Madison Records “Best of” Lists for 2021

As we close out 2021, we’re excited to look back on a successful year at Madison Records. Wyatt and Tanner have been hard at work in the studio, working with artists and producing new music, from the recent release of “Fire” by Forrest Isn’t Dead to a new album from Like Machines. And fans of The Future Babes can look forward to new music to come in early 2022.

All of that work isn’t done in a vacuum. Our team of producers, writers and musicians seek inspiration in the work of other artists, and find the boost they need to get creative juices flowing in all sorts of forms, from television and movies to books and audio.

We decided to share with you some of the favorite things of 2021, from the creative talent here at Madison Records. Maybe you’ll look at these lists and think, “Oh, that’s a side of Tanner I never expected.” Maybe you’ll find a kindred spirit when you learn that Ian’s been watching the same show you have this year. Our hope is that you not only learn a little bit more about the guys behind the music at Madison Records, but that you might also be inspired to try something new. Look at it as our holiday, year-end gift to you.

Tanner Hendon, Like Machines: Top 5 Songs released in 2021

1. “Distance” by One Republic
2. “DiE4u” by Bring Me The Horizon
3. “Leave the Door Open” by Bruno Mars, Anderson Paak and Silk Sonic
4. “Survivor” by Pop Evil
5. “Futureproof” by Nothing But Thieves

What made One Republic earn the number one spot? “It’s partly because I just discovered it, so it’s still fresh to me,” Tanner says. “But I have always been a huge fan of One Republic, and especially Ryan Tedder. He’s the lead singer on this one, and is just an amazing songwriter and producer.” Listen for a blend of pop, rock and alternative genres, a great bass line and a mix of acoustic and electric drums.

Wyatt Oates, producer, Madison Studios: Top 5 Songs released in 2021

1. “DiE4u” by Bring Me The Horizon
2. Industry Baby” by Jack Harlow and Lil Nas X
3. “All My Favorite Songs” by Weezer
4. “Civilianaire” by Like Machines
5. “Save Your Tears” by The Weeknd

Bonus: “Fire” by Forrest Isn’t Dead

How Bring Me The Horizon’s song made it to Wyatt’s number 1: “This song has a lot of cool new vibes and some throwbacks to older ones that really just hit me this year.”

Ian Klin, The Future Babes: Top 5 TV Shows of 2021

1. I think You Should Leave
2. Curb Your Enthusiasm
3. For All Mankind
4. Lego Master
5. Squid Game

“I mostly watch the same three episodes of Fresh Prince of Bel air that I downloaded to my cousin’s iPod Nano, but this year I did branch out a bit,” Ian confesses. So what helped launch Tim Robinson’s variety show to the number one spot? “Carson and I experienced multiple face pains this year as a result of the hilarity of this show,” Ian says. “Tim Robinson has outdone himself in this profoundly vociferous tour-de-force of wit.

Carson Fleishman, The Future Babes: Top Movies of 2021

When asked to contribute his list of movies, Carson supplied only two. In a year when theaters slowly opened back up to audiences after closing due to COVID regulations, it seems fitting that the movie list is short and sweet.

1. Summer of Soul
2. Dune

“I didn’t get to the movies as much as I would have liked this year, but both of these were exceptional,” Carson says. “Summer of Soul was filled with great music from incredible artists. Dune was … Dune. The movie has incredible world building, story and layers to each plot element. I had to read the book after seeing the movie and now I’m on book two.”

Sounds like next year our list should include one of top 5 new books!