What a yr. Amidst a lot loss and heartbreak, music affords each reflection and respite from a world on fireplace. I’m as grateful for artists like Jesse Ahern, who commit their careers to singing songs with a message, as I’m for many who make us dance and overlook. We honor each right here at SPIN.
Extra from Spin:
- Chad Tepper Makes ‘Money’ with Smash Mouth
- 5 Albums I Can’t Live Without: Jesse Ahern
- Working Class Hero: Jesse Ahern Honors the Tradition on Roots Rock Rebel
This yr we’ve strived tougher to carry in nice writers and unbelievable tales that honor the legacy of journalism, irreverence, and discovery that SPIN was constructed on. I might argue that there’s by no means been a extra important time to pursue a profession in media – or the humanities. As I stated in my September essay “Who We Are, What We’re About,” if I can’t be a part of the answer, I don’t wish to be right here. I positively really feel like I’m a part of the answer at SPIN.
From attempting to study Norwegian (to speak to the ethereal musician Juni Habel) to crying over Sinead, listed below are a few of my most memorable moments of 2023.
January
Began the yr off with my annual open letter petitioning for Tori Amos’ induction into the Rock and Roll Corridor of Fame. That is my third letter, following 2020’s demand for the Go-Go’s and 2022’s for Sinead O’Connor. As I level out in this letter for Tori, these artists gained’t endure with out the induction, however their recognition honors not solely their music, however all they symbolize.
I additionally talk about how necessary it’s to honor nice artists whereas they’re alive, one thing I wrote about more in-depth in August, after Sinead died.
I spent about an hour speaking in regards to the profound magic of Tori Amos on the Rock in Retrospect podcast. Have a listen here.
February
I launched a brand new sequence in February known as The Why & The How – deep dive interviews into the songs that outline us – with none aside from Chuck D on “Fight the Power.” From Bush to Bananarama, these are a few of my favourite interviews of the yr.
March
In March, whereas on their Boston dwelling turf, I received to see a Dropkick Murphys mini-concert for his or her charity, The Claddagh Fund, a nonprofit whose mission is to “assist organizations that assist veterans, youngsters, and habit restoration.” Other than being one of many very best reside bands on the street as of late, this was undoubtedly the feel-good occasion of the yr, combining an ideal trigger with a kick-ass present. Check out my feature.
April
By the point I’d accomplished Mod Sun’s April cover story, I’d interviewed him 4 instances: early 2022 for his 5 Albums I Can’t Live Without characteristic, summer season of 2022 for his A Day in the Life characteristic, after which twice for his cowl story. I like all the things about Mod: his music, his message, his ardour for artwork and life. This course of was such a pleasure, proper right down to the unimaginable images taken by legendary rock photographer Jesse Frohman, who you would possibly know from these well-known Kurt Cobain photographs in the white sun shades. I believe Mod’s cowl is iconic, too.
August
Within the midst of SPIN’s month-long Hip Hop 50 protection, I did one of many most-fun interviews of my profession: Chad Tepper’s canine. You must learn it to imagine it: Chad Tepper Wasn’t Available, So We Interviewed His Dog Instead. (Thanks, Boy!)
September
My Baby Gravy cover story included my first time talking with Yung Gravy, my third with bbno$. SPIN Inventive Director Danny Klein was on the helm of – arms down – one of the crucial unimaginable editorial shoots with two of probably the most vibrant artists. Thanks, Shane Smith, to your unimaginable images (he additionally shot the Killer Mike cover).
October
October was an enormous month, beginning off with my Dogstar cover story, after which adopted by catch-up interviews with outdated buddies Robert Finley and Dicky Barrett and their unbelievable new tasks.
Additionally in October, AXSTV launched a multi-part sequence SPIN’s 100 GREATEST ROCKSTARS, a brought-to-TV model of our common 2021 characteristic “100 Greatest Rockstars Since That Was A Thing.” If you happen to missed it, head over to AXS.TV to see me (and so many others) honor the artists all of us love.
December
Only a gigantic thanks to everybody who made my 5 Albums I Can’t Live Without sequence so successful once more this yr. I began this in 2021 as a approach for a group of artists to honor the music and musicians they love most. There’s a lot coronary heart in it. Thanks, thanks, thanks.
Try final yr’s roundup: Pretty Good Year: My Top Stories of 2022.
To see our working record of the highest 100 best rock stars of all time, click here.
