Looking ahead
What I'm excited about in 2024 (and no, these are not resolutions)

How are your New Year’s resolutions coming along? I’m not inquiring to deride or chastise; I’m genuinely curious. I certainly don’t want to make you feel bad about where you’re at with them. I am open about my general disdain around resolutions. Mostly, I’m uneasy with the unnecessary pressure placed on the individual by the societal construct that “YOU MUST RESOLVE TO DO <BLANK>” because it’s the start of a new calendar year. NYR’s are totally your prerogative and, frankly, should be yours and yours alone. Just don’t be too hard on yourself.

I’m pro-goal. Have goals. Aspire to be better, do new things, shift course. Challenging oneself and pushing the boundary of what’s personally comfortable is paramount. I also believe it to be just that: personal.

Here is a handful of things I’m personally looking forward to this coming year, generally speaking and musically adjacent.

1) Next month, The Surfrajettes are playing The Animas City Theatre. I’m in a minor lull with respect to seeing music out and about. On Sat., Feb. 17, the Toronto all-femme quartet brings its “clever mix of psychedelic rock and reverb-drenched surf music, sky-high beehives, go-go boots and eyeliner as thick as their guitar strings.” It’s nice to have things to look forward to – this show is one of them. I’d get tickets soon, as local buzz has been steadily building.  Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 day of show – but I’d get them at animascitytheatre.com today.  

2) Dialing healthy sleep habits. I go through waves of good sleep and not-so-good sleep patterns, like many. Seems like I need to remind myself to stay vigilant or suffer the consequences. Some sort of daily exercise and limiting screen time are obvious, but I need the reminder. I’m putting it here for a modicum of accountability. I’ve slept well and I’ve slept terribly; I prefer the latter. 

3) Record releases on the horizon. It’s always a gas to mark up my calendar with albums I’m looking forward to. In the first quarter of the year alone, expect new releases from the likes of Ty Segall, The Smile, J Mascis (Dinosaur Jr.), Chelsea Wolfe, Idles, The Jesus & Mary Chain, Chastity Belt, Kim Gordon (Sonic Youth), Pissed Jeans, Mary Timony, Ride, Sheer Mag, Gouge Away and many more. Hell, these are just the artists I know have releases on the docket. This doesn’t even include bands I’m unaware of or unfamiliar with. I may be more excited for the unknowns. 

4) Continuing to improve on my person. This is a fairly broad one. I’ve done a whole lot of damage to myself physically and mentally and perhaps, more importantly, to others over the years. Last year was maybe the first time I started looking – really looking – at that damage. It ain’t easy, but it’s ultimately healthier for me and anyone I interact with. It’s the only way to (try to) make sure I cause less harm moving forward. It’ll be far from perfect, but if I put it out into the ether, maybe I can do a little better each day. No promises – other than to try. I was taught the ho’oponopono, the traditional Hawaiian practice of reconciliation and forgiveness, and it’s been immensely helpful: I’m sorry; please forgive me; thank you; and I love you. 

5) Travel some. It doesn’t have to be far, and it doesn’t have to be for anything in particular. I dig seeing music elsewhere – so that’s always a good excuse to get out. I also like to stop in on a town’s local libraries. Side note: if you haven’t spent much time in our own, you should. Durango is fortunate to have a top-notch library. I’ve also heard Ignacio’s is great, and it’s less than 40 minutes away. Any reason to travel is a decent reason. I’d love to go on some grand excursion, but I gotta start small. Realistic. 

6) Dial my stereo. Pretty sure I have a short in my amp, and it’s annoying the shit out of me. But my trusty stereo guy is having (had?) a baby and is clearly predisposed with more important baby-related things. Circuit Man, are you still around? Again, I’m putting it here as a reminder to self. There’s never an opportune time for a stereo to glitch out, and I’m getting genuinely pissed/worked up just writing about it. Sesh, if you have a free minute or two – get at me. If being a dad or pre-dad is taking all your time, no worries. Also, tall friends, I could use an extra set of hands with running some speaker wire. You can get at me too. Please. And thanks.     

There is a boatload more I could flesh out, but I’d hate to overstay my welcome. That said, putting words to things I’d like to see happen makes them tangible. It might help you, too. If you want, I’m happy to read your list of things to do in the upcoming whenever. Send them my way if you’re so moved. I say it each month because I mean it: feel free to reach out with questions, comments and gripes. Especially the gripes. I love a good gripe; mine or yours. KDUR_PD@fortlewis.edu ?