010? (In order 1-5)

there is no order to this. this is what i listen to the most in the last couple weeks

• Arrivals, Volatile Molotov
• Superchunk, Majesty Shredding
• Grabass Charlestons / Toys That Kill split
• Leatherface, Stormy Petrel
• Iron Chic, Not Like This

What band did you discover in 2010 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

So many great bands have crossed paths this year, Muhammed Ali, Year Zero, Unfun, Last Years, The Situation but the thing that sticks out the most Grabass Charlestons moving Will to guitar and vox. to watch a band you love adding a new dimension is inspiring and gives me more ammunition in the war on "punk is dead"

in addition, NQ Arbuckle has made me cry more times than raw onions and Bhut Jolokia, Given me hope and said things i could never say

How will you remember 2010? (In terms of music)

It was nice to FINALLY feel like something was accomplished on the personal front again. Dan Padilla, Too Many Daves, Pop Atak and Tiltwheel all managed to get something out this year. Bloodbath and Beyond got together and played a show! it reminds me of the year period where Everready, Tiltwheel and the Rats all got something out. Reminds me of the "Year Of Vinyl" a couple years back. Being able to tour with Leatherface again and see a new record come out. Alison and I gave birth to International Dipshit this year and I'm so happy to be playing music with her! Towards the end of the year Bryan Ready and I have been talking and we want to at play music together again.

i hate to divide and pick faves but if i had to, the shows i will remember most this year were brought to me by Andrew Penner and friends, NQ Arbuckle, Grabass Charlestons and GBV

this morning i listened to an old pal Lana Rebel and I think thats going to be my segue soundtrack 2010/11

With more and more bands switching to digital methods of releasing music and communicating with audiences in 2010, do you think there's still a place for physical CDs and word-of-mouth shows in the future?

I'll tell you this, hey punks, please stop this cassette tape shit immediately. yes there is a place for CDs as a reliable storage media. cassette tapes are horrible on so many levels, sound quality, environmental, equipment required, longevity... please stop

san diego operates on a word of mouth level for the most part, at least our little slice. as shitty as massive online communities go we can book a show and get people to go to the show and have a great time in a matter of hours. nothing wrong with that. technology is what you make of it. There is nothing wrong with using it to support your community. yeah i miss flyers. no i dont miss stacks of flyers littering the streets.

What can we look forward to from you in 2011?

my first focus is to record international dipshit and get somethign out. I really wanted to get it done this year but sometimes theres a bottle in the way. I also want to get some daves stuff done before Dave D becomes a dad. hopefully more dan padilla stuff and i'm already starting to write stuff for tiltwheel. cancelling the European tour was such a heartbreak I'm honestly scared the band wont recover, that I won't recover and I'll end it. I think we turn 19 this year, maybe 20 according to some bio i just read. , i'm pretty close to packing it in and making a big scrapbook. i hope next year's touring and writing output betrays that feeling.

What three records are you looking forward to most in 2011?

Sunparlour Players, Grabass Charlestons and Cheapgirls

David (All Teeth)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2010? (In order 1-5)

1. The Flatliners- Cavalcade
2. The Riot Before- Rebellion
3. Make Do and Mend- End Messured mile

(i know thats only three, but im trying to think of more and i cant)

What band did you discover in 2010 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

I had heard of the Flatliners for a while and never really checked them out until a tour i was on crossed paths with them (not playing shows together but hang outs) and it was then when i conned them into giving me a free copy of thier record. I grew up on Fat Wreck Chords punk so of course Cavalcade was immediately embraced.

How will you remember 2010? (In terms of music)

Ill remember 2010 as a year i was on tour a lot and was still pumped on records that came out in 2009

With more and more bands switching to digital methods of releasing music and communicating with audiences in 2010, do you think there's still a place for physical CDs and word-of-mouth shows in the future?

I guess theres stilll a place for physical CDs... Or so Im told... I guess so the angry little 12 year old brat who only gets his music from Best Buy will find some random punk record on clearence which is coincidentally the same thing that will piss his parents off, so he buys it and from then on will start to develope a taste for rare 7inches he hears about on punknews.org.

As far as Word-of-Mouth i have never heard that band so i have no idea! (my attempt at a joke)

What can we look forward to from you in 2011?

Being a shittier dude then i was in 2010

What three records are you looking forward to most in 2011?

Dillinger 4/Propagandhi/Hot Water Music split LP

Domenic Romeo (Pulling Teeth/A389 Records)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2010? (In order 1-5)

1. Roky Erickson 'True Love Cast Out All Evil'
2. Charles Manson 'Air'
3. Oak II
4. Danzig 'Deth Red Saboath'
5. Starkweather 'This Sheltering Night'

What band did you discover in 2010 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

Not new, but I'm pretty sure I listened to Roky Erickson 'The Evil One' every day of 2010. He is incredible. Also havent really listened to Pearl Jam since 'Ten' came out and I was in high-school. I'm really enjoying a lot of their later catalog.

How will you remember 2010? (In terms of music)

It was the year Integrity put out the best singles since the Melnick brothers were in the band.

With more and more bands switching to digital methods of releasing music and communicating with audiences in 2010, do you think there's still a place for physical CDs and word-of-mouth shows in the future?

For some people, sure. But not for me. LPs at home/Ipod in the car/CDs in the wastebasket.

What can we look forward to from you in 2011?

PULLING TEETH 'Funerary' 2x12" / HATEWAVES II 7" . VIRGIN WITCH 'On Black Wings Of Death' and a slew of new releases on A389 by XIBALBA, SERAPHIM, PALA, PICK YOUR SIDE, WEEKEND NACHOS, THE LOVE BELOW, GEHENNA, RINGWORM + more.

What three records are you looking forward to most in 2011?

• SERAPHIM 'The Light In The Distance'
• CHARLES MANSON new LP
• DEATHAMMER LP

Dwid Hellion (Integrity, Roses Never Fade, Holy Terror Records)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2010? (In order 1-5)

1. Gehenna/BTF split
2. Kriegshog "War For Peace"
3. Armour s/t
4. Danzig "Deth Red Sabaoth"
5. Charles Manson "Air"

What band did you discover in 2010 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

Blind Willie Johnson. Playing guitar with a knife.

How will you remember 2010? (In terms of music)

By the records that I have released.

With more and more bands switching to digital methods of releasing music and communicating with audiences in 2010, do you think there's still a place for physical CDs and word-of-mouth shows in the future?

the Compact Disc format does not hold much interest for me.

What can we look forward to from you in 2011?

TDON records is releasing a hardbound book that I wrote and illustrated and it also comes with an Integrity/Rot In Hell split 7", and I have several other projects I am working on.

What three records are you looking forward to most in 2011?

1. G.I.S.M. 'Detestation' & 'M.A.N.' remastered and unreleased tracks
2. Parasite 10"
3. D-clone/System Fucker split 7"

Geoff Rickly (Thursday)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2010? (In order 1-5)

• The Way Out- The Books
• Gorilla Manor- Local Natives
• Daft Punk- Tron
• Big boi- sir luscious leftfoot
• The National- High Violet
• Touché Amore/La Dispute--split
• All Pigs Must Die-- ep
• Envy- recitation
• Make do & mend- end measured mile
• Balance & Composure/ Tiger's Jaw-- split

What band did you discover in 2010 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

How will you remember 2010? (In terms of music)

With more and more bands switching to digital methods of releasing music and communicating with audiences in 2010, do you think there's still a place for physical CDs and word-of-mouth shows in the future?

What can we look forward to from you in 2011?

What three records are you looking forward to most in 2011?

Greg (The Menzingers)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2010? (In order 1-5)

1. Arcade Fire- The Suburbs
2. Titus Andronicus- The Monitor
3. Against Me!- White Crosses
4. Best Coast- Crazy For You
5. Mumford And Sons- Sigh No More

What band did you discover in 2010 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

Bon Iver's "For Emma, Forever Ago" hit me at a pretty great time this year. I heard a couple songs from that record but officially fell in love with it one night when I got lost wandering around Montreal by myself. I don't think I've heard anything that lonely since I first listened to "Nebraska".

