The STA Official Label Blog Of Thoughts And Stuff®

Handmade with love...

2011-05-05T11:59:00.006+01:00

More Than Conquerors launch their new single 'A Lion, A Man' tonight in Belfast. The guys have a limited run of 100 bespoke handmade singles available first at tonight's show. This is MTC's first show at home in quite a while, they have a plethora of new material, new goodies to get your paws on and they are as hyper as a 3 year old after getting a rocking horse on Christmas day. Don't miss this show, its sure to be EXPLOSIVE!

Feldberg are exciting, happy and perfect for when the sun is shining.

2011-05-05T09:24:00.002+01:00

The last show on the Feldberg UK calendar (for now) was the Lexington, London last Thursday.
Terry Lane from Buzzin Music Blog went along, click here for the full review...

Feldberg @ Lomography Recap

2011-05-05T08:38:00.003+01:00

Feldberg Love Lomography Gallery so much so they made their second stop here last week during their mini UK tour! Food, wine and Royal Festivities aided by a little Icelandic pop ambiance - sad you missed it? click here for a recap!
Long Live Lomography.....

Feldberg are 'Track Of The Day'!

2011-04-28T12:59:00.001+01:00

Get on over to Q Magazine's website, as they have declared 'Don't Be A Stranger' their track of the day!

If your in London town tonight make sure to check out the band perform at the Lexington, they're on stage at 9pm sharp!!

More Than Conquerors - "A Lion, A Man" single release

2011-04-27T13:18:00.000+01:00

Balcony TV Presents....Feldberg!

2011-04-21T20:22:00.003+01:00

Feldberg dropped by Balcony TV Towers during their Dublin tour yesterday. A quick pit stop which featured a live track and a bit of old fashioned craic!
Click here to watch again!

Feldberg Live on the Pat Kenny Show!

2011-04-20T21:21:00.004+01:00

Einar and Rósa touched down in sunny Ireland just before 6pm yesterday evening. They had steaks in Belfast, sleeps in Sandy Row, awoke for breakfast this morning on the Pat Kenny Show! and rounded it all up with a few acoustic numbers in Dublins Tower Records.
Live in all its glory The Pat Kenny Show is available to listen again by clicking here.
The band are back in Belfast now before day two on their promo tour begins, next stop Derry City <<<

More Than Conquerors: Tour Update

2011-04-15T15:10:00.002+01:00

Day 3 on the More Than Conquerors Scottish tour and right now the guys are sitting in their hotel room doing crossword puzzles... 'rock 'n' roll'... right?

Tonight the guys hit up KAGE in Dundee, again the show is free admission.

LaFaro - Midnight Show - Tomorrow - That rhymes, right?

2011-04-14T15:08:00.005+01:00

Tomorrow night when the clock strikes 12...Lafaro will take to the stage in Auntie Annies, well the 3 of LaFaro that can squeeze onto the tiny stage and the one who can't will hang with the ruff-uns down the front.
No blood please but there will be sweat, possibly tears if Cahir O'Doherty has the strength to make it and most definitely 100% "dirty stinking LaFaro" - Zane Lowe 2010

Get down early or miss out - simple really

Feldberg Set For Derry on 22nd April

2011-04-12T19:05:00.004+01:00

To celebrate the release of their debut album this week on STA, Feldberg will be taking a trip to UK and Ireland shows in a week's time. Their Derry show on Friday 22nd April is an intimate affair in the wonderful Cafe Del Mondo and is a BYOB gig. I am out the night before as well, gout beckons at the tender age of 34. Tickets for the gig are priced at £10 and includes a quality meal made by some lovely staff at the Cafe!

"Quirky, eccentric and surreal sounds fine unless you are descriping your doctor."

2011-04-12T13:47:00.007+01:00

The April Edition of Alternative Ulster Magazine comes jam packed with all things worth going out for, all things worth staying in for and of course hot tips across the international alternative culture spectrum.

<<<<< Have a little look who features this month....its only bleedin' Feldberg!!

More Than Conquerors: On the road again!

2011-04-12T09:28:00.005+01:00

More Than Conquerors set sail from Belfast last night, on the vast 8 hour voyage across the Irish Sea, to embark on four Scottish shows with Paisley based Pacific Theatre. We have heard that they 'more than conquerored' their sea legs with some sweet ice cold beers!

The first show is in Glasgow's Bar Bloc on Wednesday night, and its FREE!

Feldberg release day!

2011-04-11T11:16:00.002+01:00

You can now get your hands on the Feldberg 'Don't Be A Stranger' album, via the Smalltownamerica Store

More Than Conquerors are back on the RADAR

2011-04-08T16:31:00.003+01:00

More Than Conquerors will be making their long awaited return to Belfast on 5th May @ RADAR, complete with a limited edition run of their new single "A Lion, A Man".

LaFaro give top5 performance @ SXSW

2011-04-06T10:54:00.004+01:00

If you got this months Fancorps newsletter you might have noticed this...

Tony's Top 5 Performances from SXSW 2011

This Will Destroy You@ Malverde

The Joy Formidable@ Brush Square Park

Helmet @ Dirty Dog

Orbit @ Lustre Pearl

Lafaro @ BD Riley's

We were at all of the show and second every single performance listed... especially LaFaro!

LaFaro down piss alley!

2011-03-30T12:36:00.004+01:00

RTE2fm's Jenny Houston caught up with the LaFaro boys outside Latitude 30, Austin.

LISTEN HERE!

This is the awesome LaFaro screen print designed by yourawesomehorse. You can get your hands on it and many more sick posters here

"Chugga chugga without all of the drama and theatrics"

2011-03-30T12:16:00.004+01:00

Lafaro return home to 'rainy grey' Belfast after 'killing it' (psssssst that American for doing really well every day)

Check these words by Stephen Carridini for OKSee...

