Chuck Coffey (aka Charlie Continental) (Snappy Little Numbers / SPELLS)
What are your top five albums that were released in 2023? (In order 1-5)
Getting down to 5 is always tough. There are usually 15-20 releases that could make it. These ones are pretty defendable as the top 5, though!
- Calling Hours - Say Less
- Snooper - Super Snooper
- Gee Tee - Goodnight Neanderthal
- Busted Head Racket - Junk Food
- The Bollweevils - Essential
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?
I’d have to go with Cel Ray from Chicago. They’re a newer band that released two great EPs this year, Cellular Raymond and Piss Park. I almost combo’d them for my top 5, but figured I’d just rave about them under this section. To me they are a fun, fresh and skilled example of the current generation of younger punk bands. You can hear the seamless melding of post-punk and budget rock (egg punk could be used as well) to create a tightly wound and frenetic sound. I suppose their impact on me is that no matter how long I stay interested and involved in punk-indie-whatever rock, there are always new bands forming out there that can still make my ears perk up and remind me of what urgency sounds like. I could just as easily have gone with Busted Head Racket (Newcastle, Australia) or Metrics (Barcelona, Spain) for similar reasons. These other two bands also show just how far and fast music can travel.
How will you remember 2023 (in terms of music)?
I think 2023 was a year of change in music. Not only were there lots of great records by established bands, but there are a lot of younger bands that are really leading the charge. The DIY approach, in various forms, is on a steep incline as the more mainstream approaches continue offering less and less to smaller artists. Vinyl costs have ballooned while average payouts from corporate clubs are rapidly dropping. I saw more cassettes and even CDs come out this year vs vinyl. More bands were looking to do shows in alternate venues where they have more control. Not just warehouse shows and the like, but other bars or art spaces that are independently owned and far more artist and community friendly. Music lovers are looking beyond streaming more and more to support and engage with bands they like. I think the shift is to be celebrated!
What can we look forward to from you in 2024?
SLN has a couple of things in the works. Early 2024 releases will include a split 7” from The Drolls & Gentlemen Rogues and a 12” by Pink Hawks. SPELLS will have a brand new LP out in the spring and we’re planning some touring to support that. I’m plotting a new series of low run releases, with the first offering being a collection of my solo tunes. I’ve really been inspired to simplify some things and use some of the space that affords to try out different creative approaches. I don’t set too much in stone and try to stay breezy. We’ll see how it all goes!
What records are you looking forward to most in 2024?
Every year I hope that there will be a new ALL album. I could go on and on about what a great band they are and how for me, Descendents and ALL are the same band. Aside from that, I don’t have anything in particular on my radar. My eye (and ears) is always on Australia and their wealth of outstanding budget-bedroom-garage-punk rock. I can’t remember who’s doing what, so I sign up for a lot of newsletters and get to be pleasantly surprised at things I’m sure to be interested in!
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?
Being there is already such a wonderful gift. How cool is it if someone comes to your show to see you? How cool is it if someone comes to the show, didn’t know who you were, and liked your music? Community is a huge part of what drew me to punk and it continues to be a primary motivator as a fan and participant. If a band or artist is playing at a good space, the price of entry is a nice way to support bands. Buying a physical record is always great. The music is really the thing, after all. Grabbing a shirt or something is nice, but really, just being there is step #1.
Chuck Coffey (aka Charlie Continental) – social media links
- Instagram: @snappylittlenumbers
