JESSE MILLER (LOTUS)
What will you remember most about 2015?
Working hard and playing hard. Lotus had a massive tour at the beginning of the year, but I balanced that with some really great times off the road in California, Colorado, NYC and at home in Philly.
In the wider world, the rise of Bernie Sanders and the growing awareness of the problems of extreme wealth inequality.
Which album or albums have you listened to most this past year?
Neon Indian – Vega Intl. Night School
D’Angelo and the Vanguard – Black Messiah
Unknown Mortal Orchestra – Multi-Love
What was your favorite show of 2015?
Shows I attended – Underworld 6/21/15 at Hollywood Bowl in LA
Shows I performed – Lotus 10/31/15 at Fillmore Denver
*What emerging artists should we watch out for in 2016?
Vulfpeck – everyone in the Lotus camp has been into them for a couple years. Seeing that band get a lot more attention in 2015 and having them sign on with our booking agency can only mean bigger things in 2016. I’m seeing a big resurgence in styles and sounds that emphasize live instrumentation-funk, Muscle-Shoals sounding rock and soul, even the growth in interest in modular synths. I think the pendulum swung really far to the digital side and now it is swinging back. And Vulfpeck represents that movement – they aren’t a retro band, but they take influence from late 60s- early 80s and make it fresh.
Any big plans in the works for 2016?
A new Lotus album, the first Lotus live DVD and as always writing new music and producing new sounds.
TAUK
What will you remember most about 2015?
All of the TAUK family and friends will remember our Red Rocks Performance. It was a monumental day in our camp.
Which album or albums have you listened to most this past year?
The Choose Your Weapon record by Hiatus Kaiyote was an ‘album of the year’ snub. Great depth and expression of sound through melody and feel.
What was your favorite show of 2015?
It’s fair to say our sold out Terminal West show in Atlanta was one of the greatest shows of 2015.
What emerging artists should we watch out for in 2016?
2016 is a big year for a lot of emerging artists. Narrowing them down to a favorite might be the hardest thing to do, but lookout for Hiatus Kaiyote, Vulfpeck and Thundercat.
Any big plans in the works for 2016?
We’re excited to be back touring with Umphrey’s McGee this spring and finally making our first trek to the West Coast. We’ll also be releasing a new album later in the year. And keep an eye out for our drummer Isaac Teel’s documentary and debut solo album release.
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