Ask Strymon: Our Favorite Music of 2024

From our favorite artists’ new releases to amazing concerts, and existing artists we’re just finding out about, 2024 was a year filled with great music. We asked the folks around the office about their favorite music they listened to this past year, let’s hear what they had to say:

Dean (Firmware Engineer) tells us what his song of the year was:

“Chappell Roan’s “Good Luck, Babe!” It’s an absolute bop.”

Jake (Accounting) tells us about his favorite concert experience from 2024:

“In June I saw Fred Again at the Coliseum, his first-ever stadium concert. Sold-out venue, multiple stages, lights and fireworks displays — by far the most interactive and unique performance I’ve ever been to.”

Wally (Firmware Engineer) on his favorite concert from the past year:

“The Black Crowes at the Greek. Rock ‘n’ roll, amen!”

Gohan (Marketing Coordinator) on his pick for song of the year:

“It’s rare to find new songs that feel like you’ve already heard them hundreds of times (in a good way!) but the first time I heard this song, it just clicked. Plus, throw in some MJ Lenderman for harmonies? C’mon, it’s just too good!”

Jack (Artist Relations) picks one of his favorite albums from 2024:

“There were so many great albums in 2024, but if forced to just pick one I’ll go with No Obligation from The Linda Lindas. I’ve been a fan since I saw the video of them performing “Racist, Sexist Boy” at an L.A. public library and they continue to get better and better.”

Steve (Customer Support) tells us about finally seeing a favorite band of his this past year:

“Rise Against! I’ve been a fan of theirs since the days of the iPod Shuffle. Finally had the chance to see them live here in Portland about a month ago along with L.S. Dunes and Cloud Nothings, very serendipitously found a ticket an hour before doors from some guy on the Rise Against subreddit that moved up here from Moorpark a few years ago!”

Victoria (Customer Support) tells us about her favorite artist she discovered this year:

“One of my favorite artists I discovered this year is Skeler, an Australian producer and musician. He blends elements of phonk, electronic, and experimental music to create a really unique sound that’s both atmospheric and immersive. His tracks have this hazy, almost otherworldly quality to them.

I find his music ideal for everything from working out, where it hypes me up, to moments of reflection or meditation, where it puts me in an introspective state of mind. If you haven’t heard him yet, I’d definitely recommend checking him out!”

Nick (Lead Designer) tells us about his favorite releases from 2024:

“After a few years of almost exclusively post-rock, synthwave and ambient stuff, I started getting back into Metal in a big way in 2024. While I’ve mostly been listening my go-to favorites like Gojira, Mastodon and Karnivool, I’ve also been trying to actively look for new things.

As far as 2024 new releases go I’ve been digging Friend of a Phantom by Vola, Charcoal Grace by Caligula’s Horse and Cure by ERRA. Also, semi-random shout out to Hit Me Hard And Soft, Billie Eilish made a pretty incredible record — I love the production especially.”

Darlene (HR) tells us about her favorite artist she discovered this past year:

“An artist I discovered this year is jazz guitarist Jocelyn Gould. Her phrasing and playing reminds me of the great Wes Montgomery!”

Josh (Analog Engineer) on his favorite show he attended in 2024:

“Seeing Duffy x Uhlmann perform at the Bob Baker Marionette Theater was a real treat, and I’ve been enjoying their album Doubles. Another highlight was Acetone reuniting to perform at the Garibaldina Society supported by North Americans, Marine Eyes, and Bob Holmes.”

Jacob (Analog Engineer) on his favorite concert from 2024:

“Andrew Synowiec at the Baked Potato!”

Matt (Video Producer) on his favorite show he attended the past year:

“I saw SESSANTA: Primus, Puscifer, A Perfect Circle – A 60th Birthday Celebration for Maynard James Keenan at the Hollywood Bowl in April and it was a helluva show!”