How long have you been with Live in Limbo and what do you do for the site?
It feels like forever, but I think it’s 2-3 years.
What were your three favourite albums of 2015?
- Sufjan Stevens –Carrie & Lowell
So many great albums came out in 2015, but one really stood out for me, Sufjan Steven’s Carrie & Lowell. Introspective and emotionally raw, captivating and intimate, sung beautifully over sparse arrangements, and although the album can be a hard listen for some, there is some peace and resolution. For Stevens, even in the midst of confusion, frustration, heartache, suffering, death and grief, something as beautiful as this album can be wrought. - Leon Bridges – Coming Home
There has been much discussion on the internet about Leon Bridges revival of retro soul music and whether “Coming Home” was a “manufactured” success story. I loved this album the first time I heard it and yes there is some validity to it being a revival of that soul music that came out in the 1960s. However, I would also like to think that it is much more then just a homage from that era but opening up a dialogue about Leon Bridges the person, and African-American culture and music. - Courtney Barnett – Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit
The Melbourne singer-songwriter seemed to come out of nowhere into the spotlight this year in part due to her infectious folk-rock, storytelling ramblings on this year’s “Sometimes …”. Not particularly one for spoken word vocals/singing but when Courtney croons over with a knack for wittiness, details, and narrative, one stops to take a listen.
What was the most underrated album of 2015?
Speedy Ortiz – Foil Deer
There has been a lot of talk about women and music this year it seems and it’s great that Sadie Dupuis is a crusader of sort for that movement. A humble musician, in her own right and Foil Deer is a great follow-up to their debut, Major Arcana.
What were your three favourite songs of 2015?
1. Sufjan Stevens – Forth of July
A quiet song about a conversation between Sufjan and his mother, Carrie. A song about those who leave us, forgiveness and moving on. Something as simple as this, can be so moving in so many ways.
2. Nathaniel Rateliff and the Nightsweats – S.O.B.
Not one for popular music, but I heard this one way before it caught on, and one of the most catchy songs of this year.
3. Natalie Prass – It is you
Although the album version has its own whimsical and broadway kind of sound, the spare down live version is more immediate and touching.
How many concerts and/or festivals did you go to in 2015?
No clue … a lot.
What were your three favourite concerts of the year?
1. No Doubt @ Riotfest, Chicago and The Chemical Brothers, Northcoast Muisc Festival
Never thought I see No Doubt, fronted by the ageless Gwen Stefani, but they live up to their 90s greatness. Nothing like seeing Dj legends, The Chemical Brothers, live at least once.
2. Royal Blood @ Tattoo Rock Parlour
First time seeing these UK lads to a very sold out crowd at Tattoo, and they put on a stellar live show.
3. Punch Brothers @ TURF 2015, and Horseshoe Tavern
Finally, finally catching the bluegrass quartet this year, and it was every minute was great!
Memorable mentions: Florence and the Machines, Gregory Alan Isakov, Natalie Prass, Lera Lynn, Die Antwoord, Damien Rice, Angel Olsen, The Flaming Lips, The Avett Brothers
What was your favourite festival of the year?
TURF 2015, another great year, and stellar line-up.
Who was your favourite festival headliner?
No Doubt, second, The Chemical Brothers
Which artist or band won 2015?
Speedy Ortiz
What/who was the biggest musical disappointment for you?
Macklemore and Ryan Lewis
In your opinion, what was the biggest music story?
The Paris terrorist attacks specifically the news at Bataclan Theatre where The Eagles of Death Metal we’re playing when the attacks happen. 89 concerts goers lost their lives that night, this really hit home as a music fan and goer particularly, but doesn’t remove the fact of the senseless extremist violence in all parts of the world.
What was your favourite new musical discovery of 2015?
Caroline Rose, Lera Lynn, Natalie Prass, Abi Reimond, TOPS, Betty and Oswald, Speedy Ortiz, Hop Along, Deafheaven, Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats
Who should we be looking out for in 2016?
Radiohead, Bloc Party, M83, LCD Soundsystem, The Lumineers
Who do you hope goes on tour next year?
Radiohead
Who’s going to be headlining (or at least playing) all the 2016 festivals?
Cats out the bag (hint: Coachella) …. G n R, LCD Soundsystem, Red Hot Chili Peppers
Is there anything else you want to say about 2015 or predict about 2016?
Nudda.
