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.

2008 saw the release of a fresh new raft of superb albums and EPs, including those by new signings The Slow Beings, Fall Electric and City Of Satellites from Australia, Ghost In The Water and Rich Bennett from the USA, and RL/VL from Ireland. HSR stalwarts Tangled Star, Toby Richardson, My Majestic Star, Iretsu, Slow Dancing Society and Sankt Otten all followed up with some of their most critically acclaimed work. And at the end of the year we released compilation album East–West Section, volume four in our free download series.

As acclaim for our artists spread internationally, we were delighted to hear that prominent New York radio host DJ Mojo dubbed the label “this generation’s 4AD”. As huge fans of the classic label, this was a massive and humbling compliment.

HSR031:   Tangled Star Our Man In Eden Hill EP
HSR032:   Toby Richardson Evergreen
HSR033:   Ghost In The Water Tooth
HSR034:   The Slow Beings We Know Why The Earth Moves
HSR035:   Iretsu Name Our Numbers, Numbers EP
HSR036:   Slow Dancing Society Priest Lake Circa ’88
HSR037:   My Majestic Star Too Late, The Day
HSR038:   Rich Bennett Music For Underwater Supermarkets
HSR039:   Sankt Otten Eine Kleine Traurigkeit
HSR040:   RL/VL Chagrin
HSR041:   Fall Electric Measure And Step
HSR042:   City Of Satellites The Spook EP
HSR043:   Sankt Otten Tiefgang EP
HSR044:   Ghost In The Water Cardinal Red EP
HSR045:   Various artists East–West Section

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.

“For the first time, LIMV present a pop-up local music shop to promote Perth’s hardworking independent labels. Come by 54 Lake Street (opposite the Elephant & Wheelbarrow) browse through a great range of CDs, records, vinyl, t-shirts, merchandise and related products. Stock is sourced from a thriving community of local labels, including Meupe, Hidden Shoal, Walking Horse Records, Badminton Bandit, Owls, Heartless Robot and Jarrah Records. The goods of the independent Perth bands and musicians are also represented. For local music lovers this will be the place to score hard-to-find wares and new special edition merchandise. For those newbies it’s the perfect introduction to a wealth of WA music.”

Hidden Shoal has also provided some freebies as if there wasn’t already enough incentive to wrap yourself in the splendour that is Perth music. Perth peeps should get their collective asses down to the store at 54 Lake St from Wednesday 19 May to Sunday 23 May between 11am and 9pm. Besides the store LIMV have also set up the Takeaway Tunes Temporary Recording Studio where a bunch of amazing Perth bands and artists will record tracks that will be uploaded to the LIMV site for free download. You can even stare the band out as they try to concentrate during the sessions (staring contests not endorsed bu Hidden Shoal)! Check times and details here.

Mukaizake – ‘The Yeah Conditioner’  Mukaizake – ‘The Yeah Conditioner’

After more than three years of sharing excellent independent music far and wide, A Million Square Miles represents a key facet of the Hidden Shoal Recordings story, and is a beacon for the future of Western Australian music. Bringing together a pair of stunning tracks from each of eight WA-based artists on the Hidden Shoal roster, this sampler album is an essential listen whichever way you slice it.

There’s the serpentine indie-rock of Mukaizake and the crystalline instrumental pop of Apricot Rail; the raw intensity of Fall Electric and the shimmering dreampop of Glassacre; the hook-laden squall of Toby Richardson and the lush and subtle songcraft of My Majestic Star; the skewed melodicism of The Slow Beings and the wistful alt-country complexities of Tangled Star. A Million Square Miles isn’t just great Western Australian music – it’s great music, period. The album also includes the first tastes of upcoming releases by Mukaizake, My Majestic Star and Toby Richardson.

“This is the rare exhibition of musical aptitude that delights from start to finish, with nary a disappointment to be found … There’s no way to know for sure if Perth, Australia is indie rock’s next Seattle or Montreal, but Hidden Shoals’ impressive roster on A Million Square Miles is bound to shore up some buzz, and deservedly so:  it’s an exhilarating listen from beginning to end.” – DOA

A Million Square Miles is now available on CD in Australia. The album is distributed in Australia through Hidden Shoal Distribution and internationally via n5Mailorder. A Million Square Miles is also available digitally through the Hidden Shoal Store and all good third-party digital music stores (iTunes, eMusic, Amazon, LaLa, Bandcamp, etc.). Head to the Hidden Shoal Store for all availability info.

