It’s a total win-win so head to the Hidden Shoal Store and check the specials on the front page. The sale ends on the 1st of Jan 2012 and some CD stock is very limited so do be quick.

In 2007, Hidden Shoal pushed onward with a ridiculously full release schedule and tons of new signings. The label continued its expansion internationally with 2007 seeing releases from a diverse and beautiful spectrum of artists based in Germany (Sankt Otten and Jumpel), France (Beautiful Lunar Landscape), the US (Slow Dancing Society, The Hero Cycle, Iretsu, Wes Willenbring, Monocle), Belgium (Colour Kane) and Japan (Cheekbone, The Retail Sectors).

Locally, 2007 saw releases from ambient duo Moongoat, a new album from Chris Mason and an EP under his My Majestic Star moniker, plus an EP from Melbourne instrumental quartet Bury The Sound (with HSR’s Tim Clarke on guitar).

In May 2007 we were proud to celebrate our first birthday with the release of the second volume in our free download compilation series, The Garden of Forking Paths. And if that wasn’t enough, we saw out the end of the year with the release of a third compilation, Limit of Maps, rounding up tracks from the second half of 2007 and also featuring a sneak preview of a few 2008 releases, too.

However, perhaps the crowning achievement of a busy year was being named one of Textura’s 10 favourite labels of 2007. The feeling’s mutual – Textura is easily one of our favourite music sites. To be just one year in and be acknowledged like that felt like quite an honour.

HSR013:   Moongoat Moongoat EP
HSR014:   My Majestic Star Fining EP
HSR015:   Sankt Otten Wir Koennen Ja Freunde Bleiben
HSR016:   The Hero Cycle Lakes and Ponds EP
HSR017:   Colour Kane A Taste Of
HSR018:   Wes Willenbring Somewhere Someone Else
HSR019:   Various artists The Garden of Forking Paths
HSR020:   Bury The Sound Autumn Magnets EP
HSR021:   Chris Mason Restless
HSR022:   Jumpel Samuel Jason Lies on the Beach
HSR023:   Cheekbone Yesterday EP
HSR024:   Beautiful Lunar Landscape Alone in this Dark Romantic Night EP
HSR025:   Iretsu The Moon and Stars Remain in the Morning Sky
HSR026:   Slow Dancing Society The Slow and Steady Winter
HSR027:   Monocle Outer Sunset
HSR028:   The Retail Sectors Foregone Conclusion
HSR029:   Sankt Otten Wunder Gibt Es Immer Wieder
HSR030:   Various artists Limit of Maps

Hidden Shoal Recordings began in Perth, Western Australia in May 2006. The motivation behind starting the label was to release music by Hidden Shoal’s very own Cam Merton (Glassacre), Stu Medley (Motor Eye) and Mal Riddoch (Enargeia). Friends Wayne Harriss, Chris Mason, Toby Richardson and Craig Hallsworth (Tangled Star) soon came on board, with the first swathe of Hidden Shoal releases dominated by Perth-based talent.

The first year of operation also saw the signing of our first international artists, Slow Dancing Society – who has since gone on to release four critically acclaimed albums– and Italian math-rockers Dilatazione.

HSR001:  Wayne Harriss Aerospace
HSR002:  My Majestic Star Ideas Are The Answer
HSR003:  Motor Eye Motor Eye
HSR004:  Chris Mason Up Down Up
HSR005:  Glassacre Slow Attack EP
HSR006:  Enargeia UFO: Stryker Force
HSR007:  Toby Richardson Golden Days EP
HSR008:  Various artists The Least Vestige of Land
HSR009:  Enargeia Gulag! 25.9.98
HSR010:  Slow Dancing Society The Sound Of Lights When Dim
HSR011:  Dilatazione Too Emotional For Maths
HSR012:  Tangled Star It’s Now or Later EP

Twelve releases in the first eight months? We started as we meant to continue!

Since starting up in Perth, Western Australia in 2006, Hidden Shoal has developed an enviable roster of genre-defying global and local recording artists. With 40+ acts from 10+ different countries ranging from the gorgeous neo-classical/minimal ambient of Antonymes through to the genius space-pop of Hotels and beyond the visionary team at Hidden Shoal continues to play an integral role in promoting exciting new independent music.

Crushed and Reminded takes the listener on a multi-dimensional sonic rollercoaster ride, showcasing tracks from recent 2009 HSR releases. Moving from bitcrushed remixes through cinematic instrumental rock to deliciously mellow ambient electronica, Crushed and Reminded shines a new light across the breadth and depth of the Hidden Shoal landscape.

