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Best Albums of 2024
Twelve months of releases have passed, and it’s the perfect moment to reflect on what has been a remarkable year in music. From chart-topping anthems to hidden gems, the pop scene has flourished like never before, introducing us to fresh talent and redefining familiar sounds. New stars have emerged, claiming their space in our playlists, while established artists pushed creative boundaries to deliver unforgettable projects. Compiling this list was quite the challenge. After immersing myself in countless albums and EPs, each deserving recognition for their artistry, impact, and innovation, cutting it down to just 20 standout releases of 2024 proved to be difficult. But this list isn’t just about celebrating…
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Jeremy Zucker & Chelsea Cutler on brent iii: Bottling Up Magic and Creating Safe Spaces
Jeremy Zucker and Chelsea Cutler have been crafting the brent universe for years, a sonically safe space that feels like a home away from home. With brent iii, the duo continues to channel their friendship, comfort, and honesty into heartfelt music. Magic like brent doesn’t come from a regular studio. To create brent iii, Jeremy and Chelsea retreated to an A-frame cabin in the woods, overlooking a frozen lake in January. This serene, natural setting provided the inspiration and intimacy that shaped the album’s sound. The atmosphere—complete with a crackling fireplace and breathtaking views—quickly put the duo “in their feels.” While both artists pursue thriving solo careers, their collaborations spark…
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Halsey’s The Great Impersonator: An Exploration of Identity and Legacy
In an age where reinvention is the currency of artistry, Halsey has made a career of questioning, “Who am I, really?”. Her fifth studio album, The Great Impersonator, takes this question to a new level. Starting in the 1970s and moving through to the early 2000s, she wonders: “What if I had debuted in a different era? Who would I have been?” This imaginative concept allows Halsey to channel iconic artists—from Marilyn Monroe and Stevie Nicks to Britney Spears and even a younger version of herself—crafting each song as a tribute while remaining deeply personal. The Great Impersonator, is a daring exploration of identity, mortality, and artistry, spanning decades of…
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Songs of a Lost World: A Masterpiece of Mortality and Melancholy by The Cure
The more than long awaited album Songs Of A Lost World by The Cure has been released after teasing and building excitement for years. The English band that shaped the sound of post-punk and alternative rock for decades, now finally returns sixteen years after their last release, and exceeds expectations. There is an unmistakable urgency rooted deeply in each of the eight tracks, like the weight of the world and the long wait has pushed Robert Smith to a place where he just needed to get some words off his chest. This record is a testament of fears, regrets and mortality, that feels like a cathartic experience, leaving you behind…
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Amsterdam Experiencing Vertigo After Griffs Emotional Performance
On the 19th of November, Griff brought her Vertigo Tour to Amsterdam, delivering an enchanting and emotional performance that captivated the sold-out venue. Some may remember her as the pop force who opened for artists like Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter on their tours this year, and now she brings a headline tour to Europe for her sophomore album Vertigo. Months ago, I featured Griff in one of my newcomer spotlight posts, highlighting her immense talent and potential. Seeing her live solidified everything I’ve admired about her artistry—and then some. Warming Up The night began with Fred Roberts as the opening act warming up the crowd gathered in Paradiso. The space…
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Dora Jar on the Creative Fire Behind Her New Album
Dora Jar’s new album, No Way To Relax When You Are On Fire, is an turbulent exploration of what it feels like to be navigating life’s uncertainties in your 20s. Through its unique sound and abstract lyricism, Dora invites listeners into a world of contradictions, where moments of bliss meet the weight of overwhelm. The album mirrors her journey of self-discovery, often returning to the question ‘Who am I?’. During the process Dora finds herself caught between her desires to share and her fears of being seen. With this project, she opens up more than ever before. She reflects not only on her own inner turmoil but also on the…
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Valley Return To Their Most Authentic Version: “People want the real you!”
The Canadian indie band Valley returns with their highly anticipated album Water the Flowers, Pray for a Garden. This new era captures the delicate feeling of holding on to your inner child and resisting the inevitable loss of youth. Exploring themes of growing both together and apart, like vines intertwining in a magical garden. In a recent press conference hosted by °1824, the band reflected on returning to their original band dynamics, shedding expectations, and the hidden references and easter eggs woven throughout their music. Rediscovering Their Authentic Selves Valley revealed how they’ve moved back to their most authentic selves during the creation of this album. In doing so, they…
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Queer Euphoria Takes Over Amsterdam as Girl in Red Comes to Town
On the 8th of September girl in red brought the “Doing It Again” tour to AFAS LIVE in Amsterdam. At arrival the fans are in suit and ties all dressed up to see Marie Ulven Ringheim the Norwegian Indie-Popstar. Red accessories shine in the queue in front of the venue; pride flags are being signed and passed around. The atmosphere felt more like a gathering of close friends than a typical concert crowd, with warmth and inclusivity radiating from every corner. It was clear that this was more than just a show. It was an event where people came not only for the music but also for the shared sense…
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Stephen Sanchez Creatively Crafts New World on Angel Face
A total romantic, self-proclaimed “King Down Bad”, and the one who revived the sound of the 50’s and 60’s. We’re talking about Stephen Sanchez, who had great success with his single “Until I Found You” and his concept album “Angel Face”. In a press conference organized by °1824 he explained the characters in this album, life on tour, and his passion for nostalgic sounds. The Concept album Angel Face The Story is set back in 1958-1964 and tells a love story of The Troubadour and Evangeline. You can follow the whole story on the album and even on stage Stephen and his band keep the story going and play their…
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Sam Tompkins About his Debut Album: “Insecurity to me is a Power in Itself.”
Sam Tompkins just dropped a heartbreakingly beautiful album, that delves into topics like grief, mental health issues, body dysmorphia, anxiety, and more. On “hi, my name is insecure.” he bears his soul, sharing the pain and struggles that have shaped his life. Across 16 songs, your heart will be shattered and mended at the same time. “A problem shared is a problem halved,” says Tompkins, encapsulating the theme that brought this album to life. In an intimate and moving press conference, Sam opened up about the stories behind his songs, the critical importance of mental health awareness, and the rapid rise of his career. A Trip Down Memory Lane Sam…
