Rad Releases 22 – Safe Suburban Home Records
Our annual end-of-year feature is finally here, we spend the final two weeks of the year discussing the music that made 2022 special. Our special Rad Releases feature is now 12 years old and we love sharing the site with musicians, labels, and promoters as we discuss their year in music. We take a personal look back on familiar names’ most loved releases of the past 12 months. It’s a time we enjoy and look forward to, through the contributions we get to find new music discoveries, and releases we may have missed throughout the year.
Our next take-over comes from a label that consistently impresses us, their dedication to promoting artists and releases, and their commitment to music- simply outstanding. This year has marked another immense 12 months for Safe Suburban Home and the range of releases they’ve supported through not only digital release, cassette and vinyl too. We’ve loved discovering their catalogue and their recent release of Kimber’s new vinyl “Slow Moon, Long Night”, honestly one of the best things to come out this year, don’t sleep on it. We hand over to Jim of Safe Suburban Home to find out more about the label’s year in music.
Top Releases
1. Kibby – Give it Up (Forged Artifacts)
I love this record so much, just keep going back to the whole album. It’s pretty much on constantly in our house all weekend. The vibe is great, vocals are amazing, and it’s got super low-key hooks. Just brilliant. Probably a lazy comparison but reminds me of Camera Obscura a lot.
2. Kids on a Crime Spree – When Can I See You Again (Slumberland)
This is another brilliant record. So hard to pick the best track as I just consume this one as a whole album each time. The sound is great, and it has loads of melody under the fuzz.
3. Perspex – Sex and Cars (Self Released)
RIP Perspex. So sad they called it a day. So much potential and so many good songs. This is probably the highlight of their self-released record this year. Great version of it too, recorded by the guys at my local venue, The Fulford Arms.
4. That Hideous Sound – Funny Insides (Repeating Cloud)
A splendid release from good label friends Repeating Cloud. The vocal melodies and delivery on this record are the best I’ve heard for ages. It just oozes cool and it’s one of the best releases this year. Criminally overlooked by most.
5. Kiwi jr. – Unspeakable Things (Sub Pop)
Really didn’t get on with this record for about 6 months, but after trying hard a few times, it’s bloody brilliant. Fairly big move away from their previous sound, but still definitely a Kiwi jr. record.
The best gig attended
TVAM – Hyde Park Book Club
I’ve seen TVAM pre-lockdown as a two-piece and it was brilliant, and I told anyone who’d listen how brilliant it was. Then I forgot how brilliant they were for a while. The show in Leeds last month was also the loudest I’ve seen for a long time, but with the live drummer and visuals, it’s one of the most captivating live bands you’ll witness.
Captain Dangerous – JT Soar
An honourable mention must go to Captain Dangerous too. Adam and Mark pulled off a beautiful show in Nottingham, complete with a five-piece string section. Really wasn’t expecting it at all (I thought it was a full band show). It was that good, there were people literally crying with joy. Incredible.
Has there been any record that’s got you through this year?
Michael Raul
I keep on going back to this record. I don’t know why. Great background music, great headphone music, great loud music. Did I mention it’s great?
Best discovery this year?
The indie-label community that I’ve fallen into is amazing. Everyone is pulling everyone else up and collaborating. It’s so supportive and we’re all working together make the artist experience better. I wanted to say thanks to Repeating Cloud, Hidden Bay, Meritorio, Paisley Shirt, Dandy Boy, Tear Jerk & Mt.St.Mtn for this year’s collabs.
Label Highlight of 2022
It’s got to be the Teenage Tom Petties tour. It was incredible. I also got to play live again, but more importantly made some friends for life out of this one. Getting to play in New York, Boston & Portland with one day’s worth of rehearsals was mad, nerve-racking, but ultimately successful. Big thanks to Tom, Galen, Ged, Rob, James & Jeff for making that happen. There’s already talk for TTP2 and a tour next year, watch this space.
Artist/Band to watch for 2023
Rural France I’ve heard the new album and it’s ace! It’s found a great home again label wise and the band will be touring too next year. I expect you’ll hear a lot about this band next year.
Captain Starlet – A shout-out for a local York band. They’ve been playing locally for about 18 months, and they’ve got a great live set. I’m desperately waiting to get my hands on some recordings!!!
Label Plans for the New Year
We’ve got loads more releases coming next year. I think it’s fair to say we’ve dropped the ‘singles’ now too, it’s just long EPs and albums, which just works better for all involved.
We’re also going to do more work as an importer of US and EU guitar pop. I want the label distro to be the place to come in the UK for all guitar pop. It’ll be so much better for customers as there will be no silly postage or taxes and for the labels and artists, there’s a great opportunity to tap into the UK scene. I’m talking with a load of labels at the moment to make it happen.
Thank you once again to the Safe Suburban Home team for another incredible year of introducing us to some of the best releases, already excited for 2023 plans
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