+Artist Favorites 2023: Shamir

Any year where Shamir releases an album — and they tend to be frequent by the prolific nature of his songwriting hand — is going to make for a fascinating listen. This year, the indie polymath did not disappoint and again bested himself at his own fetes with the release of one of the year’s best with his first for Kill Rock Stars, Homo Anxietatum. The listen marks another step in his continuous butterfly transformation as a generational talent within the pure independent landscape who knows every inch of his psyche creatively and personally whether he’s donning rock, punk, country, or experimental styles on the way to knitting perfect pop hooks in the form of an oversized sweater.

Perhaps even more fascinating is Shamir’s favorite music of 2023. You have to expect any list he puts together with words behind it is going to be wildly esoteric and eccentric, and full of capital-“T” Takes. He shouts out his fellow anti-pop peers, tips his hat toward alternative country’s finest voices, gives props to the bops, and even goes metal. You’re guaranteed to find something just as original and interesting as Shamir’s being in here, and for more of that, revisit Homo Anxietatum below…

Shamir’s Favorite Music of 2023:

Mariah the Scientist – To Be Eaten Alive [Epic Records]

America’s favorite lightskin “go on girl give us nothing” queen is back and better than ever. There’s a reason people pay money to hear these songs live regardless of her stage presence or vocal ability. She may not be a performer, but she’s definitely an artist, and possibly one of the best of our generation.

Stream Mariah the Scientist’s To Be Eaten Alive

Vagabon – Sorry I Haven’t Called [Nonesuch Records]

Laetitia is a goddamn popstar. I never thought I would ever hear her voice behind tracks like these. “Can I Talk my Shit” sounds like Reputation era Taylor. “Do Your Worst” Drum n Bass vibe works surprisingly well. This album shows so much range and growth.

Stream Vagabon’s Sorry I Haven’t Called

Horrendous – Ontological Mysterium [Season of Mist]

I’m the first to admit I’m clueless about metal, which is a bit shocking to some considering my own heavy moments. Luckily the expansive sounds on “Ontological Mysterium” aren’t isolating. There are lots of different influences here, but none of the twist and turns feel discombobulated. There’s a thrashy vibe to “Neon Leviathan”, yet “Aurora Neoterica” feels like a lost king crimson track. An album like this could only be made by a band who’s been playing together for over a decade. They are an absolute unit and it shows.

Stream Horrendous’ Ontological Mysterium

The War and Treaty – Lover’s Game [UMG Nashville]

It’s no secret that Michael and Tanya Trotter are two of the best vocalist alive. Their acrobatic singing has always been at the forefront of their praise, but sometimes I found it overwhelming. Lover’s Game is the record where the couple finds restraint without dulling their edge. “Yesterday’s Burn” is probably my song of the year.

Stream The War and Treaty’s Lover’s Game

William Beckmann – Here’s to You. Here’s to Me. [Highway 90 Records]

Though I have zero credentials to bestow such a title, I fully believe William Beckmann is the prince of Texas. His output has been so consistent and he’s still so young. This record is pretty much flawless.

Stream William Beckmann – Here’s to You. Here’s to Me.

Kennie – Song’s She’d Like to Hear [IMakeMusicSometimes Records]

This is kind of a biased pick because I worked on this album, but that’s not the only reason it’s here. Kennie is so fucking annoying. I love her to death, but her inability to promote her music makes me wanna scream because this is lowkey the best pop album of the year, and even she won’t tell you about it. I produced the closing track with Greg from Protomartyr and it sounds like Beyoncé singing shoegaze.

Stream Kennie’s Song’s She’d Like to Hear

Esther Rose – Safe to Run [New West Records]

Esther learned how to play guitar seven years ago and released four incredible albums. Safe to Run shows a level of confidence that was just bubbling under previous releases. Esther’s lithe voice is somehow domineering on this album. I can visualize her wearing a black leather jacket as she sings “two bucks press play, baby bully the juke.”

Stream Esther Rose’s Safe to Run

Caroline Polachek – Desire, I Want to Turn Into You [Perpetual Novice]

I can’t make the music not bop, unfortunately!

Stream Caroline Polachek’s Desire, I Want to Turn Into You

RVG – Brain Worms [Fire Records]

As you can tell by most of this list, I’ve grown very weary of good ole guitar indie rock, but this RVG record is absolutely an exception. Romy Vager is such an incredible vocalist. You feel the emotion behind every single syllable, and her accent somehow makes it even more affecting.

Stream RVG’s Brain Worms

Brian Dunne – Loser On The Ropes [Kill Rock Stars]

Brian and I are labelmates in Kill Rock Stars, and Loser On The Ropes is my favorite album released through the label this year (aside from Homo Anxietatem of course.) Brian is just a solid ass songwriter with a handsome ass voice.

Stream Brian Dunne’s Loser On The Ropes

Shamir’s Homo Anxietatem is available now on Kill Rock Stars.