Feature / Music / Year End 2016
Pass The Mic: Artists on 2016

It's the second half of our annual Pass The Mic feature and this time we're handing the microphone over to the bands and artists who brought us great music in 2016. We ask them to reflect on the year gone by and to share with us the sounds that shaped their year, the albums they're excited about for 2017, and the music they'll be making in the next twelve months.

Here's a quick sample of what to expect – click below to continue reading as we pass the mic to artists and bands for 2016.

Stephen Brodsky (Mutoid Man/Cave In)

"There will be another Mutoid Man album released in the spring of next year, which I'm really pumped for people to hear... and hopefully that leads to more tours with friends both old & new."

Seth Gile (Arms Aloft)

"I get that everybody wants to write about stuff they’re excited about, but it’s refreshing to see somebody get called on bullshit every once in a while. It can be us, even. Somebody do a thinkpiece about how shitty our haircuts are or something."

EORÐESLAJYR

"It’s morbid, but kind of hard to deny that the biggest impact on music this year is probably just the sheer amount of iconic figures that were lost. [...] 2016 was a tough one to swallow, and it seems like everyone feels that way."

André Foisy (Locrian)

1. What are your top five albums that were released in 2016? (In order 1-5)

1. Jenny Hval - Blood Bitch (Sacred Bones)
2. Julius Eastman - feminine (Frozen Reeds) 
3. Clipping - Splendor & Misery (Sub Pop) 
4. Horseback - Dead Ringers (Relapse) 
5. Emma Ruth Rundle - Marked for Death (Sargent House) 

2. What band did you discover in 2016 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

I rediscovered A Tribe Called Quest when they released their last album. It’s a reminder to interpret every day as a gift.

3. How will you remember 2016? (In terms of music)

I mean the above stuff are some highlights, but I’ll basically remember seeing some great musicians play with Locrian on our European tour in early 2016. I’ll also remember seeing some awesome old timey fiddlers play at the Floyd General Store.

4. What can we look forward to from you in 2017?

Steven, Terence and I will be writing some new Locrian music. We haven’t decided if this will be released in 2016 or if we’ll be playing out. 

5. What records are you looking forward to most in 2017?

Anything from Gilead Media or Utech Records and most of the stuff from Relapse Records. Hopefully some new Insect Ark music. 

6. What would you like to see more of when it comes to music coverage websites (such as ours)?

In general I’d like to see more diversity in what websites cover. The lack of diversity in the metal scene isn’t just about media coverage, but it’s an aspect.  

Bobby Hussy (The Hussy/Fire Retarded/Cave Curse/Kind Turkey Records)

1. What are your top five albums that were released in 2016? (In order 1-5)

1. Angry Angles - S/T (Goner Records)
2. So Pitted - Neo (Sub Pop)
3. GØGGS - GØGGS (In The Red)
4. Sneaks - Gymnastics (Merge Records)
5. David Bowie - Blackstar (Columbia Records)

2. What band did you discover in 2016 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

Sneaks. Pretty cool lo-fi bass n drum machine with simple lyrics. Very derivative but highly addictive.

3. How will you remember 2016? (In terms of music)

I'll remember it as a year of making cassettes. I spent a lot of the year helping record and produce cassettes for my buddy's label Rare Plant. I also spent a lot of time working on a big 5 cassette box set that we compiled of live Hussy recordings.

4. What can we look forward to from you in 2017?

The debut Cave Curse LP. Cave Curse is my synth band. I've got Will Gunnerson from Jabberjosh playing drums with me currently. It's pretty wild stuff but still definitely pop songs. Fire Retarded's second LP will be coming out at some point during that time too. And most likely some new Hussy jams as well! Trying to keep busy over here!

5. What records are you looking forward to most in 2017?

The ones my friends are making in their basements around the US. The Wood Chickens LP that I recorded is coming out on Big Neck Records. That's gonna be a good one!

6. What would you like to see more of when it comes to music coverage websites (such as ours)?

That's a tough one. Maybe more under the radar coverage, but I know it's hard to keep. Just keep on keeping on, and keep up the good fight!

