Category Archives: Mixtapes

💿 The Record Labels: Mint

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Welcome back to The Record Labels, where every month, we tell you a little about an independent label we dig when it comes to new music. Last week you heard about Toronto’s You’ve Changed Records. Today, we’re back with Vancouver’s Mint Records.

The label was started in 1991 by Randy Iwata and Bill Baker, who worked at CITR-FM at the University of British Columbia. Celebrating their 30th birthday this year, the label has over 200 releases in the books. There is no doubt … they’re an integral part of the Candian music scene.

Over the years, they’ve dropped music from Canadian heavyweights cub, The Pack A.D., Neko Case, The New Pornographers, Pluto, The Organ, and others. In recent years, we’ve seen excellent albums from Wares, Woolworm, Lié and Tough Age. We’re super stoked for their next release from Sook-Yin Lee and Adam Litovitz; jooj two.

Below, you’ll find a hand-picked playlist of some of our favourite songs from the label for your listening pleasure. And, while you’re at it, be sure to hit up their socials to keep up-to-date on all things Mint. This bunch is here to stay.

If you dig this, check out “The Record Labels – You’ve Changed”

📀 Plays Of The Month: March

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It’s that time again where we share all of our favourite songs with you from the past month. So many incredible acts included on this one!

So far, 2021 is shaping up to be another great year for music. Now, sit back, relax and enjoy our Plays Of The Month for March.

If you dig this, check out “Plays Of The Month – February”

💿 THE RECORD LABELS: You’ve Changed

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Welcome back to The Record Labels, where every week, we tell you a little about an independent label we dig when it comes to new music. Last week you heard about Montreal’s Secret City Records. Today, we’re back with Toronto’s You’ve Changed Records.

The label was started in 2009 by Daniel Romano and Ian Kehoe of Attack In Black and Steve Lambke of Constantines. Their first official release was Still Jimmie by Brandon’s Shotgun Jimmie. Since its inception, the label has close to 50 releases.

Over the years, they’ve dropped music from The Luyas, Marine Dreams, Baby Eagle, The Weather Station, Jon Mckiel, Nap Eyes, and others. In recent years, we’ve seen stellar albums from WHOOP-Szo, Daniel Romano’s Outfit, and Partner.

Below, you’ll find a hand-picked playlist of some of our favourite songs from the label for your listening pleasure. And, while you’re at it, be sure to hit up their socials to keep up-to-date on all things YCR. You can’t go wrong with this bunch.

If you dig this, check out “THE RECORD LABELS: Secret City”

💿 THE RECORD LABELS: Secret City

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Welcome back to The Record Labels, where every week, we tell you a little about an independent label we dig when it comes to new music. Last week you heard about Toronto’s Royal Mountain Records. Today, we’re back with Montreal’s Secret City Records.

The label was started back in 2006 by Justin West to release Patrick Watson’s album, Close to Paradise. Over the last 15 years, they’ve shared music from the likes of Miracle Fortress, Basia Bulat, Diamond Rings, The Barr Brothers, Suuns, and many others.

More recently, they’ve dropped stellar albums from Leif Vollebekk, Antoine Corriveau and Braids. We also saw a new record from Owen Pallett called Island; if you haven’t checked it out, we suggest you do.

Listen to our playlist in the embed below, and get familiar with the Secret City Records sound. Trust us when we say: you’ll be glad you did.

If you dig this, check out “The Record Labels – Royal Mountain”

💿 THE RECORD LABELS: Royal Mountain

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Welcome back to The Record Labels, where every week, we tell you a little about an independent label we trust when it comes to new music. Last week you heard about Toronto’s We Are Busy Bodies. Now we’re back with Royal Mountain Records.

The label was founded in 2009 by Hollerado’s Menno Versteeg and band manager Adam Berger. Their very first release was the exceptional Record In A Bag by Hollerado. Over the years, they’ve dropped an impressive list of albums from the likes of Alvvays, PUP, Orville Peck, U.S. Girls, METZ, Ought, HOMESHAKE, Mac DeMarco and many more.

