By Andrea Swangard, The 2A Team

Image by Thad Allen

2024 was quite a ride. Whether you found it exhilarating, exhausting, or both, new music from artists we love—or are just discovering—makes things exciting. The talented team at 2A is into a wide variety of tunes, which makes sharing our favorites so much fun. Plus, swapping songs often takes us to interesting places. Did a bold new sound spark an idea for an innovative animation we recently delivered? Possibly! 

To start your year off on a high note (or with a sweet synth solo), we’ve rounded up some of our favorite albums of 2024. Whether you gravitate toward introspective, mellow melodies or like to move your feet, we hope you find something that inspires you. Happy listening! 

Only God Was Above Us—Vampire Weekend 
Most reviewers say that there isn’t one skippable song on this album, and not only do I agree, but I also haven’t felt that way since Hole was around. Vampire Weekend brings the best of its signature sound, from slamming on those piano keys to some indie rock synth. The lyrics are timely—only Vampire Weekend can pull off upbeat melancholy and optimistic nihilism.
—Jane Dornemann 

Canto De Un Ángel—Raymix 
Raymix is Edmundo Gómez Moreno, an aerospace engineer and musician who blends traditional cumbia sonidera with electronics; he calls it electrocumbia. In all his songs, he says “Esto es la electrocumbia con Raymix, woo hoo!” His joy in his music is infectious and always lifts my spirits.
—Forsyth Alexander 

Short n’ Sweet—Sabrina Carpenter 
The pop girlies have been dominating this year, and the rise of Sabrina Carpenter and her newest album is no exception. You’ve definitely heard singles such as “Espresso” and “Please, Please, Please” on the radio everywhere, but taking a deeper dive solidifies that it’s a no-skip album. Expertly curated, and I keep coming back for more!
—Julianne Medenblik 

Adult Contemporary—Chromeo 
I have a fever, and the only prescription is more Chromeo! Thank goodness they treated us to a new album in 2024. Honestly, whatever mood I’m in, if Chromeo comes on, I can’t sit still. If you’re not familiar with the band, it’s kinda like…futuristic funk? Electro-soul? Synth-pop? It’s so much fun and I’m here for it.
—Andrea Swangard 

Running River—John Butler 
John Butler’s Running River is a meditative album that soothes the rough edges of modern life over an almost two-hour journey. As the first installment of his Four Seasons project, it serves as a stellar soundtrack for moments when my nervous system needs to downshift. I’m excited to see where his next release will take us in this transformative musical exploration.
—Melanie Hodgman 

TAKE CARE—BigXthaPlug 
EYYY. When you hear this calling card from the man who is not only the biggest but also the largest, you know it’s time to TURN UP. A combination of the unabashedly southern twang of PimpC (half of the legendary Houston group UGK) and the deep, guttural flows of Biggie, BigXthaPlug delivers something for everyone on his 2024 release TAKE CARE. With samples ranging across genres (Ray Martin’s “Under cover”) and mediums (The Clang from Law & Order), BigXthaPlug intricately weaves tracks of self-reflection (“Therapy Session”) and head-bouncing/face-scrunching anthems (“Mmhmm”).
—Evan Aeschlimann 

EELS—Being Dead 
This is the second album from Austin-based band Being Dead. The two founding members, Falcon Bitch and Shmoofy, play almost every instrument and perfectly pair their sweet harmonies with catchy, scuzzy hooks. This has been my go-to album when I need something energizing, fun, and a little weird to pick me up.
—Suzanne Calkins 

Tigers Blood—Waxahatchee 
I was a bit late discovering Waxahatchee, and I’m so glad I finally did. Her voice on this album is so powerful, and the songs are so well-written and catchy. Once I started listening to it, it was on repeat for months…and it was just the right companion for me in a year of change and self-exploration.
—Nora Bright 

Girl With No Face—Allie X 
The throwback synth-pop genre has become pretty saturated in recent years, but this dark moody album (a solo writing/production effort) is distinct! Enjoy entrancing gothic rhythms, delivered across grooves ranging from driving and intense to glittering vibe-outs that evoke everything from throwback heavy-hitters Clan of Xymox and Depeche Mode to modern contemporaries such as Kaleida and Vestron Vulture. Cohesive yet with such variety—it’s a real challenge to pick a favorite track. This scratched that darkwave itch in a way that a new album hasn’t for a while.
—Thad Allen 

