Opinion: PRP's Best of 2021 (Editorial)
By Simon Daley
To wrap up another busy year for our website’s blog, we reflect on the past twelve months and detail six of the most popular articles according to our readers.
What a rocky year it has been for all those creating editorial content. Photoshoots have had to be postponed, trips cancelled and anything that can be has been moved online. Still, we pressed on and are proud to have delivered a whole host of content on the website in 2021. From useful project guides to in-depth interviews and features, regular playlists and more, the readership has continued to grow year-on-year. As we did last year, we thought it’d be worth highlighting some of the most popular articles you may have missed as well as give you a chance to rediscover entries from what at times felt like an endless year.
1) News: OSEES Vinyl Release Benefits Indie Music Venues
In January we shared the news that LA-band OSEES and our clients The Reverberation Appreciation Society were releasing a special edition vinyl release, with the proceeds being donated to independent music venues affected by COVID-19. Unsurprisingly, such a generous and selfless act caught the imagination of our readers and the article became the most read and shared story on our website in 2021.
2) Label Feature #11: Emotional Response
We caught up with label owner Stuart Anderson back in May to discover what inspired his return to the industry and how Emotional Response evolved into what it is today. Packed full of interesting stories, details that fans may not have known before as well as music recommendations… this is certainly one of our label features that you won’t want to overlook!
3) Playlist: Fresh Off The Press (May 2021)
We’ve published six playlists so far in 2021, made up of artists and bands pressing vinyl records at our plant as well as recommendations from our team members. May’s playlist in particular picked up momentum and it’s not hard to see why when you include music from Jason Joshua & The Beholders, SCUZZ, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, MF DOOM, Maybel and more. Look out for our end of year staff picks playlist dropping later this month!
4) Label Feature #12: Idée Fixe Records
If you want to get a glimpse into the workings of an eclectic Canadian record label, then look no further than our feature on Toronto favorites Idée Fixe Records. Owners Alex Durlak and Jeff McMurrich were full of great advice for those wanting to launch a new label, the duo also reflected on how the industry had changed over the many years they’ve been involved in the music scene.
5) Guide: How To Review Your Test Pressings
One of most common questions that our Account Managers reported being asked by clients was “how do I review my test pressings properly?”. So much so that we decided to collaborate with client and friend Scott Orr to produce a helpful audio guide that breaks down the steps to ensuring that you’re looking and listening out for the correct things, before taking the next steps with your project.
6) Label Feature #13: GGBR Records & Tapes
We said it at the time, but it’s worth repeating again… if you call yourself a fan of exceptional vinyl effects and color combinations and you don’t know about GGBR Records, then you need to look them up fast! Better yet, read our interview with label co-founder Bozack Morris who talks about 5 years running the label, the inspiration behind GGBR and some of his highlights so far. We can’t wait to see what they task us with creating for them in 2022!