To officially put 2015 in the rearview mirror, we asked some of our favorite artists to look back on the past 12 months of music and memories. Click here to read our first collection of reflections.
AL SCHNIER (MOE.)
What will you remember most about 2015?
This was an incredible year for me, personally. So many awesome things for me, my family – love, home, happiness & more. All of things that really matter. Furthermore, it was a great year of celebrating our 25th Anniversary with the moe. famoe.ly. It was an amazing year all around.
Which album or albums have you listened to most this past year?
Probably Jason Isbell’s Something More Than Free. He writes great songs. Southeastern was one of those great albums that hadn’t come around in a while for me. Then he went & did it again.
What was your favorite show of 2015?
Fare Thee Well. Hands down. I still get chills from it. I had so much fun. The band sounded great and everyone there was gushing. The outpouring of love was a great thing to be a part of.
What emerging artists should we watch out for in 2016?
New Mastersounds. I’m not sure it qualifies as “emerging,” but I’d love to see these guys be as big as The Roots some day. They’re a great band with killer hooks and should be on the next Guy Ritchie soundtrack.
Any big plans in the works for 2016?
A new album (or two), Summer Camp, more festivals, rock hard abs 😉
SIMON ALLEN (THE NEW MASTERSOUNDS)
What will you remember most about 2015?
Playing the longest tour of our career so far: 32 dates over 6 weeks across 19 states. This coincided with our getting our own gear for the first time (I now have a lovely Ludwig silver sparkle kit) so we no longer have to rent it or borrow from the opening band.
Which album or albums have you listened to most this past year?
Nina Simone Sings The Blues from 1967
What was your favorite show of 2015?
A trio from Asheville called The Digs opened up for us on the aforementioned tour and their set blew me away.
What emerging artists should we watch out for in 2016?
The Digs!
Any big plans in the works for 2016?
Yes: a live all-analog studio record that we made in Nashville right at the end of the fall tour. It features tunes from across our 17-year career that still feature regularly in our live set and was recorded in front of a small studio audience of superfans. I’m supposed to be writing the sleeve notes for that right now so that the vinyl will be ready in time for Jazzfest. Happy new year and byeee!
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