It's year number four of Scene Point Blank's "Pass the Mic" feature as part of our evaluation of the best music of the year. With this year's "Pass the Mic" feature, we once again turned to some of our favorite bands, record labels, and other music business friends to get their thoughts and opinions on their favorite records of 2009, reflections on the year passed, and what's to come in 2010.
All interviews were conducted by Michael exclusively for Scene Point Blank. All graphic design by Matt unless noted otherwise.
ARTICLE JUMP
Daybreaker (Dan Rose)
What are your top five albums that were released in 2009? (In order 1-5)
- Third Eye Blind - Ursa Major
- Converge - Axe to Fall
- Brand New - Daisy
- Shook Ones - The Unquotable A.M.H.
- John Mayer - Battle Studies
What band did you discover in 2009 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
This title definitely goes to The Hold Steady. Music is fun without being cheesy, vocals are refreshingly different, and the lyrics are some of the best I've ever heard. All parts of this band working together make them one of the most underappreciated bands in music right now. Other new artists I really got into in 2009 were fun., Nothington and Frank Turner.
How will you remember 2009? (In terms of music)
2009 was the year I got to work closely with a lot of my favorite artists, which is how I'll remember it. I played with one of my favorite bands in hardcore, Defeater, on multiple tours. I got to work on some great records (Dead Swans - Sleepwalkers, Soul Control - Cycles) at the studio, and became good friends with one of my favorite bands going (Polar Bear Club). 2009 was the year I found out that a lot of my favorite bands are a bunch of solid dudes, and not a bunch of assholes. In terms of music, I would say 2009 was the year that my favorite bands showed they still had it. Third Eye Blind put out an incredible record that stands up next to any of their old material. Converge made one of the best records of their career and showed all of metal and hardcore that no one really comes close to them at all, Brand New continued their progression to being America's less boring Radiohead (Yep, said it.), and old favorites put out the best records of their careers (Thrice, Lucero, Poison the Well).
2009 was a huge year for reunions. What reunion excited you the most? What band that has not reunited would you love to see play/record most in 2010?
2009: The Get Up Kids all day every day. (Also, Sunny Day Real Estate, Small Brown Bike, Cave In, Blink 182) 2010: At The Drive In and Jawbreaker will be the answer to this question every year until it happens, but more realistically I am excited for a Midtown reunion and the impending annual reunion/breakup of Oasis.
What can we look forward to from you in 2010?
In 2010, you can look forward to the release of our debut LP, and maybe an EP prior to that. We're going to be appearing on the Pro-Gay Marriage Rights comp Enough Is Enough with some bands you may have heard of (Shook Ones, This Is Hell) that is set to come out in the spring. Also look forward to John [Daybreaker drummer] wearing a wife beater every day of 2010.
What three records are you looking forward to most in 2010?
The Gaslight Anthem, Alkaline Trio, and whatever four records Ryan Adams releases this year.
Website Link (Website/Myspace/Blog/Etc.): http://www.myspace.com/daybreakermusic
