Hidden Shoal Recordings » Toby Richardson News

End of Year CD & Digital Sale at the Hidden Shoal Store!

Hidden Shoal Recordings — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:16:58 +0000

2011 is almost over and 2012 is knocking on the door like a life insurance salesman at the apocalypse (I’ll work on that one). To end the year with some lovin and fantastic music we are having a huge sale over at the Hidden Shoal Store. Over 20 CD & digital releases are on sale from artists such as Slow Dancing Society, Sankt Otten, Markus Mehr, City of Satellites, Apricot Rail, Umpire, Wes Willenbring, Hotels, Rich Bennett, Liam Singer and Salli Lunn to name but a few. All CD purchases include free shipping and an immediate mp3 album download and as special bonus for our wonderful fans, every CD purchase will recieve a free bonus copy of the Hidden Shoal various artists CD A Million Square Miles.

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.

2009: A Million Square Miles

Hidden Shoal Recordings — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 13:26:41 +0000

As part of our 5th birthday celebrations, we’ll be looking back at the history of Hidden Shoal, year by year, casting some light on artists and releases that may have been overlooked. For one week, all releases covered below will be available from the Hidden Shoal Store with a 30% discount. Flavoursome!

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: This Generation’s 4AD

Hidden Shoal Recordings — Fri, 27 May 2011 06:11:19 +0000

As part of our 5th birthday celebrations, during the month of May we’ll be looking back at the history of Hidden Shoal, year by year, casting some light on artists and releases that may have been overlooked. For one week, all releases covered below will be available from the Hidden Shoal Store with a 35% discount. Flavoursome!

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

2006: HSR is Born!

Hidden Shoal Recordings — Thu, 12 May 2011 14:22:59 +0000

As part of our 5th birthday celebrations, over the coming weeks we’ll be looking back at the history of Hidden Shoal, year by year, casting some light on artists and releases that may have been overlooked. For one week, all releases from the year covered will be available from the Hidden Shoal Store with a 50% discount. Flavoursome!

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!

New Hidden Shoal Compilation Album Available for Free Download!

Hidden Shoal Recordings — Fri, 06 May 2011 12:47:25 +0000

To coincide with the label’s 5th birthday celebrations, Hidden Shoal is proud to announce the release of the latest installment in its free downloadable sampler album series. Hydrozoa compiles 18 singles released over the last 18 months and lovingly sequences them into an epic journey. The album is divided into two sides, each a distinct listening experience in its own right – or, if you choose to digest the album in its entirety, it’s a graduated ride from the ambient and minimal all the way through to the widescreen and guitar-fuelled. Whichever way you slice it, Hydrozoa is a compelling creature.

Featuring Antonymes, Boxharp, City of Satellites, Elisa Luu, Hotels, Iretsu, Jumpel, Liam Singer, Markus Mehr, Mukaizake, My Majestic Star, Rich Bennett, Salli Lunn, Slow Dancing Society, Stray Ghost, Toby Richardson, Umpire and Wes Willenbring, Hydrozoa touches all the bases that make the Hidden Shoal roster unique, and massages them into a broad-ranging and utterly engaging whole. The release accompanied by a pdf booklet containing stunning artwork by Hidden Shoal’s Stuart Medley.

Download the sampler here.

Hidden Shoal Turns 5!

Hidden Shoal Recordings — Fri, 06 May 2011 12:42:49 +0000

Throughout the month of May 2011, Hidden Shoal Recordings is celebrating its fifth birthday. The celebrations kick off on Friday 6 May with the release of its latest free sampler album, Hydrozoa, which compiles 18 singles released over the last 18 months. Other delicious surprises will be revealed in the coming weeks, so stay tuned for more info.

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.

Toby Richardson’s New EP Featured on New York’s BreakThru Radio

Hidden Shoal Recordings — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 01:12:47 +0000

Toby Richardson’s latest installment of irreverent rock goodness The Stones and the Rabbits has been featured on New York’s awesome BreakThru Radio. The EP was played in full on the excellent TransPacific show which features all the best music coming out of Australia. Re-stream the show in full here.

Toby Richardson – Young Sweet Lovers Toby Richardson – Young Sweet Lovers

New EP by Australian lo-fi rock magician Toby Richardson

Hidden Shoal Recordings — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 22:34:11 +0000

Hidden Shoal Recordings today announced the release of new EP The Stones And The Rabbits by Australian lo-fi rock magician Toby Richardson.

