It's been a long year. Everyone around the world has struggled through another twelve months of pain, loss, boredom and frustration – so spare a thought for our friends in the music industry who've had to puzzle their way through releasing music during a vinyl shortage and trying to book tours which might get cancelled before they step foot on a stage. In this year's Pass The Mic, we ask a few dozen artists and record labels to tell us how their 2021 went: what music did they discover, how they'll remember it, and what's coming up for them in 2022. Here are a few choice quotes to whet your appetite – read on to hear from some of our favorite artists and labels on 2021.
Supposedly Sade is working on a new record so I will put all of my eggs in that sweet sweet basket and hope it's 2022. I'm sure this is what everyone was hoping the indie label would say.
- Sydney Christensen (Kill Rock Stars)
How the fuck does one write such perfect, heavily impactful, yet very succinct and "simple" songs like the Ramones? I'd like to do something like that with Cloud Rat but we just keep getting more densely complicated and elaborate. AAAAHHHHHH
- Rorik Brooks (Cloud Rat)
I remember having such crazy butterflies before going on [for our first post-pandemic show] that I puked in the back alley of the venue right before our set. When I told the other dudes about that after we got off stage, Chris was like, "Oh yeah, I puked back there like an hour ago. I hope you didn't step in mine." Really brings a band closer, ya know?
- Matt Burns - guitar/vocals (Debt Neglector)
Abby Vigderman (Ramona)
What are your top five albums that were released in 2021? (In order 1-5)
- Touche Amore - Lament
- Foxing - Draw Down The Moon
- Turnstile - GLOW ON
- The Mimes - Plastic Pompeii
- Sufjan Stevens - A Beginner's Mind
What band did you discover in 2021 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
Probably Title Fight. I had listened to a few songs here and there but really fell in love this year. Gave a really nice feeling of catharsis that's helped me through school and many treadmill runs.
How will you remember 2021? (In terms of music)
2021 renewed my faith in music as a pure form of personal expression. Some really creative albums have come out, and reminded me that the people who love making music will always do it. We don't need to grind on tour, or the backing of the "industry," or outside opinions of what we should make. Sometimes great things can come out of altered circumstances.
What can we look forward to from you in 2022?
Currently working on new songs for a second album with many already in the pipeline. Our first show post-pandemic will be January 28 at Sunset Tavern in Seattle with Sharkie, Black Ends, and Dead Bars. Have some other shows planned (looking at you Europe) that I can't announce yet ;)
What records are you looking forward to most in 2022?
I have no idea what is supposed to come out in 2022. I'd love a new Single Mothers album. And maybe new Britney??
What went through your head the first time you played live in 2021 after the delay? (If you haven’t -- what do you anticipate when you hit that point?)
We still haven't played live, but our first show back will likely feel like going home, as we're playing with hometown buds and Seattle is where we first started. The times that we've practiced as a band over the pandemic have felt cathartic and I anticipate that I will cry (from happiness).
Billy Liar
What are your top five albums that were released in 2021? (In order 1-5)
- The Wildhearts - 21st Century Love Songs
- Sincere Engineer - Bless My Psyche
- Nick Cave & Warren Ellis - Carnage
- Teethgrynder - Hostages
- Dreamwell - Modern Grotesque
What band did you discover in 2021 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
One of my closest friends (and sometime guitar player), Dave got me into Soul Asylum over the past year, and that's a band I'd heard a little of, but not a lot, and I can safely say they have written and recorded some of my favourite songs ever at this point. In terms of what made them significant, I would guess it's just somewhere between the lyrical content, and the songwriting, I mean there's just something about those songs. There's some special sauce in there!
How will you remember 2021? (In terms of music)
In terms of music, I've written a ton of songs and listened to a lot. I've listened to a lot of punk (sure, yeah yeah no surprise there), and also a lot of garage and rock 'n' roll, along with some more classic songwriting stuff and some noisy as fuck stuff too of course. My favourite records take a while to hit me so I have been really enjoying a lot of releases from 2020 too, like The Bombpops, Homeless Gospel Choir, Bad Cop/Bad Cop and a whole bunch more. Also those bands haven't toured their most recent records much so they're still fresh.
What can we look forward to from you in 2022?
I will be touring a lot. My record, Some Legacy, came out in 2019, and most of my touring for it was shelved due to the pandemic so I will be touring a lot with that but almost all of it is to be announced, so keep an eye on my socials or the Red Scare site. No spoilers here!
What records are you looking forward to most in 2022?
There is a lot to be announced so it's hard to say but out of what I know is coming for sure...
- Dan Andriano & The Bygones - Dear Darkness
- Pinegrove - 11:11
- Frank Turner - FTHC
- Hot Water Music - Feel The Void
- Gregor Barnett - Don't Go Throwing Roses In My Grave
What went through your head the first time you played live in 2021 after the delay? (If you haven’t -- what do you anticipate when you hit that point?)
The first time I played live in 2021 was the first of a few shows with The Undertones, and it was a hometown gig (Edinburgh, Scotland).
Hometown gigs always have an extra weight of expectation to be honest, and that coupled with the fact it was my first live gig back after the lockdown and with a legendary band like The Undertones meant it was a little more intense than usual. But to be honest, I just absolutely fucking loved it. I can't wait to play more. Tour dates will be announced soon for next year -- come see me -- let's hang out!!
Billy Liar – social media links
- Twitter: @thebillyliar
- Instagram: @officialbillyliar
Charlie Continental (aka Chuck Coffey) (Snappy Little Numbers/SPELLS)
What are your top five albums that were released in 2021? (In order 1-5)
Oh, that’s tough. I forget what came out when and like too many records. Here are 5 that I can readily think of…
- Snooper - Compilation Of The… Hits
- Kalle Hygien - Songs About Chuck
- Taqbir - Victory Belongs To Those Who Fight For A Right Cause EP
- Night Marchers - Live At Bar Pink
- Dua Lipa - Future Nostalgia
What band did you discover in 2021 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
Again, there are always many, but I’ll say it’s a 3-way tie with Snooper, Kalle Hygien, and Taqbir. Taqbir is so fierce that they’ve impacted punk fans across the globe. Kalle Hygien is an interesting mix of rock instruments and electronic elements that sounds super fresh and energetic. Snooper is just a really cool band that specializes in 90-second earworms.
How will you remember 2021? (In terms of music)
For me, each year is usually marked by discovering new labels (or at least labels that are new to me). I feel like labels have been really impactful the last 7-8 years when it comes to cultivating great rosters of bands and building aesthetics that bring you back to check out their newest releases.
2021 is the year I discovered Deluxe Bias Country Club, Tomothy Records (thanks Sara!), Push My Button and the pleasant surprise of the resurrected Mutant Pop. I like to focus on the positives, even though 2021 will also be the year of vinyl delays and the pandemic. Great music perseveres!
I also really like the intersection of art and activism. People have really tried to step up in the face of a lot of adversity throughout the world the last couple of years.
What can we look forward to from you in 2022?
Snappy Little Numbers will keep on issuing recordings from bands and people we love. First up will be the debut LP by Seattle, WA pop-punk all-stars The Drolls. We’ve also got the debut single of a fun new Denver swamp pop/soul band called Rootbeer Richie & The Reveille that will be one of a few 7-inches featuring the brand new version 3.0 gold company sleeve. We’ll also have new stuff from roster stalwarts like Gentlemen Rogues, State Drugs, ZEPHR, despAIR jordan, and SPELLS. SPELLS plans on hitting the road a time or two so long as we feel like it can be done safely in 2022 as well.
What records are you looking forward to most in 2022?
Oh gosh, probably too many! I can for sure say the new Ergs 7”s will be high on the list.
What went through your head the first time you played live in 2021 after the delay? (If you haven’t -- what do you anticipate when you hit that point?)
