Feature / Music / Year End 2016
Pass The Mic: Record Labels on 2016

December 19, 2016

Pass The Mic: Record Labels on 2016
Pass The Mic: Record Labels on 2016

R. Loren (Handmade Birds)

1. What are your top five albums that were released in 2016? (In order 1-5)

  1. David Bowie - Black Star
  2. Solange - A Seat at the Table
  3. Angel Olsen - My Woman
  4. Planesmistakenforstars - Prey
  5. Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds - Skeleton Tree

2. What band did you discover in 2016 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

I wrote off Bloc Party years and years ago, then this year rediscovered them and am still scratching my head baffled by why I hadn't developed an avid appreciation sooner. They have reinvented themselves flawlessly with each record.

Also, Oathbreaker. I just love their sound, especially the vocal performance.

3. How will you remember 2016? (In terms of music)

The year that Ellie Goulding's - Delirium was so excellent the year before that it outplayed the 5 I listed above.

4. What can we look forward to from you in 2017?

A very substantial and multifaceted project will roll out. No details to offer at this time.

5. What records are you looking forward to most in 2017?

I have no clue which of my favorites will release next year. I wouldn't mind more La Dispute, Actress, a Dredg reunion, more Oil Thief.

6. What would you like to see more of when it comes to music coverage websites (such as ours)?

Less predictable coverage. Unearth more interesting bands to put me in a constant state of discovery.

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— words by the SPB team • December 19, 2016

Main record photo by polyvinylchlorid.

Pass The Mic: Record Labels on 2016
Pass The Mic: Record Labels on 2016

Pages in this feature

  1. Opening page
  2. Andy (Tour Van Records)
  3. Brent Eyestone (Bleach Everything/Magic Bullet Records)
  4. Halo of Flies Records
  5. Jim Gies (Hip Kid Records)
  6. R. Loren (Handmade Birds)
  7. Slovenly Recordings / Black Gladiator
  8. Will Butler (To Live A Lie Records)

Series: Year End 2016

Our annual round-up of the best music of the year 2016.

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