Nato Coles (Nato Coles & the Blue Diamond Band)
1. What are your top five albums that were released in 2018? (Preferably in order 1-5)
- Dusk - s/t
...everything else is tied for #5 and not listed in order of preference...
- Citric Dummies - The Kids Are Alt-Right
- John Prine - The Tree Of Forgiveness
- Bud Bronson and the Good Timers - From The Outfield To Outer Space
- Lucero - Among the Ghosts
I'm sure I've forgotten a few others tied for fifth place as well. My apologies.
2. What band did you discover in 2018 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
I'd always known about Dwight Yoakam's music, and always sorta admired it from afar - you know, I'd hear one of his songs and think "hey that's pretty allright". This past year, however, I finally saw him play and was blown away by the energy and intensity of the live show. I did some research and all the rumors about how he was part of a larger "cowpunk" scene in the LA area back in the late 70s/early 80s perfectly dovetailed with the vibe I got. He's not just a different sort of country artist in a Steve Earle or for that matter Jason Isbell vein. It's something that's often less country-rock, purer, older, but clearly brought to the world through what was happening with bands like X and the Blasters, while at the same time definitely country music and specificaly not punk rock. I hope I'm making sense! So, yeah, 2018, I did a deep dive into Dwight Yoakam's music and had a blast. Still am.
3. How will you remember 2018? (In terms of music)
As the first year with no Triple Rock, and the end of Memory Lanes Punk Bowling Mondays. Or at least, that's what I'm feeling right now. And a lot of bands seemed to stop playing as much, doing as much. Kinda depressing. I could be wrong. But on the other hand, the rise of Mortimer's is heartening! Oh, wait... as far as what music I've been listening to, rocking out to? I think questions one and two answer that, perhaps?
4. What can we look forward to from you in 2019?
A new full length, finally! FINALLY.
5. What records are you looking forward to most in 2019?
I want to be floored by something unexpected. Something in my punk/power pop wheelhouse that is noticeably lacking in my Top 5 of 2018. Currently I've got nothing on the radar...
6. 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?
I have absolutely no preference or opinion, but I know one thing: the amount that most bands make from subscription streaming is a fucking joke. Don't ask me how to change that. The RIAA doesn't give a shit about it unless it affects Rihanna or Dierks Bentley. Or more accurately, the people who write their songs and market them. Pass the bourbon.