How will you remember 2010? (In terms of music)

This year has been unbelievable for music. I mean, Arcade Fire are getting nominated for fucking grammys, hitting #1 on the charts, and are selling out Madison Square Garden while still on an independent label! Here's the proof that major labels are completely worthless! Way to go team!

With more and more bands switching to digital methods of releasing music and communicating with audiences in 2010, do you think there's still a place for physical CDs and word-of-mouth shows in the future?

Journalists have been asking this question since the early 2000's and I think that alone shows that physical products are in fact still relevant. There's tons of great labels out there that have adapted to the changing marketplace. I think musicians and industry folk should get the idea out of their heads that they're going to make money in all this. Get a job somewhere else.

What can we look forward to from you in 2011?

A new record! We're hoping to record in March and have it out in the summer.

What three records are you looking forward to most in 2011?

1. Title Fight
2. Polar Bear Club
3. Broadway Calls

Hugo (Sainte Catherines)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2010? (In order 1-5)

1. Leatherface- The Stormy Petrel
2. Against Me!- White Crosses
3. Vulgaires Machins- Requiem Pour Les Sourds
4. Metric- Fantasies
5. Off With Their Heads- In Desolation

What band did you discover in 2010 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

Metric. I saw the name a million times and was never interested thinking they were indie rock, pop bullshit, but i was wrong. Brilliant songwriting, sexy voice, great lyrics..amazing band.

I'll remember that my band Yesterday's Ring stoped playing together and that The Sainte Catherines started playing again. I'll forget about the 80s revival in mainstream and punk. Please.

How will you remember 2010? (In terms of music)

I'll remember that my band Yesterday's Ring stoped playing together and that The Sainte Catherines started playing again. I'll forget about the 80s revival in mainstream and punk. Please.

With more and more bands switching to digital methods of releasing music and communicating with audiences in 2010, do you think there's still a place for physical CDs and word-of-mouth shows in the future?

Yes. I think people like me who grew up on booklets and artowork, can't get enough of it.

What can we look forward to from you in 2011?

Hopefully a collaboration with Kid Rock.

What three records are you looking forward to most in 2011?

The Queers

Jason Zabby (Big Action Records)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2010? (In order 1-5)

1. The Brokedowns “Species Bender” (Red Scare)
2. Birthday Suits “The Minnesota: Mouth to Mouth” (Learning Curve)
3. Harlem “Hippies” (Matador)
4. Stoned At Heart “Party Tracks Vol. 1” (Recess)
5. The Moonhearts “s/t” (Tic Tac Totally)

What band did you discover in 2010 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

Trent Fox & the Tenets. What made them significant? Big hearts, Big sound, Big grooves, plus they’re from Milwaukee.

How will you remember 2010? (In terms of music)

It’s the first year in a decade that Big Action didn’t release a record. But I guess it will be a year that saw the passing of Jay Reatard. I will miss his simple, musical genius.

With more and more bands switching to digital methods of releasing music and communicating with audiences in 2010, do you think there's still a place for physical CDs and word-of-mouth shows in the future?

Physical Cds are an ok format, but I personally don’t prefer to purchase them. I like the digital/vinyl marriage. I actually believe the internet has helped to spread “word of mouth” shows. We can utilize the internet to enhance our music and scene. It’s a great medium for record promotion and communication.

What can we look forward to from you in 2011?

Voytek 7”, The Bombay Sweets 7”, Bird Sounds 7” and maybe a split vinyl LP with two bands. I really want to do that.

What three records are you looking forward to most in 2011?

The four records listed above! I’m sure it will not happen since they’re no longer together, but I would love to see the Marked Men put something out too.

Javier Vanhuss (The Mistake)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2010? (In order 1-5)

1. Ancient VVisdom/ Charles Manson split 12"
2. Integrity- the blackest curse
3. Gehenna- the hope guzzo bootleg
4. phantogram- eyelid movies
5. wait what- the notorious xx

What band did you discover in 2010 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

in 2010 i both discovered a lot of new bands, and revisited a lot of older bands. i became enthralled by whole genres, and delved deep into them. the most moving would be Holy Terror, LLN, and witch house. all three of those genres promote DIY ethics and the raw, ugly reality of life. The AVV/CM split was the most played record of the year, and possibly ever for me. Ancient VVisdom recorded some very raw, moving material.

How will you remember 2010? (In terms of music)

i will remember 2010 as the year that i realized i dont need a band or a fancy recording studio to make music, and i dont have to make music to make noise.

With more and more bands switching to digital methods of releasing music and communicating with audiences in 2010, do you think there's still a place for physical CDs and word-of-mouth shows in the future?

yesterday i spent 10 euros (about 16 usd) on a limited edition cd from Mater Susperia Vision. sure, i can download anything i want. but sometimes bands put out a record that i want to hold, to experience, and that will hopefully never die. bands like Coalesce and Integrity putting out records with free digital downloads is such a perfect thing to me. i can play the record as "intended" at home, and listen to it in my car as well. plus, a lot of time the artwork is just something that cannot be transferred from a 12" sleeve or a paper flyer to the internet and have the same impact

What can we look forward to from you in 2011?

in 2007 i turned 30. i announced that i would record 30 songs that year. that didnt happen.
in 2011 i will turn 34. maybe i will record 34 songs. i would like to collaborate with some of my associates from around the world on making music. its so easy to record now, the only thing stopping me is the rest of my life.

What three records are you looking forward to most in 2011?

in 2011 i would like to hear a new Vegas record, the Gehenna chopped and screwed mixtape, and hopefully the new Backstabbers, INC jam.

Jeff Rowe

What are your top five albums that were released in 2010? (In order 1-5)

1. Smoke or Fire - The Speakeasy
2. Mayflower - Second Best Sunsets
3. Choke Up - S/T E.P.
4. Dan Webb and the Spiders - Oh Sure!
5. Sundowner - We Chase the Waves

What band did you discover in 2010 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

Although he's been around for a long time and has a vast catalogue of music I would say that John Prine had a sincere impact on me in 2010. I stumbled upon a collection of his songs and it has been the soundtrack to 2010 for me. He is absolutely one of the most thoughtful songwriters I've ever heard and homeboy knows how to write a catchy song.

How will you remember 2010? (In terms of music)

I will remember 2010 as a year of travel and re-learning. 2010 took me to some places That I never thought possible for me and i feel like i had to re-learn what it was like to structure my life around music as opposed to structuring music around my life.

With more and more bands switching to digital methods of releasing music and communicating with audiences in 2010, do you think there's still a place for physical CDs and word-of-mouth shows in the future?

Absolutely... as far as word of mouth shows i think there will always be a place for that in the punk community and if that element gets lost in the mix then I would say it would be time to re-evaluate certain methods and motivations. Cd's though? who knows... one thing that struck me as a positive thing about 2010 was the focus on vinyl buying. It's really my favorite format for music and artwork so it's good to see young kids keeping it real.

What can we look forward to from you in 2011?

I'll be touring the hell out of 2011 and recording copious amounts of music for a new full length and some splits releases.

What three records are you looking forward to most in 2011?

1. Wolves and the Radio - S/T
2. Dan Webb and the Spiders - Much Obliged
3. World Inferno Friendship Society

Jihad (12 Gauge Records)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2010? (In order 1-5)

1. Ceremony - Rohnert Park LP
2. All Pigs Must Die - s/t
3. United Nations, Never mind the bombings, here's your six figures
4. Harms Way - No Gods, No Masters
5. Das Racist - Sit Down, Man

What band did you discover in 2010 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

Neil Young continues to be one of my all time favorite artists. Seeing him live at Bridge School benefit with the turn out he gets every year gives me hope that good music never dies/goes unappreciated.

