End of Year Message: The Blur of 2022

As the year 2022 draws to a close, like previous years, we would like to take this moment to say thanks to those who have supported the site, not just over the past 12 months, but since the site’s inception.

First though, it would be remiss not to pay tribute to those no longer with us. Just these past two months have seen so many artists taken from us far too soon. Keith Levene, Angelo Badalamenti, and just this week, Terry Hall and Martin Duffy. All pioneering and generation-defining artists who will be greatly missed.

And of course, Mimi Parker. Such a gigantic influence, we don’t exaggerate when we say that Low are the reason why Sun 13 exists. Throughout many of the new submissions we receive, the echoes of Low remain prevalent; a testament to how many hearts Mimi has touched alongside fellow co-founder and husband, Alan Sparhawk.

While it’s still hard to put Mimi’s loss into words, her influence will no doubt continue as the years roll on. A band that’s left the most defining mark, not only across the landscape of indie music, but the entire creative canvass.

We say it time and time again but running a site like this is forever a game of moving parts. Things are constantly changing all the time.

There’s a bit of work involved, but the writing part is the easiest. Emails, actually responding to them, social media and the like… these are the things that aren’t so easy, and for those submissions received from artists, labels and PRs that we haven’t manage to respond to, we apologise. There’s a lot to take on with a small operation like this, to the point where there are simply not enough hours in the day.

To all the readers, artists, labels and PRs who have offered their support over the years, your help has been immeasurable. From sharing content or just simple words of encouragement when we’re running on fumes or feel the foundations of this house of cards-like operation on the verge of collapsing, your words and actions are very much valued.

Content sharing isn’t a thing that is often spoken about, but for a site like this – whilst we neither expect nor will ever request this – it has become a vital cog in the machine of Sun 13. Gone are the days where the vast majority of a publication’s readership will specifically seek you out. Whilst search engine optimisation is a bonus, social media platforms (rightly or wrongly) see our readership growing, and for those who share our work, there’s no secret when we say it’s massive and greatly appreciated by us. So thank you.

Since our inception in 2020 (that feels like many moons ago now), our readership has grown organically year upon year. At the writing of this piece, we’re on track for our best month yet. That’s down to you, whether you visit the site from time to time or every day. Not only that, but the relationships forged through this site have been immense.

With new labels and artists constantly emerging, it feels like we’re starting to create a little community of outliers, and THAT’s the greatest thing to be a part of. From Liverpool to beyond, we very much hope this merry band continues to grow in 2023.

For now, though, we wish everyone a happy holiday. Hit the pause button, and those fortunate enough to be with loved ones, whilst doing so, please spare a thought for those in less fortunate positions.

Next week, there will be several features to round off the year but, by and large, new content may be sparse for the next couple of weeks as we map out plans for the year ahead.

For those who have dipped in and out of our musings throughout the year, we’ve hand-picked a number of our long-form features to sink your teeth into below.

Thank you all for your continued support. It really does mean everything to us. – Simon Kirk.