In his inimitable bent rock stylings Perth (Western Australia) based Richardson has produced another irreverent indie rock ‘n’ roll gem. ‘Young Sweet Lovers’ kicks off proceedings with all of Toby Richardson’s delicious trademark ingredients: booming drums, fuzzy guitar lines and just-rolled-out-of-bed vocal delivery, married to wonderfully skewed melodicism and Richardson’s innate sense of songcraft. The title track features one of Richardson’s catchiest hooks to date, plus plenty of meandering, harmonised guitar soloing that splits the difference between Dinosaur Jr and an ether-soaked country hoe-down. The track’s disarming lack of pretense plays against Richardson’s affected take on rock as wailing guitars and driving chords quaver and bend in and out of shape. Single ‘King Of All The Moves’ is like a garage band falling endlessly down a cartoon staircase. The track pays homage to dirty rock while turning it inside out and painting it with jelly, creating a soundtrack to some unimaginable ‘70s cop show filled with sequins, half-naked dancers and possibly a dolphin.

“I’m surprised that more people haven’t been talking about Toby Richardson. Take some of the bluesy aspects of Captain Beefheart and mix it with some ’90s college rock sensibilities and you’ve got the Toby Richardson sound. Fuzzed-out lo-fi classic rock is the order of the day, and Toby pulls off this slight ’60s pastiche with panache… By the time you reach the last song, it’s hard not to feel slightly overwhelmed as it is such an exaggerated sound, but that doesn’t mean that you won’t want to simply take a break, and start over again, as its exaggeration is laced with an addictive quality that will have you coming back for more.” – It’s Not The Band I Hate It’s Their Fans on debut album Evergreen

The Stones And The Rabbits is available now through Hidden Shoal Recordings on digital and CD. Head to the Hidden Shoal Store for all availability info. Richardson’s debut EP Golden Days and album Evergreen are also available through Hidden Shoal. Read a full press release here and also grab the single ‘King Of All The Moves’ available for free download.

Toby Richardson – The Stones And The Rabbits Toby Richardson – The Stones And The Rabbits

New Toby Richardson EP Available for CD Pre-Order and Download

Hidden Shoal Recordings — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 16:06:55 +0000

Ahead of its release next week (2nd Dec), Toby Richardson’s awesome new EP The Stones And The Rabbits is now available for pre-order from our beautiful friends at n5mailorder. Even better, if you pre-order the CD you get an immediate mp3 download of the album.

Head to n5mailorder and soak in the wonderfully skewed and wildly addictive indie rock that is The Stones And The Rabbits.

Toby Richardson – The Stones And The Rabbits Toby Richardson – The Stones And The Rabbits

New Toby Richardson Single – Free Download!

Hidden Shoal Recordings — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 01:41:56 +0000

Hidden Shoal Recordings today announced the release of new single ‘King Of All The Moves’ by Australian lo-fi rock magician Toby Richardson.

In his inimitable bent rock stylings Richardson has produced another irreverent indie rock ‘n’ roll gem. ‘King Of All The Moves’ is like a garage band falling endlessly down a cartoon staircase. The track pays homage to dirty rock while turning it inside out and painting it with jelly. The songs skewed melodicism, married with Richardson’s innate sense of songcraft, creates a soundtrack to some unimaginable ‘70s cop show filled with sequins, half-naked dancers and possibly a dolphin. ‘King Of All The Moves’ is irrepressible dance music for the PCP crowd.

“psychedelic, lo-fi, indie-rock, with a touch of late 1960s/early 1970s fuzzed and dirty psychedelic blues-rock… a schizophrenic mixture… an exciting blend.” – Luna Kafe on debut album Evergreen

‘King Of All The Moves’ is available for free download from the Hidden Shoal Store. The track is lifted from the upcoming 5 track EP The Stones and the Rabbits out on 2nd December 2010. Richardson’s debut EP Golden Days and album Evergreen are also available from the Hidden Shoal Store. Read a full press release here.

Toby Richardson – King Of All The Moves Toby Richardson – King Of All The Moves

Takeaway Tunes Pop-Up Music Shop

Hidden Shoal Recordings — Mon, 17 May 2010 22:15:28 +0000

Awesome Perth label and general doers of musical good Love Is My Velocity have set up a Pop-Up local music store as part of the WAMI Festival. In the words of the good LIMV folk,

“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.