How will you remember 2010? (In terms of music)

2010 for me, musically, was a slow year. I diversified my taste big time and listened to a ton of Neil Young (as mentioned above), Bob Dylan, Simon & Garfunkel, Cat Stevens, etc... The music my dad handed down to me that got me through the rough year that it was for me.

With more and more bands switching to digital methods of releasing music and communicating with audiences in 2010, do you think there's still a place for physical CDs and word-of-mouth shows in the future?

I'm not sure about physical CDs but I know that I still enjoy buying them. I like looking at the liner notes and having something I can listen to in the car. It's a format that is easily accessible by a large amount of people, so I don't think we necessarily should be pushing it to it's death either. I don't think I should comment on shows because 2010 was a very busy year for me and as a result I failed to attend many shows that I would have liked to.

What can we look forward to from you in 2011?

2011 will be an incredible year for Twelve Gauge. I plan to take things a lot more seriously and focus on a few key things:

1. improved marketing,
2. more touring,
3. more releases.

With merchandising handed over to Hellfish, I now have free time to focus on the business more. Stay tuned for an awesome year.

What three records are you looking forward to most in 2011?

The new Purple Mercy band, the rest of the Sabertooth Zombie Human Performance series and maybe something new from Ceremony?

Joey (Old Man Markley)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2010? (In order 1-5)

1. Against Me! White Crosses
2. Off With Their Heads In Desolation
3. Fitz and the Tantrums Breaking the Chains of Love
4. Swingin Utters Brand New Lungs EP
5. New Pornographers Together

What band did you discover in 2010 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

I discovered the Fitz and the Tantrums when my girlfriend hijacked my ipod and loaded it with a bunch of stuff she thought I would like. To my surprise I was smitten by the unpretentious 60’s throwback soul FATT wield with ease. The arrangements are killer, great lyrics and they put on one hell of a show.

How will you remember 2010? (In terms of music)

2010 was the year Epitaph Records signed Off With Their Heads and Weezer, and Ron Artest’s contribution of the epic anthem “Champions.”

With more and more bands switching to digital methods of releasing music and communicating with audiences in 2010, do you think there's still a place for physical CDs and word-of-mouth shows in the future?

I think the digital revolution has made touring more urgent and expanded the idea of releasing albums and other related material. I think CDs could stick around a bit longer as long as the artist gives the fan more of an incentive, like when the Bronx El Mariachi included cologne along with a CD. Word-of-mouth shows are tough with facebook, but would facebook count for word of mouth, or is it more like finger-to-network, and really what’s the fucking difference?

What can we look forward to from you in 2011?

Lots of touring in support of Old Man Markley’s Guts N’ Teeth. Punk Rock Bowling antics. Piano sing-a-longs in strange places.

What three records are you looking forward to most in 2011?

1. Cobra Skulls Bringing the War Home
2. Bouncing Souls/Hot Water Music split
3. ….And unabashedly Old Man Markley Guts N’ Teeth for shameless self-promotion's sake!

Joey (The Banner)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2010? (In order 1-5)

(in no order)

• Killing Joke - Absolute Dissent
• Troublemaker - Moratorium
• Black Kites - Advancement to Ruins
• SWANS - My father will guide me up a rope to the sky

nothing else really moved me to mention, sorry :(

What band did you discover in 2010 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

I rediscovered Troublemaker as they seriously came into their own with moratorium and took a new place in my heart and head.

How will you remember 2010? (In terms of music)

It was a rough year i went out very little especially for shows. I missed some great stuff, 2010 was a bad year.

With more and more bands switching to digital methods of releasing music and communicating with audiences in 2010, do you think there's still a place for physical CDs and word-of-mouth shows in the future?

There will always be a place for anything of quality or worth, the art of "album art" is all but dead but not beyond rescue. A physical representation of an album or collection of songs of any size will always be a fantastic opportunity for creation and expression. I feel strongly true artists will always take advantage of the this outlet and any other instance to create something worthwhile be it cd, cassette or vinyl.

What can we look forward to from you in 2011?

New records from Wolve, Twins and The Banner.

What three records are you looking forward to most in 2011?

i suppose my own? who knows im so out of the loop. Sorry for ruining your interview with my idiocy :P

John Cate (John Cate & The Van Gogh Brothers; Tunecore)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2010? (In order 1-5)

I can’t think of one that made my list. I was stuck in the past this year after finishing our 9th record, “The Wonder Show”. Namely, I was listening to “Minute by Minute” by the Doobie Brothers, “Blow by Blow” by Jeff Beck, “End of the Innocence” by Don Henley, and Phil Collins’ “You’ll be in my Heart”. “Hooker n’ Heat” by John Lee Hooker was re-issued and just in time in my opinion (see below)..

What band did you discover in 2010 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

John Lee Hooker. John was an old bluesman who I remember from “back in the day”. Canned Heat worked with him. He is the real deal, and there isn’t enough of “the real deal” around these days. We need touchstones, and “Hooker n’ Heat” is one of them. Listen to “Meet me at the Bottom.”

How will you remember 2010? (In terms of music)

Watching Jeff Beck from stage left.

With more and more bands switching to digital methods of releasing music and communicating with audiences in 2010, do you think there's still a place for physical CDs and word-of-mouth shows in the future?

Absolutely. Music is best experienced live, and it’s important to have physical CD’s at shows for both the music and the artwork & liner notes, which are usually pretty thoughtful & relevant to an artist’s body of work.

What can we look forward to from you in 2011?

Our 10th album, “X”

What three records are you looking forward to most in 2011?

Our next record, Kings of Leon and anything by Cheri Knight, if someone can get her to play again.

Larry (Think Fast! Records)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2010? (In order 1-5)

1. Sick Of It All - Based On A True Story
2. Ed Kowalczyk - Alive
3. Hour Of The Wolf - Decompositions: Volume 1
4. This Is Hell - Weight Of The World
5. Ice Age - Dead Kings

What band did you discover in 2010 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

Mountain Man is a band that our label had been talking to all year about doing a record with us. They are just a hardworking band that appreciates the opportunities that come their way. It is refreshing to work with bands like that who are making music and involved in hardcore for the right reasons. That is, even if their drummer strictly listens to Disney-related artists, ie. Demi Lovato, Selena Gomez, and Jonas Bros.

How will you remember 2010? (In terms of music)

Ugh.

With more and more bands switching to digital methods of releasing music and communicating with audiences in 2010, do you think there's still a place for physical CDs and word-of-mouth shows in the future?

The only physical copy of a hardcore or punk band's music that is still relevant is vinyl. Yes digital methods have taken over, but for this genre of music, a physical copy is still very important. However, that is no longer the CD format. For us (Think Fast! Records), it has been almost 2 years since we've actually paid for a new release to be pressed on CD.

As for word-of-mouth shows, I'm afraid that with all the big fests all over the country where you can see all your favorite bands in one shot, that the smaller or local shows are becoming weaker. Kids don't seem to come out as much anymore. They are easier to miss.

What can we look forward to from you in 2011?

I am very proud of the fact that September 2011 marks the 10 year anniversary of Think Fast! Records. We have a slew of new records already mapped out for the entire year. I'm sure we'll throw in another couple here or there. Expect the Mountain Man full length in early 2011 as well as records from Hour Of The Wolf, Bullet Treatment, and our 10 year anniversary comp which will showcase some exclusive material from some of the many bands we've released over the years. There are also a few we haven't announced yet that we're putting the finishing touches on. Stay
tuned.

What three records are you looking forward to most in 2011?