I think I’m in the same boat as most people that have played live in 2021 with this thought: Am I doing the right thing? That’s what went through my head the first time and still goes through my head. SPELLS as a band have had that collective thought and we decided so long as there are at least some safety protocols in place at any given show, we want to try and move forward with life and play shows. So far, any shows we’ve played felt right and we’ll just continue on, evaluating things show by show. If there’s something that makes a band member uncomfortable about a possible show, we pass. If we all feel good about it, we accept. I think it’s going to be like that for a long time, but that’s okay. We’d rather be cautious and courteous, especially when there are many other important things in life that we need to accommodate for as well.
Charlie Continental (aka Chuck Coffey) – social media links
- Twitter: @snappylittlenumbers
Chris (Talk Show Host)
photo by Spectrelight Photography
What are your top five albums that were released in 2021? (In order 1-5)
Oh gawd, this is nearly impossible because there was so much great stuff this year. Based purely on number of listens, according to [shitty corporate music indexing software], the albums that got the most listens from me were:
- Weezer - OK Human - I've loved almost everything they've put out in the last 10 years, but this one's my favourite. They also released my least-ever favourite Weezer record this year (Van Weezer), interestingly (?) enough.
- Between the Buried and Me - Colors II - a band I never thought I'd get into, but as discussed below, I got into heavy music in a big way this year.
- Viagra Boys - Welfare Jazz - Love the sense of humour on this one and it's groovy as heck.
- The Death Set - How to Tune a Parrot - This record sounds like the Beastie Boys finally made a full-length punk rock LP.
- Enslaved - Caravans to the Outer World - Technically this is just an EP but, look, I committed to the "whatever logged the most spins" conceit and I'm sticking to it, plus this thing has been melting my face every day for two straight months.
Can I do some honourable mentions? Because there's so much more:
Totally Slow, Drones, Gojira, Illuminati Hotties, Andrew W.K., Garbage, Kal-El, Every Time I Die, Parquet Courts, The Copyrights, Archspire, Carcass, and, of course, the revelatory remix of Propagandhi's Today's Empires, Tomorrow's Ashes all made this otherwise terrible year somewhat bearable. Heck, I even enjoyed that new Foo Fighters record.
What band did you discover in 2021 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
My big personal discovery this year was Oingo Boingo. I really got into the advance singles from Danny Elfman's solo record (an LP that turned out to be kind of an overlong mess), but when I dipped into his back catalogue I realized those early Boingo records are the perfect combo of DEVO and Weird Al, two acts who are integral to my musical DNA. As someone who finds most quote-unquote "80s music" fairly unlistenable, I've surprised myself with how much I've gotten into those early records. I still cannot, however, stand "Weird Science."
How will you remember 2021? (In terms of music)
It's the year I got into metal. Certain other genre revivals got my stubborn side all riled up and I was kinda like "ok well I'm gonna go over here and listen to the exact opposite." It kicked off with Gojira's Fortitude and suddenly I found myself enjoying technical death metal (hello, Archspire), diving deep in thrash (hello, Sacrifice) and hoovering up stoner rock (hello, Fu Manchu). I also "got" Dillinger Escape Plan this fall; I pulled up Ire Works on [shitty corporate streaming service] while doing the dishes on one otherwise quiet night in September and I'm still scraping dried bits of my brains off the backsplash. 2021 was the year I just kept surprising myself with the stuff I found I could enjoy, where previously I woulda been like "okay stop yelling now plz".
I suppose I'll also remember it as the year we released our first full-length to universal acclaim and praise and showers of cash.
What can we look forward to from you in 2022?
Honestly, no idea. I thiiiiink we'll have an EP of some leftovers from our LP sessions, pooooossibly a split EP with one of our newfound internet pals, mayyyyybe some proper touring? But the past couple of years have taught me that "making plans" and "looking forward" are luxuries to be indulged in at your own risk.
What records are you looking forward to most in 2022?
I've got the new Rolo Tomassi record preordered on bandcamp so I'm excited to get pummelled by that one, but beyond that I dunno. This year I learned that there's something good out every single week, you've just gotta do the work and seek it out. So if I'm not necessarily looking forward to many specific records in 2022, I'm definitely looking forward to the dozens of new discoveries I'll make along the way.
What went through your head the first time you played live in 2021 after the delay? (If you haven’t -- what do you anticipate when you hit that point?)
Our first show back is in Montreal in a couple of days and I'm sure the first thought that goes through my head will be the same as usual: "please don't fuck up."
Chris – social media links
- Twitter: @talkshowhost_ca
- Instagram: @talkshowhostrocks
Cory von Bohlen (Halo of Flies Records)
What are your top five albums that were released in 2021? (In order 1-5)
- Saidan - Jigoku: Spiraling Chasms…
- Unreqvited - beautiful ghosts
- Etxegina - Herederos del silencio
- Beast In Black - Dark Connection
- Violet Cold - Empire of Love
What band did you discover in 2021 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
Grandeur.
It brought me out of retirement to do a tape for them. He (Erech) has a pile of great other bands he has records coming out in 2022 as well.
How will you remember 2021? (In terms of music)
Covid lockdowns created a ton of one-man black metal bands and releases that I loved.
Vinyl pressing crippled labels worldwide, further solidifying my continued retirement.
What can we look forward to from you in 2022?
Interest in the continued resurgence of the 2020/21 raw black metal surge. Otherwise, general indifference in doing a label...
What records are you looking forward to most in 2022?
New Kvaen, new Saidan, new Vampirska
What went through your head the first time you played live in 2021 after the delay? (If you haven’t -- what do you anticipate when you hit that point?)
Haven’t. Hope to one day again.
Darron Hemann (DC-Jam Records -president)
What are your top five albums that were released in 2021? (In order 1-5)
We only released a couple of new records in 2021 due to the pandemic but they were both excellent. We released the debut record by The Soviet Machines and a solo record by their lead singer Jack Swagger. Both are absolutely worth checking out.
What band did you discover in 2021 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
The Soviet Machines. Long story but I almost signed them 10 years ago when they were in high school but a couple of members decided they wanted to go to college instead of tour.
Fast forward to today and they just released a record 100 times better than I could’ve ever anticipated. Not only do they still have it but they are on absolute fire right now.
How will you remember 2021? (In terms of music)
It sucked. Plain and simple.
What can we look forward to from you in 2022?
We have upcoming releases by the Meat Puppets. TSOL, JFA, and a killer vinyl compilation featuring Killing Joke, Fishbone, The Vandals and tons of other awesome artists. We also have a few more things up our sleeves we can’t talk about right now.
What records are you looking forward to most in 2022?
See the above answer.
Daryl (The Bollweevils)
https://www.facebook.com/thebollweevils/
What are your top five albums that were released in 2021? (In order 1-5)
- Turnstile - Glow On
- Descendents - 9th and Walnut
- Naked Raygun - Over The Overlords
- Face To Face - No Way Out But Through
- The Raging Nathans - Waste My Heart
What band did you discover in 2021 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
I would have to say that I "discovered" Planes Mistaken For Stars. I started listening after I had heard Gared was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. To hear that he was still working on new music this whole last year of his life just shows how to live. It's inspiring and powerful. What a great testimony to living and loving life and to do what you love and not take any day for granted. Listening to Planes Mistaken For Stars now reminds me to live an inspired life every day.
How will you remember 2021? (In terms of music)
I will remember 2021 as a year where the music community got together and found ways to get back to performing. Everyone seemed so elated to get back out and do what we love. Everyone did their part to make it all possible by following mitigation strategies. Although some events got cancelled and some tours were derailed, we got together and made more events possible than last year.
What can we look forward to from you in 2022?
