Tag: hhbtm records

Small Labels and the Side Hustle Pt. 1

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As someone who runs a label (and works on this web site), a lot of folks outside Austin probably assume it’s a full time gig. Truth be told, my main gig is as an 8th Grade Teacher, then a soccer coach, then the site and the label. It got me to thinking of all the other small labels that are out there that I follow closely; they’ve all got their own stories, their own side hustles to make things work in order to bring you the music they believe is the best. So I reached out to a few of them of them to see if they’d briefly share their stories; today we have words from Lost Sound Tapes, The Nothing Song, HHBTM and Arrowhawk Records. Read more

Brand New Tullycraft

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If Tullycraft isn’t on your radar, and you consider yourself a pop fan, please go back and revisit the band’s catalog (I’m particularly fond of Disenchanted Hearts Unite). Now, more to the point is the charming new single they just dropped to celebrate their forthcoming album, The Railway Prince Hotel. It comes with a wonderful animated video, matching the playful mood of the track itself. Sean offers up the majority of the vocals, but don’t worry, as the sound wouldn’t be complete without Jenny in there to make sure Sean doesn’t get too much of the pop sensibility credit. Couldn’t think of a better way to wrap up a week than with this here tune; look for the new LP in February via HHBTM.

Brand New Music from His Name Is Alive

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Thirty years into the career of His Name is Alive, and the band still remain vital to the musical realm. Today they release a brand new single from their forthcoming record, Black Wings; it operates in three stages. The first 45 seconds are filled with ambient electronics and very light strings with light vocals floating through the noise. In the middle, synths seem more distant, as the focus moves to the pop vocal performance in the foreground; it should be noted here that this record evolved out of playing around with acapella harmonies and sound. Then the tracks spends the waning minute elegantly fading out…light strings, vocals as instrument and a careful wash of synth work…who else could pull that off as perfectly? Black Wings is a double LP, set for release on April 6th via HHBTM.

Have at a New Tune from Great Lakes

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Great Lakes have been hanging around for the better part of two decades, but they’ve changed quite a bit since their early participation in the Elephant 6 Collective. For starters, the only surviving member from the original line-up is Ben Crum, though the rest of the players in the band have been about for the last several records. But, more importantly, the sonic landscape has changed with age, finding the band channeling a more Americana leaning. The rock element is definitely apparent on this number, though the expansive sound of organs, layered guitars and gang vocals broaden those brushstrokes. While it may have that rock swagger, something about the song just feels like home, feels like comfort. The group are set to release Dreaming Too Close to the Edge on April 9th via HHBTM/Loose Trucks.

Brand New Tunabunny Tune

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You’d be excused if Tunabunny haven’t quite landed on your radar, but you’d also be missing out on one of indie rock’s special secrets. They’re set to release their 5th album, a 28 song double LP titled PCP Presents Alice in Wonderland Jr, hitting on June 23rd via HHBTM. Rumor has it that this is their response to the White Album, and our first listen should put you on notice that you’re in for a great ride. The subtle groove working beneath the track is sublime, but the vocals have this seductive sugar to it that allows the band to walk the fine line between artand pop sensibility. If you can’t find yourself falling head over heels for this tune, then I think your speakers are broken.

New Music from Fred Schneider and the Superions

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Listening to this new track from Fred Schneider & the Superions it became clear how Fred’s managed to maintain relevance for such a long period of time. There’s always an artistic approach, but there’s this childlike fun in everything he does. This whole track is simply Fred and his team saying “good day” or “how do you do” in various languages throughout the world. Musically, there’s this pulsating vibe backed by a strong percussive force and a wonky-ish organ grinding. You take it in all together, there’s an indifference to the scene and a dedication to the craft…all illustrating that Schneider is every bit as relevant now as he was when the B-52s burst forth into the world. Look for the group to release The Vertical Mind via HHBTM Records on May 5th.

New Bit of Poppy Noise from Bastards of Fate

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I think perhaps the greatest thing one can do as a hunter of music is find a band that begs to be pigeonholed, yet you’re unable to really label them…such is my fascination with Bastards of Fate. Watching this video, you get drawn into the opening moments of quirky bedroom pop, but it soon blasts into a noisier, crashing against your eardrums while an undercurrent of pop sensibility keeps the song level. Just as you’re fixed on a sound, the band offers up a haunting bit of doo-wop, as captivating as the earlier moments, and possibly even weirder. The band’s 3rd LP, Suck the Light Out, will be offered up from the very reliable HHBTM Records on February 24th.

Brand New Eureka California Tune

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Fresh off the release of their latest album, Versus, Eureka California is back with a brand new 7″…featuring this rocking number below. While the song takes a second or two to get going, once it hits, it blasts forth with a riotous fury, seemingly running so fast the band can barely keep up! The new single will also feature two other songs, one being a cover of Superchunk‘s “Slack Motherfucker.” And, speaking of that 7″, the band and HHBTM Records aim to remind you that singles should be reasonably priced, offering up this release for $3, giving you no excuse other than to pick it up and support the cause; do so on February 24th when it hits the streets.

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Christmas Pop from Rat Fancy

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ratAfter leaving behind Sweater Girl, Diana Barraza began Rat Fancy, leaning towards creating a world where indiepop, shoegaze and emo all crash in a joyous bit of infectious pop music. The group are in the process of wrapping up their debut EP for HHBTM Records, so in the meantime, they’re giving out the free Christmas single you’ll find streaming below. You’ll hear hooks, jingle bells and attention to details that will leave you salivating for what the band have in store for us all in 2017. If you’re inclined, visit the band’s BANDCAMP to grab these single for free…then sneak them into your parent’s holiday playlist, so everyone else can enjoy your good tastes.

 


More from The Wedding Present

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weddingIf you’ve been paying attention out there, you knew that Going Going, the newest album from The Wedding Present, was making its way to US shores. That’s important, as HHBTM Records will be releasing it here, but it’s also important to the narrative of the album, as the 20 songs were all written or based off a US road trip. Plus, each song is accompanied by a short film, which hopefully documents the trip itself. But, we’ll have to wait until November 18th to see, though in the meantime, jam this just released tune! It’s titled “Two Bridges,” which if you listen to the track below seems to be two wholly different bridges. Listen and find out why I say that.

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