1. Mountain Man - Grief
2. Rise Against
3. anything by Morrissey

Lemuria, Bridge Nine Records, Death Before Dishonor, Foundation

What are your top five albums that were released in 2010? (In order 1-5)

Alex Kerns (Lemuria)

1. Orphan Choir - S/t (art of the underground)
2. Superchunk - Majesty Shredding (merge records)
3. The Young Leaves - Life Underneath (self-released)
4. The Magnetic Fields - Realism (nonesuch)
5. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs (merge records)
6. Blunt Mechanic - World Record (art of the underground)
7. Leatherface - Stormy Petral (no idea records)
8. Black Wine - S/t (don giovanni records)
9. Unwelcome Guests - Don't Go Swimming (kiss of death records)
10. Trans Am - What Day Is Tonight? (thrill jockey)

Stephanie Marlow (Bridge Nine Records)

1. Black Breath - Heavy Breathing
2. Ceremony - Rohnert Park
3. The National - High Violet
4. NAILS - Unsilent Death
5. Terror - Keepers of the Faith
6. Sweet Cobra - Mercy
7. Torche, Songs for Singles
8. Triptykon - Eparistera Daimones
9. Delta Spirit - History From Below
10. Swans - My Father Will Guide Me Up A Rope To The Sky

B-Roll (Death Before Dishonor)

1. Terror - Keepers of the Faith.

That's all

Most disappointing - everything else

Merry xmas

Champ (Foundation)

1. Alpha and Omega - Life Swallower
2. Dead End Path - Death Walks Beside Us
3. The National - High Violet
4. Down To Nothing - All My Sons
5. Terror - Keepers Of The Faith

Andrew (Foundation)

1. Bitter End - Guilty As Charged
2. Terror - Keepers of the Faith
3. Alpha & Omega - Life Swallower
4. George Strait - Twang
5. Cruel Hand - Lock & Key

What band did you discover in 2010 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

How will you remember 2010? (In terms of music)

With more and more bands switching to digital methods of releasing music and communicating with audiences in 2010, do you think there's still a place for physical CDs and word-of-mouth shows in the future?

What can we look forward to from you in 2011?

What three records are you looking forward to most in 2011?

Matt Armstrong (Murder by Death)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2010? (In order 1-5)

1. Grinderman- Grinderman 2
2. The Budos Band- III
3. The Sword- Warp Riders
4. Black Mountain- Wilderness Heart
5. Black Rebel Motorcycle Club- Beat The Devil's Tattoo

What band did you discover in 2010 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

The Budos Band. I saw them play and was blown away. I had never heard sexy-Latin-James-Bond-spy-funk until I heard these guys. The game has changed.

How will you remember 2010? (In terms of music)

Besides the top five list, I will remember J. Roddy Walston and the Business, Ha Ha Tonka, Linfinity, Ninja Gun, Samantha Crain, and the super gnarly metal show that was happening downstairs from our show in Providence.

With more and more bands switching to digital methods of releasing music and communicating with audiences in 2010, do you think there's still a place for physical CDs and word-of-mouth shows in the future?

I think there will always be a demand for some sort of physical musical product, whether that be CD, vinyl, etc., at least for serious music fans. Most people I know want something for their shelf as well as well as a digital format for their Ipod. As far as shows go, I think they will become even more important. With as many flash-in-the-pan buzz bands as there are, and considering how easy music is to get these days, I think the love show is really going to be what separates the men from the boys. Anybody (with the right help) can make a great-sounding record; not every band can play a compelling live show.

What can we look forward to from you in 2011?

Touring. Inappropriate sexy texting. A collection of our acoustic numbers performed with the London Philharmonic. Murder By Death On Ice (Christmas 2011).

What three records are you looking forward to most in 2011?

The new Mogwai. I don't know who else is working on a record right now.

Michael (hellfish.com)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2010? (In order 1-5)

1. Ceremony - Rohernert Park
2. Integrity - The Blackest Curse
3. Expire - Grim Rhythm
4. Danzig - Deth Red Saboath
5. Converge - On My Shield

What band did you discover in 2010 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

Envy- blown away by their live preformance. Incredible.

How will you remember 2010? (In terms of music)

Too many reunions. Just because you were a band 15yrs ago doesn’t mean you should reunite. Some things are better off dead and buried.

With more and more bands switching to digital methods of releasing music and communicating with audiences in 2010, do you think there's still a place for physical CDs and word-of-mouth shows in the future?

I don’t think the CD will not survive much longer. It is obsolete in a world where everything is designed to be multifunctional. Everything will be able to play digital music soon so the need will be non existent.

Word of mouth shows will still have a place on the smallest level because they are fun, and also because this counter culture thrives on doing what they are told they cant do. "You shut down all our venues? Ok, we will do a house show."

What can we look forward to from you in 2011?

Label wise: A handful of release. We don’t plan on going all out and doing 20 half assed releases. We would rather do 3 and make the fucking incredible and as much of an art piece as a music release.

Webstore wise: Revamping and relaunching the webstore and bringing on a whole new slew of bands/artist into it.

What three records are you looking forward to most in 2011?

1. Anything that Integrity puts out.
2. Between Earth & Sky
3. And a few that cant be talked about just yet!

Mike (Parasitic Skies)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2010? (In order 1-5)

1. All Out War - Into The Killing Fields
2. Harms Way - No Gods No Masters
3. Tamerlane - Clouds Unfold
4. Trey Songz - Passion, Pain and Pleasure
5. Deftones - Diamond Eyes

What band did you discover in 2010 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

Outlet from Idaho. They are a Straight Edge hardcore band. Never toured and they just have a demo out. But its one of my favorite things in the last couple years as far as hardcore goes. They arnt typical they sound like if Isis was a hardcore band. Just great song writing and really good lyrics. Played with them on tour this year and they just blew me away and reminded me some of the best music isn't on some huge label or by some popular band. One of the big reasons I am really stoked on hardcore music again.

How will you remember 2010? (In terms of music)

Just countless great albums. Its a really fucking good year for new music. All genres and accross the board. Just so much good shit out there. But mainly the fact that hardcore has really stepped it up in
the overall quality. I could do a top 10. maybe even top 20 hardcore releases this year. Which I dont think I have been able to do sense fucking 2003.

With more and more bands switching to digital methods of releasing music and communicating with audiences in 2010, do you think there's still a place for physical CDs and word-of-mouth shows in the future?

I think it will always have its place in underground music. I dunno or give a shit about mainstream music and how its sold. I would never pay for that shit. I only buy music from bands that cant live off their music. And as for word of mouth/paper flyers. That shit should always be apart of the underground. I am a promoter and every show I book will always have a paper flyer that I will drop off at records stores, etc.

What can we look forward to from you in 2011?

Parasitic Skies will be doing a couple of tours the first half of the year. First a small NW tour than a bigger East Coast tour in June. After that hopefully more shows in the US and the rest of the world. Maybe at the end of the year we will have a new split out.

What three records are you looking forward to most in 2011?

1. New Crowbar
2. New Crowbar
3. New Crowbar

Mike (Son of Man)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2010? (In order 1-5)

1. Torche – Songs for Singles
2. Integrity – The Blackest Curse
3. Electric Wizard – Black Masses
4. The Gaslight Anthem – American Slang
5. O.Children – Ruins

What band did you discover in 2010 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

O.Children – for fans of Joy Division and Nick Cave. The singer is a black Ian Curtis. Great Stuff.

How will you remember 2010? (In terms of music)

The year when many unique individuals created a soundtrack for the end times.

With more and more bands switching to digital methods of releasing music and communicating with audiences in 2010, do you think there's still a place for physical CDs and word-of-mouth shows in the future?

CD’s are a dead format and I have no need for them. Unless it’s an Oasis single from 1995 that I haven’t heard the B-side of. As far as word of mouth shows are concerned they are even less necessary than CD’s. The world’s of Twitter and Facebook changed the game. There is now no excuse for not knowing about a show.

What can we look forward to from you in 2011?

Another Son of Man release and hopefully some shows.

What three records are you looking forward to most in 2011?