The Bollweevils will be getting our new LP out in 2022 and doing more live shows. I am really looking forward to 2022.
What records are you looking forward to most in 2022?
Besides our LP, I am looking forward to the March release of Hygiene by Drug Church.
What went through your head the first time you played live in 2021 after the delay? (If you haven’t -- what do you anticipate when you hit that point?)
Stepping out on the Riot Fest stage for our first show back was a moment of pure joy. It was akin to a dark presence being exorcised from my body. Nothing beats the feedback from a live audience. Such a great positive in a time where we were apart for so long. It's just what I, the doctor, needed!
Eli Hansen (Real Numbers)
What are your top five albums that were released in 2021? (In order 1-5)
- Cindy - 1:2
- Rachel Love - Picture In Mind
- Umbrellas - Umbrellas
- v/a - Driftless Dreamers
- Goon Sax - Mirror II
What band did you discover in 2021 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
Linda Smith - Despite us being on the same label (Slumberland) as one of her singles I had never heard Linda Smith's music until Captured Tracks released the Till Another Time compilation LP in March. What makes her music significant to me is it's simplicity, catchiness and unusualness -- pop songs done in a UK DIY-style except from early '90s Baltimore. And I swear I hear some Devo influence in there too.
How will you remember 2021? (In terms of music)
Our Brighter Then EP came out in March and the response was very positive!
What can we look forward to from you in 2022?
We have another batch of songs that we'll be recording in 2022. It will also be the year we return to playing live. It's just Sophie and I at the moment (and sometimes Jeff) so the live experience is pretty minimal, and we can't play as many new songs as we'd like to, but we still think it sounds quite good stripped down to guitar, synth, and drum machine.
What records are you looking forward to most in 2022?
Excited to see what recently-relocated-to-Oakland Lynn Avery of Iceblink has in store for us in 2022.
What went through your head the first time you played live in 2021 after the delay? (If you haven’t -- what do you anticipate when you hit that point?)
We have not yet returned to live, in person, music. Our last show was 11/5/2019 @ the 7th St. Entry w/ Lisa Prank which feels like, and actually was, a very long time ago. We did do a live streamed performance in March 2021 for the New Colossus Festival and will be playing the Festival again, for real, in person, in NYC in March 2022.
Eli Hansen – social media links
- Instagram: @real.numbers
Frank Turner
photo by Morne Van Zyl
What are your top five albums that were released in 2021? (In order 1-5)
- Fractured Party Music - Pet Needs - Fractured Party Music
- Radical - Every Time I Die - Radical
- Connectivity - Grace Petrie - Connectivity
- The Hole Around My Head - Will Varley - The Hole Around My Head
- The Seed, The Vessel, The Roots & All - New Pagans - The Seed, The Vessel, The Roots & All
What band did you discover in 2021 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
Lingua Ignota. Completely blew my mind and rewired my thinking about the boundaries of music.
How will you remember 2021? (In terms of music)
The mains for me are playing shows again after the lockdowns, and finishing off my new record, FTHC (out February next year)
What can we look forward to from you in 2022?
New album, and a gazillion tour dates!
What records are you looking forward to most in 2022?
Pretty sure Bob Vylan have a record coming out next year. They're sensational.
What went through your head the first time you played live in 2021 after the delay? (If you haven’t -- what do you anticipate when you hit that point?)
I did a bunch of socially distanced outdoor shows that were special, but the Download pilot show, and the gig I did at the Clapham Grand in July were night I will never forget. The blend of euphoria, community and gratitude were insane.
Frank Turner – social media links
- Twitter: @frankturner
Gordon Withers
https://www.instagram.com/gordonwithersmusic/
What are your top five albums that were released in 2021? (In order 1-5)
Deafheaven - Infinite Granite
They completely went for it. Massive kudos to any artist who just leans completely into a dramatic left turn like this. And they clearly did it out of a deep, abiding love for the style of music exemplified on Infinite Granite -- which, I must point out, owes more to bands like Lush and Catherine Wheel than the more obvious Slowdive, M83, etc.
Lingua Ignota - Sinner Get Ready
A masterwork, from idiosyncratic genius composer Kristin Hayter. This album delves into the suffocating, hellish world of fundamentalist religion, set against stylistic elements (and instruments) of the suffocating, hellish landscape where many early ultra-religious sects settled in America (rural central Pennsylvania). I grew up in that area, and this album somehow feels more "central PA" than central PA actually feels, if that makes any sense.
Lapeche - Blood In The Water
Yes, I know I played on this one. But it is legitimately excellent, and would still be a favorite even without its dulcet cello tones!
Fotocrime - Heart of Crime
Another darkwave (I think that's the right genre?) triumph from former Coliseum leader (and current Shirt Killer/Cat Magic Punks lifestyle brand mastermind) Ryan Patterson.
Mogwai - As The Love Continues
What an amazing, beautiful, varied, fun, somber, moving album. One doesn't expect a band's best album to come 25 years into their career, but here it is.
What band did you discover in 2021 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
New York City's Flower, whose initial run pre-dates Versus and Cell (bands their members went on to form). They're back, and they released a beautiful, brilliant new album of richly layered guitar rock last year called None Is (But Once Was).
Improbably, my '90s art-rock band Betwixt re-formed this fall to play two shows in support of a vinyl reissue of our album The Salty Tang. Three days before our NYC show, we still had one slot open on the bill -- and I noticed that Flower was starting to be active again. The stars aligned -- I reached out and they agreed to play with us! It was a beautiful experience.
(Flower at The Delancey, NYC, 11/11/21)
How will you remember 2021? (In terms of music)
Aside from the Betwixt reunion above, and some other amazing and bizarre late-pandemic live shows, I will remember 2021 as the birth of Zach Barocas New Freedom Sound. This is a new loop-based, experimental- and jazz-influenced ensemble led by Jawbox drummer Zach Barocas. His compositions start as layered drum and vocalization loops, which he then sends to me for cello ideas. Zach takes those ideas, arranges them into a song structure, and then several of us get together at J Robbins's Magpie Cage studio in Baltimore and add more and more instruments -- J playing piano and keyboards, Mark Cisneros playing 10 different instruments, and most recently, Lenny Young playing oboe.
It is nothing short of magical. Sitting at the studio, watching folks add new ideas to Zach's compositions, it occurred to me that this is the sound of someone fully realizing their lifelong vision. It's the same (or at least very similar) left-field, wild, creative drumming you hear in Zach's rock bands, but somehow transported to exactly where it was supposed to be all along. And Zach sings! That is the best part. Which leads me to...
What can we look forward to from you in 2022?
More "Freedoms" (Zach compositions). We'll hopefully have a vinyl version of our eight current finished recordings coming out on Arctic Rodeo in 2022 (vinyl gods willing), and will likely write a bunch more than that.
Another J Robbins solo rock band record? [fingers-crossed emoji]
Also, throughout the pandemic, I've been chipping away at a Chavez on Cello LP, so hopefully that will come out in some form too.
["You Faded" on cello.]
What records are you looking forward to most in 2022?
I'm looking forward to discovering new and innovative musical groups that I don't even know about yet. Alwayz B Broadening (ABB) your horizons, folks!
What went through your head the first time you played live in 2021 after the delay? (If you haven’t -- what do you anticipate when you hit that point?)
This was a super-intense moment, which actually exists on video (below). J was asked to play an acoustic set at a gallery opening of Jim Saah's photography from the '80s/'90s scene in DC. We were packed into a tiny second-floor gallery space, surrounded by our closest family, friends, and DC music comrades, with all the history and influence of the DC music scene bearing down from every single wall.
Here is the exact moment J and I resumed playing live after nearly 2 years.
