Mike Riley (Pulling Teeth, Firestarter Records)
What are your top five albums that were released in 2010? (In order 1-5)
- Iron Chic - Not Like This
- Off With Their Heads - In Desolation
- The Estranged - Subliminal Man
- Superchunk - Majesty Shredding
- Masshysteri - s/t
* I have purchased but not yet listened to the new None More Black and White Wires LPs. They could very well make that list before the end of the year.
What band did you discover in 2010 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
White Wires. Technically their first LP came out in 2009, but I didn't really get around to listening to it much until 2010 and it's possibly the record I listened to more than any other. It's a perfect summertime album. Hopefully they tour out east in 2011.
How will you remember 2010? (In terms of music)
The year I finally got to see Superchunk play live, and it was as amazing as I'd hoped it would be.
With more and more bands switching to digital methods of releasing music and communicating with audiences in 2010, do you think there's still a place for physical CDs and word-of-mouth shows in the future?
I've always been a vinyl guy. I don't just like having a release on my computer. I want a physical copy where I can read the lyrics and check out the artwork in a large format. I would generally only buy CDs if they were the only format a record was released on or if I wanted to be able to put the album on my computer or iPod. Now I get bummed when an LP or 7" doesn't come with a digital download card. They're so cheap and easy and most people these days are listening to digital versions of albums, it's silly not to include one with your record. There are people who will still purchase CDs so I think its still a good idea to make them when you can, but sales are way down and that trend is going to continue. Mainstream artists are beginning to adapt the live structure that punk/hardcore/DIY bands have been following for decades: support yourself primarily through live shows that get people out to purchase the records and the merchandise, as opposed to supporting the release and sales of the album through touring. Live shows are always going to be the best way to see your favorite bands and catch new ones that might interest you.
What can we look forward to from you in 2011?
Pulling Teeth's new album, "Funerary", will be out in March. We spent a lot of time making this record and worked really hard on it and couldn't be happier with how it came out. We can't wait to get it out and have people hear it. Hopefully some more live shows as well. In label things: Firestarter will be releasing the CD version of that new Pulling Teeth album and I'll finally get the Modern Problems and Run Down 7"s out. Toxic Pop Records will be releasing records for Sick Sick Birds, Sundials, Tenement, and Idle Hands. It's gonna be a good year.
What three records are you looking forward to most in 2011?
- Lemuria - Pebble LP
- Tenement LP
- Night Birds LP