"Heavy metal act Lafaro changed the mood significantly, throwing down some very impressive old-school metal. Fittingly, one of the guitarists was wearing an Iron Maiden t-shirt. If you like the chugga chugga without all of the drama and theatrics that have been attached to metal as of late, you'll like Lafaro."

Skibunny share some DJ set news...

2011-03-21T12:22:00.002Z

A few DJ dates for your diaries from SKIBUNNY…

FRI 18th MARCH - EDINBURGH - WOLF PARTY @ The Store, Guthrie Street. LINK

THURS 24th & 31st MARCH - EDINBURGH - SICK NOTE @ Cabaret Voltaire, Blair Street. LINK

SUN 27th MARCH - EDINBURGH - COALITION @ Sneaky Pete’s, The Cowgate

FRI 1st APRIL - BELFAST - UPSIDE DOWN AFTERSHOW w/ALAN MCGEE @ The Menagerie, University Ave. LINK

"The Belfast date follows the screening of the AMAZING documentary UPSIDE DOWN: The Creation Records Story, at the Belfast Film Festival. You can buy tickets for the film screening HERE. The film was made by our very good friends DOCUMENT PRODUCTIONS, and in fact Tanya was the production accountant on the film (day job, yo!) and we are really happy to be DJing once again alongside the legend that is Alan McGee."

SXSWi Notes - Guy Kawasaki

2011-03-13T19:01:00.003Z

I thought this talk was really interesting for anyone involved in putting out records, it was pitched at a tech audience, but I think we can apply it to what we all try and do everyday when we're pitching to radio, press and to new bands. Here are the main notes out of an hour talk. You can find out more about Guy Kawasaki here - it's not too self-helpy - so don't worry.

Do not enchant the CxO
• The people who you need to speak with and impress are at a lower level in organisations you want to work with
• Don't waste time trying to enchant the boss
• At a lower organisational level these are the guys that actually do the work

Great enchanters know who to speak and pitch
• Customise your introduction -
• Sell your dream 'there's an app for that'
• 10 slides | 20 minutes | 30pt font size

Provide Value
• Information, insights and assistance when using social media tools - we do not care about what you have for lunch.
• Great Engagement: BE FAST to MANY and OFTEN
• You have no idea about who is going to make your service tip it might be LonelyBoy15 - everyone has value in the social media sphere
• There is a misconception that once you've done everything you can kick back and relax and spark up twitter - it need to be constant.

Enchant Up
• Drop everything else when your boss asks you to do something - if you think this is not optimal - it's because you don't know your bosses reality.
• Prototype fast - when you're asked to do something, don't wait until it's perfect - show your boss what you're working on. Am I on the right page here? Higher probability that you will deliver the right thing.
• Deliver Bad news early - never surprise your boss bad news and always deliver it with solutions

Enchant Down - Provide a MAP for your colleagues
• Mastery - you will understand these new things/you're going to improve your skill set here
• Autonomy - we are not going to micro-manage you)
• Purpose - working autonomously for a higher purpose.

Empower Action in Your Colleagues
• I trust you
• I think you're smart
• Do what it takes to get the job done

Suck It Up
• Never ask someone to do something you would not do.

LaFaro SXSW Showcase Poster

2011-03-09T11:16:00.001Z

LaFaro on Limeblog

2011-03-07T15:53:00.003Z

With SXSW just around the corner, Lafaro are today's featured artist on Limeblog. Click to be telemagically transported to Limeblog to read all about it!

Cargo Collective March 2011

2011-03-06T20:23:00.002Z

STA recommend -

Bearsuit - The Phantom Forest
Fortuna Pop! LP / CD
Bearsuit return with an off-the-wall pop masterpiece and a fierce new sound incorporating dirty synths, urgent guitars and infectious beats. Produced by Gareth Parton (The Go! Team, Breeders, Foals).

Alright The Captain - Snib
Field Records CD
Alright The Captain take a shared love for bands like Hella, Holy Fuck and Primus come out bursting out with a chaotic and frantic sound.

The Rock Of Travolta - Fine Lines
Big Red Sky CD
Oxford Post-Rock originators The Rock Of Travolta return with the blistering and beautifully-crafted, ‘Fine Lines’; a perfect equilibrium of power and fragility, motion and melody

4 Or 5 Magicians Last Ever Gig Poster

2011-03-03T20:24:00.002Z

Austin... Let us introduce LaFaro.

2011-03-03T11:24:00.008Z

What do you get if you mix a hip, sunny city on the edge of the American Southwest with enough guitar, bass and drum riffage that could re-sink a certain 'Unsinkable' vessel?

LaFaro at SXSW of course...

16 Mar *Day Show* Convention Centre - Flatpack @ 14:00 - 14:40

17 Mar *Belfast Rocks* Lattitude 30 @ 14:00 - 17:00
17 Mar *Hole In The Wall Club* 2538 Guadalupe St 18:00 - 18:30
18 Mar *Full Irish Breakfast* BD Reilys 16:00 - 16:20
19 Mar *SXSW Official* 512 Rooftop 22:00 to 22:40

Belfast Rocks @ SXSW

Andrew chats all things STA with Rocksound.

2011-03-01T10:39:00.007Z

If your out and about today, make sure to throw a copy of Rocksound Magazine in the basket with your loaf.

Top Ten Stupid Things Said In Studio STA 2010

2011-03-01T10:34:00.002Z

To celebrate our little recording studio being one year old today - we thought we'd raid the archives and list the top ten stupidest things said within these four walls over the last twelve months. All of these are actual, factual real idiocy expressed by the artists themselves.

