Travel through time with Scene Point Blank
Each year in Pass The Mic, we have a whole bunch of artists answer some questions about the past year. Each year, we try to ask one question that captures an "issue of the day." Here in retrospective mode, of course, we see that some issues are timeless and some are trifling. Here's our history, including the answers from dozens (if not hundreds) of artists, labels, and music industry folks since we started this feature in 2006.
- 2006: What do you see as the role of labels in 2007 and beyond?
- 2007: What kind of impact do you think donation-based releases like Radiohead, Saul Williams, etc? will have on the record industry? + 2007 saw the decommissioning of two prominent file-sharing groups - Demonoid and Oink. What kind of impact will the increased crackdown on file-sharing have on the record industry? Did it personally have an effect on you?
- 2008: 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.
- 2009: 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?
- 2010: 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?
- 2011: What did you expect to be huge in 2011 which never made it?
- 2012: 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?
- 2013 (artists): There is a lot of debate over streaming sites and royalties, namely with Spotify. What is your stance on the economic policies behind the current streaming services? Do you have a preferred one
- 2013 (labels): There is a lot of debate over streaming sites and royalties, namely with Spotify. What is your stance on the economic policies behind the current streaming services? Do you have a preferred one?
- 2014 (artists): What trend will you forever associate with 2014 in music?
- 2014 (labels): What trend will you forever associate with 2014 in music?
- 2015 (artists): How relevant is the physical format record/cd/tape in 2015 and going into 2016? What do you see changing in terms of physical vs. digital discussions?
- 2015 (labels): How relevant is the physical format record/cd/tape in 2015 and going into 2016? What do you see changing in terms of physical vs. digital discussions?
- 2016 (artists): What would you like to see more of when it comes to music coverage websites (such as ours)?
- 2016 (labels): What would you like to see more of when it comes to music coverage websites (such as ours)?
- 2017: For most, 2017 will be remembered as a year of political and social conflict. How does that cultural atmosphere influence your own music or artistic life?
- 2018: Right now there are two primary types of digital services: subscription streaming and the bandcamp approach that's more individualized. Do you have a preference and what direction do you think future streaming/download services will move toward?
- 2019: What is your favorite way to pass time while on tour? Any apps, podcasts, etc you're into?
- 2020: Trying to put a positive spin on things, what is your favorite development from the global pandemic this year? (A new medium you enjoy, a specific song or collaboration, personal news, etc.)
- 2021: What went through your head the first time you played live in 2021 after the delay? (If you haven’t -- what do you anticipate when you hit that point?)
- 2022: Live shows are still a mixed bag as we adapt to social gatherings in a COVID world. What is something positive you see about touring right now? Anything you’d like to see change?
- 2023: With physical media sales seemingly less popular than ever, what are some the best ways that fans can help to support the musicians when they go to a live show?
