Ethan Felhofer (The World Is Quiet Here)
What are your top five albums that were released in 2022? (In order 1-5)
This is pretty tough to consider. There were hundreds of great albums released this year. My top five albums have changed consistently over the year, but right now I would say:
- JID - The Forever Story
- BROCKHAMPTON - The Family/TM
- The Regrettes - Further Joy
- Conjurer - Pathos
- Chat Pile - God's Country
What band did you discover in 2022 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? How so?
I'd say The Regrettes was the biggest discovery for me this year. I'm a huge fan of pop/indie pop music, especially when it sounds like nobody else I've heard. Further Joy has so many moments where the vocal melody could be simple and still be catchy, but Lydia writes some seriously unique melodies that bring their music to a totally new level. Ever since finding this album I've incorporated this approach to melody in a lot of the guitar parts I've been writing. Riffs can be both simple, and interesting, and I've had a lot of fun exploring a new method to songwriting
How will you remember 2022? (In terms of music)
This year had so many phenomenal hip-hop and rap releases. Denzel Curry, JID, BROCKHAMPTON, Lupe Fiasco, Conway the Machine, Push T, Kendrick Lamar, Open Mike Eagle, Megan Thee Stallion, Nas, Earl Sweatshirt, Billy Woods, Smino, and plenty more released amazing projects this year. It felt like every week there was a new hip-hop album to check out, or a new artist to discover. I really hope this momentum carries on past 2022.
What can we look forward to from you in 2023?
We're so excited to be releasing our second full length album "Zon" on January 27th. This album has been in the works since way back in 2016. We had a lot of unexpected hurdles to overcome but we could not be happier with how it all came together. Aside from our new album we have quite a few projects in the works right now. We're excited to start experimenting with different sounds that have inspired us through the years. Currently we are working on two EPs that will act as supplementary context to the main narrative we follow on our albums.
What records are you looking forward to most in 2023?
I'm not aware of a lot of announced albums for 2023, but I know I'm really excited for new Kimbra, Lana Del Rey, Haken, Ne Obliviscaris, Caroline Polachek, Algiers, Metallica, 100 Gecs, August Burns Red, Cattle Decapitation, Swans, and Liturgy. There a couple of bands like Saintseneca, clipping., and Foxing that I'm really hoping for new music from as well. Most of all I would love to have new music from Typhoon, who I honestly believe to be the best indie band in the world right now.
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?
I think it's amazing to see how passionate fans are for their favorite bands/artists. I think the inability to go to concerts like we could just a few years ago has made it so much more special to get to see live music again. There's a new kind of energy now because people weren't able to enjoy it for so long. As far as something I'd like to see change, I'd have to say I wish touring was more affordable. Like a lot of things touring has become more expensive since COVID. It's unfortunate that it has become harder for musicians to go on tour due to the expenses of hiring new people, stage production, and travel. This also means tickets to go see bands live are more expensive as well. So some people won't get to see their favorite artist because it's becoming harder and harder to justify the cost of tickets and travel.
Ethan Felhofer – social media links
- Instagram: @twiqhofficial
