A Look Back On 2024: Victoria Wai

So… how was your 2024?
In all honesty, pretty crap although my Instagram didn’t show it!

What was your best moment?
Workwise, probably getting a Soundcheck Session sorted with English Teacher as part of my role as Independent Venue Week rep in quite a short time. Oh, and getting the album cover – back and front – for Bernard Butler ‘Live At The Green Note.’

And your worst moment?
IYKYK and also my small bag was too big by American standards that I nearly missed seeing Stevie Nicks after travelling across the ocean to be there!

Who was your favourite band/artist this year? 
Art School Girlfriend and Another Sky – not new but very much played a lot and ‘I lost my shit’ seeing them live a few times this year.

Your favourite song of the year? 
The Pain by Another Sky

Recommended album?
Beach Day by Another Sky
Nothing or Something To Die For by Mui Zyu
Big Sigh by Marika Hackman

Favourite TV show of the year? 
New Season of SVU. It’s the best thing on TV since it started.

Your favourite film? 
I’m a bit late but really enjoyed Oppenheimer that I finally saw on the plane.

Best book you read?
Really need to get back into it

Favourite new word that you learned?
Were there new words or just new meanings!?

Best podcast? 
Don’t listen to them but do listen to the sounds of ‘The Beach At Night’ to help me sleep.

Favourite venue that you visited?
The Sleeping Village, Chicago, Illinois

What was your favourite gig/show of the year?
Art School Girlfriend in Kantine am Berghain, Berlin, Marika Hackman & Art School Girlfriend at Sleeping Village in Chicago, Stevie Nicks at Hyde Park in London & Brand New Heavies at Boiler Shop in Newcastle

Tell us about 2024’s guilty pleasure.
Guilty pleasure or just reliving my teen years when I got to see the new line-up/reunion of Eternal when they played 90s Baby festival at Newcastles’ Town Moor in August.

And your best discovery this year?
TTSSFU and White Lands

Any up-and-coming artists/acts to keep an eye out for in 2025? 
Loren Heat, Hels Pattison and TTSSFU. Also, Melanie Baker and Sarah Johnsone to blow up more. Shout out to Twayn too – I’ve not seen them much but the few times I’ve caught them this year the growth in their sound and stage presence is admirable.

Any predictions for next year? 
The below has to happen.

Is there anything you hope to tick off your bucket list in 2025?
To be Eternal’s official photographer at their comeback headliner at Scala in London in April and for Stevie Nicks to call me up for her tour.