Hidden Shoal Licensing (HSL), the official licensing arm of the Hidden Shoal Recordings label, is set to launch in November 2009. While the label is already involved in a number of projects, ranging from film sync through to jukebox licensing, Hidden Shoal is excited to be formalising the public face for its licensing activities.

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.

Australian fans will be pleased to know that we’ve extended our CD distribution on the east coast. This means you can now find Hidden Shoal CDs in the following stores: Red Eye Records (Sydney), Waterfront (Australia wide mail order), Rocking Horse (Brisbane), Missing Link (Melbourne), Polyester (Melbourne) and of course over on the west course you can continue to head to 78 Records (Perth), Dadas (Perth), Planet (Perth). As noted Waterfront does Australia wide mail order so if you’re out of reach of a brick and mortar store then your problems are solved (well one of them!). If any of these stores (or any other store for that matter) doesn’t stock the release you’re after then just give them a gentle nudge and they can order through our distribution service.

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!

We are indeed excitable little three year olds. So excitable in fact that we’ve decided to make ALL Hidden Shoal singles available for free download throughout May. That means over 35 tracks by more than 20 artists for absolutely zero dollars. That includes tracks by Hotels, HC-B, Jumpel, My Majestic Star, Fall Electric, The Slow Beings, Rich Bennett, City Of Satellites… And that’s just the tip of the musical iceberg. We advise you to take advantage of this offer either before May closes its door on us or we come to our senses. Head to the HSR Store to start downloading.

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.

Hidden Shoal is proud to announce its 3rd-birthday celebrations! With a roster of 30+ acts from 8 different countries – ranging from the epic ambient-rock cinematics of Italy’s HC-B through to the genius space-pop of one of Seattle’s bright lights, Hotels –Hidden Shoal has earned a special place in the new musical landscape.

“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.