Michael Reisinger (Sleeping Giant Glossolalia)
What are your top five albums that were released in 2023? (In order 1-5)
Fortunately, my favorite records this year were the ones we released on SGG (take a look at our Bandcamp site for examples), but outside of all that excellent work, I can say I was particularly moved by:
- FRKSE - Desecration Anxiety III
- Kleistwahr - For the Lives Once Lived
- ZULI - Digla Dive - Live
- Elvin Brandhi & Lord Spikeheart - Drunk in Love
- Human Inferno - To Piss Warm And Drink Cold
What band did you discover in 2023 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? How so?
Unglee Izi (maybe that was '22) and Elvin Brandhi have been recent discoveries that kind of blew my head apart in a good way. Catching TAQBIR live at Supersonic in the UK was eye opening.
How will you remember 2023 (in terms of music)?
The year was spent working on many records and beginning and revisiting projects, working on music with dear friends in different parts of the world. Playing some shows with Avola and Ecology:HomeStones was a highlight. Catching many favorites like Hands Up Who Wants To Die and Oxbow multiple times, and getting to host them here in NYC.
My show attendance in general really ramped up after the pandemic-induced slowdown. Everything from the usual basement noise show to "big time" concerts I might have skipped in the past. Seeing longtime favorites like Codeine, Godflesh, and Depeche Mode in various cities was really memorable, as were the regularly occurring Abasement nights here in New York. All the inspiring work my friends and SGG extended family have been doing leaves a mark…and of course losing such unforgettable forces as Peter Brötzmann and Mark Stewart, for example. The good with the bad.
What can we look forward to from you in 2024?
Recordings and live actions from several of my own projects (which have been neglected and left on back burners lately, ha) such as Whip Ordinance, Opening Bell, Eyes Have It, Final Boss and maybe one or two more if I can find the time...
The label also has a very exciting release schedule, with projects by beloved SGG alumni as well as longtime heroes of mine, some of whom have me pinching myself in disbelief. We have a really ambitious endeavor with Ecology:Homestones in the works as well...
What records are you looking forward to most in 2024?
Ramleh, Drug Mountain meets The Upsetter, Leisure High (another Oxbow related project), Destructors Club (fans of The Pop Group & Scientist should keep an ear out), Brown Angel, Second Rope, Masaaki, so many more...
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?
Keeping in mind that many of the artists and labels whose work you admire and enjoy are probably scared shitless of having to stop due to financial uncertainty, buying from them directly makes a big difference. Relying on streaming services may be convenient, but that only limits overall access to all of the great, lesser-known music out there. Spreading the word about the shows you're going to and what
records you're loving is a great way to show support, too!
Michael Reisinger – social media links
- Instagram: @sgglossolalia
