Opinion Articles

Words - Tom Farmer (@tomfarmer5000 @TomFarmerJourno)

It is no secret that Tyron Frampton (known “Slowthai”) has thrived off trauma in writing music. His show-stopping debut album “Nothing Great About Britain” not only tackled his personal trauma of growing up in an impoverished single-parent household, but also the societal trauma felt by millions of young people in growing up in the times of Tory austerity. Therefore, in a year of on-stage altercations and pandemic-related isolation, it is perhaps no surprise that Northampton’s favourite son has responded with a heartfelt and passionate record.

This is not just another record label, trust me!

We've all seen the one to watch lists of the best upcoming artists, we even made a playlist ourselves (below), but what about the big names of the music industry who are going to be having a mega 2021. In a year in which we all hope live music will return, who are the ones to watch?

The return of dance rock, post-punk reigns supreme and black voices more important than ever: the 16 songs you might have missed in turbulent 2020!

2020! We can’t wait to see the back of it, and everyone knows why without mentioning that ‘C’ word. One thing that is for sure is the damaging impact this year has had on the music industry. In order to promote artists’ work and new releases, huge tours and festivals are used to bring new tracks to life and get the music out there, but with all major tours and festivals being off the cards, promoting and making new music was made very difficult. This included the huge Glastonbury 50th anniversary, with performances from music giants like Paul McCartney and Taylor Swift, which was removed from the calendar.

Six headliners, two main stages and free testing for all: What we know about Reading and Leeds 2021

In these unnerving times, there is a tragic irony emerging: in the time that we need it most, live music could be fading away. We have all experienced the cathartic and soothing nature of live music: The lights go down, the crowd erupts, your thoughts and worries drift away. Whilst drinking and mosh-pitting might not have any physical health benefits, gigs and festivals have an unrivalled benefit on your state of mind. As live music returned this week, albeit at a distance, has the Coronavirus already inflicted irreversible damage?

It is truly incredible what four minds and an appetite to stop music venues closing can achieve!

We all know the epicentre of this catastrophe: Tyron being a little too drunk to put it nicely and revealing a rather new side to himself. Needless to say, the misogynistic side of him wasn’t greatly received by fans.

Now this topic has been up for debate throughout the decade, but there can only be one winner. This decade has seen bands such as Courteeners, Arctic Monkeys and Tame Impala breakthrough and be considered the best of this decade, but who really is the best?