A Look Back On 2024: Robin Webb

So… how was your 2024? 
A busy year work-wise with lots of community projects collaborating with great local arts organisations, schools and universities in my day job as a stop motion animator. Music-wise, I released my own tortured noise as my alter ego Von Heuser with an album out earlier in the year and appearances on a number of compilations and gigs-wise I’ve had extraordinary highs across venues in Newcastle and Sunderland.

What was your best moment? 
My second album selling out, getting lost in the mosh at Idles closely followed by a trip to a beloved Arizona.

And your worst moment? 
Politics and war.

Who was your favourite band/artist this year? 
It’s hard to pin down as I listen to so much good stuff, I guess I’ve listened to more Ivan The Tolerable with their wonderful jazz stylin’

Your favourite song of the year? 
Goat – Ouroboros – funky infectious groove and wild saxy reverberations.

Recommended album? 
Ivan The Tolerable – Water Music – delightfully psychedelic ambient jazz.

Favourite TV show of the year? 
Agatha All Along, witches, what’s not to like there?

Your favourite film? 
Dune Part 2 – Lush, spacey, epic and a smidgeon of intrigue.

Best book you read? 
An old sci-fi gem – Consider Phlebas by Iain M Banks

Favourite new word that you learned? 
Sigma, I work a lot with kids.

Best podcast? 
Still has to be 50 Years Of Shit Robots, Matt & Stephen are both lovely knowledgeable peeps, they’re quite nice IRL too. We Buy Records is pretty good too.

Favourite venue that you visited? 
The Cluny, it’s intimate enough to get down with the artistes. I quite like Pop Recs n’all like.

What was your favourite gig/show of the year? 
Idles at City Hall – moshed all night, followed closely by African Head Charge at the Cluny – danced all night!!

Tell us about 2024’s guilty pleasure.
Audible, Bandcamp Fridays and the trouncing of the Tory party

And your best discovery this year?
The amount of freely available Ivan The Tolerable back catalogue on Bandcamp, I’ve indulged! Oh and a re-invigorated love of walking.

Any up-and-coming artists/acts to keep an eye out for in 2025? 
Lambrini Girls, anything on Stolen Body Records or Castles In Space.

Any predictions for next year? 
Let’s hope for an end to conflict and hate during my impending house move and across the world.

Is there anything you hope to tick off your bucket list in 2025?
A trip to Japan, seeing the Osees live in Leeds, meeting old, old friends. Releasing an overly complicated third album.