Rich Loren Balling (Handmade Birds)
1. What are your top five albums that were released in 2014? (In order 1-5)
- Marissa Nadler - July
- Alcest - Shelter
- Emma Ruth Rundle - Some Heavy Ocean
- Under the Skin Soundtrack
- Dean Blunt - Black Metal
- Pallbearer - Foundations of Burden
2. What band did you discover in 2014 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
Late in the year I discovered the band Believer/Law on Chondritic Sound as well as the Dean Blunt - Black Metal record. Both inspired a renewed perspective on how to approach recording music.
3. How will you remember 2014? (In terms of music)
I will remember 2014 as the year that renewed my faith in artists pushing envelopes. For too long it seems art across the board has become so deeply postmodern that everything is overtly homage or a straight-up remake of something that came before. Influence is one thing, but evidence of truly unique thought in more than a handful of artists was becoming absent in my life, but that was renewed this year.
4. What can we look forward to from you in 2015?
My primary band, Pyramids, has a new album coming out on Profound Lore, and as far as Handmade Birds goes, releases from Ramleh, Weeping Rat, and the expansion of our Handmade Beats series with releases from Helena Hauff, Soren Roi, and a Vatican Shadow/Cut Hands split.
5. What records are you looking forward to most in 2015?
My mind is blank. Hopefully something new comes along from Josh T. Pearson, My Dying Bride, any of my favorites...I am excited for the upcoming Prurient release on Profound Lore...
6. What trend will you forever associate with 2014 in music?
Everyone's sudden interest in Skinny Puppy.
