Greetings Mr. Keylock, welcome to Sentinel Daily and thanks for taking part in our My 2016 series! Straight into the questions – what was the best new album you heard in 2016? “There’s been a few great albums this year but one that I keep playing all the time is the new Blackberry Smoke album Like an Arrow – it’s awesome!”

Not been a fan of them to this point – but I’ll certainly give LaA a try on your recommendation… And what about old stuff – did any reissues grab your attention this year? “To be honest I’m not really into that. I never really look for new releases or whatever I just buy the records I want to listen to”.

A sound policy I’m sure! Changing tack for a moment, what was your non-musical highlight of the last twelve months?’ “Most of my life is music at the minute! I throw everything I have at it so that’s all I’ve been concentrating on really over the last few years”.

I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised, but you are far from the first to give me that sort of response to that question! But at the risk of getting a similar response to this question – what have you found particularly disappointing about the wider world in 2016? “Nothing specifically in 2016 as I don’t think it was any better or worse than any other year. But I guess just all the hatred that’s out there I mean everyone out there has the same feelings and desires everyone wants to be liked and loved”.

At the end of the day, yes we do… Back to music! Do you think the music scene – and our sort of music in particular – is in good shape at the minute? “Yeah definitely! I wouldn’t say the ‘known bands’ is a great scene but if you look hard there’s some great stuff out there which is pretty cool!”

Did anything disappoint you musically in 2016? “The amount of musicians that have died this year is just crazy! From Leon Russell to Lemmy to David Bowie! I remember I was in Los Angeles when Glenn Frey died – and also David Bowie – and it was amazing to see how much their music really did mean to people”.

And to all of us – Sentinel Daily would not be here if it wasn’t for the music! Which practitioners of your own musical role impressed you most this year? “I got to see (Texan blues rocker) Tyler Bryant for the first time this year and he was cool. I’ve been into his stuff for a while now”.

Love The Shakedown! Best live act you’ve seen this year? “I haven’t seen too many bands this year as I’ve been recording and touring a lot but we played some shows with Blackberry Smoke this summer and I always love watching those guys! Also got to see a few Cadillac Three shows on their last tour and they’re just awesome! I’ve been a fan of theirs for a long time now!”

More broadly, and looking ahead, what does the next twelve months hold in prospect for you? “Well the record (Cut Against the Grain) is going to be released in January and then hopefully we’ll be touring non stop after that! Hoping to have some cool festivals next summer too!”

Which band, if any, and apart obviously from you – do you think is primed to break out into the wider consciousness in 2017? “There’s loads of great bands but trying to guess what will be successful is another thing I have no idea! I know I’ve really enjoyed watching SIMO every night on this tour and they’re working really hard!”

Another name for our readers to investigate! Thank you very much! Now, we’re fast approaching the festive season – best night for a party – Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve? “For a party, New Years for sure the vibe is always great! I missed out on last years as I had a flight to LA to record the album on New Year’s Day!”

The sacrifice will be worth it in the end I’m sure! We’re not going to ask for a New Year’s Resolution – but what musical feat do you hope to attain next year? “I hope to be playing a lot more next year and start working on the next record too!”

And finally – Anything else you’d like to say to the readers of Sentinel Daily? “Just thanks for reading this and checking me out”.

 

Thanks again for taking part!

Listen to the title track from Aaron’s upcoming album, Cut Against the Grain, here

Displaying Aaron Keylock 03 austin_hargrave_ARG1461.jpg