1. "Who is Steve Albini?" - Niall Axis Of

2. "That Microphone Looks Like A Robot's Dick" - Ewen Axis Of
3. "Who is Henry Rollins?" - Enda General Fiasco
4. "February 29th will come round quick lads" - Owen General Fiasco
5. "This Is A Big Tune I Limavady Sir!" - Shaggy Furlo (speaking about one of his own songs)
6. "Is There Anything More Sugary Than Sugar?" - Emilio Illness
7. "I Never Go Out of Tune" - Johnny And So I Watch You From Afar
8. "I'd Shag Cher!" - Carl Event Horses
9. "Plan B's A Wanker, I'm Affable As Fuck!" - Wileman
10. "If You Cant Trust Your Limo Driver Who Can You Trust?"- Chris STA

Extra Bonus from 2011

11."Here I Am Skinning Up on A Sleater Kinney Vinyl - How Indie Am I?" -
Charlie Desert Hearts

Feldberg Take New Single To Dizzying Heights

2011-02-28T13:31:00.012Z

'Don't Be A Stranger' is the latest release from our very own idyllic, Icelandic pop duo Feldberg and goes on sale via iTunes today.

Clocking in just under three and a half minutes, 'Don't Be A Stranger' perfectly captures a summer's day haze, fuses it with sugar plums resplendent with curve-ball word play. Beautiful, elegant and dreamy are just some of the things we think in our little office.

To mark the first release from Feldberg on STA, we have commissioned a bespoke poster design from the good people at You're Some Horse and is now available exclusively via the STA STORE. (Poster Package includes a digital download of 'Don't Be A Stranger' and B-side 'Us In The Mirror')

Check this delightfully uplifting little teaser:

And So It's Farewell...

2011-02-18T13:46:00.005Z

The end of an era has arrived, as we bid farewell to the always awesome And So I Watch You From Afar. Spending the last few years working with them has been a great honor - this band is the real deal. They are some of the most, hardworking and lovely people you could ever meet!

The band's second record will be released on May 2011 on the totally rad Richter Collective label (IRL). Anyone who has heard some of their new songs previewed in recent live shows will bear witness to the excellence that everyone can expect from the new album.

Big thanks to Rory, Chris, Johnny and Tony ASIWYFA for the thrill of being part of their amazing musical world. And massive props to everyone who helped get their music out into there on day one - in particular, Brian Magill and Jeff Robinson whose dedication, affection and tireless efforts for the lads has played such a huge role in their success.

Also to everyone else at Rocksound, Radio 1, Alan Cullivan at Bareknuckle Management, Craig Gogay at Cargo (UK), Ralph/Stefan at Cargo (Germany), Bart Wisemans at Suburban, John Brogan at Destiny PR, Toby at Toolbox - we love you!

We look forward to the next chapter of ASIWYFA! Bring it on! We'll be down the front.

WOOOOO!

The Last Ever 4 or 5 Magicians Rock Concert, Friday April 1st @ Brixton Windmill

2011-01-12T06:38:00.004Z

In October 2005, The Freebutt in Brighton saw the first show of 4 or 5 Magicians, a band I started with some friends from university. Almost exactly 5 years on in October 2010, 190 shows, 23 members, 3 record labels, 2 Lamacq singles of the week, and 1 critically acclaimed album down the line I decided to call and end to the band in a van somewhere between Nottingham and Birmingham.

Following the announcment that 4 or 5 Magicians were to disappear, many people contacted me requesting I organise one final show for the band, and after some umming and ahhing I have decided to do just this, on my birthday Friday April 1st, at our most played and most loved venue, The Windmill in Brixton.

The 2009 album tour lineup of myself, Sam Clarke, Ivan Berry and Alex Wilkinson will play the bulk of the set which will feature every track from our album 'Empty, Derivative Pop Songs'. There will also be a special short section of golden oldies performed by the first proper lineup of the band, that of Myself, Matt Hayward, Jon Wood and Alex Lovell. Other past members will also be in attendance and making cameo appearances!

Doors will be at 7pm, three excellent support bands will be announced in due course starting at 7:30pm. 4 or 5 Magicians will hit the stage at 10pm. DJs will follow into the early hours and we will all stay and dance a lot because it is my birthday.

Entry will be £5 in advance (ticket link to follow shortly), and we will also be selling copies of our 9/10 rated album 'Empty, Derivative Pop Songs' for the knock down price of £5 as well as some other stuff we have left including the last few copies of the Forever On The Edge and Nice Little Earner singles, the CD-R demo 'Wakey Wakey Everyone' and our last few T-Shirts. So remember to bring your pocket money!

The show will act as a fundraiser for the recording costs of my new project. It is currently unnamed and unmanned, but I have ten new songs almost ready to record properly which I am very excited about.

Thanks to everyone for your support over the past five years, let's make this last show the best one ever!

Dan x

Illness Play OIB Sea Monsters Fest & Compilation

2011-01-04T16:14:00.005Z

One of the UK's best label-slash-promoters One Inch Badge kick off 2011 with a five night stand at the Prince Albert in Brighton at the end of the month bringing together 17 of the most crucial bands coming out the Brighton scene right now and offering them up for just £15 for all 5 shows or £4 per night. Tickets on sale now.

The series of shows are the live counterpart to OIB's new compilation SEA MONSTERS, containing 18 tracks representing the cream of Brighton in 2011: you’ll hear the cool surf-rock of The Squadron Leaders and the Sticks; the slick pop perfection of Pope Joan and Nullifier; the enveloping folk-noir of Sons of Noel and Adrian and Birdengine; the 8-bit brutality of Drum Eyes and Soccer96; and the harsh garage rock of Illness and Cold Pumas. The comp is free when you buy the 5 night pass too!

