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 2009, Hidden Shoal continued to release stunning music from around the world, including debut Hidden Shoal albums from Hotels, HC-B, Tarcutta, Sleeping Me, City Of Satellites and Elisa Luu, sophomore albums from Jumpel and Wes Willenbring, a third album from Sankt Otten, and EPs from Stray Ghost and Down Review (a new collaboration between Arc Lab’s Medard Fischer and Near The Parenthesis’ Tim Arndt).

2009 was also notable for the release of our compilation album A Million Square Miles, a project endeavouring to showcase Western Australian talent to the US (the titular million square miles). After more than three years of sharing independent music far and wide, A Million Square Miles represented a key facet of the Hidden Shoal Recordings story. The album brings together a pair of tracks from each of the then eight WA-based artists on the Hidden Shoal roster: Mukaizake, Apricot Rail, Fall Electric, Glassacre, Toby Richardson, My Majestic Star, The Slow Beings and Tangled Star.

2009 also saw Hidden Shoal join forces with The Caribbean and Scott Solter in a single EP. This not only began a special relationship with the wonderful The Caribbean and created an ongoing avenue for them to release some of their more experimental offerings, but it also began the label’s relationship with Scott Solter, which eventually led us to Boxharp (Scott Solter and Wendy Allen).

HSR046:   Jumpel Deuxieme Bureau
HSR047:   Hotels Where Hearts Go Broke
HSR048:   HC-B Soundcheck For A Missing Movie
HSR049:   The Caribbean Scott Solter Re-Populates The Caribbean EP
HSR050:   Sleeping Me Cradlesongs
HSR051:   Tarcutta Tarcutta
HSR052:   Tangled Star That Time EP
HSR053:   Apricot Rail Apricot Rail
HSR054:   Down Review From Here, For Anyone EP
HSR055:   Sankt Otten Morgen Wieder Lustig
HSR056:   Elisa Luu Chromatic Sigh
HSR057:   Various artists A Million Square Miles
HSR058:   Wes Willenbring Close, But Not Too Close
HSR059:   Stray Ghost Each Paradise Is A Lost Paradise EP
HSR060:   Mukaizake Unknown Knowns
HSR061:   City Of Satellites Machine Is My Animal

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.

The Slow Beings – Nil By Rote  The Slow Beings – Nil By Rote

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.

The latest releases by My Majestic Star, Tangled Star and The Slow Beings are all available for your streaming and purchasing pleasure at the Hidden Shoal Store.

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.

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.

The Slow Beings Nil By Rote The Slow Beings – Nil By Rote

And don’t forget that the latest Slow Beings single, ‘Nil By Rote‘, is currently available for free download from the HSR Store.

The Slow Beings Nil By Rote The Slow Beings – Nil By Rote

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.

‘Nil By Rote’ exposes the wonderful duality and underlying playfulness within The Slow Beings’ music. From the charming sway of the verses to the triumphant defeat of the chorus, the song injects the indie-rock form with sublime new life. Epic yet intimate, ‘Nil By Rote’ feels like an instant classic, exuding welcoming familiarity from the very first listen without ever sounding derivative.

“The Slow Beings are the kind of band that could break through onto the mainstream. They already control the hooks, melodies and riffs to compete with anyone” – Delusions of Adequacy review of WKWTEM

“Perhaps the first real highlight is the strong, powerful nugget ‘Nil By Rote’…brilliant melodies” – PopMatters review of WKWTEM

‘Nil By Rote’ will be available for free digital download from the HSR Store until the 3rd of January 2009. We Know Why The Earth Moves is available now in CD and digital format through Hidden Shoal Recordings. Check the Hidden Shoal Recordings Store for all availability and distribution information.

A full press release is available here.

The Slow Beings – Nil By Rote   The Slow Beings – Nil By Rote

The Slow Beings Nil By Rote The Slow Beings – Nil By Rote

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

The Slow Beings already have a formidable live reputation, but this is the first live performance by My Majestic Star. Once exclusively a recording project, one half of My Majestic Star will be performing songs from new album Too Late, The Day. Chris Mason (guitar, vocals) and Miriam Braun (cello) will be holding the fort in the absence of Jamie Hamilton (drums) and Stuart Medley (bass, keys). With more shows to come towards the end of the year with the full band, next Thursday’s show will be an intimate exploration of the band’s sound in a more raw, immediate context. Be there or be deeply saddened by your ineptitude!

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

Head over to the site to check it out and while you’re there you can stream tracks from the likes of Ghost In The Water, My Majestic Star, Iretsu, The Slow Beings and Monocle.

Why are you still here?

The Slow Beings – I Waste The Sea The Slow Beings – I Waste The Sea

“The Slow Beings are the kind of band that could break through onto the mainstream. They already control the hooks, melodies and riffs to compete with anyone. It’s a surprise that this album hasn’t been getting more attention because We Know Why the Earth Moves is a great listen. These Australian cats know how to make catchy music that works in many different ways…”

Read the full review on DoA, or pop along to The Slow Beings’ reviews section to read another excerpt, plus other great reviews.

Why are you still here? Go read and listen!

All three releases are also available digitally and on CD through the HSR Store. No excuses to own some of the best new music being released today and also support the beautiful people making it happen!

The Slow Beings – Carson Dyle The Slow Beings – Carson Dyle

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)

The Slow Beings – Carson Dyle The Slow Beings – Carson Dyle

For all non Perth folk or those too scared to step out of the house We Know Why The Earth Moves will also be available through the Hidden Shoal Recordings store after it’s official CD release on the 26th of June. This will be the first of many releases made available on CD through the HSR online store including all future releases and as much of the recent (and beyond) catalogue as is possible. Stay tuned for more info.

Iretsu – Name our Numbers, Numbers Iretsu – Name our Numbers, Numbers

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

We Know Why The Earth Moves

If you’re not in reception range (say in another hemisphere for example!) then never fear as RTRFM has a live stream and all shows can be re-streamed. No excuse to miss out on one of the finest independent radio stations you’ll find ( just listen to Out to Lunch, Drivetime, Posted, Breakfast with Barr for proof).

The Slow Beings – Nil By Rote The Slow Beings – Nil By Rote

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.

The Slow Beings – I Waste The Sea  The Slow Beings – I Waste The Sea

“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

A full press release can be found here and you can stream the entire album in full here. Head over to the HSR Store for all availability information.

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

Ghost In The Water – A Nightmare Ghost In The Water – A Nightmare