It includes stunning songs from 11 Hidden Shoal artists and bands: The Caribbean, HC-B, Sankt Otten, Hotels, Down Review, Tangled Star, Apricot Rail, Tarcutta, Sleeping Me, Elisa Luu and Jumpel. Dip in, then explore each artist’s album and EP releases to experience their full splendour.

“a gripping, adventurous and touching journey across their catalogue of ambient, shoegaze, post-rock and indie-rock releases. The perfect introduction for the artists and bands, or alternatively, the perfect sampler for those who cannot decide which of these fantastic bands to pay attention to at the moment” – Post Rock Community review of Limit of Maps, volume 3 in the free sampler album series.

Crushed and Reminded is available for free download from the Hidden Shoal Store, along with volumes 1 to 4.

HSL comprises the constantly growing catalogue of over 600 tracks from the critically acclaimed Hidden Shoal Recordings music label. This wonderful selection of music covers a broad spectrum of sounds and styles, from filmic ambient instrumentals through to inventive indie rock and beyond. HSL provides a unique one-stop licensing source, handling both the master and sync rights.

If you’d like to be kept up to date with all HSL news, please join our mailing list or keep an eye on the pre-launch HSL website.

Of course the wonderful n5Mailorder in the US continues to distribute (wholesale and retail) Hidden Shoal releases to the US, Europe and Asia. And if digital is you thing then head to the Hidden Shoal Store to buy direct or hit any major digital retailer and you’ll find the full catalogue available.

Enjoy!

Plus, if you sign up to the Hidden Shoal mailing list this month, you’ll be in for a special surprise in the last week of birthday celebrations. All subscribers will get a free digital album voucher for use in the HSR Store. So if you’re not already on the mailing list then sign up here and we’ll send details out to all subscribers at the end of the month.

“Finding Hidden Shoal Recordings could rightly claim to be in the top 10 best things that ever happened to me, such is the quality and diversity of their roster”– Boring Machine Disturbs Sleep

“they continually showcase new, innovative artists to the masses” —The Silent Ballet

“This generation’s 4AD” – New York radio host and promoter DJ Mojo

The label will host a birthday bash at the Velvet Lounge in Mt Lawley, Perth on the 13th of May. Special guest DJs will be spinning sets curated from the Hidden Shoal catalogue, including previews of some exciting upcoming releases. There will be giveaways, CDs available, and a bevy of local HSR artists to touch! The evening will also feature a special performance by the wonderful pairing of Tristen Parr (Fall Electric, Schvendes) and Stina Thomas (Fall Electric, Stina).

During May the label will be running a number of promotions, including CD giveaways and HSR Store vouchers, as well as in conjunction with a number of other music sites and radio stations. Mailing list subscribers will be in for an extra special range of treats so be sure to sign up and get ready for the goods. All details will be revealed during the month, so stay tuned!

Read a full press release here.

East-West Section is like a knife with ears – an audible slice through Hidden Shoal’s 2008 releases. But no blood! We’ve stitched these killer tracks into a brand new tapestry… From the delicate ambient murmur of RL/VL to the avant-pop mastery of Iretsu; the lush lounge-jazz of Rich Bennett to the sublime ambient rock of City Of Satellites; the charming electro-pop of Ghost In The Water to the addictive indie-rock of Fall Electric and The Slow Beings; and acclaimed Hidden Shoal mainstays My Majestic Star, Sankt Otten and Slow Dancing Society. This is an irresistible showcase of the breadth and depth of the Hidden Shoal catalogue.

“Hidden Shoal Recordings is on a mission. The Australian label is busy enhancing minds, widening musical consciousness, opening ears, and taking us beyond the sometimes all too comfortably familiar” – Blogcritics

“a gripping, adventurous and touching journey across their catalogue of ambient, shoegaze, post-rock and indie-rock releases. The perfect introduction for the artists and bands, or alternatively, the perfect sampler for those who cannot decide which of these fantastic bands to pay attention to at the moment” – Post Rock Community review of Limit Of Maps, volume 3 in the free sampler album series

East-West Section is now available for free digital download from the HSR Store. Read a full press release here.

We can also announce a very special closing set from experimental electronic acousmatitians Enargeia. The duo will perform “Hidden Shoal Redux”, a Stockhausen inspired Hymnen to the HSR sound using their colleagues own recordings as source material for an exploration in sonic chaos.

The party is also the celebration of the release of the new volume in our free sampler album series, East-West Section, which will be available for free download on the night. To anyone attending, bring along your thumb drive or USB stick to be the first to download the album! East-West Section will then be available through the HSR Store.

This event will be suitably HUGE! Be there or become the rhomboid you always feared you might.