Here's the breakdown of the nights:

Wednesday 26th January
SALTER CANE – 10:15pm
CROWNS ON THE RATS ORCHESTRA – 9:15pm
THE SQUADRON LEADERS – 8:30pm

Thursday 27th January
DRUM EYES – 10:15pm
COLD PUMAS – 9:30pm
THE STICKS – 8:50pm
SPEAK GALACTIC – 8:20pm

Friday 28th January
POPE JOAN – 10:15pm
Falling somewhere between the kinetic playfulness of Les Savy Fav, quirky pop of early-era XTC and the sonic spectrum of TV on the Radio, Pope Joan are a band that demand serious attention and have quickly established themselves as part of the new wave of exciting and experimental UK art-pop.
NULLIFIER – 9:40pm
Recent signings to OIB Records, Nullifier deliver perfectly formed infectious hyper-pop tunes on the subject of space, waves, girls, and the Armageddon associated with all of the above… ‘Most Evil’ – out Spring 2011.
HIND EAR – 8:50pm
Hind Ear are an experimental technicolour rhythm band who utalise guitars, electronics, voices and drums to fuse hearts to feet and headphones to dancefloors. Like Black Dice on a diet of Chicago House and Fleetwood Mac.
ILLNESS – 8:15pm
Illness are an electric guitar and drums two-piece who create fast, catchy, and abrasive noise-rock. Their sound is equally raw, fast, abrasive and very heavy. Think Lightning Bolt meets Pavement!

Saturday 29th January
MARY HAMPTON – 10:00pm
JANE BARTHOLOMEW – 9:15pm
CURLY HAIR – 8:30pm

Sun 30th January
STUART WARWICK – 10:00pm
US BABY BEAR BONES – 9:15pm
BIRDENGINE – 8:30pm

CD OUT 31st JANAURY 2011 exclusively from Resident Music / Rounder Records / Edgeworld in BRIGHTON

CD / Download OUT 4th April 2011 internationally

Rock Sound Highlights - ASIWYFA 2011 Preview, LaFaro Rank Among Best Newcomers, FWW Live Review

2011-01-04T08:52:00.008Z

The February issue of Rock Sound is about to hit newsagents wherein you'll find LaFaro placing on the list of best newcomers of 2010, Fighting With Wire reviewed alongside headliners Helmet and ASIWYFA look ahead to the new year.

Happy New (Tenth!) Year for STA - It's Art Fucking Rock Okay?

2011-01-01T20:47:00.007Z

STA is TEN years old, a fact of which I'm very proud (our official Tenth Birthday Party will be on Saturday, September 3rd 2011, commemorating the anniversary of STA001).

When the label began in '01 I didn't for a moment think that this project would have coloured my own life so much over the last decade. Arguably the main reason that Smalltown America still exists is the is the reason that we began in the first place - we don't like anyone to tell us that our ideas are bad ones.

In life, it's much easier to do things yourself and exist within a self-protectionist bubble than to go into battle with larger forces; we've been good at one thing - surrounding ourselves always with supporters rather than Naysayers. Fuck.You.Naysayers!

10/10/2000 - an e-Letter from Jamie (re JPL Lyrics) printed during the time that printing emails was not a bad thing to do

I feel that over the last ten years we've been brave and sensible in equal measure. We've always endeavoured to operate on the right side of 'self-destruct'. We're not afraid to take a chance on the music we love and we're always improving trying to get the business right behind our bands so they have a proper chance of a career doing the thing they love most in life. Making music.

I've rarely been more excited about a year's prospective output at our label. This is largely due to 2010 having been our busiest ever year (thanks to a great staff) and arguably our best in terms of reaching more and more of you with our releases.

Our bands now tour all over the world and the world listens to what they have to say.

Here's to a fearless 2011.

Next Illness Show: Tues 11th w/ Nope

2011-01-01T18:24:00.005Z

ASIWYFA Secret Show Coverage on Live4Ever

2010-12-27T09:20:00.002Z

Live4Ever's Daniel Robinson has posted coverage, including the video below, of one of ASIWYFA's hatrick of Belfast gigs on December 17th.

LaFaro Officially Better Than Gorillaz

2010-12-24T15:10:00.002Z

You're probably as sick as we are of year-end lists but this is one we like, AU's look back at the records of the year makes several good calls including LaFaro's debut at no. 13.

40. Solar Bears – She Was Coloured In (Planet Mu)
39. Not Squares – Yeah OK (Richter Collective)
38. Surfer Blood – Astro Coast (Kanine)
37. Field Music – Field Music (Measure) (Memphis Industries)
36. Yeasayer – Odd Blood (Mute)
35. Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti – Before Today (4AD)
34. No Age – Everything In Between (Sub Pop)
33. Mimas – Lifejackets (Big Scary Monsters)
32. Wavves – King Of The Beach (Bella Union)
31. Neon Indian – Psychic Chasms (Static Tongues)
30. Grinderman – Grinderman 2 (Mute)
29. Sleigh Bells – Treats (Columbia)
28. Deftones – Diamond Eyes (Reprise)
27. Laura Marling - I Speak Because I Can (Virgin)
26. Four Tet – There Is Love In You (Domino)
25. The Cast Of Cheers – Chariot (Self-released)
24. The Continuous Battle of Order – PTTRN SKRS (Richter Collective)
23. Joanna Newsom – Have One On Me (City Slang)
22. Flying Lotus – Cosmogramma (Warp)
21. Pantha du Prince – Black Noise (Rough Trade)
20. Baths – Cerulean (Anticon.)
19. Vampire Weekend – Contra (XL)
18. The Gaslight Anthem – American Slang (SideOneDummy)
17. Liars – Sisterworld (Mute)
16. Two Door Cinema Club – Tourist History (Kitsuné)
15. Foals – Total Life Forever (Transgressive)
14. Gorillaz – Plastic Beach (EMI)
13. LaFaro – LaFaro (Smalltown America)
After waiting so many years for a full-length from one of the country’s best live acts, could it possibly fulfil expectations? Emphatically, yes. Fittingly self-titled, from the opening, stop-start blast of bona fide classic ‘Tuppenny Nudger’ to the nonchalant closing lope of ‘Party Hardy Marty!’, every sweaty, sinewy, sleazy second IS LaFaro, perfectly distilled onto one shiny disc. Not since The Jesus Lizard in their prime has rock been this primal, urgent and utterly essential. Lee Gorman
12. Gold Panda – Lucky Shiner (Notown)
11. Best Coast – Crazy For You (Wichita)
10. Villagers – Becoming A Jackal (Domino)
9. Deerhunter – Halcyon Digest (4AD)
8. Arcade Fire – The Suburbs (Mercury)
7. LCD Soundsystem – This Is Happening (DFA)
6. The National – High Violet (4AD)
5. Caribou – Swim (City Slang)
4. Janelle Monae – The ArchAndroid (Atlantic/Bad Boy)
3. Adebisi Shank – This Is The Second Album Of A Band Called Adebisi Shank (Richter Collective)
2. Beach House – Teen Dream (Bella Union)
1. Kanye West – My Beatiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (Roc-A-Fella)

