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Drag City Join With Gaga

Pete — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0800

We're very happy to be working with one our all time favourite labels, Drag City.

The original home to a little band called Pavement, the Chicago based label has put out an incredible amount of great records in its twenty two years, by the likes of Bill Callahan, Royal Trux, Silver Jews, Scott Walker, Bonnie 'Prince' Billy and Stereolab, just to name a few.

We'll be representing selected master copyrights from the Drag City catalogue, which we're very excited about.

Have a listen to a couple of classic Drag City tracks from Mr. Bill Callahan in our player above, and check out their crazily good catalogue.

Watch: PS I love You feat. Diamond Rings: Leftovers

Pete — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Two of our favourite Canadians, PS I Love You and Diamond Rings, teamed up earlier this year to record the barnstorming Leftovers for PS I Love You's upcoming Figure It Out, out later this month through our friends at Paper Bag Records.

Now, thanks to filmmaker Colin Medley, Leftovers has the excellent video it deserves. Medley has directed a bunch of clips for the two bands, and was on tour with the bands in the US recently when they decided to stop by Marfa, Texas, one of the strangest places on earth, to shoot the clip.

Medley takes up the story: 'I was on the road with the bands mostly for fun but also to document the tour any way I knew how. Most nights, PS I Love You would end their set by inviting Diamond Rings to the stage to play their single "Leftovers."

'With no clear plan in mind, I started to tape their performances of the single. Halfway through the tour when we found ourselves with a day off, we decided it might be fun to develop a music video for the song while still on the road. Driving from Austin, TX to Tuscon, AZ, we stopped over in a small town called Marfa, TX (pop. 2000) and rented a trailer for the night.

'Using the song's title as a cue, Paul (of PS I Love You) cooked up an amazing meal for all of us in the small confines of our mobile home, and of course, there were plenty of leftovers.'

Like all Medley's clips, the film was made for almost nothing, but looks great. Check it out below.

Paper Bag Records Join Gaga

Pete — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0700

We're very happy to announce that we're working with the master catalogue of Paper Bag Records, one of North America's best and brightest indie labels.

Based in Toronto, Paper Bag Records has cultivated an awesomely diverse roster of both home grown and international acts since forming eight years ago.

In its early years, Paper Bag helped launch the careers of You Say Party, Tokyo Police Club, Broken Social Scene and Stars; these days the label is working with an enviable roster containing the likes of PS I Love You, Young Galaxy, Born Ruffians, The Acorn, Winter Gloves, Woodhands, Slim Twig, CFCF, Sally Shapiro and Under Byen.

The label also has one of the best damned websites in the business. To hear some of Paper Bag's thoroughly excellent catalogue, download a great label sampler over at their site, or have a listen in our player above.

We've been particularly enjoying the raucous, hook-laden goodness of indie rock duo PS I Love You of late. Check out the video for Get Over, from their debut lp Meet Me At The Muster Station, below.

Sync: Ski Yoghurt TVC feat. Coby Grant

Pete — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0800

Almost exactly a year ago, Australian songstress Coby Grant had her track 'A Song About Me' put to a Scandinavian Bonaqua spot. Now the track, which appears on Coby's Is In Full Colour ep, has been featured in another TVC, this time an Australian Ski Yoghurt commercial.

Check out the spot below:

2011 is shaping up to be a big year for the Melbourne-based songwriter, with a national tour starting this month, and a world tour planned for later this year. For all Coby's news, head over to her site.

Sync: NT Tourism TVC feat. Kyu

Pete — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0800

Rising Sydney experimental pop duo Kyu recently had their music put to a new NT Tourism TVC, via Gaga Master and Popfrenzy.

The surprisingly psychedelic ad, which is being shown nationwide, features Kyu's vocal-and-percussion heavy Pixiphony, from their great self titled debut record, set to some beautiful images of the red centre, the whole thing making you want to drop what you're doing, take a plane up north and never come back.

Check it out below:

Listen to the full version of Pixiphony in our player above. And while you're at, check out High Places' great remix of Pixiphony from last year over at Polaroids of Androids, and Jonathon Boulet's excellent new reworking of Sistar, over at Kyu's myspace.

Kyu is out now through Popfrenzy.

Sync: P&O TVCs feat. Katie Herzig

GAGA — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0800

Nashville-based pop songstress Katie Herzig first came to the ears of many Australian listeners when her infectious track Forevermore was synced, via Gaga Master, to a recent Target Kids ad.

