It’s time to say goodbye to the 2010s which means we’re awash in the glow of golden nostalgia. From new music to powerful movements, a lot of good things happened over the decade and this list is raising a solo cup to some of the best. Find out the moments that shined the brightest for our idobi staff and let us know the good times you had on Twitter. Here’s to the old, get ready for the new, idobi fam!
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Star Wars
Like or hate the film, seeing the original Star Wars cast come back to the big screen for The Force Awakens was really special. It was the biggest nostalgic moment, in a decade that couldn’t get enough nostalgia. (Eddie Barella)
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Steven Universe
The most beautifullest thing of the decade happened at a baby shower two years ago. A little guy, who we’ll call Steven, sat down with me, leaned in close, and told me about the bullying he received because of his muscular dystrophy. He whispered the words so his brother wouldn’t be sad. I didn’t know how to help…until I remembered my geekiness and his childhood might have a point of convergence. “Have you ever seen Steven Universe?” I asked. And the stars came out in my Steven’s eyes (and that connection ignited those same lights within me). Smoky Quartz and her joy in her body’s differences reminded my Steven how magnificent he is; while the song “Here Comes a Thought” is a place of calm during my mental whirlwinds. Show creator, Rebecca Sugar has given us a sparkling gift in her Gems. Steven Universe is not just entertainment, it’s a healing circle—one that grabs all our hands and allows each of us to join in. (Sherin Nicole)
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The Rebirth of Brendon Urie
The start of the decade was a weird time for Panic! at the Disco fans since literally half the band had left the year before. But Brendon Urie and Spencer Smith lived on – over the next few years, they released several excellent albums and continued making waves in the music world. After Spencer left the band, Brendon rose above us all like the flamboyantly glorious phoenix that he is and took Panic! to places we could never have dreamed of. This year alone, he featured on a massive song with none other than the queen of pop herself, Taylor Swift, not to mention enjoyed huge success with “High Hopes” and even covered a Disney song for a major animated film (you know you’ve hit it big when Disney comes knocking). Brendon’s been in the music industry for about fifteen years and he’s showing no signs of slowing down – I can’t wait to follow him into the unknown over the next decade. (Sam Devotta)
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Becoming a Dad
Life is like a box of dad jokes, you never know what you’re gonna get.
— Scott Waldman (@lidobeach) December 7, 2019
“My favorite moment from January 1, 2010–December 31, 2019 happened on September 17, 2019 at approximately 7:45 PM PT when my wife Kelli and I welcomed our first child Max Gary Waldman into the world. Max was a feisty baby and arrived five and a half weeks early. He’s punk as fuck. The rumors about unconditional love and indescribable feelings are all true; we’re truly obsessed with our boy. In closing, we are still waiting for his personal Waldman’s Words that don’t involve grunts and spit up, but the next decade should showcase some!”
(Scott Waldman)
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The #GoldOpen Movement
The #GoldOpen movement started in 2017 to organize opening weekend successes in support of under-represented Asian-created and Asian-led films like Crazy Rich Asians, Searching and The Farewell. Drumming up hype for these projects have led to increased mainstream exposure for stars like Constance Wu, Henry Golding and Awkwafina; and the continuing visible demand for diverse voices and representation in Hollywood. (Alice Meichi Li)
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Pinkish Black
Favorite thing of the decade for me, without a doubt, is the formation of Pinkish Black. Born out of the ashes of a weird jazz-metal fusion band called The Great Tyrant, the two-man Fort Worth powerhouse sounds like nothing else out there. They’re absolutely my favorite band of the decade, and it’s criminal that everyone is not spinning their latest album. (Shawn Kupfer)
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The Blackout Forever Tour
My favorite thing that happened this decade would have to be the Blackout Forever tour with The Ready Set. I was only 15 when I saw that show and the camaraderie of the fans and the crew made a huge impact on me. It introduced me to the industry, brought about the next chapter in my life, and changed me in so many ways. I will forever be grateful to every person who made that concert happen.
(Emillie Marvel)
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The iPhone
As hard as it is to pick a single thing that I loved most in the 2010s, I think the iPhone does a perfect job of covering all the bases (no offense to my faithful Sidekick). My favorite song of the 2010s? I listened on iPhone. My favorite TV show and movie? Watched it on an iPhone. Hell, I even found the love of my life on this thing. I wrote my college thesis on it! I’m using it to write this right now!!! iPhones have revolutionized communication, productivity, content creation/consumption and all of the above. Things can only get cooler from here. And probably more expensive. (Joe DeAndrea)
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A Band Called The Maine
If you want to hear a success story, look no further than The Maine. In 2010, they released Black & White through Warner Brothers; a year later, they released Pioneer independently. From that moment on, they started to evolve into the incredible powerhouse we know and adore today. Multiple albums (including EPs), relentless touring, hometown celebrations, free meet & greets, a charitable initiative, and a new festival to replace the Warped-sized hole in your heart…The Maine can’t stop, won’t stop taking the music industry by storm and we love to see it. In just under a decade, they’ve managed to create an entire community around their music and they remain some of the hardest working, most genuine people you’ll ever meet. If there’s one band who deserves all the love, respect, and attention in the world, it’s The Maine. (Sam Devotta)