Dead Bars

1. What are your top five albums that were released in 2016? (In order 1-5)

1. Mean Jeans - Tight New Dimension
2. Mikey Erg - Tentative Decisions
3. Ramona - Sad Brunch
4. Shallow Cuts - Empty Beach Town
5. Choke the Pope - Emotional Material

2. What band did you discover in 2016 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

Choke the Pope: I had no idea who they were when Sean asked to join Dead Bars. I checked them out and I was like "Am I crazy, or are these songs amazing?" I might be crazy but I don't think I am in this instance. Also, Paul from CTP played drums on our last US tour when C.J. couldn't make it happen. So, out of any band in 2016, Choke the Pope had the biggest impact for sure.

3. How will you remember 2016? (In terms of music)

Some good times, and some sad times.

4. What can we look forward to from you in 2017?

New album. Touring. Better dressed.

5. What records are you looking forward to most in 2017?

Iron Chic, After the fall, Charms

6. What would you like to see more of when it comes to music coverage websites (such as ours)?

Video interviews where free beer is given out to the artists.

EORÐESLAJYR

1. What are your top five albums that were released in 2016? (In order 1-5)

1. David Bowie - Blackstar
2. The Drones - Feelin’ Kinda Free
3. Psalm Zero - Stranger To Violence
4. Gnaw Their Tongues - Hymns for The Broken, Swollen and Silent
5. Jenny Hval - Blood Bitch

2. What band did you discover in 2016 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

My pick for this would have to be an Irish solo artist called Wastefellow (His name comes from the hilarious Vennu Mallesh song It’s My Life Whatever I Wanna Do). He basically combines skittish beats and samples with ethereal vocals, taking a fragmented approach to songwriting that’s really tasteful and hypnotic. He occasionally plays with a live drummer and wears an iridescent mask made of plexiglass (I think) that makes for a really intense performance.

3. How will you remember 2016? (In terms of music)

It’s morbid, but kind of hard to deny that the biggest impact on music this year is probably just the sheer amount of iconic figures that were lost. David Bowie’s album Blackstar is our favorite of the year, and his dead was seismic in the impact it had on us and seemingly everyone; but it was also incredible how he went out on such an artistic high note, with an amazing album and a successful musical based on his songwriting. Prince’s death was also huge and so unexpected, and recently Leonard Cohen. Phife Dawg as well was a sad one, especially as it came just at the moment that A Tribe Called Quest were working on their comeback. 2016 was a tough one to swallow, and it seems like everyone feels that way.

4. What can we look forward to from you in 2017?

We’re currently putting the finishing touches on a short EP, and have begun work on our next album. Similar to HÄXAN, our new album will also be an unofficial soundtrack to a cult movie, but we aren’t ready to say which one just yet.

5. What records are you looking forward to most in 2017?

You know, I’m not really sure, usually I don’t hear about the albums I want until they drop or a video gets released for it. Every year The Body release something really amazing and unique so I’d be excited for anything they do. I remember reading that they were planning on doing a collaboration with The Bug and that’s something I would love to hear, preferably on the loudest speakers possible.

6. What would you like to see more of when it comes to music coverage websites (such as ours)?

I think we all appreciate interviews and detailed reviews, anything that gives us a new/different perspective on music that we like or might like.

Frank Turner

1. What are your top five albums that were released in 2016? (In order 1-5)

1. John K Samson - Winter Wheat
2. Every Time I Die - Low Teens
3. Arkells - Morning Report
4. Skinny Lister - The Devil, The Heart & The Fight
5. Esme Patterson - We Were Wild

2. What band did you discover in 2016 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

The Arkells. Shared some road with them in the USA and Canada and realised they're exceptional. One of the best live bands I've ever seen, and phenomenal songwriters to boot.

3. How will you remember 2016? (In terms of music)

The passing of Leonard Cohen. Truly the old testament of songwriting.

4. What can we look forward to from you in 2017?

I'll be working on a new album next year, as well as playing some big shows in the summer, after my US tour at the start of the year.

5. What records are you looking forward to most in 2017?

Homeless Gospel Choir album. I already heard the rough mixes. It's incredible.

6. What would you like to see more of when it comes to music coverage websites (such as ours)?

Whatever floats your boat.

J. Wang (Shallow Cuts/Chagrin/Fast Crowd Records)

1. What are your top five albums that were released in 2016? (In order 1-5)

1. Toys That Kill - Sentimental Ward
2. The Dirty Nil - Higher Power
3. The Thermals - We Disappear
4. Dinosaur Jr. - Give A Glimpse of What Yer Not
5. Martha - Blisters in the Pit of My Heart (late to the game on this one..wow!!)

