Last Friday, we launched the first part of our Auld Lang Syne feature, where we compile year-end responses from some of our favorite artists and music industry personnel featured in Relix this year. This week, we offer responses from several artists for whom 2011 was a breakout year, such as Mark Pontius of Foster the People, who graced the stage on Saturday Night Live as well as Martin Courtney of Real Estate, whose band has recently become the most buzzed about act on indie rock scene. We also turn to some old friends, including Keller Williams, Eric Krasno and Dead scribe Dennis McNally for their take on the past 12 months.
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KELLER WILLIAMS
What will you remember most about 2011?
I played Northwest String Summit with the Keels on the Friday night. There were tons of super fun sit-ins with all the Yonder guys as well as Darol Anger, Danny Barnes and Drew Emmitt. Then I played the Gathering of the Vibes on Sunday with Reed Mathis, Steve Kimock, Bill Kreutzmann and Mickey Hart. That weekend stands out to me as a good one.
What album or albums received the most play?
Pat Metheny Bright Sized Life. Kaki King Everybody Loves You. Skrillex “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites,” Fela Kuti with Ginger Baker, Pimps of Joy Time High Steppin, Del McCoury top tracks and the acid jazz channel, both on Rhapsody.
What was the best musical discovery you made in 2011?
White Denim. The Stumble Bum Brass Band. Fiona Apple with Chris Thile doing Fast As You Can on YouTube. Jeff Tweedy covering Black Eyed Peas.
What was your favorite show or tour of 2011?
Hanging with Robert Greer and the Town Mountain boys at Jeff Crosby’s house party while Jeff’s band ripped it up in his living room after that beautiful lightning-infested festival held somewhere in the Idaho plains. Good times.
What musicians should readers look out for in 2012?
Ronnie McCoury, Rob McCoury, Allen Bartrum and Jason Carter.
Are there any musicians you would like to collaborate with in 2012?
Trey Anastasio, Mike Doughty, Todd Snider, Victor Wooten, Sam Grisman, Danny Barnes, Fiona Apple, Ben Folds, Reed Mathis, Bill and Mickey, Sikiru Adepoju, Carter Beauford
How do you plan to ring in the New Year?
The same way I did last year – surrounded by my friends Larry and Jenny Keel, Marc D and Jay Starling. A band we call “ifnyauntu”. We had so much fun last year, it seemed ripe to let it rip again.
Do you have any New Year’s resolutions?
Same one I have every year. To quit smoking while walking. One year it will stick. I just know it.
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STUART BOGIE (SUPERHUMAN HAPPINESS, ANTIBALAS AND IRON & WINE)
What will you remember most about 2011?
I think and hope the Occupy Wall Street movement will continue to grow and progress, making this the first of many years we look back on as a touchstone. I also imagine I will look back and remember something simple and beautiful that I am now taking for granted but will later be gone.
What album or albums received the most play?
Beyondo: Free The Twin is an amazing record I listen to obsessively. I also really enjoyed Yellowbirds, Bon Iver and Little Dragons latest will be full on in the rotation once I pick it up this week (gotta get the vinyl). Last but not least I have been swimming in the music of Arthur Russell. We are working on a soundtrack currently that features many of his tracks.
What was your favorite show or tour in 2011?
My favorite shows are with my friends in Superhuman Happiness at Zebulon, in Brooklyn. It’s almost like a house party it feels so good.
What emerging band should readers watch out for in 2012?
Shameless self-promotion alert: Superhuman Happiness, the resurrection of Antibalas, and our good friends Live Footage will blow your mind! And if you haven’t heard Rubblebucket, Cloud Becomes a Hand, and Wild Belle you are missing the bus, dude.
What’s your New Year’s resolution for 2012?
I want to spend more time being creative and stop being a tight ass all the time. Love first, ask questions later. That and push-ups. More push-ups please, Bogie.
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