Reply To: Best Music of 2024

December 29, 2024 at 1:40 pm

Chris Huber

HMFIC

Local Scene: Austin, TX

Rank: Flurry

Points: 22660

Here are some of my favorite music releases, concerts, and experiences as a music writer in 2024.

MUSIC RELEASES

Abby Webster – Livin’ by the Water

I found this album randomly this fall, and I can’t stop listening to it. Abby Webster is a songwriter from Montana who writes mountain country/folk music that is deeply intertwined with nature, soaked in beer and self-reflection. Take Livin’ by the Water with you on a kayak ride down the river, or bring it to the backyard bonfire with friends, and just let it play. You’ll see what I mean. It’s facking good songwriting.

After I wrote a review of this album, I discovered that Abby’s guitarist, Bo Stephensen, went to CofC at the same time as me. This band I’d never met or seen live before really liked what I had to say about their album, and decided to look me up and reach out. So this whole writing thing isn’t a total waste of time y’all. Sometimes you get to make new friends.

MJ Lenderman – Manning Fireworks

Yeah, I’m another music writer who picked Manning Fireworks as one of my favorite albums of the year. If you’ve read any other music blog you’ve already heard enough about this record. Yes, it’s very good indie rock music that deeply connects with the modern cultural zeitgeist. If you want to hear more of my thoughts about this record, check out my album review from September.

Kendrick Lamar – “Not Like Us”

The Kendrick Lamar and Drake beef got me hooked on hip-hop in a way that I hadn’t been since Lil Wayne released No Ceilings. The first time I heard “Not Like Us” my reaction was holy shit. Then when he did the show in Los Angeles and performed it five times in a row, including with Dr. Dre followed by an entire cast of different hip-hop factions, was even more epic. “Not Like Us” deserves all the praise it’s gotten, in my opinion. His album was good too, but this was probably the peak music industry moment of the year for me.

Mk.Gee – Two Star and the Dream Police

Back in August I had a phone call with Luke Mitchell of the High Divers for an interview that never came out, because Hurricane Helene canceled their anniversary show at Lo-Fi. During that call he told me to check out “Are You Looking Up” by Mk.Gee, from the Two Star and the Dream Police album. The way that Mk.Gee plays the guitar is super unique, his tone is way off in the distance. People are going to copy this sound and he’s gonna be the next Mac DeMarco where every band tries to sound like Mk.Gee for the next five years. You heard it here first.

Jerry Garcia Band – GarciaLive Volume 21 (02/13/76)

This JGB show is one of the chillest I have ever heard. While recorded in 1976, it was released in June and it’s been the soundtrack to my afternoons and late nights ever since. Especially “The Harder They Come”. The buildup to Jerry’s solo near the end is supremely chill, yet also energizing and inspiring. It exemplifies everything I love about Jerry.

Brave Baby – 3x blood

Brave Baby was one of the bands that first hooked me on the Charleston music scene back in 2016. Their new album features everything I’ve always loved about them, silky smooth and groovy rock music, but with a more mature and calculated approach. It makes sense, considering it’s been 9 years since their previous album, Electric Friends was released.

They also recorded several music videos at Lo-Fi with Persona La Ave back in the Spring. Chris Gardner and I had the chance to be there while they filmed the “Little Buzz On” video, and hear some of these songs before they were released. That was a cool experience.

Live Music

Phish Mondegreen

Traveling to Delaware for Phish’s Mondegreen festival this summer was definitely my live music highlight of the year. I took an Amtrak to meet one of my best pals from high school and we camped in a tent for five days, four of which featured Phish concerts. It was an inspirational experience I won’t soon forget.

SXSW

I had such a powerful experience at SXSW back in March that I decided to move to Austin. Spent seven days wandering around the city taking in the sights and sounds, and inspired me to broaden my horizons and take a shot at doing something more with this brand. So, here I am in Austin, getting ready for my first New Years Eve celebration in town.

Rage & Wu-Tang Tribute at Music Farm

This was an Extra Chill Presents show that I had the pleasure of organizing at the Music Farm with all local artists. Not only did we sell over 400 tickets, but we also secured a bonus payout for each artist through Willie Nelson’s “On The Road Again” fund with Live Nation (yeah, they actually do something good!). John and Kevin from Little Stranger also showed up and hopped on stage for the encore. Overall this was the most successful, legit Extra Chill event of all time (so far).

Wilco in Austin

Wilco’s Winterlude is something that I’ve wanted to attend ever since I first became a Wilco fan. They normally play multiple nights at the Chicago theater, but this time they took it on the road and did three nights with no repeats in Austin. It was a really cathartic experience and I’m very grateful that I got to be there.

Zack Mexico at Charleston Pour House Deck Stage

This January show was Zack Mexico’s long-awaited Charleston Pour House debut. Frontman John Saturley ended up crawling around on the floor in front of the stage, and I think he even went under the stage a little. Brett Nash joined them too. Next time they need to play on the main stage.

MEMORIES

High Water Fest Shenanigans

High Water 2024 was kind of a mess, and I got to flex my music journalist muscles when I reviewed it. I spent a lot of time on this article and it was very well-received and I am proud of it. I also liked having my Noah Kahan review get passed around and thus becoming the most controversial man in the media tent. It was also awesome to see my longtime friends and collaborators, Babe Club, on the stage.

Interviews I Liked

Not only did I interview a lot of up-and-coming artists, but I also spoke with some bigger names, including:

My favorite interviews with less famous people:

Recording with Erode the Dream

@badjonphoto invited me to Big Animal while Erode the Dream were recording. I ended up playing sleigh bells on their single “Becoming Ghosts”. That was my first credit on a recording and it was a cool thing to be a part of. I can now proudly say that I own a vinyl record that I performed on.

Launching the Extra Chill Community

I built this website in February 2024 and I really enjoy writing on it. Feels more casual and less pressured than the professionalism of the main blog. I can say whatever I want in the forum and it feels acceptable. Some other people seem to like it too, so thanks to y’all for joining!