1. Integrity/VVegas split
2. New Gehenna full length
3. Onlooker – Life Saver….Animator

Mike Apocalypse (Gehenna, Sangraal, Devil)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2010? (In order 1-5)

I recently wrote a top 5 for Metal Maniacs magazine. When I wrote that up I tried to keep in mind that I should focus on releases that may open up its readers to some great new music. I also tried to keep in mind that while GEHENNA releases are almost all I listen to, it wouldn't be fair to only list my own stuff. So I rolled a joint, poured a drink and thought about what I listened to over and over this year that wasn't a release that I recorded on. The list looked like this:


5.) ACEPHALIX - “Interminable Night” cassette. Visions Of Excess.

This is what happens when your favorite crust band fine tunes their sound to incorporate the ghosts of their favorite black/death/thrash metal bands. Great tape!


4.) VIOLENT RULER - “Swelling The Morgue” LP. Rock Cocaine Records.

Technical death/thrash/speed metal with whirlwind drums, blistering guitars and gut wrenching vocals that will blow your fucking mind. Keep your eyes peeled for VIOLENT RULER.


3.) MATER SUSPERIA VISION - “Second Coming” CDR.

Screwed and Chopped horror movie sound tracks that make you feel like you’re rollin’ out the frame on drugs. Serious codeine shit.


2.) INTEGRITY - “We Are The End” 7 inch. Magic Bullet Records.

The two songs of typical brilliance from one of the best bands ever.


1.) PENETRATION PANTHERS - “On The Prowl” CDR.

This is the best demo to come out in the last 10 years! Not only does it remind me of how excited I was to open my mail box everyday in 1988, but it sounds like it came out then! Every song is a party anthem of distorted 1980’s Skate thrash.

What band did you discover in 2010 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

MATER SUSPIRIA VISION. Their grasp on the way to make the listener feel like they’re in an altered state is incredible. PENETRATION PANTHERS. This band is the new gods of raw skate rock and roll. They’re the most solid folks and they rip live.

How will you remember 2010? (In terms of music)

I have no idea. I barely remember last week. Here are some of the things I was involved in that were released in 2010 that I will remember.

• DEVIL - “Live Entry” 7”
• GEHENNA - “The Hope Guzzo Bootleg” LP
• GEHENNA / CALIFORNIA LOVE split 7”
• GEHENNA / BLIND TO FAITH split 7”
• SANGRAAL - “Fatal Coordinates” 7”
• GEHENNA - “Upon The Gravehill” LP Reissue
• GEHENNA / VEGAS split 7”
• 7.17 Comp 7”
• Helping D.C. record part of the PENETRATION PANTHERS demo
• INTEGRITY : The Blackest Curse

With more and more bands switching to digital methods of releasing music and communicating with audiences in 2010, do you think there's still a place for physical CDs and word-of-mouth shows in the future?

Yes. There will always be room for actual releases. Digital stuff sucks. It has no feeling, and no life. I've been contemplating not having any digital downloads as a format at all anymore. I hate digital releases.

What can we look forward to from you in 2011?

Even less digital material and more physical releases. New releases from members of The Cult Of The Seven Crowns:

• PENETRATION PANTHERS 7 inch
• GEHENNA / INTEGRITY split 7 inch
• GEHENNA new album
• GEHENNA "Cult Of The Seven Crowns" Screwed and Chopped mixtape
• GEHENNA "Land Of Sodom II" 7 inch, and "Land Of Sodom / Upon The Gravehill" CD
• GEHENNA "Negotium..." LP Reissue.
• BLACK SUN VALLEY split 7 inch and 7 inch
• GEHENNA / VIOLENT RULER split 7 inch
• PARALLEL HELLS
• THE LESSER KEY
• And tons more stuff.

What three records are you looking forward to most in 2011?

PENETRATION PANTHERS 7 inch, GEHENNA / INTEGRITY split 7 inch, the new GEHENNA album, all of the stuff listed above. Basically I just want to hear the music my friends and I make. I'm not worried about anything else.

Mike Bachich (Nothing)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2010? (In order 1-5)

1. Virgin Spring - Absolute Decline
2. Milk Music - Beyond Living
3. Vile Gash - S/T 7"
4. Gun Outfit - Possession Sound
5. Sun City Girls - Funeral Mariachi

What band did you discover in 2010 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

Flying Saucer Attack. I never gave them my full attention until I sat down with "Distance" and "Flying Saucer Attack" this year. They're noisy and heavy, but incredibly beautiful at the same time. I put them up with there with The Swirlies and Slowdive as my favorite bands that played that style of music.

How will you remember 2010? (In terms of music)

More of the same. A slew of new bands who consistently put out great records/tapes. I didn't notice a significant change in the musical climate, but maybe I'm not paying enough attention. My purchasing and the ways I find new music haven't changed much in years.

With more and more bands switching to digital methods of releasing music and communicating with audiences in 2010, do you think there's still a place for physical CDs and word-of-mouth shows in the future?

Absolutely. I have no doubt in my mind that there will always a significant number of humans who actually want/need physical media. I've been to more shows this year that weren't advertised on the internet and were more heavily attended than those with an actual online presence.

What can we look forward to from you in 2011?

A 7", full length, possible CD compiling the demo/7"/remixes, and a North American tour.

What three records are you looking forward to most in 2011?

Bone Awl / Ashdautas split, Scapegoat LP, and whatever Earl Sweatshirt releases.

Mike Riley (Pulling Teeth, Firestarter Records)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2010? (In order 1-5)

1. Iron Chic - Not Like This
2. Off With Their Heads - In Desolation
3. The Estranged - Subliminal Man
4. Superchunk - Majesty Shredding
5. Masshysteri - s/t

* I have purchased but not yet listened to the new None More Black and White Wires LPs. They could very well make that list before the end of the year.

What band did you discover in 2010 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

White Wires. Technically their first LP came out in 2009, but I didn't really get around to listening to it much until 2010 and it's possibly the record I listened to more than any other. It's a perfect summertime album. Hopefully they tour out east in 2011.

How will you remember 2010? (In terms of music)

The year I finally got to see Superchunk play live, and it was as amazing as I'd hoped it would be.

With more and more bands switching to digital methods of releasing music and communicating with audiences in 2010, do you think there's still a place for physical CDs and word-of-mouth shows in the future?

I've always been a vinyl guy. I don't just like having a release on my computer. I want a physical copy where I can read the lyrics and check out the artwork in a large format. I would generally only buy CDs if they were the only format a record was released on or if I wanted to be able to put the album on my computer or iPod. Now I get bummed when an LP or 7" doesn't come with a digital download card. They're so cheap and easy and most people these days are listening to digital versions of albums, it's silly not to include one with your record. There are people who will still purchase CDs so I think its still a good idea to make them when you can, but sales are way down and that trend is going to continue. Mainstream artists are beginning to adapt the live structure that punk/hardcore/DIY bands have been following for decades: support yourself primarily through live shows that get people out to purchase the records and the merchandise, as opposed to supporting the release and sales of the album through touring. Live shows are always going to be the best way to see your favorite bands and catch new ones that might interest you.

What can we look forward to from you in 2011?

Pulling Teeth's new album, "Funerary", will be out in March. We spent a lot of time making this record and worked really hard on it and couldn't be happier with how it came out. We can't wait to get it out and have people hear it. Hopefully some more live shows as well. In label things: Firestarter will be releasing the CD version of that new Pulling Teeth album and I'll finally get the Modern Problems and Run Down 7"s out. Toxic Pop Records will be releasing records for Sick Sick Birds, Sundials, Tenement, and Idle Hands. It's gonna be a good year.

What three records are you looking forward to most in 2011?

1. Lemuria - Pebble LP
2. Tenement LP
3. Night Birds LP

Nat Rufus (Blacklist Royals)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2010? (In order 1-5)

1. Sage Francis "L I (F) E"
2. Rolling Stones "Exile On Main Steet" (Reissue)
3. The Snips "Blackouts"
4. Roky Erickson "True Love Cast Out All Evil"
5. Black Keys "Brothers"

What band did you discover in 2010 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

I got really into Edith Piaf in 2010, I saw a great movie about her a few years back and meant to grab some of her stuff and never did, then one night before tour I randomly remembered and downloaded her entire discography. I don't speak French so I don't understand any of the words, but she sings with so much emotion, it's just amazing, you can put on headphones and hit play and it takes you back to a different time, it's really great shit.