Hidden Shoal Label Feature at Breakthru Radio

Hidden Shoal Recordings — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 02:28:17 +0000

Check out the latest edition of the wonderful Inside The Label show at New York’s awesome Breakthru Radio (home of the mighty DJ Mojo!). The show features an hour of tracks selected from across the Hidden Shoal catalogue. Lurvly!

‘A Million Square Miles’ Reviewed on Dwarf

Jamie — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 06:45:43 +0000

Our West Australian Sampler ‘A Million Square Miles‘ gained the attention of ‘The Dwarf’ last week. Take a read of the full review here.

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

“A Million Square Miles” Compilation Album – Australian Release

Hidden Shoal Recordings — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 23:31:29 +0000

Hidden Shoal Recordings is proud to announce the Australian CD release of compilation album A Million Square Miles: A sample of Western Australian music, following on from its initial US success.

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.

“A Million Square Miles” reveiwed on Adequacy.net

Thea Porter — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 06:33:51 +0000

Hidden Shoal’s WA compilation album, A Million Square Miles, has been showered with praise on the awesome review site adequacy.net. Check out this glowing review at adequacy. A Million Square Miles features selected tracks from eight of Hidden Shoal’s WA-based artists. Looking for “an exhilarating listen from beginning to end”?- check out the HSR store to get your paws on this great release.

Mukaizake – My Friend Flicker Mukaizake – My Friend Flicker

Hidden Shoal Free Label Sampler Volume 5

Hidden Shoal Recordings — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 01:45:22 +0000

Hidden Shoal Recordings is pleased to announce the official release of compilation album Crushed and Reminded, the fifth installment in its free sampler album series. Whilst the keen eyed amongst you may have already noted that this has has been available for a few weeks now, we thought we’d allow some breathing space before making the official announcement (busy month!!!)

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.

Hidden Shoal Recordings Release “A Million Square Miles” Compilation Album

Hidden Shoal Recordings — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 07:31:07 +0000

Hidden Shoal Recordings is proud to announce the US and digital release of compilation album A Million Square Miles: A sample of Western Australian music.

“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

Hidden Shoal Licensing To Launch In November

Hidden Shoal Recordings — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 05:40:55 +0000

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.

Hidden Shoal CD Releases Hit The Stores

Hidden Shoal Recordings — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 03:06:02 +0000

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!

HSR Birthday Love – All Singles Available Free Until June!

Hidden Shoal Recordings — Tue, 12 May 2009 04:16:22 +0000

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 Turns Three!

tim — Tue, 05 May 2009 13:52:39 +0000

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.

“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.

New Toby Richardson EP Coming Soon!

tim — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 21:19:49 +0000

Lo-fi rock magician Toby Richardson is currently working on a new EP entitled The Stones & The Rabbits, due for release on Hidden Shoal later this year. Pop along to Toby’s MySpace page to read the blog post, and visit the HSR Store to stream tracks from his debut EP Golden Days and album Evergreen.

Toby Richardson Booragoon Lagoon Toby Richardson – Booragoon Lagoon

Hidden Shoal’s 4th Free Label Sampler Album Released

Hidden Shoal Recordings — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 08:04:13 +0000

Hidden Shoal Recordings today announced the release of East-West Section, the fourth volume in the label’s free sampler album series, compiling tracks from recently released albums and EPs.

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.

“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.

The 2008 Hidden Shoal Xmas Party – It’s Almost Time!

Hidden Shoal Recordings — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 01:44:56 +0000

Yes folks it’s almost time for the 2008 Hidden Shoal Christmas Party, presented by wonderful team at Aperture. The event will be held on Friday 19th December at the Bakery in Perth and features a stunning line-up of bands: Enargeia, My Majestic Star, The Slow Beings, Fall Electric, Apricot Rail and Toby Richardson and The Surround Sound. The night will also include artwork by visual artists Nicola Kaye, Stephen Terry, Uriah Mathews, James Stillitoe, Sam Landels and Stuart Medley, video greetings from our international artists, and delicious selections from the Hidden Shoal catalogue played throughout the night.

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 2008 Hidden Shoal Christmas Party

tim — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 05:36:07 +0000

Hidden Shoal is proud to announce the 2008 Christmas Party, presented by wonderful team at Aperture. The event will be held on Friday 19th December at the Bakery in Perth and features a stunning line-up of bands: Enargeia, My Majestic Star, The Slow Beings, Fall Electric, Apricot Rail and Toby Richardson. The night will also include artwork by visual artists Nicola Kaye, Stephen Terry, Uriah Mathews, James Stillitoe, Sam Landels and Stuart Medley, video greetings from our international artists, and delicious selections from the Hidden Shoal catalogue played throughout the night.

