QR Music: 2019, A Year in Review

2019 was once again filled with turbulence, from Brexit to the Climate Crisis, we were constantly bombarded by news that told us there was very little hope for the future. Now more than ever, people are turning to music on all platforms: Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube or Physical, for an escape from the bleakness of the world. I asked members of the Queen’s Radio committee, both former and present, what music helped them through the last year.

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Sam Robinson, Head of Entertainment

Album: tryhard – The Band CAMINO

“A great alt-rock band that released their first full album this year. About half these songs made it into my top 10 most played for 2019. They have a great sound, style and energy in every song!” 

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Rory Hughes, On-Air Manager

Song: 101 FM – Little Simz

“From the album GREY Area. Female rapper, and the best in the UK. A heartfelt album about breaking up with someone and knowing your own self-worth because of it”

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Thomas Browne, Head of Music

Song: If the Book Doesn’t Sell - Ritt Momney

“Mormon turned bedroom pip artist makes me feel things I never knew were possible. His songs make me love his girlfriend and think deeply about organised religion”

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Hebe Lawson, Deputy Head of Music

Album: Father of the Bride – Vampire Weekend

“My dad played it to me in the car all the way through summer, and it kicked off my journey to Belfast in the best way possible!”

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Eilis Lee, Honourary Member

Album: Father of the Bride – Vampire Weekend

“Harmony Hall is one of their best songs and the whole album SLAPS live, it is meant to be played live. [Father of the Bride] is like 8 songs too long but when they get it right they get it RIGHT”

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Jake Kuzcogi, Treasurer

Album: The Dip Delivers – The Dip

“Really feel-good vibes with that killer Motown sound, the only group I can think of putting out this sort of stuff at the moment. The whole album is an absolute treat but Atlas is definitely my favourite tune!”

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Beth Buchanan, Head of Online Content

Album: Neotheater – AJR

‘The storytelling power behind this album is incredible, it seamlessly transitions from song to song telling the coming of age story that the band experienced this year, very excited to see what they come up with in 2020’

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Arianne Lundy, Deputy Head of Events

Album: After Laughter – Paramore

“I was a huge Paramore fan growing up (in my P.7. school photos I’m wearing a Paramore shirt!), and the album perfectly encapsulates what it’s like to be in your early 20’s: unsure of the future or your own mental support, but trying to have a good time regardless”

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Michael Jardine, Head of News

Psychodrama – Dave

“It absolutely bangs. He’s a deeply underrated lyricist and his story is insane. Dad left, brother in prison. Great album. Honourable mention for Heavy is the Head - Stormzy. Good album overall but 10/10 for bringing in Tracey Beaker on the ‘Superheros’ track”

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Jessica Lawrence, Station Manager

Album: Good at Falling – The Japanese House

“There were a lot of albums that contested for my number one spot, since a lot of banging music came out this year. Without a doubt, my favourite album (probably of all time) was Amber Bain’s debut Good at Falling. This album came out during a time when I was caught up in my own head and stressed about not having a clear career path. The production on this album is beautiful, and the transition from ‘went to meet her (intro)’ to ‘Maybe You’re The Reason’ deserves an award for the goosebumps it gives me. It wouldn’t be 2019 without giving my boy, Harry Styles, an honourable mention for his late entry Fine Line, producing one of the best songs of 2019 – ‘Sunflower Vol. 6’.”