Gordon Withers – social media links
- Instagram: @gordonwithersmusic
Jiffy Marx (Jiffy Marx/Autogramm/Night Court)
She’s My Witch / Warning Sign
What are your top five albums that were released in 2021? (In order 1-5)
- Michael Beach - Dream Violence
- Smirk - LP
- Vacation - Existential Risks and Returns
- The Reflectors - Faster Action
- Screamers - Demo Hollywood 1977
What band did you discover in 2021 (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 2021? (In terms of music)
Probably by the music that my bands released: Autogramm’s No Rules and Night Court's Nervous Birds! One.
What can we look forward to from you in 2022?
Autogramm will be playing at least few shows in 2022, our first ones since the pandemic. Three shows in Southern California in February with The Reflectors and Hayley and the Crushers, and a week in March with our homies SPELLS. Night Court’s Nervous Birds! Too will be released hopefully in early ‘22 again by Snappy Little Numbers and Debt Offensive Records. And who knows, I’ve got more Jiffy Marx stuff recorded so maybe it’ll see the light of day too..!?
What records are you looking forward to most in 2022?
Michael Beach told me that Goner will be rereleasing his 2017 album Gravity/Repulsion so hopefully that happens sooner than later.. Oh, wait, I just looked it up and it comes out this Friday!! So i guess it should be on my 2021 list?!
What went through your head the first time you played live in 2021 after the delay? (If you haven’t -- what do you anticipate when you hit that point?)
Just stoked that covid didn’t totally kill live music!
Jiffy Marx – social media links
- Twitter: @nightcourtpunk
- Instagram: @autugrammband
John (Heart & Lung)
What are your top five albums that were released in 2021? (In order 1-5)
- Doja Cat - Planet Her
- Fiddlehead - Between the Richness
- Amythyst Khia - Wary + Strange
- Amyl and the Sniffers - Comfort to Me
- Pom Pom Squad - Death of a Cheerleader
What band did you discover in 2021 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
After Toby at Red Scare made a tweet making fun of his lady for not worshiping the Old 97’s, I spent the rest of my summer singing “Champagne, Illinois” with my car windows down. So thanks, Toby!
How will you remember 2021? (In terms of music)
Tørsö. Really ripping hardcore from the Bay Area. They released a single this year. Members of Punch! Thanks, Arthur.
What can we look forward to from you in 2022?
The first thing you can expect from us is a baby! Well, our drummer is having his first kid and we’re super stoked on that. So while he’s changing and diapers and getting zero sleep, we’ll be busy writing new songs and, you know, not changing diapers. Hopefully some handsome, generous rock stars will offer to take us on tour this summer (looking at you, Meet Me @ the Altar).
What records are you looking forward to most in 2022?
I think I’m gonna spend all of 2022 forcing our friends in Minority Threat to record another 12 minutes of music.
What went through your head the first time you played live in 2021 after the delay? (If you haven’t -- what do you anticipate when you hit that point?)
Our first gig back was a free show at this tiny wee bar in Cleveland. It was nothing but friends and free beer and that’s all I ever really want out of anything. That, and puppies. I may have gotten carried away and that’s why I don’t remember actually playing, but blacking out before a free bar show is the kind of thing I wanna get back to in 2022.
John – social media links
- Twitter: @heartnlungband
- Instagram: @heartandlung
Jordan Moten (Kharma - vocals)
What are your top five albums that were released in 2021? (In order 1-5)
- God's Hate - God's Hate
- Vince Staples - Vince Staples
- Knocked Loose - A Tear In The Fabric Of Life
- Isaiah Rashad - The House Is Burning
- Benny The Butcher - The Plugs I Met 2
What band did you discover in 2021 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
I'd say Age Of Apocalypse. They were one of the bands that I had heard of beforehand, but I hadn't really dug deep into until 2021. They're probably some of the most musically talented people in hardcore right now. Shoutout to their vocalist. Dude's got pipes.
How will you remember 2021? (In terms of music)
In 2021, Kharma went on the biggest tour we've ever done and learned a lot on that run. So I'd say I'll remember 2021 for that tour specifically and just for being the return of this thing we all love so much.
What can we look forward to from you in 2022?
In 2022, Kharma will be doing everything we can to play in every place we can. The entire US, Europe, Japan, anywhere that wants us.
What records are you looking forward to most in 2022?
I'm looking forward to a lot of stuff that I've heard is in the works. New Kendrick Lamar, Judiciary, Regulate, and so many others that I'm probably forgetting off the top of my head.
What went through your head the first time you played live in 2021 after the delay? (If you haven’t -- what do you anticipate when you hit that point?)
I don't remember the exact thoughts in the moment because I sort of just blacked out, but I was pretty emotional afterwards. The shutdown was the longest I'd gone without playing a show since I was like 13 years old. I'm so glad we're back.
Jordan Moten – social media links
- Twitter: @kharmamwhc
- Instagram: @kharmamwhc
Keith & Nathaniel (Gaawk)
What are your top five albums that were released in 2021? (In order 1-5)
Keith (bass):
- Portrayal Of Guilt - Christfucker
- Jarhead Fertilizer - Product of my Environment
- Cerebral Rot - Excretion of Mortality
- Actors - Acts Of Worship
- The Body and Big Brave - Leaving None But Small Birds
Nathaniel (drums):
- Worm - Foreverglade
- Cerebral Rot - Excretion of Mortality
- Jarhead Fertilizer - Product of My Environment
- SPY - Habitual Offender
- Genocide Pact - Genocide Pact
What band did you discover in 2021 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
Keith (bass): I knew the name for years but finally checked out Swans this year and have really been into it. They demand patient listening.
Nick (guitar): I really got into Blood Incantation. Their branding is super sick and I think it took me a few times of seeing their artwork before I really decided to dive into it.
How will you remember 2021? (In terms of music)
Nick (guitar): I think 2021 was really a frenzy to get all my covid quarantine projects/compositions/films actually on the ground and running.
What can we look forward to from you in 2022?
Keith (bass): Some new music videos and potentially starting work on first full-length.
What records are you looking forward to most in 2022?
Keith (bass): Really looking forward to the upcoming Chat Pile album.
What went through your head the first time you played live in 2021 after the delay? (If you haven’t -- what do you anticipate when you hit that point?)
Keith (bass): I threw up several times from the anxiety but once on stage felt right at home again.
Nick (guitar): "Wow, it's much easier playing live if you haven't been drinking."
Keith & Nathaniel – social media links
- Instagram: @gaawkband
Mark Telfian (Under Attack)
photo by Michael Thorn (Razorblades and Aspirin)
What are your top five albums that were released in 2021? (In order 1-5)
- Unsane - Improvised Munitions & Demo 12”
- Public Acid - Condemnation 7"
- Stingray - Feeding Time 7"
- The Chisel - Come See Me / Not the Only One 7”
- Zealot R.I.P. - The Extinction of You 12”
What band did you discover in 2021 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
Terminal Bliss is a band made up of members that all have very deep roots in punk hardcore/metal music. Their sound is uncompromisingly brutal with relevant socio-political lyrics that, musically and politically, I find to be very reminiscent of bands that I remember growing up with like Born Against and Rorschach. I think it’s great that veteran musicians can start a new band and make it relevant to today’s problems.
How will you remember 2021? (In terms of music)
With a flood of new releases and shows starting to happen again, 2021 felt like reaching an oasis in a musical desert. The punk hardcore/metal community has always been a hub of socio-political activity. With COVID lockdowns and quarantines, people felt isolated and alienated for a long time, and it was great to be back out and see familiar faces and people again. A lot of new bands and project bands were created during this time, not to mention a lot of older bands wrote and worked on new material. It’s been a great year to discover and rediscover live music and new vinyl.
What can we look forward to from you in 2022?