Hidden Shoal has also made the album available as a free, embeddable streaming radio widget and Facebook Application. For more info check out the album’s project page.

Read a full press release here.

Mukaizake – My Friend Flicker Mukaizake – My Friend Flicker

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.

After more than three years of sharing excellent independent music far and wide, A Million Square Miles represents a key facet of the Hidden Shoal Recordings story, and is a beacon for the future of Western Australian music. Bringing together a pair of stunning tracks from each of eight WA-based artists on the Hidden Shoal roster, this sampler album is an essential listen whichever way you slice it.

There’s the serpentine indie-rock of Mukaizake and the crystalline instrumental pop of Apricot Rail; the raw intensity of Fall Electric and the shimmering dreampop of Glassacre; the hook-laden squall of Toby Richardson and the lush and subtle songcraft of My Majestic Star; the skewed melodicism of The Slow Beings and the wistful alt-country complexities of Tangled Star. A Million Square Miles isn’t just great Western Australian music – it’s great music, period. The album also includes the first tastes of upcoming releases by Mukaizake, My Majestic Star and Toby Richardson.

“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

“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

A Million Square Miles is now available digitally through the Hidden Shoal Store and all good third-party digital music stores (iTunes, eMusic, Amazon, LaLa etc). The album is also available on CD in the US through n5Mailorder (retail and distribution). The album will see it’s Australian release on December 15th, 2009.

Hidden Shoal has also made the album available as a free, embeddable streaming radio widget and Facebook Application. For more info check out the album’s project page.

Read a full press release here.

Mukaizake – My Friend Flicker  Mukaizake – My Friend Flicker

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.

Measure And Step is available in CD and mp3 format from the Hidden Shoal Store.

Fall Electric Faithless Friend Fall Electric – Faithless Friend

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!

Apricot Rail are playing their second show of the year this Friday night, June 19th, at the Velvet Lounge, with My Majestic Star. Doors open at 8pm and entry is $6. Saturday night sees the band support The Tucker B’s at Amplifier in Perth along with their Hidden Shoal label mates Fall Electric.

Then, on Sunday, June 21st, My Majestic Star are playing again as part of Fete de la Musique, a free celebration of live music, with artists playing in cities all around the globe. The event kicks off at midday and runs until 10pm, with acts playing in venues such as Kulcha, Mojo’s, Clancy’s and on the street. MMS will be playing a set at Mojo’s from 5:45pm.

As if that wasn’t enough, The Slow Beings are playing Sunday night at the Velvet Lounge. It’s free and doors open at 6pm.

Spoilt for choice? Go to all four events and blow your mind!

Apricot Rail Pouring Milk Out The Window Apricot Rail – Pouring Milk Out The Window

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.

78 Records also do national mailorder so Australian fans living outside of Perth have no excuse for not soaking in the flow of awesome music coming out of these here headquarters!

HC-B – Black  HC-B – Black

My Majestic Star and having a reason why My Majestic Star – and having a reason why

Deluxa is run by the very cool Kristen Stocks who plays in the wonderful NYC outfit Luxa. The store sells a fantastic range of vintage and retro clothing, home wares, and furniture along with its boutique music section. Now that’s a much nicer way to shop for music!

Check the Deluxa website for more details.

Fall Electric – He Told Me So  Fall Electric – He Told Me So

Fall Electric – Warm Toes   Fall Electric – Warm Toes

Measure And Step is available on CD and as an mp3 download from the HSR Store.

Fall Electric Twine Of Wool Fall Electric – Twine Of Wool

Measure And Step is available in CD and mp3 format from the HSR Store.

Fall Electric 3am Fall Electric – 3am

Fall Electric 3am Fall Electric – 3am

Tune in each week to hear come fabulous music including more gems from the HSR catalogue.

Fall Electric 3am Fall Electric – 3am

Fall Electric Faithless Friend Fall Electric – Faithless Friend

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.

City Of Satellites Moon In The Sea City Of Satellites – Moon In The Sea

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.

Fall Electric Plastic Rabbits Fall Electric – Plastic Rabbits

While on Fall Electric news, their recent launch of Measure And Step has been reviewed in Perth’s Xpress magazine. Pop along to Fall Electric’s reviews section to read an excerpt.

Fall Electric Cold Bahama Fall Electric – Cold Bahama

CDs are for sale on the night, or you can stream and buy the album from the HSR Store right now.

