The challenges facing music seem to grow ever more stark, but such stakes only seem to remind us just how essential music is, or at least should be.

Now, with the scourge of AI-slop thrown into the mire, grassroots artists have an extra layer of algorithmic hell to wade through on top of dismal streaming revenues and a wider cost of living.

Perhaps the threat of AI is overblown. It's hard to imagine many people are going to passively find automated slurry even remotely interesting, but the full-throttle tech embrace around us flashes a grim reminder of how expendable deep, human needs for creativity are to Silicon Valley CEO dickheads with not a glimmer of artistic flair between them.

It's what keeps me going. In my own little way, I hope the Heads on Sticks tastemaking curation project is a one tiny little cluster of music lovers, writers, DJs, and radio shows that can all continue in charting a course of organic recommendation over nebulous AI force-feeding you the lowest common denominator.

As ever, thanks to all the artists who have scored my year. Please listen in order like an old Now! compilation or lovingly assembled mixtape, as the annual round-ups are always arranged with cohesiveness and journey in mind.

Best,

Tom (A Fan)

Note, Seera - 'Akhir Arkha' is not on Bandcamp, so the Tidal link is below, advised to listen between Delores Galore and Hirons.

https://tidal.com/track/462564279/u