Jonathan McMaster (bass) Stickup Kid
What is your name and band/label/etc?
My name is Jonathan McMaster and I play bass in Stickup Kid.
What are your top five albums that were released in 2012? (In order 1-5)
I'm only going to go with a top 3, and I'm sure I will change my mind on the order everyday, haha:
- Menzingers - On The Impossible Past
- Such Gold - Misadventures
- No Trigger - Tycoon
What band did you discover in 2012 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
I saw the Menzingers play at Chain Reaction last year, and again in the spring while in Michigan. I heard On The Impossible Past a few times in my friends van on the road and I thought that it was cool, but nothing remarkable. A few months back my friend Adam was talking about the record, which I had almost totally forgotten about, and I remembered a few of the songs being catchy. I went to check them out again and every song just hit me way harder than the first time. The record is a classic and has a timeless feel to it that truly transcends most modern punk records. It's just a great record, regardless of what you call it.
How will you remember 2012? (In terms of music)
I will remember 2012 as the year of my/our first Fest! Going to the Fest was insane, playing the Fest was an insane privilege I thought I would never get.
What can we look forward to from you in 2013?
We will have a new record out before summer hits and we are going to be traveling across the states playing as many shows as we can once its done!
What records are you looking forward to most in 2013?
Wilhelm Scream, Wilhelm Scream, Wilhelm Scream, Wilhelm Scream, aaaaaaaaan Wilhelm Scream.
Fundraising sites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo have made a strong impact on the ability of artists to release music. Do you think this approach is a trend, or will it continue to shape how artists produce their material?
There are two sides to that coin. Artists trying to connect directly with their audience and working together with them to subvert the evil labels they have been scorned by is cool, bands taking advantage of eager fans for profit is not cool. For a very long time labels/managers/guys in suits had everyone convinced that they were the only way to get things done/become a successful band, and now that power has been taken away from a lot of them and they can't do for bands what they used to be able to do. Bands are learning "Hey, I can make my own merch, hey I can press my own music, hey I can book my own shows, heyIi can get my own name out there". The old school hardcore DIY mentality has spread into every type of independent band and, like most things in life, it has its pros and cons. As much as it gives power to honest bands trying to live life as a band, it gives equal power to scummy dudes in "bands" who need money. I don't think its going anywhere, but I hope some people wise up about where their money goes