Under Attack has done three 7”s and five split 7”s, but we’re looking forward to doing our first 12” next year. So far, Under Attack has played one show in DC, and seven shows have been in Richmond. In 2022, we hope to make it across the country and overseas as well.
What records are you looking forward to most in 2022?
I’m looking forward to the Seein Red 12” coming out on Armageddon. The boys have been posting practice videos of their new songs, and it blows me away to think that, after all these years, they still play such brutal hardcore and they’ve never forgotten their roots.
What went through your head the first time you played live in 2021 after the delay? (If you haven’t -- what do you anticipate when you hit that point?)
The shows Under Attack had booked for 2021 ended up being cancelled, and it’s been quite some time since we’ve played shows. Our focus has been on writing and recording new material (with five new releases currently in the works). We’re hoping in 2022, if everyone’s schedules line up, to be able to play a handful of shows and do a couple of tours.
Mark Telfian – social media links
- Instagram: @underattackva
Mat (Filth Is Eternal)
What are your top five albums that were released in 2021? (In order 1-5)
- Cannibal Corpse - Violence Unimagined
- Black Mass - Feast at the Forbidden Tree
- Wharflurch - Psychedelic Realms ov Hell
- Fotocrime - Heart of Crime
- Mortiferum - Preserved in Torment
What band did you discover in 2021 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
Fotocrime was a pretty significant one for me. Ryan strikes me as being an incredibly kind and humble person and the catharsis that he shares in his music really resonates with me. I've never been big on goth rock/ post-punk stuff but Ryan's riffs and vocal hooks just scratch an itch that I didn't know needed scratching. In particular, the track "So So Low" really moved me the first time I heard it. The pain and grief of losing a dear loved one that is expressed in this song will probably give me goosebumps every time I hear it. Maybe it's just a personal one for me because I can relate so closely and personally to the lyrics.
How will you remember 2021? (In terms of music)
Hah, it's been weird as fuck. Although we're still kind of coming out of our quarantine "hibernation" we have managed to stay really busy. We put out our second LP, Love is a Lie, and we saw the return of live music in the PNW. I'm definitely grateful and will always remember the love and support that folks have shown towards the new record. However, the most memorable moments for me will probably always be the first couple shows back from lockdown. Specifically, I want to give a shout out to the folks in Generation Decline/ The Charleston in Bremerton, WA for throwing our first gig back after almost a 2 year hiatus of playing live. It was total chaos... It was perfect.
What can we look forward to from you in 2022?
More music. Tours. New merch. We're gonna be hitting it as hard as we are physically able.
What records are you looking forward to most in 2022?
Hmmmmm..... I know Acephalix has been working on a new one and I'm fucking hyped on that. Also heard a rumor that there is new NIGHTFELL material on the way. I really like metal if you hadn't noticed. hahaha
What went through your head the first time you played live in 2021 after the delay? (If you haven’t -- what do you anticipate when you hit that point?)
A few things, for sure.... "Is it too soon?", "Is this safe?", "What the fuck is happening?" "Do I even remember how to do this?"
Mat – social media links
- Twitter: @Mathew Chandler
Matt Burns - guitar/vocals (Debt Neglector)
photo by Michael Eliassen
What are your top five albums that were released in 2021? (In order 1-5)
This one I'm going to include releases from everyone in the band, and then one that we all found to just be like "well no duh, this record fucking rules."
- Alex's #1 is Descendents - 9th and Walnut. There's something to be said about generational writing/recording that just makes a great record really great. And honestly, the Descendents are some of the best to do it.
- Zach was super into Yautja's The Lurch. He's our resident metal guy, and upon seeing this was a Relapse release, I dove in. The cover art rips, and this songs are heavy and relentless. So awesome!
- Chris wanted me to mention Jeff Rosenstock's Ska Dream as his pick. I know there's the joke of, like, ska is back in 2021 or whatever, but Rosenstock has been blessing up with upstrokes for a long time now (that Arrogant Sons of Bitches record is practically flawless), and Ska Dream is the perfect accompaniment to No Dream. He also saw this tour in New York this past weekend, so I'm super jealous of that.
- I'm going to go with Chubby & The Gang's The Mutt's Nuts.
- I think we can all agree that Turnstile's Glow On is nothing short of an absolute fucking ripper, so that's going to be our collective #1.
What band did you discover in 2021 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
Not sure if they had an impact on my life, but I really enjoyed the Couplet record that came out this year, especially from a production standpoint. I'm really a dork when it comes to the way songs are structured and layered, and when you play that record in headphones, it's like you're listening to it for the first time all over again. I've always been a fan of You Blew It and Into It Over It, but this record is really something special.
How will you remember 2021? (In terms of music)
2021 was such a weird time for music, because I feel like everyone who had held off on releasing anything during the pandemic all of a sudden wanted to release singles or EPs or full-lengths in 2021. There was so much music this year, across all ends of the spectrum, that made it hard for me to really pinpoint when an album came out. Even thinking of my top records of the year, and ending up saying, "Oh shit, *that* record came out earlier this year? It felt like it was 2 years ago..."
What can we look forward to from you in 2022?
Well, probably not a whole lot as far as releasing music goes, but we're going to be doing a little Florida run with our friends Virginity and Dikembe. All 3 of us had records come out during the pandemic and we figured why not have a little fun with our friends in support of it? We've been learning a ton of cover songs just for the hell of it, and having a ton of fun doing it, so maybe we'll record one or two of them sometime.
What records are you looking forward to most in 2022?
Well, I know there's a few records coming out on Smartpunk that have yet to be announced (and a few that have been) that are really killer. The new Drug Church is going to be on constant rotation, I'm sure, as well as the new Mitski.
What went through your head the first time you played live in 2021 after the delay? (If you haven’t -- what do you anticipate when you hit that point?)
Oh shit, what a wild ride that was. I remember having such crazy butterflies before going on (it was a sold out show, I think at 75% capacity at that time), so much that I puked in the back alley of the venue right before our set. When I told the other dudes about that after we got off stage, Chris was like, "Oh yeah, I puked back there like an hour ago. I hope you didn't step in mine." Really brings a band closer, ya know?
Matt Burns - guitar/vocals – social media links
- Twitter: @debtneglector
- Instagram: @debtneglector
Nick Hertzberg (Wet Cassettes)
What are your top five albums that were released in 2021? (In order 1-5)
- The Body - I've Seen All I Need to See
- Mike - Disco!
- Behavior & Mayako XO - Free World
- Vide - Death Roll
- Mannequin Pussy - Perfect
What band did you discover in 2021 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
Old Nick and Grime Stone Records. Finding that there was an entire label and presence dedicated to black metal and synth music that is very left-of-center and didn't allow for any NSBM (national socialist / nazi black metal) bands on the roster, made me very excited. I was fortunate enough to work with label head Absymal Specter in releasing a solo black metal album I did called HEXENSCHORF as well.
How will you remember 2021? (In terms of music)
I'll remember 2021 as a productive year in musical creation for myself and the label. It was a year I started to mentally pair down on extraneous projects and reach out to labels I love to release my work outside of the Wet Cassettes orbit. I released works with Goodbye Boozy (as Big Chungus), Grimestone, the Salt Lake Terror Collective, and Nose Vomit Records. I started a separate "gathering place" online for all my solo heavy music called "All of the Blood." All of that AND several group / solo albums on Wet Cassettes.
What can we look forward to from you in 2022?
Hopefully some shows! I'm looking forward to booking with solo projects and my band Billy and the Bad Peach, who should have an LP coming in 2022. I also have a black metal album (AGRUVZI) coming on the JEMS label and a free-form noise-jazz solo recording coming in spring on Personal Archives. I'm very excited about those, finding more artists to collaborate with, and bringing in more bands that are not me or my direct friends to Wet Cassettes family. We have the first half of the year lined up with lots of bands from around the globe, and can't wait to share those with you.