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

The Rest of 2008…

tim — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 14:52:17 +0000

In addition to the release of City Of Satellites’ The Spook EP on 25th November, Hidden Shoal is proud to announce a clutch of very special new releases from our other artists before 2008 is up. Stay tuned for new singles from The Slow Beings, Toby Richardson and Jumpel, and EPs from Sankt Otten and Ghost In The Water. Plus, the latest volume of our free sampler albums series will be available at the start of December. Then just wait and see what we’ve got lined up for 2009…

Hidden Shoal Recordings CD Reissues and New Store Features

Hidden Shoal Recordings — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 17:12:40 +0000

Hidden Shoal Recordings today announced it has begun a co-ordinated program which will see the majority of its catalogue reissued on CD. Not only are we excited to be able to offer recent gems in CD format but we’re also itching to expose some of the amazing releases from the back catalogue that missed out on the wider recognition they most definitely deserved. All CD reissues (as well as all future releases) will be available online through the HSR Store and select releases will also be available through US distributor Tonevendor. Keep watching this space or subscribe to the mailing list to keep informed of specific reissue dates.

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

The Slow Beings Debut Album CD Release

Hidden Shoal Recordings — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 09:36:20 +0000

Hidden Shoal Recordings today announced the CD release of the debut album We Know Why The Earth Moves by Perth-based ante-indie rock outfit The Slow Beings.

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 and Toby Richardson on CD at Planet

Hidden Shoal Recordings — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 17:26:21 +0000

Good news for all those Perth folk that have been digging the magic and much loved sounds of The Slow Beings and Toby Richardson pumping out of their radio of late (courtesy of the mighty RTRFM). As part of our “Let’s Get Physical” campaign (sure I just made that up) HSR has made We Know Why The Earth Moves by The Slow Beings and Evergreen by Toby Richardson available on CD in store at Planet, Mt Lawley. Eager beavers should note you can now buy The Slow Beings CD almost a full week before the official CD release date. Both albums are of course also available digitally.

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.

The Slow Beings CD Launch

Hidden Shoal Recordings — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 17:08:02 +0000

The Slow Beings are set to launch their blindingly good debut album We Know Why The Earth Moves at the Rocket Room in Northbridge (Perth, Western Australia) on the 28th of June ahead of the albums CD release on the 26th. The Slow Beings will be supported by their very awesome Hidden Shoal brethren in the form of The Chris Mason Implosion and Toby Richardson and The Surround Sound. The Slow Beings have been kicking it lately with daily rotation on RTRFM, JJJ plays and growing US airplay including featuring on the Hidden Shoal Recordings label spotlight on New York’s Breakthru Radio (along with Toby Richardson). So come on down for a delicious slab of ante-indie rock lof-fi shoegaze pop action on the 28th!

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

HSR Feature on Breakthru Radio

Hidden Shoal Recordings — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 07:15:59 +0000

If you haven’t yet listened to the Hidden Shoal Recordings radio feature on New York’s wonderful Breakthru Radio then you should head over to their website immediately and soak in what was an amazing show. The hour-long feature was curated by the beautiful DJ Mojo, whose excellent show Maximum Music (new episode every Tuesday night) should be a staple part of your musical diet. To hear the show, go here.

Hidden Shoal showcase on BreakThru Radio!

tim — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 16:51:19 +0000

From 10th June, New York’s BreakThru Radio will feature Hidden Shoal as their latest showcase label. DJ Mojo, who recently described Hidden Shoal as “This generation’s 4AD”, will curate and present a special HSR showcase, which promises to be an awesome listen. In advance of this eagerly awaited radio event, here’s a little more info about Breakthru Radio and DJ Mojo from the station…

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.

Hidden Shoal on Breakthru Radio

tim — Sat, 10 May 2008 02:37:30 +0000

The excellent Maximum Music show on Breakthru Radio continues to feature the latest releases from Hidden Shoal, including Toby Richardson’s hip-quaking single ‘Booragoon Lagoon’ from his recently released album Evergreen. Visit the Breakthru Radio site to stream DJ Mojo’s shows, which have also featured recent releases from Jumpel and Tangled Star.