Now another of Katie's songs, the single Best Day Of Your Life, has been synced to a new series of summer ads by P&O Cruises.

Check out the spots below:

For more on Katie Herzig, check out her site.

Sync: Target Kids TVC feat. Katie Herzig

Pete — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0700

In 2006, after a few years fronting the Colorado band Newcomers Home, singer-songwriter Katie Herzig lit out for new pastures, heading to Nashville, home to a famously rich musical heritage and a burgeoning indie scene. There, Herzig started a solo career in earnest, releasing the acclaimed Weightless lp, picking up a Grammy nomination, touring widely and having her songs featured on the likes of Gray's Anatomy KCRW’s Morning Becomes Eclectic.

In 2008, Herzig cut Apple Tree, her third solo studio lp, which won her a legion of new fans and abundant critical praise: NPR called it 'a collection of heartfelt, beautifully executed songs'; Paste wrote that it 'pushes [Herzig's] now-signature style –– brightly textured acoustic pop that’s clever yet sincere, sunny but grounded –– to exquisite new heights.'

One of the standouts from the album, the jaunty, effervescent closer 'Forevermore' was recently placed in a Target TVC via Gaga Master. As you can see below, the song's sunny tones are a perfect match for the spot's bright, textured animation:

Apple Tree is out now on itunes.

Popfrenzy Joins Gaga

Pete — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Gaga is stoked to announce a new partnership representing the master synch rights for Sydney-based indie label and events company Popfrenzy.

Popfrenzy started out in 1999, when founder Chris Wu crossed paths with two unlucky Japanese DJs and a Jamaican junkie outside a late night Kings Cross venue. The unconventional has continued to drive and define the nature of all Popfrenzy events, tours and releases.

From humble beginnings as party planners for all of Sydney’s cool/geek/indie elite, Popfrenzy has become synonymous with good events, having organised everything from comic book launches and movie fundraisers to prom nights and harbour cruises; each time seeking out new and unusual venues, taking the dedicated Popfrenzy followers from pubs to clubs, warehouses, cafes, backyards, rooftops and even to family restaurants.

Over the past five years, Popfrenzy has been responsible for some of the most fun-filled and successful tours in Australia, having brought to our shores Blonde Redhead, Deerhunter, Patrick Wolf, Les Savy Fav, Gossip, Camera Obscura, Kimya Dawson, Metronomy, CSS and many, many more. The Popfrenzy Records team, meanwhile, has made a habit of hunting down undiscovered gems from around the world, in every genre, from lo-fi dream pop to angular art-punk to the plain, down and dirty punk. Recently, Popfrenzy has released albums from the likes of Of Montreal, Black Mountain, The Juan Maclean, Matt & Kim, The Drums, Best Coast, HEALTH and local artists like Songs.

We're very happy to be working with them. To find out more about Popfrenzy Records, check out their site.

Secretly Canadian, Jagjaguwar, Dead Oceans Join Gaga!

Pete — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Gaga is very happy to announce a new partnership representing the master synch rights for revered U.S. indie labels Secretly Canadian, Jagjaguwar and Dead Oceans. The three labels, who share close associations and resources but remain separate and aesthetically distinct entities, have long been associated with the best in independent music.

Secretly Canadian started out in 1996, in Bloomington, Indiana, where they remain to this day. (If they are Canadian, then it is truly in secret.) From humble beginnings, Secretly Canadian has gone on to develop an enviable roster, containing some of the finest independent acts of the last 15 years, including Antony and the Johnsons, Magnolia Electric Co/Songs: Ohia, Danielson, Yeasayer, Jens Lekman and many more. Now over 200 releases strong, the name Secretly Canadian is synonymous with excellent, forward-thinking independent music. Secretly Canadian also run a thriving distribution arm, handling titles for the likes of Tomlab, K Records, Fat Cat and Temporary Residence.

Jagjaguwar was formed not long after Secretly Canadian, in 1996, with the release of an album by Virginia band The Curious Digit. That was supposed to be it; soon after, though, co-founder Darius Van Arman was mesmerised by another local band, and had to release them. Jagjaguwar was born. Now, over a decade the later, Jagjaguwar, now also based in Bloomington, has put out a wildly diverse selection of over 175 releases, united only by their undeniable quailty. Jagjaguwar's awesome roster includes the likes of Black Mountain, Okkervil River, Bon Iver, Dinosaur Jnr., Richard Youngs and The Dead C.

