Conan Neutron (Conan Neutron & the Secret Friends)
What are your top five albums that were released in 2022? (In order 1-5)
- SERVICE - Drag Me
- Lung - Let It Be Gone
- Helms Alee - Keep This Be The Way
- Chat Pile - God's Country
- Kal Marks - My Name Is Hell
What band did you discover in 2022 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? How so?
I can’t earnestly say it is a new discovery since I’ve known of them since their inception, but it was absolutely lovely to see Indianapolis’ S-E-R-V-I-C-E finally release a record. Absolutely worth the wait one very way.
We did some touring with them and it was a great fit in terms of vibe and music and it was inspirational playing shows every night with a band that challenges you to be your best. I always knew their eventual record would kill as you have a world class drummer, one of the best frontpeople of our times and an entire cast of amazing players. It was all that and more. We also became even closer as friends and it is so important to have friends that understand your challenges and triumphs as an artist and see the world in a similar way. I hope they make many more records and continue to be one of the best live bands on the planet.
How will you remember 2022? (In terms of music)
A ton of amazing records from artists both old and new. Also the year that our pals in Chat Pile blew up in a major way (totally deserved). After 2021 being the “lost year,” 2022 is also the year we got back to touring. Longest break that I’ve taken since I’ve started and let me assure you, you ain’t seen nothing yet.
What can we look forward to from you in 2023?
Lots more touring, a very cool split LP release. Possibly a really cool concept EP if I can get it together. A few cool videos. Everything is coming up Neutron!
What records are you looking forward to most in 2023?
I’m excited to hear what Upright Forms do, Maple Stave is releasing a record I’m stoked to hear, maybe 2023 will be the year that bbigpigg record finally comes out… DARE TO DREAM!
Live shows are still a mixed bag as we adapt to social gatherings in a COVID world. What is something positive you see about touring right now? Anything you’d like to see change?
It means more to people than it used to. I think it was easier to take it for granted in the “before timesm” but folks are generally more present and engaged. There’s also almost no pushback for merch prices, because there is a tacit understanding that it has been wild hard for bands for the past couple years. Some bands didn’t make it, and some players hung up their spurs.
This is a thing that is practically a part of my DNA and I was absolutely honored to be able to do it with bands we love, respect and are inspired by and to bring it as hard as possible. That is what this whole thing is all about to me, the artistic exchange. Hozi from Helms Alee has a great line in Why Am I Doing This? (The touring documentary) where she talks about “prove it” moments. You want to do this? This is important to you? PROVE IT. 2022 was a PROVE IT year for sure. Excited to build on it, dig deeper and continue the ride.
Conan Neutron – social media links
- Twitter: @conanneutron
- Instagram: @conanneutron
