by Dennis Halfhide-Smith

This is the most excited I, personally have been for music in a long, long time. We’ve seen bands reform, bands breakup and others just start out on their incredible journey. Tours after tours, festivals after festivals…this has undoubtedly been one of the best years for British music in a long, long time.

We started the first quarter of the year with a treat where we were given albums from the likes of Shed Seven, The Vaccines, Green Day, The Reytons, The Snuts, Yard Act, The Libertines and Sum 41…over 200 albums released in total! Talk about starting the year off strong!

…and it went on from there with the second quarter of 2024 giving us Bob Vylan, English Teacher, Pet Shop Boys, The Zutons, Kings Of Leon, Bring Me The Horizon, Twenty One Pilots, Charli XCX, Kneecap, The Mysterines…and so many more, another 250+ in fact… WOW!

The Third quarter was no disappointment either as we heard from Kasabian, Eminem, Jack White, Fontaines DC, Sabrina Carpenter, Wunderhorse, LL Cool J, Blossoms, and Maximo Park… there was a real nostalgic trip down memory lane with some of these iconic greats bringing us brand new music.

To end the year off, we were graced with the fourth and final quarter. We got Jake Bugg, The Smile, Confidence Man, Amyl and the Sniffers, Courteeners, Tyler The Creator, The Cure, Primal Scream, Linkin Park, Ice Cube and so many more – see an absolutely incredible year.

2024 has been an amazing year for the come back kings and the grass roots heroes and nobody can deny that music has taken centre stage throughout the year as we witnessed musicians break the internet whether it was because of an 8-foot Fibre Glass Gorilla, or if it was because of a Brat summer or because the Gallagher brothers made up and announced a world tour….

We saw a major resurgence and saw many bands deciding now was the time to reform which is nothing short of brilliant. This in turn gives opportunity to all the new and upcoming fans and even musicians, giving them something to cling onto and look forward to. Its provided us all with a sense of optimism and hope. Fans who had never previously had the opportunity to see bands such as The Sex Pistols, The Macabees, Oasis, Madonna, Linkin Park, The Cure and others, have now been given this golden opportunity.

This is, of course, not only a huge boost in the music scene, but also the economy at large. Its giving artists and bands the opportunity to play alongside music legends and icons with a chance to showcase what upcoming bands are about and what they have to offer as the new generation.

It perhaps wouldn’t be right if we didn’t mention here those that we’ve lost along the way as well. Whether that be your favourite band breaking up or a musician you’ve loved and cherished who has passed away. Music has a way of providing comfort in these circumstances though doesn’t it and these people will always be remembered and adored by many who’ll undoubtedly stream and play their music for many generations yet to come. They will all rightfully get the title of ‘Legends’ for their musical contributions that will never just go unnoticed. Musicians form legacies and will always be known for giving the world a piece of art to pass on through the years and that is something that can never die.

But on top of all this, and the most exciting part for me, is that the music scene has had a huge spurt of upcoming bands and new talent, either signed to a label or independently, they are bringing fans together to sell out venues, putting their names in lights and producing some of the most groundbreaking material that’s been seen (or heard) for years, for everyone to take in and thoroughly enjoy.

Once upon a time festivals and the more established venues were reserved for those who the promoters knew the names of, but nowadays those venues, stages and tents are all packed and full to the brim, aimed towards the new grass roots bands and that is beyond exciting.

As far as new music is concerned, what a time it is to be alive, to be a witness to and a part of this incredible revolution.

2025 let’s be ‘aving ya! – let’s bring on the noise!!

words by Dennis Halfhide-Smith

THE SONGBIRD HQ – TEAM PICKS

Our team pick their favourite album and gig of 2024

Del – ( @platinummind )
Albums:
Dave Guy – Ruby
The Music Of Sound Remix
Tems – Born In The Wild
Gig: Tom Robinson Band – London

Phil Taylor – (@music_observed)
Albums:
Dolores Forever- It’s Nothing
SPRINTS – Letter Tom Self
Francis Of Delirum – Lighthouse
Gig: SPRINTS + Venus Grrrls – Nottingham

Sarah Stanley (@sarah47831)
Albums:
Liam Gallagher and John Squire – self titled
The Black Keys – Ohio Players
The Cure – Songs Of A Lost World
Gig: Paul McCartney in London

Sally – (@sallyxnewman)
Albums:
The Libertines- All Quiet On The Eastern Esplanade
Fontaines DC – Romance
Amyl and The Sniffers – Cartoon Darkness
Blossoms – Gary
Kneecap – Fine Art
Wunderhorse – Midas
The K’s – I Wonder If The World Knows
Laurie Wright – We’re Only Warming Up
(sorry I was told to pick three but that’s like picking a favourite child – I love you all equally!)
Gig: hmm another tough one, probably one I’ve curated as they’re always amazing, but it would have to be our showcase at the Isle of Wight Festival with Generation (@wholovesthisgenertation) Nick Diver (@Nickdiver) The Collide (@thecollide) and Twin City (@followtwincity) – always an amazing time with the very best new music!

K – (@kgshoots_)
Albums:
Charli XCX – Brat
Doechii – Alligator Bites Never Heal
Kehlani – Crash
Gig(s): Troye Sivan + Charli XCX – London
Doja Cat + Hemlocke Springs – Glasgow

Rachel Sweeney – (@geez_a_wee_smile)
Albums:
BMTH – Post Human: Nex Gen
Green Day – Saviors
Knocked Loose – You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To
Gig: Green Day – Bellahouston

Lorna – (@photosbylorna)
Albums:
BMTH – Post Human: Nex Gen
Delilah Bon – Evil, Hate Filled Female
Green Day – Saviors
Gig: My Chemical Romance – When We Were Young Festival

Izzy (@whatizzysaid_)
Albums:
Taylor Swift – The Tortured Poets Department
LG&JS –
Busted Greatest Hits 2.0
Gig: Taylor Swift Eras Tour – Cardiff

Dennis (@denno_photography_)
Albums:
The Libertines – All Quiet On The Eastern Esplanade
Eminem – The Death Of Slim Shady
Fontaines D.C. – Romance
Gig: Sex Pistols – London

George – (@juddtookit)
Albums:
The K’s – I Wonder If The World Knows?
The Cure – Songs Of A Lost World
The Blossoms – Gary
Gig: The Libertines – Manchester

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM TEAM SONGBIRD XXX