We’ve asked bands/artists to share with us their highs and lows of 2016 and what they hope the New Year will bring to them. Here’s the year in review with Andy Szetho of Storm The Sky.
On a scale of 1-10, how has 2016 been for you?
Let’s go with a 7/10. It hasn’t been the best year ever, but it also hasn’t been a horrible year.
Have you learned any life lessons this year?
This year I moved out of home for the first time, so if we’re talking about things like cooking, doing my own dishes, and doing the laundry, then I’d say I have learned a lot in that respect haha. But other than that, one of the most important things I learned this year was to block out external expectations and influence, and feel comfortable in doing my own thing, which really helped with my creative output. Especially when writing Sin Will Find You, I felt as though I’d broken free from the chains that were holding me back from playing my guitar the way I want to, and the way that feels natural for me.
What was the highlight of 2016 for you?
It’s really hard to pick just one. Playing the Enmore Theatre in Sydney with The Used would have to be up there. It’s such a beautiful venue and we were playing to a couple of thousand people so that was pretty insane. Another highlight for me was seeing The Cure with a couple of my best mates. They performed a huge 3 hour set, covering almost everything I hoped they would play, it was so inspiring. But my top highlight of 2016 would have to be releasing our 2nd album Sin Will Find You. I remember we were in the middle of a press tour and staying at our friend’s house in Sydney the night before release day, and it honestly felt like Christmas Eve but 10 times more exciting. It’s very hard to describe the feeling in words.
Any low points for you?
The only major low point I can think of for me personally was the passing of my beautiful Grandmother, who also happened to have played a big part in my musical upbringing. Other than that, it has been a pretty positive year!
What was the most overhyped thing of 2016?
The most overhyped thing of 2016 was anything UFC related. Oh and also the whole Harambe thing. I mean the incident itself was tragic, but the meme/internet hype that ensued was nauseating.
Worst of 2016?
The US Election. It’s extremely sad and concerning that someone who perpetuates such racist, sexist, xenophobic and essentially hateful dribble has been elected into a position of power and influence.
Best of 2016?
Kate Bush releasing Before The Dawn, a live album recorded during her 2014 run of shows, which saw her returning to the stage for the first time in 35 years. So amazing! Fingers crossed this leads to her permanent return to the stage.
Best albums of the 2016?
Lust For Youth’s Compassion was probably my most played album this year, but I also really enjoyed Balance & Composure’s Light We Made, Black Marble’s It’s Immaterial, and also the new Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds record Skeleton Tree. There were lots of others, but these were obvious standouts for me.
Worst albums of the 2016?
Hmmm that’s a hard one because if I don’t like something I generally won’t listen to it. I’m sure there were worse albums this year, but judging by my brief listen of the new Red Hot Chili Peppers record, it would have to take the cake for me. It just sounded uninspired and recycled. Remember that music is also subjective and it’s probably someone else’s favourite album of 2016 haha.
Any new year’s resolution for 2017?
My New Years resolution for 2017 is to focus less on anticipation, and to focus more on stepping outside of my comfort zone and just doing things without overthinking them.
Sin Will Find You is out now on UNFD.