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

Words: Michael • Posted pre-2010

LINKS TO ALL THE PAGES

Lipona (Yamil Velez)

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

  1. A Wilhelm Scream - Career Suicide
  2. The Gaslight Anthem - The ?59 Sound
  3. Dillinger Four - Civil War
  4. Fucked Up - The Chemistry of Common Life
  5. Polar Bear Club - Sometimes Things Just Disappear

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?

I had never really gotten into Propagandhi when I was younger but a friend played "Potemkin City Limits" for me and I was blown away by Hannah's lyricism. I love the fact that he doesn't mince words and the vast knowledge he uses to back up his positions. All throughout that album, I was impressed by the obscure references to historical events and the witty comments along the way. Through Propagandhi, I have learned how to become a more honest lyricist and their music has also opened my eyes to some of the injustices that occur all around the world.

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

This year saw some great debuts from up and coming bands, namely The Gaslight Anthem and Polar Bear Club, and a solid release from one of my favorite bands of all time, A Wilhelm Scream.

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.

With albums shifting toward the digital standard, I think vinyl records command a certain sense of nostalgia that CDs can't quite compete with. It seems like the rise in vinyl sales could be attributed to their collectability. With music going digital, wouldn't it make sense for fans to buy vinyl in order to have a piece of musical history? The collection aspect of vinyl is what I think has drawn more people toward the medium and I believe this a trend that will continue so long as there are fans that appreciate band memorabilia.

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

The election of Barrack Obama was probably my most memorable moment in 2008. Early this year, it was highly unexpected that the US would ever have an African American president but as time progressed, it became more and more of a possibility. It was one of the greatest moments in our history and I'm glad I was able to witness it.

What can we look forward to from you in 2009?

We're going to start recording for our upcoming EP during Early January and it should be out sometime in February. We're also planning on touring extensively and recording our upcoming full-length later on in the year.

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

Propagandhi, A Wilhelm Scream, and The National

Homepage: http://www.liponanudes.com

Related features

Guest List: Panopticon's definitive crust / hardcore / punk classics

Music / The Set List • April 24, 2024

Panopticon may be more widely known as a "metal" band - I use that term loosely because Panopticon is a lot more than the black metal base genre it derives from - yet founder Austin Lunn finds his inspiration from many different genres, punk and hardcore being one aspect of … Read more

Stephen Hamm

Interviews • April 24, 2024

Stephen Hamm might be best known as Slow's bassist in some circles. Slow’s Against The Glass was voted the 17th best Canadian LP ever. Further, the lead single “Have Not Been The Same” was ranked the 10th greatest song. Stephen has played in many different bands over the years (starting with Chuck … Read more

The Wesleys

One Question Interviews • April 18, 2024

Willy (The Wesleys) SPB: What is the best show you’ve seen so far this year?:  Willy: Got to see a lot of cool shows this year so far, but I think my favorite one was seeing Shadow Show from Detroit playing with Tilden at NYC TVEYES. It was such a rad … Read more

Hook

One Question Interviews • April 16, 2024

Ikka (Hook) SPB: What are your favorite venues to play in Finland right now? Ikka: I like Lepakkomies in Helsinki. That´s a cool little place with very nice atmosphere. Read more

Sneak Dog Records

One Question Interviews • April 15, 2024

Gwendolyn Giles (Vocals/Guitar - Dog Party), Lucy Giles (Vocals, Drums - Dog Party) SPB: What inspired you to start a new record label in 2024? Sneak Dog: When Dog Party finished recording our seventh record, we sat and really thought about different ways we could release it. We were leaning … Read more

More from this section

Guest List: Panopticon's definitive crust / hardcore / punk classics

Music / The Set List • April 24, 2024

Panopticon may be more widely known as a "metal" band - I use that term loosely because Panopticon is a lot more than the black metal base genre it derives from - yet founder Austin Lunn finds his inspiration from many different genres, punk and hardcore being one aspect of … Read more

Guest List: 10 Songs That Are Core To DeeCracks

Music / The Set List • April 8, 2024

Twenty years is a long time – much longer than many relationships last. So it’s an accomplishment when a band can stick together through life and social changes. DeeCracks, a poppy punk band from Austria, threw a two-day festival last year and released a 28-track retrospective to mark their anniversary … Read more

Only Death Is Real #24

Music / Only Death Is Real • April 8, 2024

Acathexis – Immerse (Amor Fati/Extraconscious Records) Acathexis’ self-titled debut from 2018 is one that still bears repeated listens, personally, many years later. With some of the best known and hardest working musicians within black metal behind the band, it was always clear that this is a band to watch. Featuring Jacob Buczarski, … Read more