Run side by side with sister labels Jagjaguwar and Secretly Canadian, Dead Oceans was formed in 2007 to 'focus on bold and timeless recordings, not emphasising a particular genre or scene, but instead fostering a diverse stable of sound-creators.' In its four-year existence, Dead Oceans has put out records by some of the leading lights of modern indie-rock, including Dirty Projectors, Califone, Akron/Family, John Vanderslice and Bishop Allen.

Together, the catalogues of these three labels represent an incredibly rich store of great sounds. We're very happy to be working with them.

The Triangles appear in Spanish beer TVC, go to #1 in Spain

Pete — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Melbourne indie-pop outfit The Triangles recently lent their infectious single Applejack to a new spot for Spanish beer company Estrella Damm. But this was no ordinary synch: in May this year, the Melbourne five-piece were flown out to Menorca, Spain, where they swapped their home town's encroaching cold for warm Spanish beaches, and became part of the shoot.

The spot, which will be heavily featured across Spanish media this month, showcases what we all dream summer in Spain to be: ridiculously good-looking people taking lazy, week-long yacht trips through clear, azure water, visiting beautiful old towns and having all-night parties on the beach. Oh, and falling in love.

The spot features a new recording of Applejack in its entirety, and a couple of quick cameos of the band performing the new take amid all the summertime revelry. Applejack originally appeared on The Triangles' 2005 lp Magic Johnson. The new version –– entitled Applejack (2010) –– will be up on the Spanish itunes store imminently is now up on the Spanish itunes store. Check out the spot below:

The spot and the song have already proven a hit in Spain: the older version of the song is currently No. 1 on itunes over there and the new version No. 2. The band is making plans to head back to Spain to play some shows later this year.

The Triangles began playing together in 2003, and quickly became known for their insanely catchy mix of psych-pop, indie-folk and rock. After two independently-released collections of lo-fi recordings, The Triangles put out Magic Johnson in 2005, via Australian indie Half A Cow Records. The album, which featured a whole host of instantly singable nuggets, received heavy airplay around the country.

In 2007, The Triangles returned with Seventy-Five Year Plan, an album that saw the band exploring a more country-folk-ish vibe. Refreshed after their Spanish adventure, the band is now writing and recording new material, and keeping busy with a bunch of collaborations.

Drag City

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0800

Drag City are one of the best indie labels on the planet.

The original home to a little band called Pavement, Drag City have put out an incredible amount of great records (and the occasional zine and book) in its twenty two years, by the likes of Bill Callahan, Royal Trux, Silver Jews, Scott Walker, Bonnie 'Prince' Billy and Stereolab, just to name a few.

We represent select master copyrights from the Drag City catalogue. Check out said crazily good catalogue here.

Preservation

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Preservation is a Sydney-based label that's gone global in its reach by releasing sweet and exploratory sounds from all over the world.

Always matching the quality of its output with striking packaging and design, Preservation has in more recent times released neo-classical works (Sophie Hutchings), alt-folk (Grand Salvo, The Singing Skies), ambient (Quiet Evenings and beatscapes (Ous Mal).

Forging connections worldwide has seen the label and its artists gain great notice and a devoted following for its dedication to unique and affecting music.

House of Hassle

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Boutique New York City music publishing company House of Hassle was born from a union between Big Hassle Media, a widely respected publicity company, and Bank Robber Music, a boutique TV/film licensing firm representing some of the best labels in independent rock.

The goals of House of Hassle's founders are to be more service-oriented than the traditional publisher, and to create a company that can serve as a safe haven and like-minded community for gifted songwriters. House of Hassle's staff help developing artists in all facets of their careers in music, from management support to publicity, to label shopping and overall business guidance.

House of Hassle's diverse, quality roster includes Black Mountain, Califone, Marnie Stern, Still Flyin, Superchunk, Tortoise, Wye Oak and The Vivian girls.

Paper Bag Records

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Since forming in 2002,Toronto-based independent record label Paper Bag Records has gone through many transformations and has worked hard to become one of North America's finest.

Paper Bag Records has cultivated an exciting and diverse roster made up of both home-grown and international talent, garnering recognition the world over.

Nearing its 10^th anniversary, the label recently became home to alt-country stars Cuff The Duke and folk-rockers Elliott BROOD. Paper Bag Records is proud to be supporting a bold and eclectic roster consisting of Young Galaxy, PS I Love You, The Rural Alberta Advantage, Winter Gloves, Austra, You Say Party!, The Acorn, and more. The label has also had the pleasure of furthering the careers of Tokyo Police Club, Broken Social Scene and Stars in its early years.