What records are you looking forward to most in 2022?
With all of the supply chain delays and such going on, I haven't seen a ton of 2022 announcements yet. But, a few that I have seen are Cate Le Bon - Pompeii and Boy Harsher - The Runner. For Wet Cassettes, we're looking forward to releasing artists such as ENA (Japanese noisecore), Dead Yellow (ambient black metal), and my Valentine's Day-themed Big Chungus album.
What went through your head the first time you played live in 2021 after the delay? (If you haven’t -- what do you anticipate when you hit that point?)
Unfortunately I (we) didn't get to play live in 2021. We were working on both Billy & the Bad Peach and Night Gospel shows and both didn't get to happen. As I get older, it gets harder to want to go out and play shows -- but I attended a show with Gel, Action News, Chemical Fix and a few other local bands in Philadelphia on a pier a few months ago and that really reignited my desire to get back out there, so, fingers crossed! Plz get vaxxed so we can do this as safely as possible!
Nick Hertzberg – social media links
- Instagram: @wetcassettes
Noah Green (The Pretty Flowers)
photo by Zach Borque
What are your top five albums that were released in 2021? (In order 1-5)
- Reigning Sound - A Little More Time With
- Brandi Carlile - In These Silent Days
- The Reds, Pinks & Purples - Uncommon Weather
- Mo Troper - Dilettante
- Church Girls - Still Blooms
What band did you discover in 2021 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
Thanks to Museum of Home Video’s Musicvideodrome show on Twitch I discovered the work of Laurie Anderson and her album Big Science. I was blown away by the arrangement of the 8-minute song “O Superman” and the performance video. The album became the soundtrack to many long, stoned bike rides around Los Angeles this year.
How will you remember 2021? (In terms of music)
I guess I will remember 2021 as the year live music returned and the ubiquity of Turnstile.
What can we look forward to from you in 2022?
The Pretty Flowers will release our 2nd album, which we’ve been working really hard on. We recorded a lot of the album at the end of 2019 at Studio Red with Adam Lasus, and did another follow-up session with him in October of this year some for some newly-written songs.
What records are you looking forward to most in 2022?
Near Beer
Ways Away
Wet Leg
Sea Power - Everything was Forever
Spoon - Lucifer on the Sofa
What went through your head the first time you played live in 2021 after the delay? (If you haven’t -- what do you anticipate when you hit that point?)
We played our first show back at The Redwood Bar in LA. It was a Friday in the first week of July when it seemed like things were going to be better than they’d been, during that small sliver of time when grocery stores had signs up that said “if you’re vaccinated, masks are optional while shopping.” Because of that we had a ton of good friends come out, who we hadn’t seen in a long time, and for a lot of them it was their first show back, so it made the night that much better. Kind of an overwhelmingly great night.
Noah Green – social media links
- Twitter: @PrettyFlowersLA
- Instagram: @the_pretty_flowers
Rorik Brooks (Cloud Rat)
What are your top five albums that were released in 2021? (In order 1-5)
- Kowloon Walled City - Piecework
- Damiana - Vines
- The Body and BIG|BRAVE - Leaving None But Small Birds
- Yautja - The Lurch
- Hide - Interior Terror
Other great mentions:
- Full of Hell - Garden of Burning Apparitions
- BIG|BRAVE - Vital
- Brett Naucke - Mirror Ensemble
- Kælan Mikla - Undir Köldum Norðurljósum
- Emma Ruth Rundle - Engine of Hell
- Jail (Detroit) - Demo
What band did you discover in 2021 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
I rediscovered how awesome the Ramones are. Embarrassingly obvious of course, but sometimes you go years without engaging with something, then you watch Pet Sematary for the first time in years and suddenly are revisiting the entire Ramones discography and feeling great about it. How the fuck does one write such perfect, heavily impactful, yet very succinct and "simple" songs? I'd like to do something like that with Cloud Rat but we just keep getting more densely complicated and elaborate. AAAAHHHHHH
How will you remember 2021? (In terms of music)
Tons of artists released an absolute shit ton of awesome music and I hope I can catch up and grok even a fraction of it. On a personal note, I think I had some musical growth this year, learning to be better at collaborating, and especially doing music production stuff to a significant degree.
What can we look forward to from you in 2022?
2022 will see a new full-length album from us (we're recording in just a couple weeks actually), and a bit of touring in the US and EU. We'll probably really hit the road after that record drops, so more like late 2022/2023 will see us getting out a lot more if all goes well. We are finally starting to reissue earlier material through our label Artoffact. Our first album (self-titled, 2010) will be out in a few months, fully remixed and remastered from the original stems. The OG version will still be available to listen to for the folks who prefer that too. And then a standalone deluxe edition of our electronic record, Do Not Let Me Off The Cliff will be out soon too, featuring a few additional songs all collected in a nice remastered LP package. We've got a few other recording plans up our sleeve too, hopefully those work out...
What records are you looking forward to most in 2022?
I have no idea who's doing what currently. Brandon should be answering this, he's way more plugged in lol. I'm sure next year will be absolutely stacked though.
What went through your head the first time you played live in 2021 after the delay? (If you haven’t -- what do you anticipate when you hit that point?)
Our first shows back are a little Midwest jaunt January 6-8, 2022. I'm nervous, to be honest. We rarely get to practice and my body is turning to dust as I type this. But I know it'll probably be awesome and breathe some new life into us collectively. I can't wait.
Rorik Brooks – social media links
- Twitter: @cloudratgrind
- Instagram: @cloudratgrind
Ryan & Joe (Trifles)
What are your top five albums that were released in 2021? (In order 1-5)
- Dry Cleaning - New Long Leg
- Nightway - V
- Mallwalkers - Do Something Drastic
- High Strange - Woe Upon Man
- Black Midi - Cavalcade
What band did you discover in 2021 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
Joe: I’ve been mostly listening to reggae music this year and The Gladiators are a group I’ve discovered that has had an impact on me, mainly the album Country Living. I love Albert Griffith's voice and the positive vibes. The songs "Country Living" and "See and Blind" I’ve been listening to over and over.
Ryan: Mark Guiliana (Drummer/Composer/Beat Music). His drumming has a distinct style and it really resonates with me. I don't usually gravitate towards individual musicians, but hearing and seeing him play has pushed me to take drumming more seriously this year.
How will you remember 2021? (In terms of music)
Joe: It won’t stand out as a productive year for me. We didn’t play as much music together as we should have. We were all pretty busy with work and Tia and I with taking care of our kids as well. The three of us missed playing and seeing live music to varying degrees. Me, not so much. Tia and Ryan played and collaborated on music much more than I did. Tia with Walk Out and Ryan with various stuff.
We did do a music video last winter which was a lot of fun. It’s the only song we have shared from the upcoming record.
We played one show at our friends’ farm which was fun but, generally, I think since we finished the recording process around January we took a bit of a breather and a break from Trifles stuff. We jammed a bunch to get ready for that one show but that’s about it. With young kids and both parents in the same band it’s not as easy anymore.
What can we look forward to from you in 2022?
Joe: The new record will be out! It’s called Nerve and it’s been a long time coming. Between delays with getting a record pressed and the length of time it took us to get it done it will have been well over three years since we started recording way back in December of 2018. With the pandemic, Tia’s brother, Ian, had the time and desire to work on it. We re-recorded some vocals and he added some guitars and keys and played around with it a bunch. The process was long but it was the most pleasant recording experience I’ve ever been a part of. Ian lives down the block so that was convenient, there was no pressure really and the record was never priority number one in our lives so we let it simmer and came back to it when the time was right. We also got to work with our good friend Phil who has been recording our bands for over 20 years. He recorded the basic tracks on Ian’s analog tape machine, which I think he was excited to do, and then he did the final mixing. I’m glad the songwriting wasn’t influenced by the pandemic and I’m glad we took the time with it that we did.