I’M DOING IT AGAIN BABY!—girl in red 
This album is a love letter to reclaiming yourself after trauma and during mental-health struggles. It’s quirky, darkly peppy, and happily sapphic. Girl in red may only be 25 years old, but don’t let that number fool you. She has an old-soul sapphic vibe, kinda like King Princess. I especially appreciate her song “Pick me,” which feels like an emo ballad inspired by Hayley Kiyoko’s song “Curious.” Complex, big queer feels!
—Ren Iris 

Total Blue—Total Blue 
While probably better categorized as something between New Age and ambient jazz, I personally think this LA trio’s music can only be described as “cave/water-level music from the seminal Super Nintendo game ‘Donkey Kong Country,’” or adult contemporary for the millennial soul.
—Brian Dionisi 

Brat—Charlie XCX 
Is cloud marketing brat? Did I listen to a song called B2B over a hundred times this year? Why am I passively doing the apple dance at my desk right now? This album answers these questions and more.
—Jack Foraker 

Manning Fireworks—MJ Lenderman 
To quote a rando YouTube commenter, this album is “like if Stephen Malkmus and J Mascis started a country band,” which I think is spot on and a large part of why I’m loving this album. 2A’s own Suzanne and Nora opened my eyes to MJ Lenderman last year and I’ve been a fan ever since. Give him a listen and maybe you’ll become one, too!
—Mike Lahoda 

A LA SALA—Khruangbin 
This is the ultimate co-worker for design sessions—chill, inspiring, and never interruptive. With smooth, groovy, and hypnotic beats, it’s like a creative espresso shot without the jitters. Ideal for getting into the zone, when you need your ideas to flow as effortlessly as this band’s basslines.
—Jenni Lydell 

Viva Tu—Manu Chao 
Viva Tu is Manu Chao’s first album in 17 years, and its arrival felt perfectly timed. It shares sounds of resilience and optimism during turbulent times. I’ve always loved his all-over-the-map sound, and this was a welcome soundtrack to end the year.
—Daniel Schmeichler 

My Method Actor—Nilüfer Yanya 
This album is packed with dreamy, layered sounds and lyrics that really hit. Yanya’s mix of indie rock and experimental vibes feels super personal and is easy to get lost in.
—Mitchell Thompson 

I Love You So F***ing Much—Glass Animals 
I have a terrible habit of determining how good a song is based on how much it makes me cry, and this album got the waterworks going too much to not earn the spot as my top album of the year. Listening to Glass Animals always feels like watching a thousand memories crash together into a movie I’ve somehow never seen. And, if we’re being honest, sometimes nothing hits harder than a good old-fashioned nighttime walk getting lost in ya feels.
—Emily Zheng 

Romance—Fontaines D.C. 
Admittedly, it was 2022’s “Skinty Fia” that made me fall in love with Fontaines D.C. Their 2024 album, Romance, brings a more diverse range of styles, including synth rock, chamber pop, and shoegaze into their post-punk foundation. Each track delves into themes of love, loss, and the human condition, all while maintaining the band’s signature intensity and poetic flair. “Favourite” is one of the first singles from the album with a music video, and it turned my sappy mom heart to goo.
—Alyson Stoner-Rhoades

By Nora Bright, The 2A Team

Image by Thad Allen

Every year at 2A, members of our team share their favorite album of the year—and last year we started compiling a playlist so folks can dance along. This year’s soundtrack is a vibrant tapestry made up of everything from ambient chill to Bollywood beats, experimental sounds to indie anthems, each chosen by a music-loving 2A-er. 

One thing that’s for sure is our eclectic playlist matches the diverse backgrounds of the team members who contributed—including a former journalist, small business owner, nonprofit director, and cupcake baker. Our hobbies range from fly fishing, making miniature models, filming shorts, DJing for community radio, to beer brewing! We’re a talented bunch and we’re all bringing a different flavor to the table. So if our playlist feels a little all over the place, it should! 

Happy listening—and we hope you enjoy our wild music mix! 

