FEATURES

Best of Music 2015 Staff Picks – Dawn Hamilton

How long have you been with Live in Limbo and what do you do for the site? 

A little under a year since February 2015 and I am a photographer with Live In Limbo

What were your three favourite albums of 2015?

1. Artist “Foo Fighters” Album Title (EP) “Saint Celia”

Due to the fact they made this a free download for the fans as a sign of gratitude and then later dedicated the EP to the victims of the Paris attacks this is my number one choice. 

2. Artist “Halestorm” – Album Title “Into The Wild Life” 

Lzzy Hale has an incredible voice.  There wasn’t one song on the album that I didn’t love which is rare.

3. Artist “Adele”  – Album Title “25” 

I do not think anyone would be disappointed with this album.  If you are a fan of Adele you will like it. 

What was the most underrated album of 2015?

Artist “Halestorm” – Album Title “Into The Wild Life”

I loved this album from start to finish.  There is not one song on this CD that I skip over.  I can’t wait to see what is in store for this band in the next year.

What were your three favourite songs of 2015?

1. Artist “Halestorm”  – “I Am The Fire”

This song has a great self empowerment message, which sometimes we need to be reminded of. 

2. Artist “Adele” – “Hello”

The heartfelt song that probably can relate to just about anyone.  I am pretty sure we have all been in the situation she is singing about.

3. Walk the Moon – “Shut Up and Dance”

I loved this song because sometimes you just need a fun song with no hidden meanings.  This song always manages to put me in a great mood. 

How many concerts and/or festivals did you go to in 2015?

113+

What were your three favourite concerts of the year?

1. Artist “Halestorm” @ General Motors Centre Nov 5

They were the opening act and commanded attention on stage which they received.  Lzzy Hale sang without fault and Arejay Hale on drums is always a treat to see. Arejay is a true animal behind the kit.

2. Artist “Steel Panther” @ Sound Academy, May 22

Steel Panther is just a fun band.  With their crude lyrics and tasteless comments you just have to laugh.  The crowd ate them up from the word go.  They make fun of themselves and the crowd which is always great. 

3.  Artist “The Lazy’s”  @ The Horseshoe, Nov 20

I had never heard of this band before this show and loved their energy and stage presence.  Just good old rock music.  Saw them 2 nights later and once again they didn’t disappoint.  They sell themselves with commitment every night they hit the stage.

With special mention to New Polictics. This concert was great.  Once again great stage presence. They sold themselves and then some. I was pleasantly surprised due to the fact I had never seen them before. 

What was your favourite festival of the year?

Big Music Festival

Who was your favourite festival headliner?

Sound Garden

Which artist or band won 2015?

Adele

What/who was the biggest musical disappointment for you?

AWOL Nation

In your opinion, what was the biggest music story?

Adele

What was your favourite new musical discovery of 2015?

The Lazy’s

Who should we be looking out for in 2016?

The Lazy’s I see great things in store for this band and when they come back to Canada I have a strong feeling they won’t be playing in bars.

Who do you hope goes on tour next year?

Thirty Seconds to Mars

Who’s going to be headlining (or at least playing) all the 2016 festivals?

The Weeknd/Monster Truck

Is there anything else you want to say about 2015 or predict about 2016?

Just looking forward to see who is going to be coming out of the woodworks next, such great talent out there.  I have a couple more bands I am keeping a close watch on. 

About author

Concert Photographer at Live In Limbo. Started concert photography due to the fact that I love music but do not have a musical note in my body, so this is the next best thing as far as I am concerned. I love the energy rush you get coming off the stage from the performers. I am a hardcore animal fanatic and will go out of my way to help them. My nickname is Miniwheats which was given to me years ago and most people do not know my real name. Twitter @minismemories