How will you remember 2010? (In terms of music)

When I think of 2010 in terms of music I think of all the late nights watching friends in other bands play out on the road, the drunken 4:00 AM conversations about Bob Dylan or Sam Cooke, and just all the good times I had. When I think of music is 2010 I think of friendship, some old, and some new.

With more and more bands switching to digital methods of releasing music and communicating with audiences in 2010, do you think there's still a place for physical CDs and word-of-mouth shows in the future?

I hope so, but who knows. I really miss how things were when I was a teenager honestly, flyers, mail-orders, whatever. Social networks have their purpose, but I'd much rather be worried about making music that how many followers we have on Twitter, that said, make sure you follow us on Twitter!

What can we look forward to from you in 2011?

Tons of shows and new music, we're going into the studio next week!

What three records are you looking forward to most in 2011?

I'm not sure what is coming out next year, so I'll just say that I'm looking forward to anything legit that's released in 2011.

Nate (Banner Pilot)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2010? (In order 1-5)

1. Against Me - White Crosses
2. Los Campesinos - Romance is Boring
3. The Dopamines - Expect the Worst
4. RVIVR - LP
5. Johnny Foreigner - You Thought You Saw a Shooting Star

What band did you discover in 2010 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

I think I discovered Johnny Foreigner in 2010. Maybe it was late 2009. Let’s call it 2010. I think “an impact on my life” is pushing it, but I really, really got into that band and devoured their catalogue immediately. It’s always a great feeling to stumble across an amazing band you’ve never heard of, and then to realize they have tons of songs and albums you’ve never heard before. Johnny Foreigner is significant, I guess, because they’re the first band in two or three years that had that effect on me.

How will you remember 2010? (In terms of music)

On a personal level I’ll remember the two albums I played on (Off With Their Heads and Gateway District) and some of the touring I did (primarily Europe); as a fan I’ll probably remember the five albums listed above as well as discovering some new stuff.

With more and more bands switching to digital methods of releasing music and communicating with audiences in 2010, do you think there's still a place for physical CDs and word-of-mouth shows in the future?

CDs, in the long run, probably not. Word of mouth shows, sure. If you mean “word of mouth” literally, then maybe not, but in the classic sense of a show with no overt promotion, then absolutely. In some ways there’s more shows than ever like that. I consider a, “Hey, show tonight at the Shit House, the Shitters are opening,” message posted on Twitter to basically be a ‘word of mouth’ show, when you compare it against an actual promotional campaign or what not.

What can we look forward to from you in 2011?

A new album and some tourin’.

What three records are you looking forward to most in 2011?

Lemuria, Screeching Weasel, Copyrights

R.J (Magrudergrind)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2010? (In order 1-5)

1. Red Dons - Fake Meets Failure
2. Slices - Cruising

Everything Else:

• Cough - Ritual Abuse
• Double Negative - Daydreamnation
• Masshysteri - Masshysteri
• Swans - My Father Will Guide Me Up A Rope To The Sky
• Crystal Castles - Crystal Castles II
• U.S. Christmas - Run Thick In the Night

Things from late last year that must be reiterated:

• Xeno & Oaklander - Sentinelle
• Pissed Jeans - King of Jeans
• Wormrot - Abuse
• Marked Men - Ghosts

What band did you discover in 2010 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

More of a rediscovery in light of recent deaths. The recently deceased Captain Beefheart and his 1967 debut Safe As Milk as well as the contributions of the late Guru as half of Gang Starr. RIP brothers.

How will you remember 2010? (In terms of music)

More analog synths and fewer broken guitars in my basement.

With more and more bands switching to digital methods of releasing music and communicating with audiences in 2010, do you think there's still a place for physical CDs and word-of-mouth shows in the future?

Hopefully a vinyl/digital paradigm will supplant CDs, which no one should pay for ever. There is always an essential place for DIY culture, no to be conflated with shitty shows that no one hears about until the last minute; I can only assume that no touring band wants their show to be discovered "word-of-mouth," but rather properly promoted and enthusiastically attended.

What can we look forward to from you in 2011?

Magrudergrind - Magrudergrind II

What three records are you looking forward to most in 2011?

1. Magrudergrind - Magrudergrind II
2. Magrudergrind - Magrudergrind II
3. Magrudergrind - Magrudergrind II

Rick Jimenez (This Is Hell)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2010? (In order 1-5)

1.This is Hell "Weight of the World"
1a.Ice Age "Dead Kings"
2.Madball "Empire"
3.Comeback Kid "Symptoms & Cures"
4.First Blood "Silence is Betrayal"
5.Bring Me The Horizon "there is a heaven..."

What band did you discover in 2010 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

Bsmooov. I now have an R&B record that i can sing along too when i'm trying to get down with some hot chick. I finally was able to find a copy of The Middle Class "Out of Vogue" from 1978. Not really life changing but regarded as possibly the first hardcore record ever and I was never able to find it or even hear it. I've had the Adolescents album for about 8 years but just recently realized it was awesome. It never did it for me until about 2 weeks ago. I love when that happens.

How will you remember 2010? (In terms of music)

A mix of boundless and pretentiously segregated. I saw both sides of this so much throughout the year. My mind was blown by how open some people and bands were with what they were doing and willing to try... and my mind was equally blown by how "think inside this small box" and "follow the leader mentality" was embraced. i stopped caring so much about what other people are doing and how they are living so long ago but this year, i stopped caring so much more that i barely even noticed. when i look back at 2010 in hindsight i'll probably think mostly about weight of the world and i'll be happy with that because its my favorite this is hell record.

With more and more bands switching to digital methods of releasing music and communicating with audiences in 2010, do you think there's still a place for physical CDs and word-of-mouth shows in the future?

Almost every show I went to this year that I didn't play, I heard about through word of mouth first and not the internet somehow, so real life still plays a big role in music. Physical CDs and vinyl, also still very important. Bands I know that tried to switch to download 100% got asked "where's the cd?!" so much at shows they quickly went back. I actually sold 95% of my cd collection this year but thats because I needed to make room for my wrestling dvd's. Our vinyl sold just as well as our cd so physical copy music is still important, just not booming like it used to... lets be honest though, people don't want to spend money on anything anymore. I know I don't. If i could illegally download gas into my car, i'd do that too.

What can we look forward to from you in 2011?

The steady decline of my bank account and sanity due to my decision to travel around the world to play with my wah pedal. Maybe a new This is Hell record and definitely a new Soldiers 7".

What three records are you looking forward to most in 2011?

Incendiary's new record, Soldiers new 7", Agnostic Front record

Robin Lane (Robin Lane and The Chartbusters)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2010? (In order 1-5)

1. Black Keys, "Brothers"
2. New Pornographers: "Together"
3. Neil Young, "Le Noise"
4. These New Puritans "Hidden"
5. Zaz by Zaz

What band did you discover in 2010 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

Amanda Palmer. Consummate artist, amazing woman, simply the best. Made me want to be a better artist and be more of who I am.

How will you remember 2010? (In terms of music)

Fever Ray, Kerala Dreams, A Shamans Dream

With more and more bands switching to digital methods of releasing music and communicating with audiences in 2010, do you think there's still a place for physical CDs and word-of-mouth shows in the future?

More than ever. If you've never known what it's like to hold an album of a band or performer that you love in your hand, (phew am I old school), you are missing your deepest soul and connection to the heartbeat of the world. There's nothing like a live performance of someone you love. On the other hand if it's bad, then it's really sucky and it may be difficult to leave.

What can we look forward to from you in 2011?

Benefit concert for my non profit Songbird Sings, in Boston. Hopefully more songs in more movies. Possibly my own CD of so many songs I've been writing lately.

What three records are you looking forward to most in 2011?

3 good ones.

