Pat Kennedy (guitar/vocals) Light Years
What is your name and band/label/etc?
My name is Pat Kennedy. I play in a band called Light Years.
What are your top five albums that were released in 2012? (In order 1-5)?
- Title Fight - Floral Green
- Hostage Calm - Please Remain Calm
- The Menzingers - On The Impossible Past
- Daylight - The Difference Between Good And Bad Dreams
- Taylor Swift - Red
What band did you discover in 2012 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
A band that I really enjoyed that I found in 2012 is the band Souvenirs from Santa Barbara, California. We were lucky enough to play a few shows with them at the beginning of last year and became good friends. They released a 7" called Tired Of Defending You on 6131 Records this year and I suggest everyone check that out. Anyone who is a fan of bands like Knapsack or Mineral will love them. They tour constantly and are probably playing near you soon.
How will you remember 2012? (In terms of music)
I have a lot to look back on in terms of music during 2012. Light Years did a substantial amount of touring and I got the chance to see a ton of bands that I never would have gotten to see. I also like the way bands have been able to market themselves and be heard without having to rely on some sort of "hype label." With good songs and the internet, bands are finding success on their own or with a small label.
What can we look forward to from you in 2013?
In 2013, Light Years is going to release our first ever full-length on Escapist Records. We are currently recording it right now with the one and only Will Yip at Studio 4 in PA. We have a couple tours planned, one with Real Friends after Christmas, and then some more that isn't announced yet next year.
What records are you looking forward to most in 2013?
Personally I am looking forward to the new Citizen and Turnover records. Those bands are some of our closest friends and I'm excited to see what they are working on. I also hear rumors of a new Blink-182 full-length next year which, even if it sucks, will be my favorite record next year.
Fundraising sites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo have made a strong impact on the ability of artists to release music. Do you think this approach is a trend, or will it continue to shape how artists produce their material?
I don't really agree with Kickstarter and Kickstarter-ish websites. I feel that when you decide to wreck your life and start a band and try and tour and record you have to do it on your own. I have no problem giving a band I enjoy money for a t-shirt or a record to help them out, but when a band is asking for money so they can record a demo?? Give me a break. I saw a band that had a Kickstarter to help fund them to go on tour and that they needed the money to compensate for the time they would miss from their jobs. Yeaaaah right! Everyone I know who is in a full-time touring band has sacrificed so much to be able to do it that seeing people ask for handouts is frustrating.