Feature / Music
Pass The Mic: Record Labels and Artists on 2008

Words: Michael • Posted pre-2010

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A Storm of Light/Blood and Time (Josh Graham)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2008?

  1. Meshuggah - obZen
  2. Woven Hand - Ten Songs
  3. Harvey Milk - Life? The Best Game in Town
  4. Young Widows - Old Wounds
  5. Black Sun - Hour of the Wolf

What band did you discover in 2008 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

Black Sun. I saw them live a few weeks ago at Fontana's in NYC with Nadja (whom A Storm of Light is doing a split with on Robotic Empire in early 2009). I had no idea who they were before the show but I was completely blown away by their power and raw emotion. It reminds me of Swans and Godflesh stripped down to the bare essentials. Amazing.

How will you remember 2008? (In terms of music).

For me 2008 was an adventure, leaving an already established band (Red Sparowes) for a brand new one (A Storm of Light) proved to be challenging and very rewarding.

Vinyl record sales saw a significant increase this year while hard copy sales continued to dwindle. Is this a return to the glory days for vinyl or just a phase? Explain.

I think vinyl sales works in a couple of different ways. First, they are a financially viable purchase, as the vinyl is usually limited and the value increases over time. Second, I believe that people who still hold album artwork and packaging in high regard seek out vinyl, as it is the medium that delivers the most interaction with the release as a whole.

These people look at artwork as part of the larger offering unlike those who digitally buy one or two songs here and there.

What was the most memorable moment for you in 2008? (Can be in terms of anything)

Barack Obama getting elected.

What can we look forward to from you in 2009?

The second studio album from A Storm of Light, more artwork, and hopefully more art shows.

What three records are you looking forward to most in 2009?

Shrinebuilder, Mastodon, and Black Sun

Homepage: http://www.suspendedinlight.com

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