Over these 10 years, the label has built an extensive catalogue and has been generating a considerable amount of interest through licensing opportunities in film, television, video games, and interactive media.

For more information on artists, tour dates, and a bunch of free samplers, visit the Paper Bag Records site.

Mistletone

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0700

In the spring of 2006, from their humble home in Melbourne, Ash Miles and Sophie Best launched Mistletone Records & Touring into the world with the release of House Arrest by Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti simultaneously with Ariel’s first Australian tour.

Their mission (then & now): to work with music they love, treat people right, and give the musicians they work with total artistic freedom whilst they work in the background to facilitate the proliferation of their music and art out into the world –– especially here in Australia.

From those wide-eyed beginnings, Mistletone has grown into a thriving indie touring and events company and much respected label. Their catalogue of 40-odd titles includes artists such as Beach House, Animal Collective’s Panda Bear and Avey Tare, Black Dice and Toro Y Moi, plus a local roster of some of the awesome artists to be found in the amazing musical community of our hometown of Melbourne –– and a few from across the pond in New Zealand.

Popfrenzy

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Secretly Canadian

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Secretly Canadian is an American indie-rock label that started out in 1996, in Bloomington, Indiana, where they remain to this day. (If they are Canadian, then it is truly in secret.) From humble beginnings, Secretly Canadian has gone on to develop an enviable roster, containing some of the finest independent acts of the last 15 years, including Antony and the Johnsons, Magnolia Electric Co/Songs: Ohia, Danielson, Yeasayer, Jens Lekman and many more.

Now over 200 releases strong, the name Secretly Canadian is synonymous with excellent, forward-thinking independent music. Secretly Canadian also run a thriving distribution arm, handling titles for the likes of Tomlab, K Records, Fat Cat and Temporary Residence.

Jagjaguwar

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Jagjaguwar is an indie-rock label that began in Virginia and is now based out of Bloomington, Indiana, alongside sister label Secretly Canadian. Jagjaguwar started out in 1996, with the release of an album by Virginia band The Curious Digit. That was supposed to be it; soon after, though, co-founder Darius Van Arman was mesmerised by another local band, and had to release them. Jagjaguwar was born.

Now, over a decade the later, Jagjaguwar has put out a wildly diverse selection of over 175 releases, united only by their undeniable quailty. Jagjaguwar's awesome roster includes the likes of Black Mountain, Okkervil River, Bon Iver, Dinosaur Jnr., Richard Youngs and The Dead C.

Dead Oceans

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Run side by side with sister labels Jagjaguwar and Secretly Canadian out of Bloomington, Indiana, Dead Oceans was formed in 2007 to 'focus on bold and timeless recordings, not emphasising a particular genre or scene, but instead fostering a diverse stable of sound-creators.' In its four-year existence, Dead Oceans has put out records by some of the leading lights of modern indie-rock, including Dirty Projectors, Califone, Akron/Family, John Vanderslice and Bishop Allen.

Ace Records

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 21:58:03 -0800

The Ace Records story begins in 1971 when Ted Carroll opened the Rock On market stall in London selling second hand records. Soon one stall became two, and then a shop in Camden, which quickly became the main supplier to a huge array of different, perverse tastes in music, not only to the established tribes but to the burgeoning punk rock scene.

Soon after, Chiswick Records, a label that spun off from the retail outlets, was founded, putting out both re-issues and new recordings. A license was struck for the pop end of the label with EMI in 1978, which meant a new imprint had to be established for the re-issues. As Ace Records (of Mississippi) was one of the label's licensors, Chiswick plumped for Ace. In the early 80s, Ace decided to devote themselves full time to the pursuit of catalogues.

At first there was only a demand for rocknroll, R&B, Blues and Oldies on Ace. But soon 60s soul was added with the Kent label and as the years went by we diversified into World Music with GlobeStyle, started BGP as jazz dance turned into Acid Jazz and took on board various historic imprints like Stax and Westbound. We struck a deal with Fantasy Records, the largest independent catalogue company in America, which gave us access to their enormous jazz catalogue.

The label was firmly established by the end of the 80s and consolidated with the label's trademark compilation series and some fine box sets through the 90s. Ace's catalogue now extends to over 1500 items, and is growing all the time.