Toby Richardson and Ghost In The Water reviewed on Luna Kafe

tim — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 10:47:49 +0000

New albums by Toby Richardson and Ghost In The Water have just received glowing reviews in the latest edition of charming Norwegian music zine Luna Kafe. Pop over to the Kafe to sip on their frothy prose, or visit the artist profiles on the Hidden Shoal site to gulp down a hot espresso shot of an excerpt.

Toby Richardson Live!!!

Hidden Shoal Recordings — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 17:45:53 +0000

Finally the moment has arrived. Toby Richardson will grace the stage this weekend (after way too many years) with his band The Surround Sound in support of the wonderful French Rockets. When we say band, we mean drummer. Yes Toby Richardson and The Surround Sound will perform as a two piece! If you thought The Black Keys had it going on live then you aint seen nothing yet. To witness the splendour head to the Whitesands Hotel ( Perth, Western Australia) at 8PM on Saturday April 26th (free entry!). Even better news for T.R. fans is that this will be the start of much larger live presence.

And if you haven’t been spinning Toby’s latest lo-fi opus Evergreen then head over here to listen in full and buy it.

Toby Richardson – Golden Bear Toby Richardson – Golden Bear

Toby Richardson on It’s Not The Band I Hate It’s Their Fans

tim — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 06:17:18 +0000

Toby Richardson’s absurdly genius new album Evergreen is featured on the music blog (deep breath) It’s Not The Band I Hate It’s Their Fans. Visit the site to read the feature/review in full, or pop along to Toby’s reviews section to read an excerpt.

Twin Cities FM

Hidden Shoal Recordings — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 08:01:08 +0000

If you live in Perth or you’re anywhere near a computer then be sure to tune into Twin Cities FM and check out the Western Oz show on Tuesday night show from 8pm and Kickstart/WA Top 10 on Friday night from 6pm (Western Australian Time). You’ll get to hear some of Western Australias finest musical output which of course includes a slab of HSR releases such asrecently released gems by Toby Richardson and Tangled Star. Tune your radio to 89.7FM or point your browser to http://www.twincitiesfm.com.au/ and soak in the goodness.

Toby Richardson is #1 Track on RTR FM!

tim — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 05:23:06 +0000

‘Wherewithal’ by Toby Richardson, the opening salvo from his awesome new album Evergreen, was voted #1 track on Thursday’s Out To Lunch show on Perth’s RTR FM. Tune in to 92.1 FM or stream online on weekdays from 12-3pm to hear more great music from Hidden Shoal artists.

Toby Richardson – Wherewithal Toby Richardson – Wherewithal

New Toby Richardson Album Released

Hidden Shoal Recordings — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 05:15:14 +0000

Hidden Shoal Recordings today announced the release of the new album Evergreen by Australian lo-fi rock magician Toby Richardson.

With all the playful irreverence of Robert Pollard and Pavement, Evergreen sees Toby laying down 10 songs of irrepressible lo-fi stadium rock. The album features wonky fist-in-the-air anthems that blend the catchy attack of The Kinks with the bluesy skronk of Captain Beefheart, through to bent pop-fuelled love songs that wind their way into your aorta like cupid’s heartworm. – Press Release Excerpt

A full press release can be downloaded here and the album can be purchased and previewed in full here.

Toby Richardson – Booragoon Lagoon Toby Richardson – Booragoon Lagoon

Tangled Star EP and Toby Richardson album out soon!

tim — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 06:34:34 +0000

We’re delighted to announce that the new Tangled Star EP, Our Man in Eden Hill, which includes the gorgeous single ‘tosleepingpeople‘, will be released on 26th February. Plus, if Toby Richardson’s recent single ‘Booragoon Lagoon‘ has whet your appetite, his thunderously brilliant new album Evergreen will be released on 11th March. What a start to the year!

Toby Richardson single review in Xpress

tim — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 00:06:59 +0000

‘Booragoon Lagoon‘, the mental new single from Toby Richardson, has just been reviewed in Perth’s weekly music magazine Xpress. Read the review in Toby’s reviews section, and standby for the release of his fantastic new album Evergreen…

Hidden Shoal Release New Free Label Sampler Album

Hidden Shoal Recordings — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 16:53:01 +0000

Hidden Shoal Recordings today announced the release of the free label sampler album Limit of Maps.

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.