Metro Boomin Presents Spider-Man Across the Spider-Verse (Soundtrack) – Various Artists (curated by Metro Boomin) 

With a great franchise comes great responsibility, and Metro Boomin delivers! The entire album showcases Metro’s super-producer abilities to weave a sonic web of synths and strings into a cohesive universe of sound. In an album packed with rap heavyweights, it’s the production on the quiet, more intimate songs that grip my attention, like  “Hummingbird” and “Calling.” – Madeline Sy 

I Killed Your Dog – L’Rain 

L’Rain’s album I Killed Your Dog fuses experimental sounds with soulful melodies, creating an experience that is as haunting as it is beautiful. Each track is a blend of eclectic rhythms, bold textures, and L’Rain’s rich, emotive vocals. We’ve had this one on repeat. – Mitchell Thompson 

New Blue Sun – Andre 3000 

While New Blue Sun is not the rap album many waited 17 years for from Andre 3000, it still delivers. If you are anything like me, you have been following the Andre 3000 seen with flute sightings, a la Where’s Waldo, on social media. Andre 3000 channels Coltrane and other experimental jazz greats with his improvisational flute playing and adds atmospheric ambient layers to bring you along on his recent travels and latest inspiration. This album tells a story without using any words. Be ready to read the energy to follow along on the journey. – Alyson Stoner-Rhoades 

Suntub – ML Buch 

ML Buch (pronounced “book”) is a Danish musician whose sound is very hard to place. Her music is both naturalistic and uncanny, analog and electronic, radiantly warm yet detached, and reminiscent of 90’s alt rock while ahead of its time. She manages to accomplish the rare feat of making something entirely new, challenging, yet completely accessible. – Brian Dionisi 

Everyone’s Crushed – Water from Your Eyes 

The first time I heard a song from Everyone’s Crushed I instantly perked up and focused—I’d never heard anything quite like it. The albums has off-tune singing, dissonant sounds, and intricate and strange textures. Occasionally, a beautiful pop moment emerges from the chaos. Water from Your Eyes makes you work for it and it’s so worth it. – Nora Bright 

Principia – En Attendant Ana 

Parisian indie outfit En Attendant Ana effortlessly merges sweet, pop melodies with a garage punk sensibility on their third album. Take a dash of the Velvet Underground, mix it with heap of Stereolab, a pinch of krautrock, a drizzle of early French pop, et voilà—you’d have something that sounds like Principia. – Suzanne Calkins 

Nothing for Me, Please – Dean Johnson 

The 15-years-in-the-making debut album from Seattle bartender/musician will have you wondering if maybe you, too, are in fact a cowboy ‘neath faraway skies. Folky, alt-country tunes paired with a unique voice. It’s either the soundtrack to your neighborhood dive bar, or some ranch in Wyoming, or maybe both. But either way, an all around lovely set of songs.  – Mike Lahoda 

Mo Lowda & the Humble – Mo Lowda & the Humble 

There is no such thing as too many indie rock bands in the world. Mo Lowda & the Humble bring a cool mix of moodiness and freshness. Caiolas’ vocals? They’re like a rollercoaster—sometimes contemplative, kinda mournful, then suddenly triumphant, all with a catchy vibe. – Michelle Najarian 

Flaws in Our Design – ODESZA, Yellow House 

ODESZA can do no wrong in my book, and their collaborations are no exception. A slight departure from their typical moody electro sound, this EP with Yellow House is bright, upbeat, and the perfect soundtrack to a summer day (or for channeling summer feels in the depths of winter!) – Andrea Swangard 

Cracker Island – Gorillaz ft Tame Impala 

The Gorillaz keep the core of their sound while expanding into a slightly more commercial approach, incorporating collabs with artists like Beck, Tame Impala, and Stevie Nicks. It gives each song a slightly different bent, though it keeps them all recognizable to Gorillaz lovers. Some songs are lazy and dreamy, and others you can dance to, but they’re all easy listening. What’s not to like? – Jane Dornemann 

Rush – Måneskin  

“I’m still rock and roll!” I whisper to myself as I stand in my kitchen after getting my kids to bed, grab a soapy spatula, and treat my dog to evening Måneskin kitchen karaoke. It’s a little rock. It’s a little punk. It’s a little pop. It’s very glam. I love bopping around to “KOOL KIDS” and “SUPERMODEL.” – Erin McCaul 

Rush – Måneskin 

I fell in love with Måneskin because of “SUPERMODEL,” which was released last year but was added to this year’s album called Rush. But I now think all their songs are great. Their sound reminds me of the rock of the late 1960s and early 1970s when the Rolling Stones, the Hollies, the Doors, and Led Zeppelin were raw—but there’s some grunge in there, along with bands like the Damned. That kind of popular music was my first love, and it really takes me back. Interestingly, the leads of the band were born in 1999 and 2000. – Forsyth Alexander 

