Rad Releases 23 – Chroma
Our annual end-of-year feature is finally here, the time we enjoy the most where we spend the final two weeks of the year discussing the music that made 2023 special. Our Rad Releases feature is now in its 13th year, 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 Rad Releases takeover comes from a trio that blew onto the scenes for us last year following some immense single releases. Fast Forward a year later and Chroma has dropped one of the year’s best albums. The South Wales trio Chroma are a force unlike anything experienced, the trio are fearless, and bold and have released one of the most essential debut records Ask For Angela which came out on 20th October via Alcopop! Records. We are delighted to speak to singer Katie Hall to find out more about 2023…
Top 5 releases of the year
1. Dollar Wizard Money Zombie – HMS Morris
2. Dim Dwywaith – Mellt
3. Crisps – Get Down Services
4. The Land Is Inhospitable and so are we – Mitski
5. In Times New Roman- Queens Of The Stone Age
The best show you have played this year/gig attended
We played DMZ Peace Train Festival in South Korea. It was probably the hottest gig we’ve ever played. But the crowd were amazing and the festival itself was incredible.
Your own highlight of the year
Definitely releasing our first album Ask for Angela. We’d been working on the album for years. And we are so proud to have it out on the wonderful Alcopop! Records.
Has there been any record that’s got you through this year?
Probably ‘Welcome to my Island’ by Caroline Polachek. I don’t know why, but the song very quickly became my summer anthem. Every time I listen to it, it puts me in a good mood, and that’s what it’s all about right?
Best musical discovery this year?
There’s a punk band called the Darts we met when we were out in New Zealand. It was very random, but we played a show in a Hamilton bar called ‘Last Place’. They were all out for the lead singer’s birthday. Anyway, they are class. They’ll be playing Focus Wales next year.
Artist/Band to watch for 2024
Em KoKo, Sorry Stacy and Terrapins.
Plans for the New Year
Record our second album. We also have a couple of other big gigs and tours in the works. We’ll be opening for the foo Fighters in Manchester Emirates Old Trafford in June. It’s pretty mental but we’re chuffed to bits.
Thank you so much!! We are still in awe over the record let alone excitement for a second album. That opening slot next year WOW.
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