2024 in review: ‘Shut Up and Listen’ panel revisits local music’s best

For the last few years I’ve wrapped up the year in local music with virtual panel discussions gathering knowledgeable local music folks to talk about what they saw and heard. This year, in collaboration with the “Shut Up and Listen” Podcast, we were able to make the leap to an in-person discussion. We also took comments from Instagram to spark conversation. 

Here are some of the highlights of that discussion, edited for space and clarity. If you’re interested in what these folks have to say, the whole podcast will be worth your time. 

Panelists: Myself, Chris Evans aka CHRVNS (rapper, podcast host, event host), Mike Nardone (DJ at KZAX and elsewhere), Jenny Hagemann (communications director, Downtown Bellingham Partnership), Athena DeWitt (event manager at Make.Shift Art Space) and Cory Blackwood (owner of Ritual Records and occasional DJ)

Did you have a favorite local album of the year?

CE: I do want to give a big shout out to pantsuitguy, the “Balcony” EP that was phenomenal. As well as my boy, Rhetorician, just dropped “Imprinted Rhythms.” He wrote a murder mystery for the release party and that was absolutely insane.

AD: I’m hoping it’s not recency bias, but that new Duos EP that came out, the way they blend their influences is really surreal and they’re super fun live, so I’m really excited to see what they do this next year.

CB: I’ve been a fan of Dryland for a long time. “Weekend in the Swamp,” really fun album. I got to have them play in my store this year. (Note: This came out in 2023, but let’s count it anyway.)

Instagram comment: Energy Pyramid

JS: I think we were all hesitant to say that because we all thought everyone else would say that. Is it fair to say they were one of the phenomenons of the year?

Everyone: Yes

Favorite live shows of the year?

CB: Cat Valley. They’re always so much fun. They’re lovely people, their show is just energetic and wild and accessible in a good way and I’ve seen them a number of times and I always think they’re just fun as hell.  Lipstitch is another one where every time I see them, there’s just so much fun, and I’m really into that right now. Like, we need some fun in music.

AD: Mine’s a little self-indulgent, because it’s the one show I put together this year: Yellow, Sceneric, Nine of Swords, and Pyrocene at Make.Shift. Any show Pyrocene is at is a banger. 

JH: I have to take a chance to shout out Downtown Sounds. Soul Rebels was one of my favorite live experiences of the year. 

CE: That was one of my favorite days ever! (Note: He opened that show.)

MN: How about AJ Suede at After Sounds?

CE: That was fire! Him and BlkSknn back to back? You wanted bars, that was the show to be at. 

Instagram Comment: The Hobby 2.0

JS: I haven’t seen it yet but The Hobby have reinvented themselves using backing tracks?

AD: It’s great, really cool. 

What are some trends you see in the local scene?

CE: People having videos for every song. I love that, giving a visual piece to every single thing they’re making. 

CB: I think we saw some of that with what Bellingham Exit was trying to curate, making a whole scene around the show, which was really fun.

MN: I think the music should stand on its own, I don’t think you need all the frills.  

JH: There’s an appetite for earlier shows.

CE: If I can be in bed by midnight…!

AD: Younger crowds show up so obscenely on time. We were doing the Halloween show and people were showing up at 7:15. Doors are at 8! 

CB: I’m into it. 

Instagram Comment: The house show and all-ages enthusiasm levels are off the charts right now. 

AD: People are ready to go out. 

CE: But also, it’s not just about partying, it’s seeing and enjoying live music. 

JH: I love multigenerational shows, and I have to give a shout out to Odd Fellows and what they’ve built there. A table next to us was a couple in their 80s and the next couple was in their 50s and the next was in their 30s, and they were taking their grandparents out to a jazz show for their engagement party. Music can connect people.  

JH: The number of bars and restaurants who’ve been willing to take a chance on booking a band has increased. 

AD: Clown makeup. Full white-faced clown makeup.

CB: More punk bands, often with female singers, getting really personal with lyrics. 

JH: Being brave enough to get personal is important.

Things you’d like to see more of?

CB: If you’re the opening band, hang out and watch the last band. If you’re the last band, get there early for the opening band. 

AD: Audience members, stay at shows for longer. Don’t leave after your friends perform!

CE: You bought a ticket, enjoy the show!

JS: My feeling is there are bands out there that would like to play more, there are venues that have empty nights, there are audiences that are out there looking for something fun to do.

There is a void of people who can really do the booking, promoting, connection part of that.

Jesse Stanton's music column, The Beat Goes On, appears weekly. Reach him at jsbhammusic@gmail.com; @JSBhamMusic. Check with individual venues to make sure events are still taking place as scheduled. Live music events in Whatcom County: http://www.cascadiadaily.com/category/living/arts-and-entertainment/music/music-calendar