After reflecting back on a jam-packed 2015, we asked our year-end contributors to look ahead at the bands, albums and developments that have them excited for 2016.
Here, our contributors tell us which forthcoming Nebraska albums have them salivating. The musically-diverse list includes: long-awaited released by No Thanks, Oketo, Evan Bartels and Jack Hotel; a possible live album; and a few shots in the dark.
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Marq Manner | OEAAs Chair
He doesn’t live here anymore, but Nebraska will always claim Kyle Harvey-and news of him recording new material is big news in my book.
Kelly Langin | Editorial Intern, Spring 2015
No Thanks is finally recording over winter break. The band has an energetic live show full of punchy political discourse and I’m expecting the same energy out of its recordings.
photo by Lindsey Yoneda
Rebecca Lowry | All Young Girls Are Machine Guns
[Other than my own] Conchance’s La Maga. The last few tracks I’ve heard from Conny have been absolute fire. It’ll be interesting to hear this latest chapter. I’ve also heard rumors of releases from Kait Berreckman, The Hottman Sisters, Kyle Harvey, and Mesonjixx. That would make for a great 2016.
https://soundcloud.com/conchance/math-the-dog-produced-by-loren-babe
Jeremy Wurst | Bud Heavy & the High Lifes/Giant’s Arrow
Jack Hotel – I feel like I’m cheating on this one because I have to admit, Gunter played a couple songs from the new record for me. They sound AMAZING. Mr. Voelker is a killer songwriter/guitar player and Joe Salvati’s weepy dobro and slide guitar playing make me hot and sweaty. They teamed up again with Matty Sanders, who makes everything every recording sound like rainbow unicorn magic. I can’t wait to hear the finished album.
Her Flyaway Manner – I’m not sure if they’re making a record. But we need to bully them into it, because this band kicks ass.
Sean Paul | Eric In Outerspace/The Sunks
Jake Newbold and Super Ghost are working really hard on their forthcoming record and I’m super pumped to hear it.
Kait Berreckman | Kait Berreckman Band
Mine. It’s been 5 years since I released anything for realsies and I am so proud of the work we did. Can’t wait to share it with everyone! Depending on a variety of fun things that cost money, you’ll be hearing it in the spring of 2016.
https://soundcloud.com/hearnebraska/sets/kait-berreckman-on-hear-nebraska-fm
Ian Aeillo | Sound Engineer, O’Leaver’s
I don’t know who is releasing any albums in 2016 but I would like to complete a live Cursive record.
Dan McCarthy | McCarthy Trenching
HIGH UP!
Christine Fink | High Up
Can I be gross? My band, High Up, intends to record a full length in 2016 and I just can’t get my mind off it. Anticipation is an understatement.
https://soundcloud.com/highupband/you-cant-give-up-on-me
Bill Sharp | Twinsmith
That new Oketo album should be pretty cool.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NX5T2a5eRuM&feature=share
Nathan Richardson | Lighthouses
Evan Bartels is supposedly putting out a full length. I’m psyched for it. His music is beyond his age and I’m so proud he’s one of us Nebraskans.
Cortney Kirby | FREAKABOUT
Evan Bartels and The Stoney Lonesomes. It’s been a long time coming! We all need that record.
https://soundcloud.com/hearnebraska/sets/evan-bartels-live-on-hear
James Dean | HN Contributor
I am interested in hearing what State Disco sounds like recorded. Their live act is pretty polished but sometimes it’s fun to see what bands do in the studio.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44I-ML_4Pew
Eli Mardock | Owner, Vega
Josh Hoyer [& Soul Colossal]’s new Ken Coomer (Wilco, Uncle Tupelo) produced album sounds phenomenal from the snippets I’ve heard. It’ll be a good year for Josh.
Dominique Morgan | Singer/Songwriter
Rothsteen‘s full album. He released a sickening EP this year but my studio is down the hall from his. I know the shenanigans that he has in store for 2016 and my body is ready!!!!