We are starting to get back into going to shows and have talked about playing out some more. The plan is to switch Tia from drums back to bass and Ryan from bass to drums and get a little heavier, maybe more like our old band Fellow Project. Tia was playing drums in Trifles because it was just us two at first doing a side project but she is really a bass player. When we got Rye to play with us we experimented with him on drums but it didn’t really sound right with the songs we already had which was probably 8 or 9 of the 10 on the record. Now that we are starting from scratch with writing new songs and our other band isn’t really a band anymore I think it makes sense to switch back. Playing live it might be annoying if they have to switch instruments for different songs though.
What records are you looking forward to most in 2022?
Ryan has been jamming on and off for the past coupla years with Wells from Rations and 86'd Records and another friend Dave. I think they're trying to get in the studio to do something this year that might wind up as new Ration Noise material. I’m looking forward to that.
I’m also looking forward to the new Drug Church record and Night Shop has a record coming out soon I’m sure will be good. Also excited for the new Bear Child EP due out, called Lost Songs. Tia sings backups on one song and it’s fantastic.
What went through your head the first time you played live in 2021 after the delay? (If you haven’t -- what do you anticipate when you hit that point?)
Joe: We played outside at our friends’ farm stand. It was a little awkward. We had to tone the volume down but it was fun, relaxed and chill. Just about 15 family and friends were there including our kids, one of whom was having a freak out about yellowjackets in the middle of our set. Being outside we didn’t worry about covid related stuff or anything, just the wasps.
Stud Count
What are your top five albums that were released in 2021? (In order 1-5)
- Chubby & The Gang - The Mutt’s Nuts
- Regional Justice Center - Crime & Punishment
- Angel Du$t - YAK
- The Consequence - The Consequence EP
- Militarie Gun - All Roads Lead To The Gun
What band did you discover in 2021 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
New: True Body from RVA. Their sultry, crooning brand of post-punk hooked me from the moment I heard them. I straight up haven’t stopped listening to them for months.
Old: Been revisiting the Trojan Ska collection a lot the last couple of years, it’s hit me more than most music has. I’ve been listening to Desmond Dekker, Symarip, etc. since high school but it’s meant way more as an adult. Those records are deeply spiritual, and, for the most part encapsulate a very specific era in world history. The melding of island working class culture and a wartorn England, popularized almost entirely by rejected US singles being shipped to military entertainment “dollar bins” in the UK.
How will you remember 2021? (In terms of music)
To be honest, this year was largely transitional and mostly felt like a long waiting period, but also a time of refocusing. We spent most of 2020/21 writing and finalizing records for all of our respective projects, it’s all felt very preparatory.
What can we look forward to from you in 2022?
Our first LP will be about in the spring or summer via Smartpunk Records, along with some videos and hopefully a lot of shows. We could not be more excited.
What records are you looking forward to most in 2022?
Word is there will be new Soft Kill, Spiritual Cramp, Spice, MS Paint, and Spine next year. Definitely looking forward to those.
What went through your head the first time you played live in 2021 after the delay? (If you haven’t -- what do you anticipate when you hit that point?)
Stud Count hasn’t played yet this year, but our drummer Bret and guitarist Matthew play in a band called Drïll Sergeant that played in Denver in October. Most of us were there, the show was insane. We’ve all straight up got butterflies looking forward to playing again, it’s just what feels right, we can’t wait.
Sucker Punch
What are your top five albums that were released in 2021? (In order 1-5)
- Seeyouspacecowboy - The Romance of Affliction
- Meet Me @ The Altar - Model Citizen
- Every Time I Die - Radical
- Rematch - UWU
- One Step Closer - This Place You Know
What band did you discover in 2021 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
There is a really cool band from NY called Koyo. We have been seeing how awesome their live performances are and how hard they are grinding. We definitely want to play with them and emulate their work ethic.
How will you remember 2021? (In terms of music)
In terms of music, this year has really been poignant for us in regards to rebranding and agreeing on a new direction. We changed our band name, our approach to songwriting, and we have lots of new material we cannot wait to share with the scene.
What can we look forward to from you in 2022?
We are super jazzed about next year! We really hope to be on the road touring as much as possible, and we have new music to release.
What records are you looking forward to most in 2022?
We hope The Story So Far comes out with a new record, that would be super rad. Many of us are looking forward to the new Simple Plan record, and we believe that Inclination might be releasing something, we hope so! We also have our record coming out!
What went through your head the first time you played live in 2021 after the delay? (If you haven’t -- what do you anticipate when you hit that point?)
We are actually playing for the first time this Sunday, December 5, in New Jersey at the Northside Lounge in Manville, NJ. We are really looking forward to playing with a lot of our friends!
Sucker Punch – social media links
- Twitter: @suckerpunch_nj
- Instagram: @sckrpnch_nj
Sydney Christensen (Kill Rock Stars)
What are your top five albums that were released in 2021? (In order 1-5)
If i was the type to include our own releases, I would be in a funny situation because we released more than five records this year. I will avoid that entire situation by listing the following not KRS releases:
- Xenia Rubinos Una Rosa. I've been such a huge fan of hers for so long and each track she features in excites me, let alone a much anticipated full-length record !!! it's so many things all at once, making the record uniquely its own.
- Linda Smith Till Another Time - 1988-1996. I won't ever get enough of this, I am sure.
- Martina Topley - Bird Forever I Wait. Speaking of much anticipated....
- Yes, of course, Dry Cleaning's record. It really is...damn good.
- Pan Daijing Jade
What band did you discover in 2021 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
New Age Steppers!
How did I go this long without knowing about them??? On-U Sound released Avant Gardening with some previously unreleased tracks, which is what caught my attention. I think I brought up in a staff meeting that I never knew about them and all I got was blank stares. which I'm sure you can imagine from a punk label (New Age Steppers is one project of the late and very great Ari Up's (the Slits)
How will you remember 2021? (In terms of music)
I spent most of my musical deep-dive time looking back and less time in new releases. Perhaps this is taboo for someone who works for a label. I really prioritized keeping up with current events / global affairs, and I suppose this was the yin to the yang to the influx of real-time and egregious headlines. Music is an incredible lens to see the social landscape through, but I needed some dusty things too. I'll remember it like flipping through an aged record bin while my thumbs scrolled the NYT app.
What can we look forward to from you in 2022?
All of the records that experienced the infamous record pressing delay will, well, catch up with their delay. I think that's something to look forward to, unless you're sick of us by now -- then plug your ears.
What records are you looking forward to most in 2022?
Supposedly Sade is working on a new record so I will put all of my eggs in that sweet sweet basket and hope it's 2022. I'm sure this is what everyone was hoping the indie label would say.
What went through your head the first time you played live in 2021 after the delay? (If you haven’t -- what do you anticipate when you hit that point?)
I just email and don't do the live music part.
Sydney Christensen – social media links
- Twitter: @killrockstars
- Instagram: @killrockstarsofficial
Terence Hannum (Locrian/Axebreaker/The Holy Circle/Mother Of Sighs)
What are your top five albums that were released in 2021? (In order 1-5)
- Robert Turman - Chapter Eleven (CD set)
- Mogwai - As the Love Continues
- Ghengis Tron - Dream Weapon
- Seefeel - Rupt + Flex 94-96 (CD set)
- Stelvio Cipriani - Nightmare City OST (LP Reissue)
What band did you discover in 2021 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
Old Moon, the album Altars really stood out to me: very lo-fi post-punk with some nice surprises in there.