Ryan (Think Fast! Records)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2010? (In order 1-5)

1. Comeback Kid "Symptoms + Cures"
2. The Menzingers "Chamberlain Waits"
3. Kills And Thrills "Liars"
4. This Is Hell "Weight Of The World"
5. Jimmy Eat World "Invented"

What band did you discover in 2010 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

Kill And Thrillls and Aficionado. They've both been around for a few years but I just caught them this year and they blew me away. They're each doing something a little bit different than the norm, but it's totally catchy and appealing. I'm excited to see where both bands go in 2011.

How will you remember 2010? (In terms of music)

Vinyl and digital continuing to rise and CDs going further out the door.

With more and more bands switching to digital methods of releasing music and communicating with audiences in 2010, do you think there's still a place for physical CDs and word-of-mouth shows in the future?

CDs will be around for a few more years for sure, but you can't deny they're becoming less relevant as time passes.

What can we look forward to from you in 2011?

Think Fast! will have new records from Mountain Man, Bullet Treatment, Reignition, a 10-year anniversary compilation, and some others that aren't quite ready to be announced!

What three records are you looking forward to most in 2011?

Not including records we're putting out - new albums from Rise Against, Aficianado, and crossing my fingers for a new Descendents record.

Ryan Patterson (Coliseum / Auxiliary Design Records)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2010? (In order 1-5)

1. The Estranged - Subliminal Man
2. Complications - Complications LP
3. Shipping News - One Less Heartless To Fear
4. Sparklehorse & Danger Mouse - Dark Night Of The Soul
5. Swans - My Father Will Guide Me Up A Rope To The Sky

What band did you discover in 2010 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

Last year I became completely obsessed with Crime & The City Solution and that continued into this year in a big way for me. I had never heard the band prior to my brother telling me about them in 2008 or 2009 and they’ve had more of an impact on me than any other band in the last four of five years.

How will you remember 2010? (In terms of music)

I always use the activities and releases of my band to keep track of the timeline of my life, so this year will always be musically associated with our House With A Curse album, joining Temporary Residence, recording at Inner Ear in DC, and all the great shows we played. A very great year.

With more and more bands switching to digital methods of releasing music and communicating with audiences in 2010, do you think there's still a place for physical CDs and word-of-mouth shows in the future?

I imagine CDs will be completely gone in about five years, if it even takes that long. Word of mouth will always have a big impact on live music attendance, but it seems like physical advertisement for shows is already becoming less prominent as people use things like online “invites” instead of actual posters and flyers.

What can we look forward to from you in 2011?

We have a handful of new songs recorded and they’ll be released by Temporary Residence in some form in 2011. We’ll definitely be touring and we will probably start working on material for our fourth LP this year as well. The mission continues. We’re also working on orchestrating a fake break up so we can reform in a few years with increased popularity, higher financial gains, and legendary status.

What three records are you looking forward to most in 2011?

The new Young Widows is awesome and I’ll enjoy seeing people try to categorize it without any proper frame of reference, I’m also looking forward to the next Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds and Trail Of Dead records.

Simon (War From A Harlot's Mouth)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2010? (In order 1-5)

1. Deathspell Omega - Paracletus
2. Ion Dissonance - Cursed
3. Circa Survive - Blue Sky Noise
4. Celeste - Morte(s) Nee(s)
5. Castevet - Mounds of Ash

What band did you discover in 2010 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

None really. The last band doing that to me was Deathspell Omega and their records had a huge impact on my life, especially in 2010. I've been listening to them like non-stop.

How will you remember 2010? (In terms of music)

Mostly through the realization, that the underground and heavy music scene became an even bigger part of today's pop culture, rather than staying to it's subcultural roots. That's not something that developed only in 2010, but I just didn't realize it as much before as I did this year. The industry and a lot of bands are really exaggerating with chumming up to the mainstream and I think that this is the reason for the loss of substance in heavy music. You can't even blame the kids, they get it shoved up their asses this way.

With more and more bands switching to digital methods of releasing music and communicating with audiences in 2010, do you think there's still a place for physical CDs and word-of-mouth shows in the future?

I do think so, yeah. The vinyl market is booming for example and I really think that vinyl with an included download code is the coolest way to release a record. You have a collector’s item for your music collection and mp3 files for generation iPod.

What can we look forward to from you in 2011?

Since we just released our new full length 'MMX' we're mostly working on coming over to the states for SXSW and a full US tour in spring. We just want to tour to support the new record and if you havn't heard it yet, check www.facebook.com/wfahm and give it a chance.

What three records are you looking forward to most in 2011?

The new Gorguts is hopefully coming out and Glassjaw are talking about putting out another record for ever, so who knows?! And I heard Will Haven are working on new stuff with their original singer, and I couldn't ask for more.

T (Vegas, Roses Never Fade, Black Sun Valley)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2010? (In order 1-5)

1. Katy Perry "Teenage dream"
2. Gaslight Anthem "American slang"
3. Danzig "Deth red sabaoth"
4. Kanye West "My beautiful dark twisted fantasy"
5. Integrity - all

What band did you discover in 2010 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

I rediscovered my friends' bands for me, Gehenna and Integrity. Great people, good times, excellent new music.

How will you remember 2010? (In terms of music)

Our first shows in the US, first Roses Never Fade show in an Arabic bar in Belgium, limited access to media as most of 2010 I lived in China.

With more and more bands switching to digital methods of releasing music and communicating with audiences in 2010, do you think there's still a place for physical CDs and word-of-mouth shows in the future?

Vinyl is and has always been the most rewarding format for me, as counterintuitive as it may be in this age of digital downloads where everything analog is anathema to what music is supposed to be. The presence and size of artwork along with the more nuanced sound makes it the format of choice for people who really care about the music.

What can we look forward to from you in 2011?

With VEGAS we got a couple of new releases coming up in 2011: A split 7" with our friends GEHENNA, a split 7" with INTEGRITY and the debut of our BLACK SUN VALLEY project along with new releases by ROSES NEVER FADE. There is also talk of playing more shows in the US and on other continents.

What three records are you looking forward to most in 2011?

1. Integrity / Rot in Hell split
2. 2 re-releases of my favourite band
3. hopefully a new Beasts of Bourbon album

Tony Foresta (Municipal Waste, No Friends, Best Friends Day (Co Organizer))

What are your top five albums that were released in 2010? (In order 1-5)

1. Low Threat Profile 7"
2. Dopamines "Expect The Worst"
3. Off With Their Heads "In Desolation"
4. Toxic Holocaust/Inepsy "Split 12inch"
5. Tiltwheel "The High Hate us"

What band did you discover in 2010 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

OFF! is not only one of the raddest bands I've heard this year but also one of the best bands I feel that has came out in a long time. Its really cool to see Keith Morris do something new with such great musicians.

How will you remember 2010? (In terms of music)

For me it was the year of amazing punk fests. Tankcrimes Brainsqueeze, The Fest in Gainesville, Fun Fun Fun and Best Friends Day were all such a great time this year. I was really stoked to be a part of them.It's good to see people getting together and putting such great events.

With more and more bands switching to digital methods of releasing music and communicating with audiences in 2010, do you think there's still a place for physical CDs and word-of-mouth shows in the future?

I think vinyl will defiantly out live c.d.'s. Vinyl has way more of a collector following (such as myself) for it to disappear anytime soon. I think Cd's will last for a bit though because not everyone in the world can afford Ipods. I do see the price of cd's dropping significantly in the near future though.

As far as shows go I have noticed that a lot more people are flyering gigs a lot more less. People just rely on the internet to promote shows. I think thats a shame because I really like looking at old fliers of gigs I've been to or have missed. I also love the artwork that gets put on fliers. There are some great ones out there.

What can we look forward to from you in 2011?

New Municipal Waste and No Friends records are in the works. It's going to be a busy year for me!

What three records are you looking forward to most in 2011?

The Dear Landlord/Dopamines split 7", Toxic Holocausts new album and the Propaghandi/Sacrifice split 7".