2. What band did you discover in 2016 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

The Dirty Nil. They just instantly sounded great to my ear and love what they are doing. I think there is definitely some solid rock guitar stuff going on that really seems refreshing for some reason. 

3. How will you remember 2016? (In terms of music)

A lot of what previously seemed to be underground music becoming very mainstream and getting a lot of exposure.

4. What can we look forward to from you in 2017?

Davey Quinn and I started a new band and would imagine recording and releasing a full album rather quickly.

5. What records are you looking forward to most in 2017?

New full length from Hard Girls would be pretty amazing!

6. What would you like to see more of when it comes to music coverage websites (such as ours)?

I would like to see a lot more media sites self-discovering instead of just covering the same stuff pushed by PR and persistent “look at me” social media promotion.

Justin Pearson (Retox/Head Wound City/Dead Cross/Three One G)

1. What are your top five albums that were released in 2016? (In order 1-5)

1. Doomsday Student - A Self-Help Tragedy
2. David Bowie - Blackstar
3. Silent - A Century Of Abuse
4. Invisible Skratch Piklz - The 13th Floor
5. MSTRKRFT - Operator

2. What band did you discover in 2016 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

I would say that artists have impacted me more than bands in general. Certain artists, that I already knew or knew of, but impacted me in 2016, made some sort of significant impact due to the world we live in. Relevant art is a reflection of current times. So people like Jung Sing from Silent, who I already knew as a band mate, but discovered his band this year made an impact on me. Or hearing D-Styles on the new Invisible Skratch Piklz LP and having him sing on one of the tacks was impactful. And of course, the people I am lucky and grateful to work with in the projects that I am part of are the most significant and impactful to me all the time.

3. How will you remember 2016? (In terms of music)

I’m not sure music or even art in general is looked at by year. There was certain bands, or albums, or songs that have played important parts in past years in my entire life so far, but I never really know the relevance of that music till I can reflect back and see it in retrospect.

4. What can we look forward to from you in 2017?

I’m currently working on a new album from Plant B, and finally releasing the Dead Cross album that we have been working on for a while. I’m certain other stuff will pop up along the way.

5. What records are you looking forward to most in 2017?

The stuff I am unaware of.  

6. What would you like to see more of when it comes to music coverage websites (such as ours)?

Probably more stuff like The Hard Times.

Kid Tsunami

1. What are your top five albums that were released in 2016? (In order 1-5)

1. Sinks & Oath - Cold Fury LP
2. Craig G - I Rap And Go Home LP
3. OC & Debonair P - Dive In EP
4. George Fields - Beyond Realm LP
5. The Enforcers (K-Def & El Da Sensei) - The Jersey Connection LP

2. What band did you discover in 2016 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

All the artists on Cloud City Projects, they are making the best rap music today.

3. How will you remember 2016? (In terms of music)

Great! There are always great songs being made in all genres if you know where to look.

4. What can we look forward to from you in 2017?

Officially launching Sedgwick Records in 2017 with a website and some fresh, new music.

5. What records are you looking forward to most in 2017?

In 2017, anything from Cloud City Projects. Other than that, the new record from producer, Propo 88, of The Netherlands.

6. What would you like to see more of when it comes to music coverage websites (such as ours)?

I'm not really sure! Keep up the great work!

Mark Glick (AJJ)

1. What are your top five albums that were released in 2016? (In order 1-5)

1. Jeff Rosenstock - Worry
2. Car Seat Headrest - Teens of Denial
3. Slothrust - Everyone Else
4. The Body - No One Deserves Happiness
5. Danny Brown - Atrocity Exhibition

2. What band did you discover in 2016 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

I've always appreciated David Bowie, but this year I went back and gave a lot of his records a deeper listen. Since we covered "Quicksand" for AV Club, I've gotten a totally new appreciation for the composition and little details that went into so much of his work. It's significant because I feel like you unlock an achievement when one of the well-regarded masters finally makes sense to you.