ASIWYFA: 3 Belfast Shows In 1 Day - Fri 17th Dec

2010-12-15T20:33:00.005Z

So...to confirm. We are doing 3 shows on the one day THIS Friday in Belfast. The first one is at 3pm at Catalyst Arts Centre (GUESTLIST ONLY - emailed), the second one is from 5.30pm - 7pm, Barge on Lagan (GUESTLIST ONLY - emailed) and the third one is in Auntie Annies in the evening, doors at 10pm. Absolutely no guestlist for ANYONE for this last show, you gotta queue and pay your £6! Hope you enjoy the shows xxx

Illness Tipped on 6Music Introducing

2010-12-15T20:18:00.004Z

Thanks to Sean from Derby's Grande Duke for selecting Illness as their choice in Tom Robinson's 6Music Introducing Thanks For Your Support feature this past Sunday night. You can hear the show again until this Sunday night here, with Sean and Illness at about 1hr 20 in, and you can also download Illness' Old Song along with songs by other bands featured on Tom's show (including Bright Spark Destroyer and Free Swim who are worth checking out) right here.

Find out who Illness will be thanking for their support when 6Music Introducing returns in January.

Vote STA in the Digital Socket Awards

2010-12-15T20:06:00.003Z

Music bloggers from all over Ireland have clubbed together to launch The Digital Socket Awards, celebrating the best of Irish music in 14 categories. The awards (whose name is intended to reflect “the power and energy of digital music on the Internet”) will be voted for by the public, creating a longlist for each category, from which the panel of 22 bloggers will decide the winners. The awards will then be handed out at the ceremony at the Grand Social in Dublin on February 3.

The full list of categories is below. Voting is now open...

1. Best Design (Website, Artwork, Posters)
2. Best Independent Label
3. Best Video
4. Best Music Photography
5. Best Radio Show
6. Best Pop
7. Best Folk
8. Best Rock and Alternative
9. Best Electronic & Hip Hop
10. Best Indie
11. Best EP
12. Best Newcomer
13. Best Album
14. Song of the Year

Cargo Collective December 2010

2010-12-15T12:49:00.001Z

Skibunny Christmas Shows

2010-12-15T08:20:00.006Z

The snow seems to have stopped in Edinburgh, for now, we hear it’s gonna get worse again though, wrap up warm people! We had a fantastic week in Ireland last month, 7 shows in 6 days, thanks to EVERYONE who came along, it was awesome craic! On returning to Edinburgh we played our biggest headline Scottish show to date at Edinburgh’s Bongo Club, thanks so much to Devil Disco for having us! Then we had some new friends to stay, in the shape of California based band La Sera. After bonding at a Ratatat/Vampire Weekend aftershow party, the following 3 days snowed-in in Edinburgh resulted in Tanya joining La Sera on stage for a punk-rock version of ‘No Diggity’ at their sold-out Edinburgh gig opening for Jenny & Jonny. FUN!

And so we look forward to Christmas once again - a couple of events for your festive diaries:
Sat 18th Dec: EDINBURGH, DJ set, Wolf Party @ The Store (formerly GRV)

Thurs 23rd Dec: EDINBURGH, Annual Christmas Songwriters Club @ Leith Dockers Club, all proceeds go to charity, all performers playing original christmas songs!

News coming soon of new single, UK tour and Canadian/US dates!

Happy Christmas everyone! xxx

Fighting With Wire Homecoming Show 23rd December - Nerve Centre Derry

2010-12-12T20:20:00.002Z

ASIWYFA Tour Screenprint Poster For Sale

2010-12-10T20:00:00.001Z

A limited run of 100 A2 size screenprints of ASIWYFA's November/December tour poster on Cyclus Offset 300gsm, signed and numbered, are now on sale from the good people at Blood & Thunder. Snap 'em up!

Hear Exclusive Fickle Public Song On New Glasgow Podcart

2010-12-09T10:08:00.007Z

To coinicide with next week's digital release of Fickle Public 'Greatest Hits' EP, 5 previously-unreleased tracks - now available for pre-order - this week's episode of the Glasgow Podcart podcast features an exclusive FP track, Henry Kelly For Countdown. This song is only available on this podcast so what are ye waiting for?

Rock Sound Highlights - FWW Live, LaFaro #41 Album Of 2010

2010-12-06T13:28:00.005Z

The January issue of Rock Sound is about to hit newsagents wherein you'll find LaFaro appearing on the Top 75 Albums of 2010, Fighting With Wire (and friends) reviewed in Brighton and a mention of next week's Fickle Public download EP.

Thanks to Darren and the RS team for all their support in 2010.

