Wall of Sound Presents: “2020 YEAR IN REVIEW” – By Wall of Sound Photog/Writer Kim Anderson
Yo, I’m Kim. I’m the resident pain in the ass at Wall of Sound. I have nothing to offer except photography, sarcasm and a Pennywise gif. Yes, just the one!
2020 cock-blocked us all as far as concerts go so it was a tough year for us fellow photographers. I’m not allowed to review things because I’ve been told reviews aren’t meant to make bands quit music...
TOP 10 RELEASES OF 2020
#10. Real Sickies - Quarantined
#9. Green Day – Father Of All…
#8. Machine Gun Kelly – Tickets To My Downfall
#7. The Birthday Massacre - Diamonds
#6. Coffin Wolf – Talk Amongst Yourselves
#5. Hussy – Watch Me Be Anyone
#4. The Network – Money Money 2020: We Told Ya So!
#3. Ocean Grove - Flip Phone Fantasy
#2. ANTI-FLAG – 20/20 Division
#1. Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes – Blossom (Deluxe)
TOP 10 SONGS OF 2020
10. Jamie Lenman – 'I Don’t Wanna Be Your Friend'
9. Fever 333 – 'Presence Is Strength'
8. Glitoris – 'Slut Power'
7. Little Big – 'Uno'
6. Bring Me The Horizon - 'Obey'
5. Rat Boy – 'Money On Dust'
4. Lo-Fire - 'Catalepsy'
3. Machine Gun Kelly – 'Bloody Valentine'
2. WARGASM – 'Spit'
1. Hands Off Gretel – 'She Thinks She’s Punk Rock n Roll'
TOP 5 MUSIC VIDEOS OF 2020
5. Justin Bieber – 'Lonely'
- Machine Gun Kelly – 'Why Are You Here'
- Noah Skape – 'Miami Moon'
- Little Big – 'Hypodancer'
- Five North – 'This Mess'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-cppCaHYmY
LAST GIG YOU CAUGHT BEFORE COVID?
Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes – January 26th at The Rosemount.
According to my calendar I went to a local gig after that but my brain doesn’t remember it so it doesn’t count. It clearly wasn’t any good then. Look at me being so controversial yet so brave!
https://www.instagram.com/p/B7wC_ACjbco/
HOW DID COVID/LOCKDOWNS AFFECT YOU IN 2020?
It’s funny because I’ve been asked this a lot since July (when Perth restrictions lifted and we could have gigs again) and my life wasn’t that disrupted other than the sudden inability to get groceries (Woolies/Coles both cancelled deliveries which is cool when you’re in the “risk” category and can’t do your own shopping), I heard from people even less and it meant waiting for hospitals to return to normal before you could have your appointments.
Other than that there’s Centrelink who told me I can’t claim I’m “sick” anymore even though my situation hasn’t changed at all because the world was on hold. Depending on the day to which hurts the worst, if I can turn my head, if my arm is numb, if I can even walk.. and with the so-called pain killers (which are only for my neck) I have, they’re hit and miss with pain relief and just fuck with my eyesight. Not the worst side effect to have but not the most convenient either.
If you or anyone you know needs help with their own mental well-being call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or find your closest Suicide Prevention/Crisis Support Organisation on Google…
On a much brighter note though, I found out my Top 50 Rock Songs About Mental Health piece has become the second most-read article in Wall of Sound History! In it I spoke about my own struggles with mental health and the music which helped me get through hard times. Last year alone, over 31,600 people read it which means in some way shape or form, I hope it's helping them get their lives back on track. Life sucks, but music makes it so much better
BIGGEST THING YOU LEARNED ABOUT YOURSELF THIS YEAR?
I have severe depression/anxiety/stress and I joked to my psychologist that it’s the only time I’m an overachiever, but I’m self-aware enough to know when I’m making a bad choice but I’ll go and do it anyway.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DovgXeCWDa0
FAV NEW BAND/MUSICIAN DISCOVERED IN 2020
Hands Off Gretel. They give me big Jack Off Jill vibes and if you don’t know who they were, don’t speak to me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9a2pbojtHk
NEXT BIG AUSSIE ACT TO WATCH IN 2021?
I was going to say “the only new band I’ve seen this year..” but then I realized I’ve seen a couple and that would be lying…so Perth punk band COVOIDS. Only seen them once so far but that was enough for me to decide they might be my new fav band…after Scalphunter obviously. It was an awesome set and I look forward to seeing more of them.
Their singer Benny is really hard to photograph and that brings me so much joy. I really hate bands that just stand there and do nothing. It’s so fucking boring to watch and photograph. They’ve been recording an album which should be out soon so keep an eye (ear?) out!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqHKg-oq6dQ
WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO IN 2021?
Honestly, being able to buy smoke bombs again. That’s assuming the world gets it’s shit together and gets Covid under control. Australia Post finally delivering my Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes book that everyone else in Australia got about 6 weeks ago. Finally getting my first pain management treatment so I can feel like there’s some kind of progress with my health.
Also Candyman. I’m pretty sick of America deciding we can’t have movies just because American’s can’t go to the cinemas because they refuse to wear masks. Concerts would be nice too.
Words by Kim Anderson Insta: @ShootTheWickedWitch