Paathan (Soundtrack) – Vishal-Shekhar, Sanchit Balhara and Ankit Balhara 

More than just a comeback vehicle for one of the biggest stars in Bollywood, the success of the song “Jhoome Jo Pathaan,” and the film, were a testament to India’s enduring love of Shah Rukh Khan despite all the right-wing attempts to kill his career. The album flies in the face of bigotry, embraces love across the border, and celebrates spectacle both through the music of the talented duo, Vishal-Shekhar, and singers Arijit and Shilpa Rao. And of course, the syncopation and scattered Spanish influence makes the album eminently danceable in true Bollywood style. – Richa Dubey 

Pizza Tower (Soundtrack) – Various Artists 

Pizza Tower was a surprise favorite video game for me this year, a weird little indie game with style and character to spare. But what really enhances its gonzo cartoon nature is the soundtrack, a wild and funky electronic blast of energy. The music team blends golden-age hip hop samples, 90s house beats, and 00s video game chiptunes into an eclectically-textured high-NRG soundscape that is just as engaging to listen to outside of the game. – Thad Allen 

The Maine – The Maine 

After 16 years as a band, The Maine has released a self-titled album and they’ve never sounded more like themselves. You can tell they have honed their craft over the years and are enjoying the ride with this ninth LP added to their discography. This album is introspective and honest but still has some really fun beats to get you grooving. – Julianne Medenblik 

By Nora Bright, The 2A Team

Image by Thad Allen

For the last few weeks, I’ve been looking forward to asking my coworkers to send me their favorite album of 2022 so I can assemble our annual round up. There’s something special and even intimate about hearing what songs have been keeping your colleagues company all year long. While I love working from home, I miss the casual interactions that happen in an IRL office, especially conversations about books, TV shows, movies, and music. The album round-up allows me to learn something new about a coworker I wouldn’t otherwise find out—and follow-up music chats are par for the course. 

Sometimes a coworker’s choice is a delightful surprise, and sometimes their pick feels perfect…as if I should’ve known all along that Al is a Beyoncé superfan or that Erin has a crush on Jens Lekman. 

This year we put together a playlist that highlights one song from each album. I hope you enjoy getting a glimpse into the music that speaks to your favorite 2A’ers soul (and strike up a musical conversation the next time you find yourself on a call with one of us)! 

The Linden Trees Are Still In Blossom – Jens Lekman 

I have a forever crush on Jens Lekman. This album is adorably awkward, semi-autobiographical, and a remix AND re-release of my favorite album of 2007, Night Falls Over Kortedala. It reminds me that our stories get more interesting and gain a new depth as we reflect on them with age.  —Erin McCaul 

Shringaar feat. Milind Soman (single) – Vayu, Raftaar, Aashta Gill, AKASA, Milind Soman 

Catchy beat. Danceable. This single features Milind Soman in a music video after 27 years. What’s not to love? —Richa Dubey 

RENAISSANCE – Beyoncé 

House music, celebrating black excellence, and Queen Bey… this album is sheer perfection! —Alyson Stoner-Rhoades 

Pompeii – Cate Le Bon 

I have never met a Cate Le Bon album that I didn’t like, and Pompeii is no exception. Drenched in dreamy synths, sax and clarinet, Le Bon’s pristine voice dances in the duality of light and dark, weaving through a lush musical tapestry that is both delicate and bold, angular and sweet, sad and hopeful. —Suzanne Calkins 

Brand New – Ben Rector 

I’m a sucker for song that tells a story. I frequently shed a lot of tears listening to many of Ben Rector’s songs. —Tammy Monson 

Midnights (3am Edition) – Taylor Swift 

As exciting as Swift’s rerecords have been, I am thrilled she dropped something totally new. The album is very self-reflective and has hit after hit! And the production stylings of Jack Antonoff are always a favorite of mine. —Julianne Medenblik 

age tape 0 – Arden Jones 

Youthful, angsty, ukulele. —Even Aeschlimann 

Un Verano Sin Ti – Bad Bunny 

Bad Bunny’s latest album is a quintessential curation of different types of summer vibes. Swaggering pop and reggaeton anthems are supported by a reflective b-side with plenty of unexpectedly good features and even a call for Zumba! This record packed everything I love about Benito’s cross-genre inspirations and is proof that good music requires no translation. —Madeline Sy 

