The year of 2016 was certainly an interesting one in the music world. Though many headlines will focus on those who have passed this year, we wanted to reflect on the joyous occasions that music brought throughout 2016. In doing so, we asked a number of musicians to tell us about some of their favorite experiences throughout the year, and will be running features all week to celebrate all things live music.

For the final installment of this Year In Review series, we took a slightly different approach and asked, “What music are you mosted excited for in 2017?” Many are looking forward to new releases from their favorite new bands, and several are hoping to be turned on to something totally new and original in the new year. Of course, many of these dedicated musicians are also laser-focused on their own projects, which bodes well for an incredible year of music in 2017

Here’s what your favorite artists had to say:

Oteil Burbridge (Dead & Company) – I am just excited for music itself in 2017, but specifically I want to study with Weedie Braimah next year.

Scrambled Greg (Pigeons Playing Ping Pong) – John Mayer Trio, Phish and discovering more new bands like Organ Freeman.

Jesus Coomes (Lettuce) – When Jerry comes back and takes a solo with Lettuce. It should be soon I promise.

Simon Allen (The New Mastersounds) – The Bernard Purdie & Friends album which our bassist Pete Shand has written, produced and performed with Brian J from the Pimps. Pete played us a few rough mixes on our tour bus last week and we were blown away – it’s the funkiest, most soulful thing I’ve heard in 10 years. I’m so proud of Pete, and I can’t wait to hear the finished record. There is also a Melvin Sparks live LP coming out in 2017 on my label One Note Records. Melvin died suddenly in 2011 and this was his last recorded live show. The album, produced by Eddie Roberts, captures a wonderful performance at Nectar’s in Burlington, VT featuring Kung Fu organist Beau Sasser, drummer Bill Carbone and the Phish horn section, Dave Grippo and Brian McCarthy. Melvin and his music have had such a big influence on The New Mastersounds (we often play his tunes in our live set) and I’m honoured to have a role in curating this piece of his musical legacy.

Mike Gantzer (Aqueous) – Man, so much! I always get psyched when Dopapod puts out new stuff and I know they’re working on an album now; I’m super psyched on the Chicago based band Mungion too, and my goal for 2017 is to catch a Kendrick Lamar show, and an Erykah Badu show- those are both bucket list sets! And of course AQ tour and festival season and seeing the ga-jillion other bands that rule in this scene!

Rob Compa (Dopapod) – There’s a lot of fantastic bands out there who deserve and need to be heard by more people. I would love to see those bands get the attention they deserve for how hard they work and how much they pour into their art.

Dave Watts (The Motet) – Our new album! (Sorry, does that even count??) [Editor’s Note: Sure does, Watts. We can’t wait for new Motet either!]

Seth Walker – Working on some new music with Jano Rix of the Wood Brothers. I want to push the boundaries rhythmically, sonically and lyrically. Gotta keep swinging at it.

Oliver Wood (The Wood Brothers) – New Wood Brothers Music! We have the new live record coming out in January and we also start work on a new studio album.

JP Biondo (Cabinet) – The unexpected band that I don’t even know I love yet.

Chuck Jones (Dopapod) – Jam Cruise

Craig Brodhead (Turkuaz) – Jam Cruise.

Eli Winderman (Dopapod) – Hopefully Tool and Gorillaz. I’m looking forward to getting into the studio with Dopapod and making some new music as well.

Nick Tkachyk (Spafford) – GORILLAZ. PRYDZ. TCHAIKOVSKY.

Matt Gibbs (Evolfo) – I’m not sure which of my favorite bands are officially preparing for 2017 releases to be honest! As far as popular stuff I’m aware that LCD Soundsystem and Modest Mouse are working on new albums, I’m pretty excited to see what those dudes are up to. I’m excited about new music from Ty Segall and Meatbodies. There’s so many friends’ bands in Brooklyn that I want more from as well, like Stuyedeyed or Nick Hakim. Can’t wait to hear new material from those guys. Our first full length album Last of the Acid Cowboys will also be out in April and I’m pumped to finally share that with people.

Karl Denson – The coming year will be all about the Tiny Universe. I think I’ve completed the pieces of the puzzle to take this musically where I want to go. We’re going to spend a lot of time rehearsing and writing this year in hopes of really creating something long-lasting and memorable. There’s also the possibility of touring Europe with the Rolling Stones. That would be nice too.

Sammi Garett (Turkuaz) – TURKUAZ

Tony Hall (Dumpstaphunk) – Dumpstaphunk at Tipitina’s

Neal Evans (Dopapod) – Sigur Ros tour ya dummy!

David Shaw (The Revivalists) – Hoping for a Childish Gambino tour in 2017.

Michael Kang (The String Cheese Incident) – SCI Sound Lab releases for Electric Forest Festival

Alric Carter (TAUK) – Lupe Fiasco and Bonobo new record releases

William Apostol (Billy Strings) – I’m always looking forward to what Greensky Bluegrass is up too.. they just keep cranking out amazing songs and albums. Paul and Dave are 2 of my very favorite songwriters. I can’t wait to see what they have in store for us next!

Jeremy Schon (Pigeons Playing Ping Pong) – Vulfpeck and The Big Something.

Nigel Hall (Lettuce) – To make more music

Eric Bloom (Lettuce) – LETTUCE

Dominic Peters (Goldfish) – Goldfish’s new album

Russ Lawton (Trey Anastasio Band) – TAB tour/ Red Rocks, Soule Monde’s new album and tour.

Pappy Biondo (Cabinet) – Gatos Blancos

Laurie Shook – Gregory Alan Isakov new album

Ryan Jalbert (The Motet) – I’m personally excited that we blocked a lot of time on our calendars to work on material for our next record so as soon as we get back our New Year’s run we’re going to hit the ground running. Aside from that there are some highly anticipated album releases slated for next year that I’m psyched to check out. I’ve read that Bjork, Damian Marley, Missy, Chronixx, Beck, JT, Phoenix, MGMT, GZA are just a few of the bands projected to drop a new release. Life goes on!

Cory Wong (Vulfpeck collaborator) – Kimbra’s last single blew me away. I’m hoping to hear a new full length from her. I’ve also gotta say that I’m super excited for my homie Theo Katzman’s new record to come out. I’ve heard it and it’s SLAMMING. I can’t wait for the world to get their ears on it.”

T Sisters – We are so excited for our tour in support of The Wood Brothers on the East Coast in February!