Best Debut Albums of 2015

Best Debut Albums of 2015
Mark E. Ortega & Sandra Burciaga
GrimyGoods.com
December 8, 2015

This past year was a great year for debut albums, and especially a mammoth year for women in music. About 65 percent of our debut selections are from some very talented women. While we could have easily added a few more records to this list, we like to keep it selective. When it comes down to what exactly makes a “best debut album of 2015”, there are a lot of factors at play, but for us, all the debut records listed below were constantly on repeat throughout the year. From hip hop, rock, pop, electronica and more — these debut albums were each extraordinary in their own way.

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Will Butler of Arcade Fire takes infamous energy to Troubadour for solo gig

Will Butler of Arcade Fire takes infamous energy to Troubadour for solo gig
Mark E. Ortega
GrimyGoods.com
May 28, 2015

Will Butler is well-known for his antics on stage as a member of Arcade Fire. Having released his first solo effort earlier this year, he made his first appearance in Los Angeles from underneath older brother Win Butler’s shadow at the Troubadour last night. That energy was there in spades.

I had just seen Butler perform the previous weekend at Sasquatch! Music Festival, his set kicking things off at 1 PM on the main stage on Saturday. Though it sounded rather good with The Gorge directly behind him and his touring band, it sounded that much better in the more intimate Hollywood venue.

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5 Early-Afternoon Sasquatch! Acts Worth Checking Out

5 Early-Afternoon Sasquatch! Acts Worth Checking Out
Mark E. Ortega
GrimyGoods.com
May 22, 2015

Grimy Goods contributor Mark E. Ortega is embarking on a six-week music festival tour around the United States. After stops in the south at Shaky Knees and Hangout Fest, Mark’s returning to the west coast for Sasquatch! at The Gorge in Washington for Memorial Day weekend. Here’s a look at some early-afternoon acts you shouldn’t miss if you’ll be there.

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Recommended: Will Butler rises from Arcade Fire shadows with stellar solo debut "Policy"

Recommended: Will Butler rises from Arcade Fire shadows with stellar solo debut "Policy"
Mark E. Ortega
GrimyGoods.com
March 10, 2015


Though he plays a complementary role in the massive success of his band the Arcade Fire, the younger Butler sibling steps out of the shadow of his older brother Win, to great things on his debut solo album Policy.

While he plays keyboards and sometimes drummer for the world renowned band, he shows in his solo endeavor he’s more than just a jack of a few trades. The album features bit players that contribute anything from drums to even clarinet and saxophone, but this is very much a Will Butler solo project.

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