December 2010 Newsletter

2010-12-06T10:00:00.001Z

[0] STA Welcomes... Feldberg

Meet Reykjavik pop-rock duo Feldberg, the newest addition to Iceland’s enviable canon of internationally acclaimed acts and the latest additions to the Smalltown America family. Consisting of singer Rósa Birgitta Ísfeld and multi-instrumentalist Einar Tönsberg, Feldberg first came together in 2008. Einar had recently returned to Iceland from London and was looking for a vocalist to record ‘Running Around’, a song he had written for an advert for an Icelandic shopping mall. “It was a lovely accident”, explains Einar. “I needed a vocal, somebody to do a female vocal. I called up my friends and they all said ‘You have to call Rosa.’ She was at my studio ten minutes later and she hasn’t left.” Rósa adds: “It was really comfortable from the very beginning, like it was destiny. I felt like I should stay once I was there. It’s kind of like a relationship without the romance.”

Feldberg will be thawing our frosty, winter hearts with their gorgeous melodies from December 13th on debut single 'I'm Not Thinking Of You' available on iTunes, before then you can watch the video for the single right now on Vimeo. The debut album is out early next year - it's a delight - you'll love it!

[1] MPFree - Fickle Public

Free Download - Fickle Public - 'Adam Hocing'

At last! Issued in response to popular demand, we present previously-unreleased and dusted-down recordings by Elgin/Glasgow screamo/math outfit Fickle Public for the second album that never was. Fans of the four-piece - fondly remembered for their fusion of Dischord song structure and smart pop hooks - have been patiently awaiting these songs, cheekily bundled together as 'Greatest Hits', which are finally being made available as a digital release on December 13th accompanied by an artwork booklet designed by Christopher Rainbow from photography by Tim Smith.

1. Adam Hocing
2. Non Stop Hot
3. San Diego Hair (Fickle Public Know The Score Version)
4. Revel Revel
5. Winning

 Fickle Public were Alan Ferguson (vocals/guitar), Jim Butterly (guitar), James Cameron (bass), Lewis Gale (drums)  

In Their Own Words: We recorded these songs back in 2005/2006 with the expectation that they would end up being part of our follow-up album to ‘Bucko’. Unfortunately, we never got as far as making the album and the band ended up splitting up toward the end of 2006. Winning and Revel Revel came from the original session in 2005. Non Stop Hot, Adam Hocing and San Diego Hair were recorded later for a split EP with Distophia – again this never materialised.    However, here we are five years later and the tracks are finally going to see the light of day. I’m sure if the band had stayed together then these tracks would sound markedly different. We’re just glad that people can finally have the chance to hear what our second album may have sounded like.

[2] LaFaro - Ripping Up Europe

Our very own eight legged riff machine LaFaro are still on tour - supporting postHC heroes Helmet across Europe and loving every second of it. The LaFaro Van blew up earlier in the week and is still in a Berlin workshop, see them in rented accomodation in the following cities:

DEC 5 Glace Annecy w/ Helmet - Le Brise, FRANCE
DEC 6 La Laiterie w/ Helmet - Strasbourg, FRANCE
DEC 8 Roehre w/ Helmet - Stuttgart, GERMANY
DEC 9 Werkstatt w/ Helmet - Cologne, GERMANY
DEC 10 Elysee Montmarte w/ Helmet - Paris, FRANCE
DEC 11 Astro Lab w/ Helmet - Orleans, FRANCE
DEC 12 Le Grand Mix w/ Helmet - Tourcoing, FRANCE
DEC 14 Vooruit w/ Helmet - Ghent, BELGIUM
DEC 15 SCALA w/ Helmet & Fighting With Wire - LONDON
DEC 16 Club Academy w/ Helmet & Fighting With Wire - MANCHESTER

[2] ASIWYFA: European Tour, Xmas Shows and VERY Special Announcement

*Tune in to ASIWYFA's Twitter/Facebook at 21:00 GMT this evening to find out some very special Christmas news for ASI-uber-fans. REPEAT - 21:00 06/12/2010*

The first issue of our ASIWYFA vinyl disappeared in picoseconds, we've just put the last batch up on pre-order, these will ship w/c 13th December. The band are on overdrive right now so, if you're in the following cities you really should get along to:

DEC 9 De kreun - Courtrai, Belgium
 DEC 10 Effenaar - Eindhoven, NETHERLANDS 
DEC 11 Club Bitterzoet - Amsterdam, NETHERLANDS 
DEC 12 Kleine Freiheit - Osnabrück, GERMANY 
DEC 13 Comet - Berlin, GERMANY 
DEC 14 Hafenklang - Hamburg, GERMANY 
DEC 15 Tower - Bremen, GERMANY 
DEC 23 The Hideout - Warrenpoint, IE, IRELAND

[3] FWW - Lil' Xmas Treats

With the second album wrapped up last week in Nashville - our intrepid explorers square up to label buddies LaFaro in London, Manchester and Glasgow - followed by some home grown riffology for Christmas.

DEC 15 Scala w/ HELMET - LONDON
DEC 16 Club Academy w/ HELMET - MANCHESTER
DEC 17 Cathouse w/ HELMET - GLASGOW
DEC 22 Stiff Kitten - BELFAST
DEC 23 Nerve Centre - Derry/City Of Culture 2013

[4] More Than Conquerors Get Busy...

Wired from a sell out support slot with Jimmy Eat World show in Belfast the lads have finished work on their second EP and are delighted to be sharing the stage with labelmates ASIWYFA in Warrenpoint 23rd December, that particular show is going to be messy people.

[5] CMCS & Illness Play Nice...

Label buddies join forces for an awesome Weather for Airstrikes Christmas Show in Brighton.

[5] Calling All Public Service Broadcastees

As Smalltown America Records marks it's 10th birthday next year we're looking for any bands that had a song on the Public Service Broadcast compilation series to provide a sentence or two of where they are and what they are doing for inclusion in a forthcoming project. For more details get in touch with ash@smalltownamerica.co.uk - if you know anyone that was in one of these bands and can give them a holla on our behalf - please do!

All that remains to say is thanks so much for all your support this year - we all really appreciate it, thanks as always for reading and we'll see you in 2011.