In other related news the Hidden Shoal Recordings online store (HSR Store) has seen a series of new features added this week. The store has been upgraded to handle the aforementioned CD sales with The Slow Beings christening the shelves with their CD release of We Know Why The Earth Moves out today. The store also has a new “accountless” purchasing option that allows customers to purchase without needing to create a store account (payment is made via credit card or Paypal account all through Paypal secure servers). Last but not least the label has initiated a series of “back catalogue specials” where monthly selections from the back catalogue will be available in high quality digital format at up to 40% off normal price. What are you waiting for?

Wayne Harriss – Anymore Wayne Harriss – Anymore

Out of the ashes of some of Perth’s finest indie bands (The Bamboos, The Rainyard, The Healers, Header and the still-active Tangled Star) The Slow Beings may well be one of indie rock’s new shining lights. On their masterful debut We Know Why The Earth Moves The Slow Beings have managed to channel a range of pop and rock influences into something that is uniquely their own… Shifting from Smiths-esque guitar stylings to driving, hook-laden indie rock and country-tinged indie pop, often during the course of one song… The Slow Beings have an innate knack for re-inventing the edges of indie rock and pop, demonstrating reverence for its form and power yet irreverence in its handling. Press Release Excerpt

Last month I raved about The Slow Beings’ single choice from this album, ‘I Waste The Sea’… It’s a cool opener… The neatly titled We Know Why The Earth Moves holds 10 songs of sparkling indie pop/rock. Magnificent and grand, yet down to earth in sound and attitude… a strong debut. Luna Kafe

The album is available now through the Hidden Shoal Recordings online store in both CD and digital formats and a full press release can be downloaded here.

The CD release comes just two days before The Slow Beings launch We Know Why The Earth Moves at the Rocket Room in Perth, Western Australia on the 28th of June. The band will be supported by the awesome talents of Hidden Shoal Recordings artists, Chris Mason and Toby Richardson.

The Slow Beings – (Let’s) Get (Married) The Slow Beings – (Let’s) Get (Married)

If you can’t wait for the CD or are just not that enamored of plastic and ink then We Know Why The Earth Moves is now available digitally through the HSR Store as well as all good digital retailers such as iTunes, eMusic and Amazon.

The Slow Beings – myfriendkoolkiller The Slow Beings – myfriendkoolkiller

Toby Richardson – Bells in Dover Toby Richardson – Bells in Dover

Chris Mason – Fast and Furious Chris Mason – Fast and Furious

BreakThru Radio
“BTR is the Internet’s voice of the world’s best independent music, where DJs take music personally… ‘Music for music lovers’ is BTR’s motto, and one that their DJs take very seriously. In a world where independent music is becoming more and more accessible, the need for select sources to filter the best is a necessity… BTR offers listeners access to unknown artists throughout the world, with a daily audience that includes more than a dozen countries. The site has garnered over 80 million listeners in its first year with its unique on-demand musical programming and focus on the best new independent music worldwide.”

DJ Mojo
“A force in the independent music scene for over four decades, BTR is thrilled to have his exquisite taste and expertise… DJ Mojo has spent the majority of his life in Brooklyn, NY heavily inundated in the local music scene. He has worked the doors of many of the city’s hottest venues, and written for such publications as Spin and Slash, and played in the UK electro-noise band Whitehouse, as well as being in the original lineup of Swans… Maximum Music airs every Tuesday on BTR featuring a wide array of music as eclectic and impressive as DJ Mojo himself… Mojo has found friendships with some of the musical greats such as Bowie and Iggy Pop, and the Beastie Boys even wrote a song about him.”

A prestigious showcase indeed! Don’t forget to check it out by streaming the show on BTR on Tuesday June 10th.

There’s a new show every Tuesday night and all shows can be re-streamed. Check it all out at the Breakthru Radio website.

Chris Mason – Fast and Furious Chris Mason – Fast and Furious

Chris Mason – Fast and Furious Chris Mason – Fast and Furious

Limit of Maps is the third volume in the label’s sampler album series, available for free download from the HSR Store. The album includes a wonderful cross-section of Hidden Shoal’s activity over the second half of 2007, and also features a number of as yet unreleased tracks from upcoming 2008 releases. Many of the tracks are taken from critically acclaimed albums and EPs, a number of which have ended up on best of 2007 lists.

The contributing artists on Limit of Maps include Sankt Otten, Slow Dancing Society, Iretsu, Bury the Sound, Beautiful Lunar Landscape, Chris Mason, Monocle, Tangled Star, Toby Richardson, Cheekbone, The Retail Sectors, Glassacre, and Jumpel.

The album is available now for free download from the HSR Store.

Speaking of Tangled Star, expect some news soon about a single release in December. Trust us, this track will floor you. It has us all smitten here in the office.

