Favorite Music of 2024
CDs and records, records and CDs.
I listen to a lot of music—like a seemingly endless wave of sound. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy silence too, but music is often where I find connection and inspiration. Sometimes it feels like I can’t get enough; I’m always searching for more. There’s so much incredible work out there, more than we’ll ever fully take in. This year especially, I’ve been amazed by the volume of exceptional new music and the joy of discovering artists who are new to me.
Why End-of-Year Lists Matter
End-of-year lists are an interesting thing. As an artist, it can sting a little to be left out after putting your heart into a release. But as a listener, these lists are goldmines—chances to unearth music that might not have crossed your path the first time around. Whether you’re looking for the best ambient albums of 2024, underrated experimental releases, or indie cassette gems, these lists are a gateway to inspiration and discovery.
Albums That Defined My Year
This list reflects a tiny fraction of all of the amazing music I enjoyed over the past year. These picks aren’t “the best” of anything; they’re simply the new albums I’ve loved and found myself returning to again and again. Some have already made their way onto other ’24 lists, while others might not yet be on your radar. This collection leans toward physical media, though there are a few digital-only gems too—it’s all music, baby! There’s enough here to keep you immersed for a long while. Each of these releases is beautiful in its own way, and all of them are worth seeking out. Whenever possible, please support the artists and the labels that bring this music into the world. Check the list below for direct links.
Explore the Playlist: Bright Colors & Open Hearts
I’ve put together a BNDCMPR playlist called “Bright Colors & Open Hearts”, featuring one track from each of these incredible releases. The mix flows through ambient soundscapes and jazz explorations, passing from tuned gongs, astral guitar, and improvisational synthesis, to propulsive electronics, smoked croon, string vibrations, and voices from heaven above. It’s long and dreamy, a genre-spanning collection that highlights some of the best heady music of 2024. Dive in, and feel free to share it with others who might enjoy the ride!
FAVORITES OF 2024:
The Cosmic Tones Research Trio - All is Sound
Pyramid Records | Link to explore
Patricia Wolf - The Secret Lives of Birds
Nite Hive | Link to explore
Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy - Hear the Children Sing
No Quarter | Link to explore
C. Lavender - Rupture in the Eternal Realm
iDEAL Recordings | Link to explore
Chuck Johnson - Sun Glories
Western Vinyl | Link to explore
Turn on the Sunlight - Canoga to Haʻikū
Moon Glyph | Link to explore
Zosha Warpeha - Silver Dawn
Relative Pitch | Link to explore
Justin Sweatt - North Texas Electric
Aural Canyon | Link to explore
Daniel O'Sullivan - The Pastoral Machine
VHF Records | Link to explore
Matt LaJoie - Music Inspired by Practical Pomology
Flower Room | Link to explore
Klaus Wiese - Sabiha Sabiya
Black Sweat Records | Link to explore
IKSRE - Abundance
Constellation Tatsu | Link to explore
Head - Head EP
self-released | Link to explore
Quintelium - Dream and Reality
Somewhere Cold | Link to explore
Lia Kohl - Normal Sounds
Moon Glyph | Link to explore
Iasos - Sighs From Heaven
Longform Editions | Link to explore
Prariewolf - Deep Time
Centripetal Force | Link to explore
Nala Sinephro - Endlessness
Warp | Link to explore
Mike Tamburo - Gravity Attracting
self-released | Link to explore
A Note on My Approach
This list is more than just a collection of favorite albums—it reflects my approach to music as an artist. Much like these releases, my work is about exploration and connection, drawing inspiration from unexpected places and blending genres in new ways. It’s a journey I take alongside all these talented musicians who remind me of the power of sound to move and transform.
Stay Connected and Discover More
If you enjoyed this list and playlist, there’s so much more to come! Sign up for my newsletter to stay updated on my latest projects, upcoming releases, and insights into the music I’m creating. You'll also get exclusive updates about Green Green Earth, my new album arriving in early 2025.
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Let’s keep the conversation going—send a message and share your favorite albums of 2024. I’d love to hear what inspired you this year!