3. How will you remember 2016? (In terms of music)

I'll remember 2016 as the year that a bunch of cool people did cool things. Diners & ROAR (Phoenix friends) both released incredible albums. Every band on SideOneDummy released a great record this year. I also took advantage of having Spotify for the first time and went back to revisit a bunch of the music I listened to in high school, so 2016 was a year of looking back to me as well. It holds up because I'm great and have great taste. Outside of music, 2016 was mostly on fire.

4. What can we look forward to from you in 2017?

More touring, more insane zines, more great internet presence.

5. What records are you looking forward to most in 2017?

RTJ3, Emperor X, Hard Girls, Smith Street Band, Grandaddy

6. What would you like to see more of when it comes to music coverage websites (such as ours)?

Book club style group discussions of records instead of just one person writing a review.

Matt Scifres (Not Half Bad)

1. What are your top five albums that were released in 2016? (In order 1-5)

1. Peach - Culture Abuse
2. Fail Better - Moonraker
3. Dark Thoughts - Dark Thoughts
4. S/T - Tender Defender
5. Sentimental World - Toys That Kill

2. What band did you discover in 2016 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

Hard Girls. Something about every song on A Thousand Surfaces just kills me. The best time I’ve had all year was seeing them at Fest, drenched in beer, screaming “IF I HAD A PLAN FOR MAKING MONEY, MAAAN” at the top of my lungs. There aren’t a lot of records you can put on when you’re having the best or worst times of your life and that’s what makes this band a gem. 

3. How will you remember 2016? (In terms of music)

I will remember this as the year that so many bands released perfect records that I had to steal friends recommendations to make this list. 

4. What can we look forward to from you in 2017?

A full-length record, some touring and our very own fuckin hot sauce!

5. What records are you looking forward to most in 2017?

D4. If it ever happens. 

6. What would you like to see more of when it comes to music coverage websites (such as ours)?

Nada. Y’all keep killin it. 

Nathan Martin (HANNAHBAND)

1. What are your top five albums that were released in 2016? (In order 1-5)

1. Martha - Blisters in the Pit of my Heart
2. CAMP COPE - s/t
3. Fear of Men - Fall Forever
4. prizegiving - No More Harm
5. Against me - Shape Shift With Me

2. What band did you discover in 2016 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

PWR BTTM

A queer two piece power pop band I'm just so glad they exist, they are making guitar music fun and colourful and inclusive again, their album Ugly Cherries really revitalized my attitude for playing pop guitar music.

3. How will you remember 2016? (In terms of music)

-

4. What can we look forward to from you in 2017?

Record a new album early in the year, release single - tour , release the whole thing - tour more! Hopefully visit some new places overseas.

5. What records are you looking forward to most in 2017?

Mere Women's third album

Oslow's debut album

The next PWR BTTM record

The new Japandroids album

6. What would you like to see more of when it comes to music coverage websites (such as ours)?

I guess it's always nice to see music media focussing on under represented people's in their content, there's just so many great queer, non male, GNC, POC, artists out there and we need to all try harder to find a better balance :) 

Real Numbers

1. What are your top five albums that were released in 2016? (In order 1-5)

1. Chook Race - Around the House
2. Suburban Homes - Are Bored
3. City Yelps - Half Hour
4. Gooch Palms - Introverted Extroverts
5. Nots - Cosmetic

2. What band did you discover in 2016 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

Felt. I've been aware of Felt for some time but in 2016 the floodgates opened.. especially their '86/'87 period.  It's everything I love about Lou Reed and the Orchids combined into single pieces of music.

3. How will you remember 2016? (In terms of music)

The year we finally made a full-length album. The writing process is pretty slow for me so being able to put 10 songs together and have it turn out so good is something I'm very proud of. And we're incredibly honored to have it come out on Slumberland.

4. What can we look forward to from you in 2017?

Expect a "Frank Infatuation" 7in in April and another two songer sometime after that: Around the Arms b/w Theme From "UFO."

5. What records are you looking forward to most in 2017?

Cozy's double LP Double Denim.

6. What would you like to see more of when it comes to music coverage websites (such as ours)?

Maybe demo coverage of bands that have recordings but nothing in physical form.  Disclaimer: this is a blatant plug for Universel and Cones.

Seth Gile (Arms Aloft)

1. What are your top five albums that were released in 2016? (In order 1-5)

I think most of these are from 2015, but they were *my* top 5 from 2016. Every record’s a “grower” on me, so I’m late to everything. 

