A Year in Music – 2024 – RM Hubbert
by Killian Laher

How are you, what sort of year have you had?

I’ve had better! I’ve spent most of the year dealing with some health issues that have been affecting my ability to get out of the house. Saying that, I’m feeling better than I did at this time last year, so that’s progress!

What are the albums you enjoyed most this year?

This Wasn’t Meant For You Anyway by Lola Young is probably my favourite of the year. Really smart, gut-wrenching pop music. 10 Songs I Hate About You by Dancer is great as well; recommended for fans of Life Without Buildings and Altered Images. Nobody Loves You More by Kim Deal only came out, but I’ve had that on repeat, and I suspect that it will become a firm favourite.

Other honourable mentions –  Someday, Now by Katy J Pearson, My Star by Junior Varsity, Big Sigh by Marika Hackman, Senseless Acts of Beauty by Rowena Wise, and The Collective by Kim Gordon.

Is there any artist or album that defined the year for you?

Lola Young for the ones released this year, Chappell Roan’s debut was my favourite of last year and is still getting a lot of plays. Love that album.

Do you get to many gigs these days?

Only one! I managed to get tickets for Chappell Roan in Glasgow. It was an extraordinary night. Not so much for the music (although that part was great), more so for the atmosphere in the room. I don’t think I’ve experienced anything like it, seeing and hearing a packed room full of people feeling absolutely safe to truly be themselves was intoxicating and so joyous.

Do you think it will get to the stage where the ‘big concert’ is unaffordable for most of us?

Aye. Sadly so. We’re already at the stage where working-class musicians can’t afford to be full-time musicians, gentrifying the audience seems like a natural next step.

What’s your reaction if Stairway To Heaven comes on the radio?

Disinterest. I honestly don’t think that I’ve ever listened to that (or any other Led Zeppelin) song all the way through!

Anything interesting in the works yourself?

Contrary to how it might seem, I am actually working on a new album. I made the stupid mistake of deciding to make a record using only instruments that I have made myself, so I have had to learn fine woodworking, which takes a while … I’m two electric guitars in, working on the first flamenco guitar just now. No idea when the album will be done. Hopefully this decade!