Chris Mason – The Safety Day  Chris Mason – The Safety Day 

Included in the titles available at Amazon MP3 is the recently released avante pop masterpiece “The Moon and Stars Remain in the Morning Sky” by Portlands Iretsu, the stunning sophomore album “The Slow and Steady Winter” by US ambient artist Slow Dancing Society and the astonishing indie bliss rock that is “Alone in this Dark Romantic Night” by French trip rock outfit Beautiful Lunar Landscape.

Chris Mason – The Safety Day Chris Mason – The Safety Day

Chris Mason – Wait Chris Mason – Wait 

Chris Mason – Deer in the Headlights Chris Mason – Deer in the Headlights

“On his sophomore release Chris Mason and his band The Implosion traverse the realms of melancholic pop, gorgeously crafted acoustica and shining newgaze rock. Restless is a masterful foray into pop music in all its varied guises” – Press release excerpt.

This Friday, 20 July at 7:40am, Chris will be appearing on the Breakfast with Barr show on Perth’s RTR FM 92.1 (streaming www.rtrfm.com.au) for a chat and to play a live acoustic song. Chris will be accompanied on cello by Miriam Braun.

Then, on Sunday 22 July, The Chris Mason Implosion launch Restless at The Velvet Lounge, The Flying Scotsman pub, 639 Beaufort St, Mt Lawley, WA. Entry is free, doors open at 6pm, and The Chris Mason Implosion are on at 9pm. Support comes from Andrew Ewing (and band), The Imps, and Bianca Sharkey.

Chris Mason – The Safety Day Chris Mason – The Safety Day

An essential taster for the upcoming album Restless, Chris Mason’s new single ‘Fast and Furious’ is a heartbreaking thriller from the ground up: the insistent pulse of the drums, the visceral growl of the guitars, layered rolling hooks and Chris’s aching vocal. As Mason sings, “He’s coming back for us” the song’s wonderfully razored balancing act between hope and a dark sense of fatalistic urgency is exposed. This is newgazer pop with an edge. – Press Release Excerpt

For a limited time the single comes bundled with a bonus track taken from the upcoming Restless album. “Deer in the Headlights” plays out like a slow loss with all the dark melancholy of Mazzy Star and the loaded cavernous spaces of Bark Psychosis.

A full press release is available for download here.

Chris Mason – Fast and Furious Chris Mason – Fast and Furious

Embeding the Player
If you’d like to embed HSR Radio on your Myspace profile and fluff off that pithy little single song player you get by default then copy and paste the code below into your profile and voila! The player will work just as well in your blog or website. Instant excellent music!

<b><a xhref="http://music.hiddenshoal.com" mce_href="http://music.hiddenshoal.com" >Hidden Shoal Recordings Radio</a>. <a xhref="http://www.myspace.com/hiddenshoal" mce_href="http://www.myspace.com/hiddenshoal" >Get this player</a>.</b></p> <p><object enableJSURL="false" enablehref="false" mce_href="false" saveEmbedTags="true" allowScriptAccess="never" allownetworking="internal" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowScriptAccess="never" allownetworking="internal" height="210" width="400" align="center" data="http://music.hiddenshoal.com/wp-content/plugins/xspf_player/myspace_hsr_free_radio.swf?autoload=true&autoplay=false&repeat_playlist=true&playlist_url=http://music.hiddenshoal.com/wp-content/plugins/xspf_player/playlist.php?cat=14"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="never"></param><param name="allowNetworking" value="internal"></param><param name="movie" value="http://music.hiddenshoal.com/wp-content/plugins/xspf_player/myspace_hsr_free_radio.swf?autoload=true&autoplay=false&repeat_playlist=true&playlist_url=http://music.hiddenshoal.com/wp-content/plugins/xspf_player/playlist.php?cat=14"></param> </object></p> <p>

Check out the details and listen to another excellent episode of Insomnia Radio here.

December Chris Mason – December

“It’s a bit of a special gig, so I thought it would be a great opportunity to play the songs with a different dynamic. Normally, for live gigs, it’s just me and my acoustic but I thought I’d ask a couple of friends of mine to help out and try and take the music a little closer to how they sound on record. Rehearsals are going really well. Hopefully the other guys will be keen to continue and do some more gigs. I’m really pleased with how the material is sounding; really looking forward to the gig and the opportunity to play in front of a few people.”

mp3link Chris Mason – Fits and starts

"Yeah, guess I better practice a bit so I don't make a complete fool of myself. The quality of bands is usually pretty good for this competition, so I'm not going to go in with any expectations, really. It should be great fun, though, and a bit of an honour to play such a prestigious event in front of some pretty influential people."

Each heat winner will be included on the NBTWA 2006 Compilation CD(distributed nationally) with the winner of the grand final to receive a prize package which includes recording time, production and promotional material. Heat placements will be announced later this week.

Better Chris Mason – Better.

Better Chris Mason – Better