1. Carly Rae Jepsen - Emotion
2. Idle Empress - S/T EP
3. Mauvaise Pioche - Premier Tirage
4. Gouge Away - , Dies
5. Hyuna - A’wesome 

2. What band did you discover in 2016 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

The podcast "Chapo Trap House" might’ve contributed more to saving my life and/or sanity more than any music this year. If you’re sick of Daily Show liberal civility, and want to hear someone just call the right, "Fascist fucking freaks" or whatever, recommended listening.  

3. How will you remember 2016? (In terms of music)

Well, it’s the best year we’ve had as a band by really any measure. Had so much fucking fun, put out a record we thought we’d never finish, got to do some insane gigs… I’ll mostly remember it for Arms Aloft shit, I guess. Call me selfish. It’s been a really exciting year to be in this band.

4. What can we look forward to from you in 2017?

Headed to Europe with our French brothers Guerilla Poubelle in the spring and then I think we’re going to do an EP when we get home. But that second idea’s about 80 hours old.

5. What records are you looking forward to most in 2017?

Propagandhi if it’s out this year. Dillinger Four (yeah right). Sylvan Esso. Maybe new Carly? There’s supposed to be a Dead To Me LP, right? That would be wonderfully welcome.

6. What would you like to see more of when it comes to music coverage websites (such as ours)?

Don’t be so fuckin nice all the time. I get that everybody wants to write about stuff they’re excited about, but it’s refreshing to see somebody get called on bullshit every once in a while. It can be us, even. Somebody do a thinkpiece about how shitty our haircuts are or something.

Shane Handal (Set and Setting)

1. What are your top five albums that were released in 2016? (In order 1-5)

1. Sumac - What One Becomes
2. Neurosis - Fires Within Fires
3. Inter Arma - Paradise Gallows
4. Nothing - Tired of Tomorrow
5. Mogwai - Atomic

2. What band did you discover in 2016 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

My memory is pretty worthless sometimes... I discovered Blood Incantation this year, but not sure about how much of a significant impact it had on my life other than it gave me some sick new death metal to listen to. I kind of "re-discovered" A Tribe Called Quest this year in anticipation of their new album. Both of these bands and their 2016 albums would have been on my list above if it were longer than 5.

3. How will you remember 2016? (In terms of music)

This is a tough question, I'll remember listening to our new album a billion times while we were writing it, recording it, mixing it, creating the concept, etc. I think that will probably stick out the most if I ever reminisce about 2016. Totally self-centered, I know. Oh, Metallica came out with a new album that didn't completely suck. I may remember that... Actually, probably not.

4. What can we look forward to from you in 2017?

A new album as mentioned above! We are putting out our third full-length album, Reflectionless, on January 27th, 2017. Very excited for this to finally be heard.

5. What records are you looking forward to most in 2017?

I'm sure a few of my favorites bands will blow my mind in 2017, but I honestly don't even know who's coming out with what next year.

6. What would you like to see more of when it comes to music coverage websites (such as ours)?

I always enjoy reading interviews, but you guys already have that going for you. Uhhh... more of us?

Stephen Brodsky (Mutoid Man/Cave In)

1. What are your top five albums that were released in 2016? (In order 1-5)

1. Neurosis - Fires Within Fires
2. Ray Lamontagne - Ouroboros
3. Helms Alee - Stillcide
4. Emma Ruth Rundle - Marked For Death
5. Marissa Nadler - Strangers

2. What band did you discover in 2016 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

Beach Slang. Groovy lyrics both youthful & bratty - worthy heirs of the throne that Jawbreaker occupied in our hearts for so long.

3. How will you remember 2016? (In terms of music)

The birth of Converge: Blood Moon.

4. What can we look forward to from you in 2017?

There will be another Mutoid Man album released in the spring of next year, which I'm really pumped for people to hear... and hopefully that leads to more tours with friends both old & new. There's a couple other musical collaborations that I'm excited to help grow - a bit too early to say what they are right now...

5. What records are you looking forward to most in 2017?

I hear that Converge is writing new stuff so I guess I'll have to bug Ben Koller about playing me demos. My friends Adam & J.R. from Cave In have a new band called Nomad Stones that just keeps getting better, curious to hear what they deliver next. Also I think Chelsea Wolfe is gonna record again soon and I'm all ears for that...