It's been a very long time since I've posted something here - but seeing how we're approaching the end of a decade - here I am.
Let me start by saying that I've been spending way too much time listening to playlists I've created on Spotify each and every month since 2010. List of the songs I discovered with each passing month I found worthy of landing a spot in each coveted playlist. I've now taken to going through these playlists with a fine tooth comb to narrow things down to the best of the best IMHO. That alone was so daunting and therefor after trying to organize them I quickly realized I had to stop since it's virtually impossible to do a countdown with 200+ songs that I love. Instead I suggest that if you are going to listen that you start by clicking the shuffle button to enjoy what I consider to be a magical collection of songs from the past 10 years.
The process of creating a playlist is one of the greatest / most satisfying things I can think of. I enjoyed every moment of making this list as it allowed me to reflect fondly on great memories while also re-hatching times that may not have been so great. Either way a snap shot of a decade and a helpful reminder to grow as a human. *No I'm not high;)
 |
| *Raffy and Lyla at Field Trip |
Over the past 10 years I've had the pleasure of seeing many of these artists live in concert at many fine venues in various cities big and small. I've had the chance to interact with many of them as people - and talked music with them all. I've been lucky enough to see some of them as they started out in small venues while they perfected their craft.
*Sam Roberts Band at Rachel Ray's Backtyard BBQ in Austin
The moments I cherish most come from sharing the experiences with other like minded folk - be it my wife or friends and colleagues alike. I can't wait for the day I'm doing so with my daughter too:) Many of these discoveries came from my travels to Austin, Texas for South By South West for a bunch of years. I discovered artist like Sam Smith, Leon Bridges, Ed Sheeran, The War on Drugs, Frank Turner, Jake Bugg, The Belle Game, James Bay and The 1975. I also had the pleasure of seeing established Canadian acts setting their sites on international audiences like City and Colour, Sam Roberts Band, Arkells, July Talk, The Sheepdogs, The Weeknd and A Tribe Called Red.
*The 1975 at Red Eyed Fly in Austin
SXSW is clearly a more commercialized festival in 2019 than it was when it began - but that's how things work. Advertisers need to foot the bill - so I ain't mad if it means these things still exist. Because of this there's a spotlight on the festival itself and all the other acts at it that are trying to break through. I've also had the pleasure of seeing the likes of Depeche Mode, Stone Temple Pilots, Foo Fighters, Snoop Dogg, Gaga, Live and Kendrick Lamar through the year which is pretty rad in my books. I can't recommend this festival enough.
*Sam Smith at a church in Austin
I would be remiss not to say that this past decade also sucked to see my personal hero go. Gord Downie and his music are the reason I went to work in this crazy business to begin with. He was a true artist, poet, leader and champion of what is right. His swansong from this earth was among the finest we will ever witness. A cross country tour that didn't miss a beat followed by a passion project to help move this country in the right direction. The later will take time - but his spotlight and his legacy will no doubt keep it top of mind in all we do striving for inclusion and equality for all Canadians. Thank you Mr. Downie...you are missed.
*Gord Downie at Danforth Music Hall
I digress. This decade's brought me so much joy as it relates to family and friends - and much of that can be recalled, with a smile, instantly with this soundtrack I've created from 2010 - 2019.
*The Weeknd at Air Canada Centre
*Ed Sheeran at MuchMusic Video Awards
Enjoy the playlist here!
Thanks for reading / listening.
Gregg
