It’s the beginning of a new week and we’re super stoked to be presenting a fresh column — The Record Labels. Starting today (and every Monday for the foreseeable future), we’re going to tell you a little about some of our favourite independent labels in the industry, and obviously, include a super dope playlist for your listening pleasure.

Today, we start with Toronto’s Telephone Explosion Records.

After relocating to the city in 2007, the label was started by Ottawa-natives Jon Schouten and Steve Sidoli, who also happen to be part of garage-punk outfit Teenanger. With Chris Swimmings already in the band, they enlisted the services of bassist Melissa Ball and dropped their first self-titled cassette on the masses. TER001, to be exact.

Over the years, the label has released over 70+ records from artists like Freak Heat Waves, Odonis Odinis, New Fries, LIDS, Andre Ethier (of Deadly Snakes fame) and of course, Teenanger. The roster shows no signs of slowing down either, with stellar new albums from Lee Paradise and Pantayo released last year.

Check out the playlist below and get familiar with some of our favourite tracks from these purveyors of fine music. You’ll be glad you did.