The Guest 2 (Original Soundtrack) – Various Artists 

I love the 2014 movie The Guest, a devious genre-bender with a distinctive soundtrack that moodily mixed 80s goth rock and 21st-century synth jams. This April Fool’s Day I was surprised with the drop of a soundtrack album for the nonexistent sequel! It’s a lot of fun to imagine what the plot could’ve been by looking at the cover art and track titles, and this director-led “aural sequel” is a fascinating way to dive back into the movie’s unique soundscape. —Thad Allen 

Power Station – Cory Wong, Billy Strings 

When all the heavy hitters get in the same room and make noise together the result is this album. Jam packed with riffs that are sure to go down in history for the modern funk jazz era. —Matt deWolf 

Warm Chris – Aldous Harding 

The tunes on Warm Chris are just the right blend of off-kilter and catchy for my taste. Her songs are playful, strange, and beautiful—fitting for someone who chose the name “Aldous” as their nom de plume (her real name is Hannah Harding). —Nora Bright 

Stick Season – Noah Kahan 

I once saw a tweet that said Noah Kahan is “country music for the East Coast.” As someone who sort of lives in the country and once lived in New England, I can confirm that a) That is a rock-solid statement, and b) this album will hit home for anyone, no matter where you live or where you are from. —Emily Zheng 

By The 2A Team

We stand in solidarity with the protesters and organizers working to end police violence toward black people and systemic racism in the US. While we are heartbroken by the murders of George Floyd and countless others, we are not surprised. That, in itself, is a tragedy.

We’re posting this statement because we wish to speak out publicly against this ongoing violence and blatant murders. We also recognize that simply sharing our solidarity is not enough. Actions can make progress. We will support the movement by listening, giving money, buying from black-run businesses, signing our names, and amplifying black voices.

As a company, we’re digging in to bias training, inclusive hiring, and spending with purpose. We’re also doubling our employee giving match to organizations run by black people working for equal justice. It’s a few steps of many.

By The 2A Team

We couldn’t be more thrilled to once again be included in Inc. magazine’s 5000 most successful private companies of 2019. With revenue growth of 277%, we’re ranked 1488 on the list, in league with such companies as Famous Toastery (#1490), Spiceology (#1475), and Vac2Go (#1491).

In Washington State, Green Grass Foods rocketed into the top 20, at #13, with 11,623% growth. Rad Power Bikes grew 4,442% and landed at #63. Other Seattle companies appearing on the list include TomboyX (#349), Aduro (#3868), and Rain City Capital (#2777).

The number one spot this year belongs to Arizona marketing firm Freestar, reporting 36,689% growth. To which we can only say hot damn.

Appearing on Inc.’s list is an honor in part because we join such alumni as Microsoft, Dell, Domino’s Pizza, Pandora, Timberland, LinkedIn, Yelp, and Zillow. We’re thrilled to be included among such notable, groundbreaking companies.

We wouldn’t have landed on this list if it weren’t for our clients. It’s a privilege to work with the diverse businesses that come to us looking for guidance on telling their stories. Every website we build, every animation we design, every whitepaper we write becomes part of 2A’s story. We feel immense gratitude to share this honor with the clients who entrust us to tell their stories, too.

By The 2A Team

Straight from their keyboards, here’s 2A’s definitive and ardent guide to gifts for 2018. Wondering what to give your graduate student babysitter who shops local? Your gluten-free sister-in-law who doesn’t read?  Your book club friend who brings a gift every time you host? The best gift of all is quality time, but just in case, here’s a list of second bests.

Fruit Punch belts

Belts used to be a boring dad gift (sorry dads), until they were powder coated.

Dinner at Salty’s on Alki

Call us old fashioned but there’s something sublime about a hipster-free meal with a view.

LePen fine line markers

Feel like a 6th grader without all the insecurity with these smear-free pens.

littleBits Synth Kit

Make sweet beats like a pro.

Donation to a great organization

Science tells us giving makes us happier—share the love with a friend by giving the gift of giving to Casa Latina, or Page Ahead, or Summer Search, or…you get the idea. And don’t forget your employer match! We can hear the love multiplying now.

Bombas socks

Feet carry a big load, especially after holiday buffets—reward them.

On the Boards tickets

Performance that values artistic risks? Sign us up.

Animal Sleep Stories prints

Wall-ready and animal-laden, these silkscreens are sure to delight lovers of the handmade.

Pure La Croix planter from Hello Happy Plants

Refreshing and calorie-free like its muse.

Yeti Rambler Colster

It’s a koozie all grown up.

Solo staycation

Sorry, we thought you asked what you should give a parent of young children. A night alone in a hotel in their hometown, OBV.