A little later than planned, but here’s the latest update on some East Coast music releases, festivals and some opportunities for East Coast talent.
East Coast metal label crosses the Atlantic
Dartmouth, N.S.-based metal label Diminished Fifth Records has done more in a short period of time for a handful of East Coast metal bands than anyone would likely have expected.
By releasing and promoting heavily several East Coast metal releases (from bands like The Orchid’s Curse, Iron Giant and Gallactus), the label run by Josh Hogan has raised the profile of an often underground genre quite a bit.
The latest announcement from the D5R guys is a huge one – the label has struck up a distribution deal with the United Kingdom’s Code 7 Distribution. What this means is the heaviest of heavy bands on the East Coast will now have their music in Great Britain and Ireland.
By next month, the label’s latest releases Gallactus – Nine Mile Woods and Iron Giant – Creator of Scars will be available in HMV stores (retail and online) as well as through
Code 7’s official website www.code7music.com and on such sites as Amazon.uk and Play.com.
D5R plans next compilation
In more Diminished Fifth Records news, the label is planning for the second installment of it’s The Music of Artisanship & War series, a compilation of East Coast metal tunes.
The Music of Artisanship & War: Volume II is expected to be released this fall to coincide with the two-year anniversary of the label’s first release.
But of course, the compilation is going to need tunes. D5R is seeking heavy rock and metal bands on the East Coast who would like to be considered for the new compilation.
If your band is interested in submitting a tune for the release, there is a form to complete online here.
Deadline for submissions is July 31 though, so act quickly. D5R reminds everyone submitting to carefully read all the guidelines and the disclaimer as well. All fields on the form must be complete.
Questions or concerns can be directed to: info@diminishedfifthrecords.com
Moncton music compilation on the way
Another compilation of Atlantic Canadian tunes is on the way soon. Moncton music collective the TBA Collective is planning the release of Tunage Moncton 2 on Saturday, July 19. A free, all-ages outdoor concert will be held at 5 p.m. at the outdoor pavilion next to the Moncton Fire Department on Assomption Blvd. Another show will be held the following evening at The Manhattan bar.
Both shows feature bands who appear on the compilation, including Alex Madsen (The Divorcees), Secret Agent, Morse Code Alphabet, Tempting Tragedy, King Ruckus, The Umph, The Shortfused, Underleaf and several more.
“The music coming out of Moncton right now is so vast. I wanted to expose people to that with this compilation,” says event organizer and creator of Tunage Moncton, Jonah Hache.
Tunage Moncton 2 will be for sale at both events and is only $10. It will also be available in Moncton at Frank’s Music, Live Wire Music Emporium and Spin-It Records.
The TBA Collective bands (including several Moncton bands) will have copies of the Tunage Moncton 2 compilation for sale at all of its shows throughout eastern Canada.
“If someone buys Tunage as a fan of one of our artists and becomes a fan of another artist on the disc then the entire project is a success,” says Hache.
Several East Coast albums coming your way
Several East Coast bands have albums on the way in the next month or two, so here’s some info on each:
MARDEEN - Critically acclaimed Halifax rock act Mardeen will celebrate the release of their debut LP, Read Less Minds (Aporia Records) tonight (Friday, July 4) at The Seahorse Tavern in Halifax.
Recorded by Halifax indie-rock veteran Charles Austin (The Superfriendz, Buck 65), the album follows Mardeen’s EP Friends Don’t Love (2005).
DAVE MARSH – Veteran East Coast musician Dave Marsh, known for his work with The Superfriendz and The Joel Plaskett Emergency, will release his debut solo album, The True Love Rules, on Tuesday, July 29.
It is the first release on Plaskett’s new label, New Scotland Records, and it will be distributed in Canada by Fontana North. Plaskett even produced the record, which was recorded last year in Halifax, Dartmouth and Sydney, Australia. Guesting on the album are Plaskett, The SuperFriendz and Tim Brennan along with Cool Blue Halo’s Paul Boudreau and Peter Elkas.
SOUR GRAPES – Longtime Moncton punk band will finally release their latest effort, Punk Rock Blues, on July 25 at The Paramount in Moncton. The release has been a long time coming, but if the tunes on the four-piece’s myspace page are any indication, it’ll be well worth the wait. Sour Grapes is made up of Steph Twisted, Pak Twisted, Mike Bourque and Marco Rocca. Rocca and Pak’s other group, The Nuclear, should be releasing its long-awaited debut soon as well.
Secret Agent and Nothing To No One will Sour Grapes’ Moncton show on July 25.
JOSIAH BARTNETT – Barnett, a member of several Moncton bands, recently released his latest solo effort, Drum Fun. It is only available through Barnett or at Spin-It Records in Moncton, but it’s a steal at only $5 for 13 tracks. Sample some tunes on Barnett’s myspace page.
MIR – I mentioned this quite a while ago, but Halifax pop rock band Mir’s latest effort OK2GO! is coming down the pipe soon. The band continues to release songs from the record every week (18 songs over 18 weeks) leading up to the album’s release on Tuesday, Sept. 16. “Change” is the lates tune released on the band’s website. The previous tracks can be heard and purchased online as well.
Sappyfest releases 2008 schedule
Music festival Sappyfest has released its complete 2008 schedule, which can be viewed here.
The festival, which takes place between August 1-3 in Sackville, N.B., has also recently added the premieres of documentaries 6015 and Eric’s Trip: 1990-1996 (as well as a performance from the band) to its line-up.
SappyFest is an independent music festival produced by Sappy Records in partnership with the Ok.Quoi?! Contemporary Arts Festival, Struts Gallery and Faucet Media Arts Centre.
Acts confirmed to perform at Sappyfest include: 100 Dollars, The Acorn, Adam & The Amethysts, Attack In Black, B.A. Johnston, Laura Barrett, The Burning Hell, Bruce Peninsula, Calm Down It’s Monday, Chad Van Gaalen, Colonial Quarrels, Dog Day, Julie Doiron, Eric’s Trip, Ghost Bees, Old Man Luedecke, Share, Shotgun Jimmie, Snailhouse, The Stance, Stolen Minks, The Superfantastics, Thesis, Think About Life, Wax Mannequin, West Ave, Wet Nose Hero, Rick White, Woolly Leaves and many more.
Passes and tickets for Sappyfest are available at all participating Ticketpro Outlets or by going here.
Summersonic features East Coast talent
Summersonic, an outdoor music festival presented by Sonic Concerts of Halifax, takes place Saturday, July 19 and Sunday, July 20. In addition to huge names like City and Colour, Stars, Tokyo Police Club and The Weakerthans, the event features East Coast talent such as In-Flight Safety, Rebekah Higgs, Wintersleep and Hey Rosetta!
Ticket information is available at all Ticketpro outlets and online at the festival’s website.
Summersonic is open to all ages with a licensed area for those over the age of 19. Gates open daily at 2 p.m. and the show starts at 4 p.m.
Music Café seeking submissions
The 4th Annual Canadian Music Cafe is taking place between September 9-11 in Toronto during the Toronto International Film Festival. Submissions for the event will be accepted online at Sonicbids starting July 8, so any bands interested should keep that in mind.
Get some online radio play?
A friend recently pointed me in the direction of Head Case Radio. The station encourages independent musicians to upload songs which I’m told they’ll actually play. The site is free to listen to and participate in. Perhaps a good place for bands to submit tracks to and for music fans to discover new sounds.
