For the past few years I’ve been invited to participate in the Nashville Scene Year in Music issue. The 2025 issue is out today and features an insightful Hayley Williams cover story, a rundown of venue events in Nashville from the entire year, a Top 10 Local Releases list and the Annual Music Survey results.
It’s that last survey bit that I get to participate in. The questions are broad, giving the respondents lots of room to answer however they want but the instructions that come with the survey are to please be brief. There are a lot of people participating in the survey and they can’t be giving paragraphs of responses to everyone involved.
Turns out, I am not great at brevity (see above). So, I end up being (understandably) edited down. It’s the right decision but I would like there to be a record of my full responses. So, that’s what this is!
I’ve always struggled that my responses are not 100% laser focused on YK releases but I find the Nashville music scene to be extremely rewarding, so I don’t want my responses to come off as some advertisement. Obviously I’m proud of the YK releases but there’s also more to partake in.
Below you’ll find my full responses to the survey. Enjoy!
What local artist or band ruled Nashville in 2025?
(You are going to have to edit me, I am too verbose. I apologize in advance)
Very proud of all of the yk releases this year; lots of variety and camaraderie. I’d say they ruled.
• Jo Schornikow, Make Yourself at Home, Ben Garnett, Wilby, Quit Music, book NOT brooke + Zina and Total Wife piqued my interest to say the least
What local artist or band will rule Nashville in 2026?
I’m hoping for new music from: HR Lexy, Malcolm Moutenot, The Protomen, Zook, Beth Cameron and Glossary to name just a few.
What’s your favorite discovery this year, musical or not?
My favorite discovery is that local music still incredibly rewarding. I was surprised and delighted by new-to-me releases from candynavia, Shrunken Elvis, Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrement, Ben Garnett, madebit, Nativity Dog. Familiar names Joey Kneiser and Luke Schneider delivered some great goods too.
What’s your favorite story in music this year, local or not?
• Jo Schornikow’s record release hasn’t left my brain since witnessing it.
• 4Madison Weekly newsletter is a gem
• Alternative distribution platforms for music outside of streaming are in abundance
• Ellen Angelico’s Girl in a Hurry podcast was heartwarming.
What’s one thing you hope to see more in local music in 2026?
• More surprising collabs and splits ala Bats and Soot
• More surprising local covers ala Baja Erik covering Chris Crofton or Secret Club
• More shows in offbeat venues ala Matt & The Watt Gives at Olive & Sinclair
• More digital releases with interesting physical counterparts ala Stuffed Spider’s Enfield Pattern book
• Where is the Nashville hip-hop newsletter? What is happening in that realm and how do I find out?!
• More backlash to streaming please. I understand the convenience but the big players have no interest in artist fairness.
What’s one thing you’d like to see less in local music next year?
Don’t fear the 6pm show. Embrace it.
Who in Nashville music deserves more attention than they got in 2025?
Some lovely releases from Purser, DoomFolk StarterKit and Dead Currencies (label) that deserve a nod. Everyone deserves attention! More reviews! More roundups! I know the Scene is doing their best but where are the music blogs? Let’s get some blogs going!
What was your favorite release by a Nashville artist — single, EP, mixtape, album, other — in 2025?
I can’t pick one! You can’t make me!
- N. Justice’s NJAM
- Malcolm Moutenot’s “I Like These Things”
- Quit Music’s Vol. 1
- Jo Schornikow’s Quiet Excerpts
- William Tyler’s TIME INDEFINITE
- Kyle Hamlett Uno’s WAY OUT INN
- Wilby’s CENTER OF AFFECTION
- All of the YK Releases were in my heaviest rotation; genuine love for The Robe, General Trust, sugar sk–lls + Coupler, Chris Crofton, Phiz, Matt & The Watt Gives, Alex Caress, Trash Man, Jessica Breanne and Zook (and non-local Talking with Hands, Cody Uhler).
What’s the best musical performance you saw this year?
• Jo Schornikow’s album release was magical.
• Jessica Breanne at The Basement was a powerful force.
• Also, Tower Defense with The Robe at The Basement was a match made in heaven.
• Serotonin at Cobra was a breath of fresh, brutal, air.
• Gray Worry and Stuffed Spider at Spooky Ghoul Fest were top tier unforgettable.
Leave a Reply