Team STA

Watch And So I Watch You From Afar 'Set Guitars To Kill' Live at Whelans, Dublin

2010-11-30T20:50:00.000Z

VOTE TODAY! VOTE OH YEAH!

2010-11-24T09:57:00.002Z

Wednesday Nov 24 is People’s Millions Day.

To support the Oh Yeah music centre in Belfast, please call the phone line.

The phone number to ring is: 0871 6268 106

If the Oh Yeah get your vote, they can build two learning suites, to help the raw music talent to grow in Northern Ireland. These new facilities will be used by their all-ages team, by community groups and other allies.

Lines are open from 9am until midnight.

Landlines are 10p per call. Mobile charges will vary. UK and N. Ireland lines only.

A two minute feature on our plans will run on UTV tonight, around 6.15pm.

Also, watch this video for inspiration:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNu2E_1KrOI

Oh Yeah music centre, 15-21 Gordon St, Belfast BT1 2LG.

Watch LaFaro Live @ Den Bosch - The Netherlands

2010-11-23T21:13:00.000Z

Vote STA In Kerrang Reader's Poll 2010

2010-11-20T11:49:00.001Z

Vote STA!

More Than Molasses Say Hot Press

2010-11-19T18:58:00.006Z

Hot Press' Critical Mass verdict on Go On, Go On Get Out by More Than Conquerors: Resting somewhere between Foals and fellow Northies Two Door Cinema Club, fresh-faced Belfast foursome More Than Conquerors are scenesters with soul. Their eponymous debut EP is a wee rhythmic goldmine, showcasing a handful of contrasting facets to their temperamental pop rock. Simply put, when it's dark, it's dark and when it's light, well, it's like listening to molasses.

Buy the EP here.

Fighting With Wire Video Tour Diary Day 4 Oxford

2010-11-18T16:56:00.001Z

Fickle Public On Jon Hillcock New Noise Podcast

2010-11-17T18:56:00.006Z

The opening track from next month's Fickle Public EP gets a spin on one of the best new music podcasts going, Jon Hillcock's New Noise. Jon deems the EP to be brilliant yet bittersweet - just what your mp3 player needs so keep an eye on the sidebar on the right for download details ahead of the December 13th release date. And be sure to subscribe to Jon's weekly mailout to get a comprehensive list of the week's essential new releases, blogged downloads and London gigs, in addition to said podcast.

This week's New Noise mailout is brought to you with the help of a hangover from John Kennedy's The Remedy all dayer, Blue Moon Beer, Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon in The Trip, porridge with the fruit bit from a Muller Corner chucked in, Stereolab's wonderful 'Not Music' album, being finally comfortable with wearing big 'LOOK AT ME! I'M LISTENING TO MUSIC!' headphones in public, Dels smashing up the Barfly and two stunningly beautiful cold, slightly foggy days. Contained within the metaphorical walls of this week's audio excursion (or, um, free downloadable podcast) are Snow White samples, defunct Scottish hardcore, one of the most talked about hip hop productions of the moment, a pregnant pause, a re-recorded lyrical treat, a couple of brilliant demos, a fair helping of actual noise and a warm, looping pop gem. There is also a song that might make you cry. Thanks for listening. Tell someone if you like it and stuff. Jon

blog - http://newnoise.tumblr.com
subscribe - iTunes
twitter - @jonhillcock
email - ilikenewnoise@gmail.com

New Noise Podcast - 15th November 2010: Tracklist
1. Pogo 'Wishery' (-) download free from Pogomix.net
2. Fickle Public ‘Adam Hocing’ (Smalltown America) from mini album ‘Greatest Hits’ out 13th December
3. Wretch 32 ft L ‘Traktor’ (Levels/Ministry of Sound) single out 16th Jan
4. Part Chimp ‘You Decide’ (Gringo) buy now via Part Chimp Bandcamp
5. Pregnant ‘Wiff of Father’ (from Bow Legs Music)
6. Wave Pictures ‘Now You Are Pregnant’ (Moshi Moshi) from ‘Jonny Helm Sings’ EP out 20th December
7. Peers ‘Football’ (demo) download free from Peers Tumblr
8. Yusuf Azak ‘The Key Underground’ (Song, By Toad) from album ‘Turn on The Long Wire’
9. Bo Ningen ‘4 Seconds To Ascension’ (Stolen Recordings) from album ‘Bo Ningen’ out now
10. White Wishes ‘Hold Your Head’ (-) download free from White Wishes Bandcamp

Subscribe to the free New Noise podcast on iTunes here, and directly here
View an archive of New Noise tracklists here
Follow me on Twitter here

Watch And So I Watch You From Afar 'Straight Through The Sun' Live in Dolans Limerick

2010-11-15T21:58:00.000Z

Listen To New Fighting With Wire Track 'Call It A Draw'

2010-11-15T16:51:00.002Z

A fresh new slice of Fighting With Wire called Call It A Draw can be found on their Myspace.

Watch New More Than Conquerors Video

2010-11-15T12:21:00.002Z

More Than Conqueror's debut self-titled EP is officially out today, check out the video for lead track Go On, Go On Get out below then purchase from the STA store.

New And So I Watch You From Afar Single Out Today - For FREE

2010-11-15T10:01:00.003Z

So guys, here is how it works!

You can download the new single STRAIGHT THROUGH THE SUN for free, all you have to do is tweet it or share it on your facebook! What could be easier!

Enjoy the track and remember you can get the 7" Vinyl with the B side WITHOUT A FUCKIN' SCRATCH from the STA store. Only 100 to be had and they are already going fast so get in quick!!!

Cheers all, happy sharing!
ASIWYFA

Fighting With Wire Video Tour Diary: Day 3 Birmingham

2010-11-14T18:51:00.002Z

Watch And So I Watch You From Afar Interview + 'D Is For Django the Bastard' on Under Ether 2010

2010-11-14T10:39:00.000Z

Vote STA In Rock Sound Reader's Poll 2010

2010-11-14T09:13:00.003Z

Rock Sound magazine are polling their readers for their bests of the year and to be in with a chance to win a Sony Playstation 3 and £250 worth of gear from the Rock Sound merch store. Four runners-up will receive a year's subscription.