Fall Electric Twine Of Wool Fall Electric – Twine Of Wool

Fall Electric Faithless Friend Fall Electric – Faithless Friend

RL/VL Kweens RL/VL – Kweens

Drawing influences from neo-folk, indie-rock and avant-pop, Measure And Step effortlessly carves its own inimitable niche in the contemporary Australian musical landscape. From edgy, urgent single ‘Faithless Friend’ through the gorgeous submarine sway of ‘Twine Of Wool’ to the hovering acoustic cinematics of ‘He Told Me So’, the album spans all shades of the emotional and textural spectrum. Equal parts turbulent and soothing, funny and serious, Measure And Step offers compelling evidence of the depth of Fall Electric’s songwriting.

Featuring members of Adam Said Galore and Schvendes, the band recorded the album with Casey Rice, who has worked with the likes of Tortoise, Stereolab and Grand Salvo.

“They’re the kind of musicians who together are capable of mesmerizing audiences into complete silence” – Drum Media

Measure And Step is now available through Hidden Shoal Recordings in both CD and digital format. For Perth fans the CD is stocked at all good local music stores including Dada Records, 78 Records, Planet Music and Mills. All availability and distribution information can be found at the HSR Store.

Stream the album in full here and read a full press release here.

Fall Electric – There In The Morning  Fall Electric – There In The Morning

Plus, if you haven’t already taken the opportunity to download the single ‘Faithless Friend’ and bonus track ‘Sir Sun Shines Strong’, pop along to the HSR Store today as they’re available for free download until Measure And Step is officially released tomorrow (11th November).

Fall Electric Sir Sun Shines Strong Fall Electric – Sir Sun Shines Strong

Fall Electric Faithless Friend Fall Electric – Faithless Friend

Fall Electric Faithless Friend Fall Electric – Faithless Friend

The single also includes the bonus track ‘Sir Sun Shines Strong’, an introspective flipside, brooding and building slowly with its sparse yet expansive air. The track exudes a blend of dashed hope married to unending devotion, until the cello musters an aching scream into the void. This is acoustic folk noir for wide-open spaces.

‘Faithless Friend’ is the first single to be lifted from Fall Electric’s upcoming debut album Measure And Step, out on November 11th 2008. The album was recorded with Casey Rice, who has worked with the likes of Dirty Three, Tortoise and Stereolab.

The single and bonus b-side are now available for free download from the HSR Store until the release of the album. A full press release is available here.

Fall Electric  Faithless Friend  Fall Electric – Faithless Friend

Friday, Aug 29, Fall Electric support James Cruikshank (The Cruel Sea) at Mojo’s Bar. Also playing will be Brendon Humphries and Alex Archer from the Kill Devil Hills, Joe Bludge and Seven Weapons.

Sunday, August 31, Fall Electric support James Cruikshank at Mojo’s Bar. Also playing will be Abbe May and Brendon Humphries and Alex Archer from the Kill Devil Hills.

The band will be playing songs from their forthcoming album Measure and Step, released on November 11th. If you’ve seen these guys live then you know why you need to go to see these guys live. If you haven’t seen these guys live then you need to go to know why you need to go to see these guys live. Come on stay with me! It’ll make perfect sense on the night(s).

The weekend’s gigs precede the extreme awesomness that is the RTRFM Radiothon Closing Party on the 6th of September at the Rosemount. Fall Electric will be joined by the likes of Red Jezebel, Tame Impala, The Preytells and Umpire. More info on Radiothon to come shortly.

Saturday August 16 @ The Horror Shop w/ Sons of Rico
Friday August 22 @ Mojos Bar w/ James Cruikshank (The Cruel Sea)
Sunday August 24 @ The Hydey w/ James Cruikshank (The Cruel Sea)
Saturday September 6 @ The Rosemount w/ Tame Impala

As all that have seen them know, Fall Electric are a stunning live band, so be sure to check out these shows before the band go supernova. You have been warned!

“They’re the kind of musicians who together are capable of mesmerizing audiences into complete silence” - Drum Perth

“Like watching a Bull Fight, Fall Electric are able to stir the audience with frenetic pace and danger and leave them with a sense of calm and relief. Ole!” - Xpress Magazine

Hidden Shoal Recordings will release the band’s brilliant debut album Measure and Step on November 11th 2008 with the first single due out early October. The album was recorded with Casey Rice who has worked with the likes of The Dirty Three, Liz Fair, Tortoise, Stereolab and Grand Salvo.

Read a full press release here and check out more info on the band here.