Ever notice how often the things we share on the internet tend to be the things that make us angry? And by “we,” I mean humanity (maybe you’re an exception, I don’t know). Anyway, in an attempt to end 2022 and begin 2023 on a positive note, I decided to ask a handful of my favorite people on the internet to predict who will make it big in 2023 (“make it big” is pretty vague, but what I meant was basically, “hey, tell me some people who deserve to make it big in the new year!”).
So first, from me:
I hope 2023 is a big, big year for Nick Lutsko, who is a very talented musician. (If you’re unfamiliar with his work, consider checking out this interview I did with him back in 2021.) I am always blown away by his creativity and ability to churn out
In June, The Hollywood Reporter posted an article headlined, “‘Joker 2’: Lady Gaga in Early Talks to Join Joaquin Phoenix, Todd Phillips in Musical Sequel (Exclusive).” Just two days later, Lutsko had a new song and video (complete with a CGI Lady Gaga created by frequent Lutsko VFX collaborator Brielle Garcia) that built on the news and incorporated some of the lore from his “Songs on the Computer” album. For instance, one of Lutsko’s running gags in his songs is that the Gremlins franchise needs to make a comeback, specifically in the form of a movie called “Gremlins 3: Dawn of Desmond,” about a human-Gremlin hybrid named Desmond — and naturally, Desmond appears in Lutsko’s “Joker” song.
And maybe you know Lutsko’s work from his Spirit Halloween-themed songs, or the time he created a Bon Iver-style indie folk song out of Alex Jones rants, or hey, maybe even from his music that isn’t meant to be funny. Check out the video for his song “Sometimes” here:
I asked a handful of other folks who they want to see blow up (in a good way) in 2023, and they certainly gave me a starting point for new (or, mostly, new-to-me) comedians/artists/writers/musicians to check out. Here’s what they had to say.
, comedian and one of the nicest human beings on the planet, wants it to be a big year for comedian Jes Tom.
I am predicting a big year for Jes Tom! Their standup is so sharp and compelling, and they’re a great writer outside for other media too. Performances of Jes’s solo show Less Lonely (presented by Elliot Page!!!) have been selling out. I can’t wait to see where they go next!
Alex Segura, the super-talented writer of novels and comics, had two recommendations.
Danny Lore is a fantastic writer of prose and comics - with all their stories rooted in character and displaying a strong, unique voice, whether it’s crafting teen superhero drama, Afrofuturist sci-fi, or franchises like Transformers or James Bond, Danny is a writer on the cusp. I’m excited to see what they do in 2023.
Nikki Dolson is a noir author ready to level up. A masterful short story writer who’s had her work featured in The Best American Mystery and Suspense 2021 and plenty of anthologies, Dolson’s work explores the corners of darkness and love and everything in between. Every time I chat with her I ask about a novel, because once she has one ready to go, it’ll be huge.
John Cusack, no introduction needed, offered a quick plug for Lucius, an indie pop group founded by singers Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig.
They are great.
Simple, to the point, and yeah, he’s right. They’re pretty good!
And Max Collins of the band Eve 6 offered a couple of recommendations, as well.
It’s very shot/chaser with these two musical recommendations.
Full disclosure this is a friend of mine’s band, but they are so gd objectively awesome i swear. They’re called The Mayor and they’re one of the coolest, heaviest, most creative metal/hardcore bands I’ve heard in a long time. They just released their first EP “Live From the Acropolis” and I highly recommend checking it out.
Another newer artist I’m really digging is a guy called Mo Troper. He has a kind of psychedelic power pop sound that I really love. His melodies are gorgeous, and his voice is just wonderfully strange and enchanting.
In the new year, I want to spend more time highlighting the things I enjoy and the people I want to see succeed — and spend much less time focused on the people, media outlets, and systems that make me angry.
This isn’t to say this newsletter will become all sunshine and rainbows. No, no. It’s just my hope to add a bit of balance to what can be a sometimes dreary slog.
Is there a specific artist/writer/actor/creator/musician/illustrator you want to find new levels of success in 2023? Drop them in the comments!
I want Parker Molloy to replace (pick one) Brett Stephens/Mareen Dowd/David Brooks/Ross Douthat/Pamela Paul on the New York TImes, or Megan McArdle/George Will/Hugh Hewitt/Mark Thiessen/Kathleen Parker on the Washington Post, and write a weekly column for one (or both?). Actually, I'd be happy if all of those people got fired and found jobs more suited to their talents and abilities. Brett could be a mattress tester (for bedbugs).
All joking aside, you deserve a bigger megaphone for all the great writing you do.
Happy 2023!
Since Gondleman was in your article, I want the best for all the very funny people displaced suddenly in the great Desus/Mero Schism. Josh and all the very funny people I followed from their team on Twitter deserve great opportunities this year.