We’re been asking for Best of 2024 lists from artists we like, and here’s one from Dawn Richard & Spencer Zahn whose second collaborative album, this year’s Quiet in a World Full of Noise, is truly lovely. Their list, which is mostly albums and a few singles, includes DARKSIDE, Photay, ANOHNI, Actress, Storefront Church, Josh Johnson, and more.
Check out Dawn and Spencer’s list and commentary, and listen to Quiet in a World Full of Noise, below.
Dawn Richard and Spencer Zahn’s Top Twelve Releases of 2024 (in no particular order)
Josh Johnson – Unusual Object
When we think about artists who are developing their own sound and pushing the boundaries of an instrument, we think of Josh Johnson. As a saxophonist and producer his 2024 release Unusual Object is one of the most unique approaches to creating a solo practice with one’s instrument.
Photay – Windswept
The new Photay record is a great one to listen to in the car, full of intriguing production. Windswept goes places both sentimental and groovy.
Storefront Church – Ink & Oil
Lukas Frank, aka Storefront Church, is making adventurous, artful music that feels like its own world. we don’t totally know how to describe it and it’s awesome.
DARKSIDE – “Graucha Max”
DARKSIDE’s new album is one of our most anticipated albums of 2025 and this is the first single they have shared. We got to see them perform it for a couple nights in Europe while opening for them and it rips.
Nala Sinephro – Endlessness
The sound of Nala’s Endlessness is so open and airy. A great listen in the morning while watching the squirrels run around the yard.
Meernaa – “Make It Rain”
Carly and the Meernaa crew are some of the best musicians and songwriters in LA. This is one of two songs that they released in 2024, we can’t wait for more new songs in 2025.
SML – Small Medium Large
The members of SML have encapsulated a wonderful image of the Los Angeles improvised music scene on their debut album. We were lucky enough to be at some of the performances that make up this album which were such great nights of music.
Sam Wilkes – iiyo iiyo iiyo
We’re a big admirer of Sam Wilkes as a bassist and artist. This live recording of his incredible band from a tour in Japan is a great listen top to bottom.
Dave Harrington – Skull Dream
They say that Steely Dan would write an album about New York while living in California and vice versa. This is Dave’s version of that, if I may be so bold. He finished Skull Dream in California but it’s an album that was recorded in Brooklyn with all New York musicians. The result is a great sonic melding of the two places.
ANOHNI – “Breaking”
Truly a northstar when it comes to songwriting and arranging all while creating emotional depth in recordings that feel personal and inviting. This single does everything beautifully.
Lynn Avery & Cole Pulice – Phantasy & Reality
Lynn and Cole have put out another gorgeous album following up their previous collaborative record which was one of our favorites of 2022. They’ve done it again!
Actress – Даррен Дж. Каннінгем
We always love when an artist releases an album that is one, long song. This album moves through so many interesting spaces, we’ve been a long time fan of Actress and were excited to see this come out toward the end of the year.
Dawn Richard and Spencer Zahn – Quiet In A World Full of Noise
Finally, to make it a baker’s dozen of our favorite releases of 2024, is our album, Quiet In A World Full of Noise. This was a big part of our year and we are so happy to share it with everyone and do more performances of this music in 2025.
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Currently, Dawn & Spencer’s only upcoming 2025 live dates are festival appearances at Big Ears and Noise Pop.