I mess around with making music. I’m proud-ish of the progress I’ve made, but let’s be honest: My day job is pretty safe.
On the other hand, I am fortunate to have a fistful o’ friends who are very talented and motivated enough to finish and release their work. So, I thought I’d give them a little shout-out here.
Stuart
Uncertainty, then Finalty is Stuart’s first album. It’s a single piece, a reverb-drenched soundscape that takes its time unfolding. I hesitate to use the term “shoegaze” but…wait, no I don’t. The influence is all over this album. Best played in the dark.
https://stuartchilton.bandcamp.com/album/uncertainty-then-finality
Matt (Larvae)
Matt’s been making music for ages and, letting my bias here show, I own ’em all. I’ve heard his work described as “Intelligent EBM” which is both weirdly specific and oddly accurate. The new record may be my favorite, but I love the video for “Exit Strategy” so there ya go.
https://theonetruelarvae.bandcamp.com/
Keith (Tanith and much, much more)
Keith’s a pro. I’ve known him since grade school but kinda lost touch. I’ve tried to keep up on social but he’s a prolific dude. This project, Tanith, has very Sabbath/Hawkwind early seventies heavy rock vibes that I really dig.
https://www.keithrobinsonondrums.com/thestory
Jim (Jim/John Make Noise)
Jim is the best. If it’s creative, Jim can do it. He’s sort of David Byrne but with a better suitmaker.
Tony (Deserts of Mars)
Tony’s a dude I met fairly recently. He’s the most unrelentingly positive guy around, and that’s a rare thing these days. His band, Deserts of Mars, makes…desert rock? That’s a thing. I just looked it up, and that’s very much a thing. Big Kyuss vibes here.
https://desertsofmars.bandcamp.com/
Blade (Griefloss)
Blade’s another fucking awesome dude. Never met him in person, but we worked on a doomed (work) project together for too long. His taste in music is absolutely not mine, but he’s very, very good at what he does.
https://griefloss.bandcamp.com/album/griefloss
I’m very sorry for any omissions. This was kind of a spur of the moment thing I came up with listening to Stuart’s new record. Anyway, support your friends, support artists, and enjoy what these folks have made (I’m pretty sure the majority were working day jobs at the time as well). I’m impressed with anyone who actually makes things, and doubly so of those who make stuff this good (and all of them are that).