Toby Richardson on Sydney’s FBi Radio

tim — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 00:10:17 +0000

Listen to the Local Fidelity show on Sunday nights, 7pm to 9pm, on Sydney’s FBi 94.5FM to hear Toby Richardson’s triumphant new single ‘Booragoon Lagoon’. It’s guaranteed to have you dancing around like a loon, so if you’re in the car please pull over. You have been warned…

Hidden Shoal in Textura’s Top Ten Labels of 2007 List

Hidden Shoal Recordings — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 13:39:41 +0000

2007 has been a wonderful year for the Hidden Shoal label and its artists and it just got some thick icing layered all over the top of it. Textura magazine, the astute and passionate purveyors of fine new music, have chosen Hidden Shoal Recordings as one of its top ten favourite labels of 2007. Check out the list and read a q&a from all the labels at the Textura website.

New Toby Richardson Single Released

Hidden Shoal Recordings — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 10:00:15 +0000

The Australian music label, Hidden Shoal Recordings, today announced the release of the single ‘Booragoon Lagoon’ by Australian lo-fi rock magician Toby Richardson.

In parts sounding like the B-52’s making out with Polvo in an acid filled spa, ‘Booragoon Lagoon’ is laden with warped hooks winding through beats that speak direct to your dancing parts. It is a mad collision, a rock n roll car crash at an Elvis Presley after party. Richardson has managed to strip the skin off classic rock n roll, re-cover it in fur, jewels and wire and ride it to through a casino. The unbridled and irrepressible feel of this song is hard to deny. – Press Release Excerpt

Download a full press release here.

‘Booragoon Lagoon’ is available now exclusively from the HSR Store.

Toby Richardson – Booragoon Lagoon Toby Richardson – Booragoon Lagoon

Amazon Distribution for HSR Catalogue

Hidden Shoal Recordings — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 15:10:47 +0000

Hidden Shoal Recordings has announced it will partner with Amazon to deliver it’s catalogue digitally through the company’s Amazon Mp3 service. From today the entire Hidden Shoal Recordings catalogue comprising over 25 releases will be available for purchase through Amazons newly developed digital music service.

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.

Toby Richardson is back!

tim — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 14:36:25 +0000

Now here’s some news to get the Aussie summer started! Inimitable lo-fi pop genius Toby Richardson is completing work on his rollicking new album Evergreen, which will be preceded by the absolutely bonkers new single ‘Booragoon Lagoon’. Here’s the story from the man himself:

‘Booragoon Lagoon’ is a song which really came from being excited about a particular bluesy tone I was getting from my new guitar. It had a swampy sound and I got a nice spiky riff going. I built a whole story around that – how I learnt my guitar chops from hanging out with cool swamp rockers down at Booragoon swamp. A total fiction! But it links my local hangouts as a kid with my rock and roll dream, so its a song I’m very fond of.

It’s actually impossible to not fall in love with the song, a wonky fist-in-the-air anthem that blends the catchy attack of The Kinks with the bluesy skronk of Captain Beefheart. Bloody amazing!

Toby has just posted some news about the making of the album on his MySpace site, so pop along there for the full scoop.

In the meanwhile enjoy a slice of genius from his wonderful debut EP Golden Days.

Toby Richardson – Those Times are Gone Toby Richardson – Those Times are Gone

Free HSR Radio Player Reminder

Hidden Shoal Recordings — Sat, 28 Apr 2007 07:58:52 +0000

Just a reminder about the Myspace profile and blog embeddable HSR Radio Player. With each new Hidden Shoal Recordings release the playlist gets bigger and bigger and currently contains over 35 tracks. The playlist is automatically updated with each new release so all you need to do is sit back and let yourself and your visitors dissolve in the delicious delectations we have on offer. Full instructions for putting the player on your Myspace profile or blog are below.

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!

<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>. <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>

HSR Playing on Tess’s Indie Wave Radio

Hidden Shoal Recordings — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 09:26:26 +0000

Check out the excellent Live 365 station, Tess’s Indie Wave where you can catch a number of HSR tracks on rotation. Tune to – “Hear great melodic, rare, obscure, modern new wave, classic new wave, darkwave, synth-pop, dream-pop, shoegazer, ambient, indie, electro-clash, brit-pop, goth & trip-hop!”.

Catalogue Now Available Through Rhapsody

Hidden Shoal Recordings — Sat, 31 Mar 2007 07:26:17 +0000

The Hidden Shoal Recordings catalogue is now available through the Rhapsody digital music store. Add this to the existing digital distribution network of iTunes, eMusic, Sony Connect and the HSR Store and you’ll see there’s no excuse for not grabbing some of the finest releases to hit your ears of recent times. Also you can expect some more announcements over the next few months as deals with new digital distributors get finalised.