BJ Rochinich (Ancient Shores)
1. What are your top five albums that were released in 2015? (In order 1-5)
- Full of Hell/Merzbow - Sister Fawn
- Johann Johansson - Sicaro Score
- Spelljammer - Ancient of Days
- Ufomammut - Ectate
- Kowloon Walled City - Grievances
2. What band did you discover in 2015 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
I knew who METZ was before this year but I had never seen them live. I saw them in Portland earlier in 2015 and it was wild. They are all the things a band wants to be. They are intense, energetic, and in your face. I will never stop going to live shows but that experience reinforces that bringing energy and a relentless set list are paramount to a great show. It's a lot of physical sacrifice when you are a touring band and bring it the way they do. I appreciate their devotion.
3. How will you remember 2015? (In terms of music)
Absolutely glad to see friends in bands doing well. It was a good year for touring and new releases for some really great musicians I have known for a while. Johann Johansson's score for Sicario speaks to another great year of film scores. Personally very thankful that I got to work with Dom at A389 to develop a podcast and speak with Dwid Hellion and Jeff Beckman.
4. What can we look forward to from you in 2016?
More A389 podcasts and columns. Some new music (non-Ancient Shores) as well.
5. What records are you looking forward to most in 2016?
I have not looked at what is coming out, but I am excited about a new Helen Money record at any time in the near future. I would like to see a full-length Concealed Blade record and a new Vaura record, but I am definitely content with everything all of those artists have released.
6. 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?
In a parallel comparison, cinephiles will speak to the trends of various mediums as there is a market for VHS still, and because 16mm/70mm film is still perceived as a mystical all-knowing power in visual storytelling. And in music though the revival of vinyl has been great for engineers who master (mastering digital AND vinyl versions), and maintaining a broad sound presentation of albums. There is a downside as sometimes it can be hard to get your hands on a vinyl. The pressing plants are backed up, imports take some extra time to ship, and records can difficult to afford consistently (compared to digital/cd/tape). While the hard copy will remain relevant in the form of tape/record, I can't even guess how popular CDs will be again. Bands have been releasing records with absolutely amazing artwork and fold-out options that offer some exquisite exclusivity to buying vinyl.
What do you see changing in terms of physical vs. digital discussions?
What a great question. I think bands will continue to put out great physical packaging. You see the top of a Baroness record and you know that when you pull it up, that image is going to be dense. When you see a release that looks like its been folded three times, you know its going to be an amazing foldout possibly with two records. The vinyl is on a high level with its presentation possibilities. I also appreciate that most vinyls include a digital release. To me the digital and physical release are not things that inherently go head-to-head. I will take a well-packaged vinyl with good music and a digital release with downloadable artwork without condemning either. You can't fake a good recording. Maybe your band can only afford a tape release or a digital release; that's fine. If you have good songs and a weak engineer, then get out of that situation and figure out the next step. If you are a sloppy player and don't know the songs well enough, you won't be able to fake a good record; go practice more before you record. Beyond that, maybe we can revive zines and tape trading as a physical medium, especially for networking. Regardless of the medium, music made without care or effort or heart will end up where it belongs.
BJ also contributes the Beyond Casual Observation SPB column and records the A389 Podcast.
