A Look Back On 2024: Jade Mia Broadhead

So… how was your 2024? 
I think I’ll need therapy to deal with the events of 2024 one day! So many incredible highlights with some of the gigs I played, with ill health & the plot changer towards the end making for some traumatic lows. But still, like all since transition, the best yet.

What was your best moment? 
Playing The Cluny, three times! The first especially – with my band Dinky Bossetti – was literally a 20-year dream come true & the whole experience surpassed those dreams.  So many notable additions such as supporting Mouses, some great gigs at Little Buildings, my EP launch at The Globe, playing Sparkle 2 nights in Manchester & being put up in a hotel & a fun night making my Cumberland Arms debut. Quitting my 9-5. Finally getting rid of the Tories.

And your worst moment? 
My mum’s terminal cancer diagnosis came like a gunshot & the wound will weep eternally. Everything good that has happened over the last few years with transition, & everything that is good to come can never be the same now. It is the most profound of heartbreaks.

Who was your favourite band/artist this year? 
Is it narcissism to say my band Dinky Bossetti? Honestly, I love us. We are what I wanted us to be. We are a band I’d lose my shit over as a kid. I’d love to be able see us live because it feels so damn good being on that stage. And our new EP out in January is so much better than I ever dared to imagine us being! Notable mentions for Gaydar, Social Youth Cult & Snakes With Tits! 

Your favourite song of the year? 
What A Day by Better Joy.

Recommended album?
A toss-up between Laura Jane Grace’s Hole In My Head & Grace Petrie’s Build Something Better. Two of my favourite artists absolutely delivering. Also very honourable mentions for Desperate Journalist, Mouses, Los Campesinos!, No Teeth & Waxahatchee.

Favourite TV show of the year? 
I’m forever stuck in 90s TV time warps & this year it’s the turn of The X-Files, as well as rewatching This Is Us, but I really enjoyed Baby Reindeer, Big Mood & Alice & Jack.

Your favourite film? 
Wicked blew me away, literally magical. My Old Ass was a very pleasant surprise & The Substance grossed me out in ways I didn’t think even possible anymore!

Best book you read? 
I’m not even sure I’ve finished a non-graphic novel this year which is terrible for somebody who used to be such an avid reader. Must do better. 

Favourite new word that you learned?
Strength.

Best podcast? 
n/a

Favourite venue that you visited? 
So many wonderful venues in Newcastle, from my spiritual home The Globe to fulfilling dreams at The Cluny & fun nights at Little Buildings & The Lubber Fiend. A special mention for Bobby’s bar which sadly close down. No place I’ve felt more comfortable since coming out.

What was your favourite gig/show of the year? 
The first time Dinky Bossetti played with Social Youth Cult & an absolutely insane Scottish band named San Jose was special, gigs at The Cluny with Skating Polly & Death Valley Girls, supporting Mouses with Holly Rees & Snakes With Tits (what a bill!) & a lovely night playing with Badger, Spelk & Ne-O back in March led to a fun few months. As a fangirl, Girls Aloud was incredible (but since when did pop music concerts become so emotional?!)

Tell us about 2024’s guilty pleasure.
I genuinely don’t believe in guilty pleasures because there’s so much displeasure to be had in the world, why feel guilty over something that brings you joy?

And your best discovery this year?
We played with Iron Petals in just their 2nd show & they were incredible & will be playing our EP launch in January.

Any up-and-coming artists/acts to keep an eye out for in 2025? 
San Jose from Scotland are unlike anything I’ve ever seen live in my life & Social Youth Cult who’ll also be playing our EP launch in January are an incredible live experience.

Any predictions for next year? 
Spending as much time with my mum as humanly possible whilst also trying to promote Dinky Bossetti’s new EP ‘Pink, White & Blue’ & play live when we can is going to be difficult, but it’s incredible how quickly your priorities can change in an instant. I also have a solo album to be completed & a festival – Transtock – to organise so another busy one ahead! I can’t even begin to think beyond those things & look at the wider world, because an unholy alliance of Trump & Putin & Badenoch (at this rate) is unthinkable.

Is there anything you hope to tick off your bucket list in 2025?
Being orphaned was not a bucket list item, I’ll be honest. Just try to make the most out of an awful situation & hopefully take Dinky on the road a little more.