Hi Pal,
Welcome to another newsletter. Bonus Stuff is an umbrella column for ideas that do not fit into the other content brackets I write here.
It’s that time when we look forward to what 2023 has in store for our listening pleasure. From confirmed announcements and mild speculations to some entries that border on wishful thinking, here are my most anticipated releases of the year.
Jervis Campbell
This is a recent announcement but one that I’m glad to add to this list. Jervis Campbell’s debut album — Onward & Upward — was one of my highlight releases for 2021 and I’m looking forward to listening to this sophomore project.
According to his Instagram announcement, the album's name is The Hopeful Hearts Club and it draws inspiration from his personal experiences where he had to hold on to hope through periods of struggle.
If you’re unfamiliar with Jervis Campbell, he is a Singer-songwriter with Folk Pop sensibilities. You can listen to his music here:
Josh Garrels
Back in 2021, Josh Garrels went on a year-long sabbatical and since that time, I’ve been patiently waiting for him to come back. Although the sabbatical officially ended back in February 2022, there was no major announcement of a new project until late November.
Thankfully, from all indications, we should be getting a new album in the first half of this year.
If you’re unfamiliar with Josh Garrels, he is a Singer-songwriter with Alternative Folk sensibilities. You can listen to his music here:
Beach Chapel
I’ve been waiting for this one for a while and I’m glad that it’s finally here. For almost four years, this band has released some of the best indie singles on the scene. Finally, it seems we will be getting a debut album from these guys.
If you’re unfamiliar with Beach Chapel, they are an Indie Rock/Indie Pop band. You can listen to their music here:
Former Ruins
This was my most anticipated album for last year and I can make the argument that not much has changed in 2023. Last year, we got four singles from this project by Levi Dylan Sikes and it has only made me hungrier for the rest of the album.
Taking his boxing day Instagram post to heart, I’m hopeful that we will get the album this year.
If you’re unfamiliar with Former Ruins, it’s an Indie Rock/Post-Punk Revival/Folk Rock project by Levi Dylan Sikes. You can listen to his music here:
Tekoa
This entry enters the realm of speculation but there’s enough evidence to infer that we may be getting a new project from this trio. On January 3rd, Tekoa announced their first live show of the year for the 12th of January in their hometown Melbourne.
This show was to celebrate the release of their latest single ‘Sabbath’. My key takeaway from the announcement was ‘We’ll be playing all the songs off our EP Hymns and Disparity and a bunch of new ones…” (emphasis added).
Hopefully, this means we will get something soon.
If you’re unfamiliar with Tekoa, they are an Alternative band with jazz, funk, gospel and electronic sensibilities. You can listen to their music here:
Jonathan Ogden
It feels a little ridiculous to say that we are expecting a new release from Jonathan Ogden so early into 2023, but here we are. Future Forever dropped in October 2022 and he already has a new EP recorded according to his post on Instagram. I can’t wait to hear it.
If you’re unfamiliar with Jonathan Ogden, he is an alternative artist that creates music across multiple genres including electronic, indie, acoustic and pop. You can listen to his music here:
As He Is
Here’s another entry on this list that has given me some of the best singles in alternative music over the last three years. After a brief hiatus due to important life milestones, the couple is back with a simple announcement that we can expect new music on February 11th.
Keeping my fingers crossed for a new project sometime this year from them.
If you’re unfamiliar with As He Is, they are an alternative worship duo with indie pop sensibilities. You can listen to their music here:
John Mark Pantana
JMP is the biggest tease on this list and as much as it irks me, I can’t stay mad at him. I also cannot accuse him of not releasing any music because he dropped four singles in 2022.
The challenge is that his Instagram posts suggest that there is an album in the works. I can just feel it. Unfortunately, we have no clear announcement yet so this falls under speculation, with a splash of wishful thinking.
If you’re unfamiliar with John Mark Pantana, he is an alternative artist that creates indie rock/indie folk with dreamy undertones. You can listen to his music here:
Civilized Creature
We’re fully in speculation territory on this final entry but hear me out for a bit. Ryan Lane — aka Civilized Creature — is one of the most prolific artists I know. With a total of 9 albums, even after his 2022 album (Pression), he still ended the year with three new singles that he later compiled into a singles project called In This Moment.
Stylistically and visually, these singles are some of the most creative and unique releases from CC to date and there’s no way that we are not getting more from this phase of Lane’s creative journey.
If you’re unfamiliar with Civilized Creature, it’s an experimental electronic hip-hop project by Ryan Lane. You can listen to his music here:
That’s it for today.
Until next time!
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In The Comments: Tell me what music you’re looking forward to the most in 2023 or new stuff that you think I should check out.
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So you're not looking forward to anything metal core... I cry