A Look Back On 2024: James Hattersley

So… how was your 2024? 
A little from Column A and a little from Column B – overall it could have been worse.

What was your best moment? 
Getting a new personal best for the Great North Run this year was highlight for sure, but getting to explore Berlin with my partner in our first abroad trip together was phenomenal! So much history and culture to see, feel…and eat.

And your worst moment?
Coming in second place in not one, but two Simpsons quizzes. Beaten TWICE by outrageously multi-pointed bonus questions in the space of two weeks. I demand vengeance. I DEMAND VENGEANCE!

Who was your favourite band/artist this year? 
Maybe it’s because I interviewed half of them and they’re extremely sound, maybe because they put on amazing shows, maybe it’s just their genuine authenticity but Fastblood rootled their way into my heart this year.

Your favourite song of the year? 
Hole in My Head by Laura Jane Grace. Her output has been prolific of late and holds the undisputed title of punk queen. This song has burrowed a hole in my head. 

Recommended album? 
Fastblood’s debut Sunny Blunts was a breath of fresh air – uncompromisingly angry and furiously fast. But most of all – it’s just really fun and catchy!

Favourite TV show of the year? 
This is a tough one – I spend most of my time consuming TV but I think the show I looked forward to most each week was The Penguin. Honestly. I think Cristin Milioti stole the show for me – amazing portrayal of a flawed villain.

Your favourite film?
The Substance – what an amazingly poignant and disgusting film! I love Coralie Fargeat’s Revenge and her follow-up did not disappoint – a stylised twist on Jekyll and Hyde. Demi Moore is forever an icon.

Best book you read?
The Factory by Hiroko Oyamada helped fuel my rage surrounding the meaningless of working for big corporations and the blurred lines between work and home. I also went back and finished Viv Albertine’s Clothes, Clothes, Clothes… – which is perfection.

Favourite new word that you learned? 
I still don’t know what ‘brat’ is. But it seems…good?

Best podcast? 
I’m a bit of a novice when it comes to podcasts – but my favourite is The Dead Meat podcast. With reviews, discussions and games on everything horror, it’s a real safe haven for all horror films fans. Also Talking Simpsons, an ongoing retrospective deep dive into each Simpson’s episode keeps me company most days.

Favourite venue that you visited? 
Lubber Fiend and Little Buildings are the best small venues in Newcastle. Without them, the music scene would suffer greatly.

What was your favourite gig/show of the year? 
Il Sogno del Marinaio with Mike Watt at the Cluny 2 in Newcastle was transformative for me this year. Amazingly moving experience with some of the greatest bass playing I’ve ever seen. Not Watt told everyone of us to ‘go out and start a band’ – I plan to do as I am told. (I met him at the end of the gig and he was as nice as you would expect.)

Tell us about 2024’s guilty pleasure.
I don’t believe in guilty pleasures – you like what you like. I like a pumpkin spice latte.

And your best discovery this year?
Public drinking on the Berlin underground train system is liberating.

Any up-and-coming artists/acts to keep an eye out for in 2025? 
Ah man, I’ve really fallen off the new artist train – I don’t know who will rise! I think Fastblood and Pit Pony are going to have their biggest shows yet. Onlooker and Irked released some great music this year so expect great things from them. But I’m excited to discover new artists next year who haven’t formed or released anything yet. Anything can happen!

Any predictions for next year?
Prices will rise, politicians will philander, you too, will get old.

Is there anything you hope to tick off your bucket list in 2025?
Go to Japan. Buy a house. Live happily ever after.