Shahab Zargari (GC Records)
What are your top five albums that were released in 2023? (In order 1-5)
- Shonen Knife - Our Best Place
- Alternative - If They Treat You Like Shit Act Like Manure vinyl repress
- Teenage Bottlerocket - So Dumb/So Stoked
- Andre 3000 - New Blue Sun
- Mercy Music - What You Stand to Lose
Honorable mention: Shayna Rain - The First Takes
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?
Los Bitchos.
A friend sent me their album to listen to after she got home from their concert, and I've been hooked ever since. For fans of instrumental jams. Think Khruangbin but without the inflated egos, and cumbia instead of funky soul.
How will you remember 2023 (in terms of music)?
A strange year, indeed. It was memorable in that my solo album was the first exclusive stream on the Scene Point Blank website for 2023, and I'm forever grateful. I recently unleashed the songs at the Desert Biennial Art gathering 45 minutes outside of Las Vegas as a part of the outdoor event. It's the album that keeps on giving!
What can we look forward to from you in 2024?
Early in 2024 we will be releasing vinyl of music that was originally only released on CD 15 years ago by the band Holding Onto Sound from their recording session with Sub Pop engineer Ben Kirsten. The album will be a fundraiser and you can find details early next year at www.gcrecords.com
What records are you looking forward to most in 2024?
See number my answer to number 4!
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?
The best way to support musicians is by going to the shows and buying what merch you can. You can also use their songs in the background of your TikToks, and tell as many like-minded folks about them as possible. Even if you think your friends have already heard of them, do it anyway! For musicians to get into the right headspace to urge fans to go to your shows and buy your merch, the best article I've seen in a while is "We Should Be More Like Vinyl" by the legendary Liz Ohanesian.