Trevor Reddell (Let Me Run)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2010? (In order 1-5)

1. the menzinger "chamberlain waits"
2. the gaslight anthem "american slang"
3. tom petty "mojo"
4. circa survive "blue sky noise"
5. fake problems "real ghosts caught on tape"

What band did you discover in 2010 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

I finally sunk my teeth into Circa Survive. I HATED the material that band put out from the beginning, but while on tour over the summer Rocky put on the new album and it blew me away. The songs are layered and have depth, and they are just way more well thought out.

How will you remember 2010? (In terms of music)

2010 to me was a year that our band got our bearings straight. After losing two lead singers on two seperate occasions you are left thinking if it's worth it to continue. Obviously we stuck it out and now can't be more excited for the band.

With more and more bands switching to digital methods of releasing music and communicating with audiences in 2010, do you think there's still a place for physical CDs and word-of-mouth shows in the future?

There's two sides to this. There are the kids who troll the message boards to rip apart anything and everything because they feel invincible from behind an anonymous curtain. And then there are the kids who use the internet as a way to keep up with their favorite bands' activities, spread the word, etc etc. I also think that word of mouth will never die out. People will still talk and make suggestions, and tell their friends. Were not exactly attached physically to our computers...yet.

I think releasing music digitally is clutch nowadays. Its a great medium to get out music to fans as quickly as you record it. It curbs the short attention span. CD's will go the way of the dinosaur unfortunately, not yet, but soon. Its the changing of the times.

What can we look forward to from you in 2011?

A new fucking record!! That's what I'm looking forward to most. Were still writing, and seeing who wants to put it out. And obviously touring. We'll finally be back out on the road consistently. Good things, good things!

What three records are you looking forward to most in 2011?

I don't really keep up with exact release dates anymore. Ill listen to albums over the course of the year when I hear about them. But, I recorded an EP for a good friend of mine Michael Santostefano (Static Radio NJ), and I think its incredible. I don't know exactly when its coming out, but when it does you won't be disappointed.

Ty Vaughn (Broadway Calls)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2010? (In order 1-5)

The question I dread.... Lemme look through the old ipod...I can't promise that this is in any order, because depending on my mood, i might like a punk record better than a hardcore record or an indie rock record at any given moment....

IRON CHIC/ "Not Like This"
What a nearly perfect punk record. The first time I heard Time Keeps On Slipping Into The (Cosmic) Future, I said "Goddamnit, I wish I wrote this song". Several nights this year, since this record came out, I've sang this song at full volume while driving around Portland. With and without friends present. The whole record is great though. Amazing lyrics, perfectly simple melodies, and I doubt it will get old any time soon.

THE MENZINGERS/ "Chamberlain Waits"
The first time I heard The Menzingers it was on their myspace, and I was listening to them because Josh brought up the idea of them coming out to the west coast and doing a tour with us. We started talking back and forth and Greg sent me the mixes for their EP "Hold On, Dodge" that was soon to be released on Red Scare. I was in love. They came out and toured with us, and became some of the best friends we've ever met while in this band. They first showed us the mixes of Chamberlain Waits while we were all wasted and hiding from a downpour in Florida during the first night of Harvest Of Hope. I knew they had produced something special. I knew that they were going to win the hearts of people that needed a good punk record in their lives, and they did. This year, my friends The Menzingers blew up in the underground music world, and I couldn't be happier for them.

AGAINST ME!/ "White Crosses"
I was extremely happy when this record leaked in March. It's so different from anything they've ever released, and while they are no strangers to alienated former fans flinging them shit, this time it was clearly anticipated. But even though they address this in a few songs, they don't dwell on it and bore us. In fact, they don't do anything wrong for an entire record. I love White Crosses. I love Against Me!

SURFER BLOOD/ "Astro Coast"
My friend Morgan made me listen to "Swim" earlier this year. I was hooked immediately. The insane amounts of reverb and weird production they use throughout the record adds to their sound instead of annoying their audience, and seeing them at SXSW, and several other times this year was proof that they can pull this entire record off in a live setting. Great for long drives in warm weather.

ALKALINE TRIO/ "This Addiction" OFF WITH THEIR HEADS/ "In Desolation"
These two records are tied. I listen to them both all the time. An old favorite and a new favorite.

What band did you discover in 2010 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

I have to say that even though I've liked them in passing since I was a teenager, this year The Replacements kind of took over my life. I know I'm late to the game on this one, but that's fine with me, because I think I'm finally old enough now to really understand and connect with the lyrics. When you watch old footage of them, the band is such a wreck and they're so together at the same time. Chaotic and catchy and sad and angry. The perfect rock n' roll band.

How will you remember 2010? (In terms of music)

Personally, for our band this was kind of a slow year. At least that is what it seems like, because we weren't touring as much. When we weren't on the road we were writing though, so we were always working. We also went to Japan for the first time, and our old friend Adam joined the band, so it was actually a pretty awesome year. In terms of other's music, I was very happy with the records I heard and shows I saw in 2010. A lot of our friends put out a lot of incredible songs, and I wouldn't expect anything less from them. Being a part of Comadre's Mixtape series was a lot of fun as well.

With more and more bands switching to digital methods of releasing music and communicating with audiences in 2010, do you think there's still a place for physical CDs and word-of-mouth shows in the future?

I think that some people still prefer a physical copy of the albums they buy. Since you can't listen to a 7" or LP in your car, I think CD's will hang on for a bit. Maybe a couple more years.... As far as basement and word of mouth shows go, I can't imagine an underground music world without. As long as kids want to start new bands, there will always be shows like this.

What can we look forward to from you in 2011?

A new full length record!! We're in the middle of writing, and we already have enough songs for the record, but probably won't go into the studio until spring, so we're just going to keep writing until then. We'll have a lot of songs to choose from and only 10-12 on the final album, so hopefully we'll release a split or two with some friends as well.

What three records are you looking forward to most in 2011?

I'd love to hear a new record from Hope Conspiracy, American Steel, or Comadre. Also really excited for Touche Amore and Bayside's new ones.

Westin Glass (The Thermals)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2010? (In order 1-5)

1. Past Lives: Tapestry of Webs
2. Telekinesis: Parallel Seismic Conspiracies EP
3. Boom!: Boom!
4. Explode Into Colors: Quilts
5. Jason DeRulo: Jason DeRulo

What band did you discover in 2010 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

I discovered the music of Jason DeRulo in 2010, listening to Top 40 radio on shitty car speakers. Dude knows how to write a brilliant pop song! What can I say, I love pop music. His work, as well as that of many of his peers, has strongly influenced my own songwriting and my taste in music.

How will you remember 2010? (In terms of music)

The year when the internet finally gained complete control of the music industry. And realized it didn't care.

With more and more bands switching to digital methods of releasing music and communicating with audiences in 2010, do you think there's still a place for physical CDs and word-of-mouth shows in the future?

Physical CD's? No. Records and tapes, however, are definitely having a renaissance. Here in Portland, and I assume in a lot of other places too, there are dozens of awesome local bands who are putting out short-run tapes, 7"s, and LPs on their own tiny labels, and playing lots of word-of-mouth shows in basements, living rooms, Ethiopian restaurants, and storage lockers all over town. Thanks to true music lovers, I think there will always be a place for bands who want to do the hard work of putting out music and touring, even as it becomes harder to make money doing it.

What can we look forward to from you in 2011?

A continuous stream of mind-blowing creativity and stupid jokes.

What three records are you looking forward to most in 2011?

• Guns N Roses - North Korean Diplomacy
• Weezer - Mauve Album (feat. London Symphony Orchestra and T-Pain)
• Smashing Pumpkins - Professor Fantasmigorium's Marvelous Nighty-Nightmare Teddybear Mausoleum

bonus collabo: Axl Rose, Rivers Cuomo, and Billy Corgan - "Come As You Are" remix (feat. Katy Perry) - Transformers 4 Original Soundtrack