How to start with a year like 2020? It has been a year truly like no other. Instead of focusing on the dreary parts that we are all too familiar with, I am going to focus on what may have been one of the only constants: music and the many newfound releases that have sprung forth this year.
Strangely enough, despite the looming threats of venues shutting down and live shows being postponed and cancelled, music still flourished and many musicians found inspiration. I dwelled my time upon discovering more music, largely thanks to social media; also, naturally being friends with musicians is going to lead to discoveries as well, which creates a cycle of more music being discovered, and the journey never ends.
The middle of March is where it begins. Schools had just been booted to online classes, and governments were ineffectively attempting to console their nations, while our lives were changed completely and seemingly overnight. At this time, I had discovered several new songs, and one may say you cannot properly judge a band off a song, but when that is all their material, sometimes you don’t have a choice.
The first of these songs was Keylock’s “Shine on Me.” Coincidentally enough, I had met the band through the wires of Instagram right around the release of the music video for this song. It was a quick infatuation in which I discovered their two songs with “Shine” being the most recent release. Looking back, “Shine on Me” is one of those songs that is simply GOOD. I would think it was partly due to needing something to fill the void that March’s quarantine had brought on, but it was a perfect time to discover a new band. “Shine on Me” is a gospel-inspired good old rock ‘n’ roll song that is a wonderful contrast to the band’s debut single of “Coming Home.” Whereas the seven-and-a-half minute debut is more of a ballad with a strong middle jam section, “Shine on Me” is certainly more radio-friendly and shows a more concise impression of the band. Keylock started the year strong with this release and a slot at the Winter’s End Festival back in March, but the band remains strong and it will be exciting to see what the new year will bring.
More songs that filled the void include material from longer releases. London-based band Flare Voyant was originally going to release their third EP earlier in the year, but Elusive Times had to be postponed until early November. And what a title to describe not only life but this year in particular. Each of the four tracks - “Elusive Times”, “Nimby”, “Paul’s Funky Cab”, and “Hermitage” - have formed a release that is the band’s strongest material. Taking inspiration from the world around them in the sources of London cabs that had famous passengers throughout the 1970s and using frustrations and spiritual approaches alike as a muse, it makes for a great release. I had had the chance to hear the EP earlier this year, much before our lives got shifted, but hearing it again only cemented the thought that this is a great band. 2021 is unknown, but since the EP was released so recently, I believe all one needs to do is listen to it and let the future music be a mystery on the clouds until whenever the next release occurs.
And some musicians took their music in a different approach, choosing to use the pandemic as an inspiration in several ways whether it was simply to find more time to write and create, or using these times as a muse (looking at you, Van Morrison!).
Dom Clark was one of these musicians who chose to spend his time recording more songs. One of these is what I would dare say is practically an anthem for that time and space that went by the names of March through July - and arguably even to this day. “Castaway” is a song that was originally released with the Dom Clark Trio as a full band arrangement, but the later released solo version is where it shines in another light. The classic tale of a castaway who is stranded was, perhaps, released as a coincidence considering its release in April. Dom Clark released a few more songs throughout the year, with the most recent being “Old Town Bells.” 2021 for Dom Clark is already lined up with some more songs, but I would think they, like everything else he has released, will be amazing, though it would be interesting to hear what an album would be like …
Which brings me to reflect on 2020. Of course, there are more songs I have discovered and enjoyed throughout the year and many releases that are just floating their way through the atmosphere as the year finishes up, but these are only a few highlights of what I have been listening to. I am certain that there are more songs that stand out in my mind, but I limited it to those that crept their way to the front of my thoughts. And I just know there are songs that made their way past me, but it goes to show that discovering new music is always a nice thing. Such discoveries are something that you cannot reach the end of, as it is an ongoing art. And art never ends.
So, despite a gloomy year for the music industry, many musicians still found the strength to carry on and release some joy for the year. Thank a musician for their work, and support them - whether it is by word-of-mouth or buying their music. It certainly means a lot, especially now more than ever. Please support your favorites musicians, as it means something that is difficult to capture into words but their appreciation will soar.
2021 will be a year of even more music. What music there will be is a guess at the moment, so we shall wait with excitement until that time comes.
Keylock - "Shine on Me"
Music video
Stream the song here:
Flare Voyant - Elusive Times
Here the EP here:
Bandcamp
Spotify
Dom Clark - "Castaway"
Stream the song here:
Dom Clark Trio (original) version:
Dom Clark solo version: