Everyday we will be posting a year end survey submitted by team members, they appear unedited with contributors told to interpret questions how ever they see fit. -Dakota, Music Editor
How long have you been with Live in Limbo and what do you do for the site?
This is my third year going on fourth. I am the film editor of the site, and I dabble in a variety of ways.
What were your three favourite albums of 2016?
1. David Bowie-Blackstar
2. Frank Ocean-Blonde
3. Avalanches-Wildflower
What was the most underrated album of 2016?
Avalanches-Wildflower
What was your favourite Canadian album of 2016?
Leonard Cohen-You Want it Darker
What were your three favourite songs of 2016?
- ANOHNI-Drone Bomb Me
2. David Bowie-Dollar Days
3. Kanye West-No More Parties in LA
How many concerts and/or festivals did you go to in 2016?
Around 10? Been a slower year since I’m back at school.
What were your three favourite concerts of the year?
Baroness at the Opera House
White Lung at the Velvet Underground
Against Me! at the Phoenix
What was your favourite festival you attended of the year?
Wayhome
What festival had the best lineup (regardless if you attended or not)?
Wayhome. If we can include festivals outside of Ontario, Osheaga had a killer lineup too.
What/who was the biggest musical disappointment (live or album) for you?
I’m not a big Drake fan, but after his last mixtape I was excited for Views (consider me a somewhat convert of his). Views was just awfully boring in the end. I know. The ONE time I was actually excited for a new release of his.
In your opinion, what was the biggest music story?
I gotta go with the musicians who recorded their own death or the death of others in their music: David Bowie, Leonard Cohen and Nick Cave. 2016 was a vulnerable year, and these three veterans braved fatality and stared the grim reaper down, resulting in three of the best albums in their respective catalogues. So yeah, the news stories that broke the news of the deaths involved, and the albums that came with and gave us a personable perspective on these same news stories.
What band did you see live for the first time that really impressed you?
White Lung. Saw them again at Wayhome and they were just as magnetic.
What was your favourite new musical discovery of 2016?
I don’t know if this counts, but I had no idea Solange had that album within her waiting to be heard. Terrific release. In terms of an actual newcomer, Mitski also isn’t entirely a brand new artist, but she has also left a great impression on me this year.
Who were you disappointed to miss seeing live this year?
Radiohead. I know they stayed clear of Toronto, but still.
Who should we be looking out for in 2017?
I can’t use my go-to answers of The Avalanches anymore, because they actually released something. I’ve heard hints that Björk is working on something at the moment, and even though she usually has a lot more time between albums than just two years, I’d like to think that we’ll be seeing her soon in the new year (especially if that means she’ll tour).
Who’s going to be headlining (or at least playing) all the 2017 festivals?
Run the Jewels, Vampire Weekend (they’re putting something out soon, right?), and maybe Kanye when he goes through with that Turbo Grafx 16 album.
What was your favourite review or photo set you did for LiL this year?
My Schoolboy Q and Ghostface Killah photoset. I mean, one of my Schoolboy pics was selected by Randall as being one of the 50 best of the year, and I have no idea how since this site boasts some exceptionally talented photographers. Nonetheless, I felt honoured to be included, and since I wasn’t able to see a lot of shows this year, I have to go with the one that did the best.
Is there anything else you want to say about 2016 or predict about 2017?
2016 is plagued with negative thoughts, deaths and evils, but it’s a reminder to grip onto the good that happened as well. 2017 will likely not be any better: Our idols are getting older, the world is walking on eggshells and nothing is completely calm right now. Let’s remember why we love what we love and go into 2017 with a happiness that was stripped from 2016, even though we can see the darkness ahead.