Recently, records from Pottery, Gulfer, Wild Pink and Ellis have caught our attention. The label released what seemed like a ton of music last year … let’s hope this doesn’t end any time soon. Whatever this bunch is doing, they’re doing it right.

Listen to our hand-picked playlist of RMR faves in the embed below and hit up their socials for more going forward. This is one label that deserves your attention.

If you dig this, check out “The Record Labels – We Are Busy Bodies”

💿 THE RECORD LABELS: We Are Busy Bodies

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Welcome back to The Record Labels, where every week, we tell you a little about an independent label we trust when it comes to music. Last week you heard about Hand Drawn Dracula. Now we’re back with Toronto’s We Are Busy Bodies.

The label was started in 2005 by musician and show promoter Eric Warner. Their first-ever release was a split between Viking Club and Japanther. Over the last two decades, they’ve dropped more than 80 releases from the likes of Limblifter, METZ, Odonis Odinis, Julie Doiron, DD/MM/YYYY and Chad VanGaalen.

More recently, they’ve released stellar work by Andronoids, Bike Club and Michael Scott Dawson. This year they have more than 40 releases lined-up. From indie-rock to post-punk, electronic to world music, this bunch has you covered.

Last Friday, the label celebrated its 16th anniversary; that says a lot about the music. In a world where labels come and go, it looks like WABB is here to stay. Now, check out the playlist in the embed below, and get familiar with their incredibly eclectic sound. You’ll be glad you did.

If you dig this, check out “THE RECORD LABELS: Hand Drawn Dracula”

💿 THE RECORD LABELS: Hand Drawn Dracula

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Welcome back to The Record Labels, where every week, we tell you a little about an independent label we trust when it comes to music. Last week you heard about west coast label Light Organ Records. Now we’re back with Toronto’s Hand Drawn Dracula.

The label was formed in 2008 by James Mejia, Joseph Araujo and Brian Borcherdt. Their very first release was Welcome To The Night Sky by east coast indie-rockers Wintersleep. Since then, they’ve released exceptional albums from By Divine Right, Doomsquad, Beliefs, Fresh Snow and Tallies. One of the best parts of the label … a diverse roster of artists.

Last year saw albums from Prince Josh, Sahara, Nailbiter and No Joy. This year shows no sign of slowing down as singer-songwriters Kyle Edward Connolly and Michael Peter Olsen recently dropped new albums. Toronto dream-pop outfit Vallens is set to drop In Era, the label’s next release on March 19th.

Now that we have your attention check out the HDD curated playlist in the embed below. And, be sure to hit up their socials for more going forward. Whether you’re into electronic or post-punk, shoegaze or lo-fi, this bunch has you covered.

If you dig this, check out “The Record Labels – Telephone Explosion Records”

📀 Plays Of The Month: February

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It’s that time of the month where we share some of our favourite finds with you. It’s been an exceptional start to 2021 … let’s hope it keeps up!

Below, you’ll find music from Toronto indie-rockers Tearjerker, Beams and PONY. And, no list would be complete without some Montreal music; we’ve got new stuff from Paul Jacobs and Fleece.

Now, sit back, relax and enjoy.

If you dig this, check out “Plays Of The Month – January”

💿 THE RECORD LABELS: Light Organ Records

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Welcome back to The Record Labels, where every week, we tell you a little about an independent label we trust when it comes to music. Last week you heard about legendary east-coast label Murderecords. Now we’re back with Vancouver’s Light Organ Records.

A subsidiary of 604 Records, the label was started in 2010 by Jonathan Simkin. The goal: to distribute records by indie and college radio bands. The label prides itself on being eclectic, releasing everything from pop, to folk, to electronic music. The first year saw releases from artists like Sun Wizard, Adrian Glynn, and iM favourite, Louise Burns.

Since then, they’ve gone on to share music from Capitol 6, mode moderne, We Are The City and more. Recently, they’ve dropped stellar sounds from Pekoe Cat, Sleepy Gonzalez and Hotel Mira.

If you’re not familiar with some of the artists, now is your chance to hit the links above or check out the dope playlist below. You can thank us later.

If you dig this, check out “The Record Labels – Murderecords”