How will you remember 2021? (In terms of music)
I made a lot of music (Locrian, Axebreaker and The Holy Circle), listened to a lot of music but saw only a few live shows so I cherish what I have seen like Silk Leash and Portrayal of Guilt. Mdou Moctar was amazing. But I am still not quite comfortable with live stuff yet. However I am more committed to picking up releases, even on CD, and trying to support what I think is interesting.
What can we look forward to from you in 2022?
New Locrian [is] done and about to be announced, plus a new album from The Holy Circle - that we literally just finished tracking.-
What records are you looking forward to most in 2022?
I feel like the years and releases is going to be an anachronism for the next few years with the vinyl backup. But I have albums I ordered I cannot wait until they show up but I know they won't be in until 2022 so first up would be Robert AA Lowe's Candyman soundtrack, second is the Vicious Pink 2xLP on Minimal Wave, other than that I am just holding out hope for everyone to get their albums out at the best time for their tours and shows.
What went through your head the first time you played live in 2021 after the delay? (If you haven’t -- what do you anticipate when you hit that point?)
So all of my shows for both The Holy Circle and Axebreaker have been cancelled for many different reasons: Covid, weather, you-name-it.
So I have no idea, I am just enjoying making music, and honestly live can happen when it happens. I anticipate it happening in 2022 and that is fine.
Ty Vaughn (Broadway Calls (guitar/vocals))
What are your top five albums that were released in 2021? (In order 1-5)
- Turnstile - Glow On
- Amyl and the Sniffers - Comfort To Me
- Every Time I Die - Radical
- Militarie Gun - All Roads Lead To The Gun 1&2
- Webbed Wing - What’s So Fucking Funny?
What band did you discover in 2021 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
I didn’t know shit about Amyl and the Sniffers until this year. Their video for “Hertz” fucking rules and hooked me. Their singer reminds me of someone I used to work with and I think that helps. Such a killer rock band. Very punk attitude. Very Australian accents. Shreddy guitar solos and killer lyrics/vocals. It just feels so good to know a band like this is getting huge. I have tickets to see them in Portland next May and I can’t wait.
How will you remember 2021? (In terms of music)
Stressful. Different kind of stress than in 2020. Instead of wondering if shows will ever come back, we were left wondering if we were still relevant enough to get booked on shows we wanted to play. 2021 was an eye-opening experience on where we fit out there in the live music setting. We learned a lot, and also still refuse to learn some things.
What can we look forward to from you in 2022?
Probably at least one new song from us. I have a few ideas. We’ve also been recording at Josh’s house where we practice. We have a couple awesome cover songs recorded that we are trying to get mixed right now. Not sure if those will see the light of day before the new year or not, but def in 2022 if not this month.
What records are you looking forward to most in 2022?
I don’t know who to expect anything from really. I know that new Drug Church LP is on the way and I loved Cheer. I would love a new record from Swingin’ Utters or Alkaline Trio. Where’s that fucking Dead To Me LP, goddamnit?!
What went through your head the first time you played live in 2021 after the delay? (If you haven’t -- what do you anticipate when you hit that point?)
The first live show we got to play in 2021 was on October 1st with the Menzingers and Elway in Fort Collins, Colorado. Right before we went on stage, I felt these powerful hands come down on my shoulders, I turn around and it’s Bill Stevenson. We’ve made two records with him at the Blasting Room and I consider him a good friend, but hadn’t seen him since 2016. He pulled me in for a longer than expected hug, and honestly when we walked on stage a couple minutes later, I felt fucking invincible. There are very few feelings better than getting sweaty from playing songs. This was also the first opportunity we had to play songs from Sad In The City. I think I’ll always remember that show.
Ty Vaughn – social media links
- Twitter: @broadwaycalls
- Instagram: @broadwaycalls
Vique Martin (Pirates Press Records)
Thanksgiving 2021
What are your top five albums that were released in 2021? (In order 1-5)
- The Bronx - VI
- Taylor Swift - Red (Taylor’s Version)
- Grade 2 - Graveyard Acoustic
- Spitboy - Body of Work
- Suzi Moon - Call The Shots
What band did you discover in 2021 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
Taylor Swift has been my soundtrack for the last few weeks -- I’ve always thought she was pleasant…and then I watched that documentary about her last year. And now with the reissue of Red (the best break-up album ever made) I think she’s amazing. She’s nothing to do with punk, but she has lyrics about a keychain (that she also sells on her website) that says “fuck the patriarchy” -- which brings me huge amounts of joy. I’ve been a radical feminist since I was 12. Punk will never reach enough people to change the current status quo -- and that women like Taylor are using their platform to share slogans like this, hopefully encouraging conversations and change, makes me sooo stoked!
How will you remember 2021? (In terms of music)
As one with barely any shows. I’ve only been to a couple -- one I flew to Indianapolis for last month -- my all-time favourite band Chamberlain released Red Weather last November and I finally got to see those songs live. And then I’ve seen Sweat a couple of times.
So it’s been a lot of staying home, and a lot of listening to music really, really loudly. Last year it seemed like there had to be no shows. This year shows started late summer, but it felt like I had to want it more than I didn’t want covid to be able to face braving venues. I’m hoping to go to see Off With Their Heads this weekend. I’ll brave anything to see them!
What can we look forward to from you in 2022?
I’m soooo excited for our release schedule in 2022.
Starting with announcing the new Sweat LP in December! That should be out in Feb! And a new Suzi Moon EP that we’re really stoked on. And then starting in March a whole slew of other releases start coming down the pipeline that should be amazing, including a new full-length by The Slackers!
What records are you looking forward to most in 2022?
I’m personally excited about the Chamberlain - Fates Got a Driver: Re-Ignition -- a collection of the songs from Fates Got A Driver performed by others. It’ll be a great tribute to one of my all-time favourite records. And then I’m positively dying for a new Barstool Preachers album, which will hopefully be out at the end of summer. And really, really, really want to see them play live again -- it’s been tooo long!
What went through your head the first time you played live in 2021 after the delay? (If you haven’t -- what do you anticipate when you hit that point?)
This one doesn’t really apply to me!
Vique Martin – social media links
- Twitter: @viquesimba
- Instagram: @viquesimba
Will Butler (To Live A Lie Records)
What are your top five albums that were released in 2021? (In order 1-5)
Both Neos represses were great, just got the Nothing/Integrity split but haven't listened yet, haven't heard the new Black Marble, new Nak'ay is great. I'm a bit embarrassingly out of the loop.
What band did you discover in 2021 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
I always have curveball ones of these compared to the music I release. Been on a Cunninlynguists kick and recently discovered Bluu Anxxiety and real into that.
How will you remember 2021? (In terms of music)
2021 was the year music started up again. I have only gone to see bands twice on one weekend so it's not in full swing yet but creeping towards careful normalcy. Definitely planning on playing it safe and wear a mask, not sure what to do if my band plays again being a singer.
What can we look forward to from you in 2022?
Spy - Habitual Offender LP, Backslider LP, Peace Test LP, NoComply discography LP, NoComply/Sidetracked split 7", NoComply/They Live split 5", probably some others. Staying busy.
What records are you looking forward to most in 2022?
I'm excited for the Scowl LP. I've been so busy that I don't know what else is coming up.
What went through your head the first time you played live in 2021 after the delay? (If you haven’t -- what do you anticipate when you hit that point?)
I touched on this before, really trying to stay safe for my friends and family. Vaccinations appear to help us not die from this virus but it sounds like the break-through infections aren't a walk in the park. On the other side of the coin I have eaten in public inside a few times. I'm really trying to balance safeness with being normal the best I can. Of the two shows my band got asked to play, one was on a big stage which I would feel generally safe to sing with my mask off.
Will Butler – social media links
- Twitter: @tolivealie
- Instagram: @tolivealie