Closing date for entries is December 8th. VOTE STA!

New LaFaro Interview From AU

2010-11-13T09:22:00.001Z

With a second album in the bag and gigs lined up, it’s about time we uploaded our last feature with LaFaro, from this Spring. In an entertaining and revealing chat, the Belfast band tell AU about touts, tours and Tuppenny Nudgers.

Free Skibunny Show, Friday 19th, Tower Records Dublin

2010-11-13T09:12:00.004Z

Skibunny play a free show at Tower Records, Wicklow Street, Dublin on Friday lunchtime 19th November from 1pm.

Crooked Mountain, Crooked Sea: Portsmouth Show, Thursday 18th

2010-11-13T09:02:00.001Z

ASIWYFA Nov Tour Poster

2010-11-11T05:39:00.001Z

Coming soon to the ASIWYFA merch desk...

Listen Again: New ASIWYFA Single On Nick Grimshaw

2010-11-10T20:40:00.002Z

The fresh new single from ASIWYFA - Straight Through The Sun - got it's first Radio 1 spin last night courtesy Nick Grimshaw. Listen again here.

Music played

1. Florence and The Machine — Heavy In Your Arms
2. OutKast — The Way You Move
3. Magnetic Man — Getting Nowhere
4. Bullet for My Valentine — Bittersweet Memories
5. Two Door Cinema Club — Something Good Can Work (Twelves Remix)
6. Fresh — Talkbox (Camo & Krooked Remix)
7. Kele — On The Lam
8. Sleigh Bells — Rill Rill
9. Kelis — Acapella
10. Cerebral Ballzy — Insufficient Fare
11. The xx — VCR
12. Simian Mobile Disco — Hustler
13. The Naked and Famous — Punching in a Dream
14. Drake — Best I Ever Had
15. And So I Watch You From Afar — Straight Through The Sun
16. Band of Horses — Compliments
17. Jurassic 5 — What's Golden
18. Jamie Woon — Night Air
19. Mark Ronson & The Business Intl, Boy George and Andrew Wyatt — Somebody To Love Me
20. Wilder — Sky Full Of Rainbows

Fighting With Wire Video Tour Diary: Day 2 Liverpool

2010-11-08T20:55:00.002Z

And So I Watch You From Afar First Radio Play For New Single Tonight

2010-11-08T15:44:00.001Z

Irish listeners tune into BBC ATL on Radio Ulster for an exclusive listen to our new tour single! In other news, tour rehearsals commence...(we may be playing some surprises on the upcoming tours...yep...KLF covers! Or not.)

And So I Watch You From Afar Competition

2010-11-08T12:15:00.002Z

Here at the ASIWYFA HQ we like to encourage as much creativity as possible SO we are running two competitions to test your creative skills to win an ASIWYFA T-shirt and a guest-list spot for you and a friend!

What we want you to do is take the ASIWYFA logo and/or name and be creative with it.

This could be simply drawing it on your arm, creative a oil painting masterpiece with it all incorporated, paint your nails with the logo, even changing the branding at your cattle ranch to ASIWYFA and brand a cow (if you happen to own a ranch that is - don't go chasing other people's livestock with home-made branding devices), make a sand sculpture on the beach, a 3D model, WHATEVER YOU LIKE (just keep it legal), let your imagination run wild! Once you've done this, scan it, or take a picture of whatever you've created and email it over to us HERE. We will select the best ones and stick them up on our sites!

TO ENTER COMPETITION 1
The key to it all is this, no matter what it is you choose to do, you can enter COMPETITION 1 by incorporating which of the forthcoming tour dates you are planning to attend...

11 Nov Riosin Dubh - Galway
12 Nov Pavillion - Cork
13 Nov Dolan's - Limerick
18 Nov Riverbank - Kildare
19 Nov Spirit Store - Dundalk
20 Nov Whelans - Dublin
22 Nov London - Dingwalls
23 Nov Hare & Hounds - Birmingham
24 Nov Clwb Ifor Bach - Cardiff
25 Nov Kazimier - Liverpool
26 Nov King Tuts - Glasgow

The winners can pick up their T-shirt at the shows, and you can cash in your guest-list next time round.

TO ENTER COMPETITION 2
Do exactly the same as in COMPETITION 1 but instead of which show you are attending simply let us know where in the world you are. So if you a fan in New York for example, incorporate New York into your masterpiece - you get the idea.

Winners will be announced at the same time as competition 1 and we'll post out your t shirts if you're overseas and you can cash in your guest-list when we're next playing a show near you!

You have until November 20th and remember to email everything over to HERE

LaFaro w/ Pulled Apart By Horses Saturday, Nerve Centre

2010-11-08T09:57:00.003Z

Fighting With Wire Video Tour Diary: Day 1 Glasgow

2010-11-07T07:31:00.000Z

Cargo Collective November 2010

2010-11-06T15:10:00.002Z

STA Recommends...

Harmonious Bec
Her Strange Dreams
Monotreme CD
Japanese duo ‘ZaMaRoo’ and ‘from Vapor To Water’ debut with their dazzling dreamscape of intriguing, eclectic electronica. RIYL: DJ Shadow, Múm, BoC, Clouddead, FourTet ,The Books.

Snowblink
Long Live
Fire Records LP / CD
Recently back from a US tour opening for Owen Pallett, Snowblink's debut album Long Live offers shadowy folk-pop with hints of Animal Collective and Phil Spector.

Heirs
Fowl
Denovali CD / LP
Reverb soaked guitars, crackling electronics and deadpan dark-wave meditation create an abstract dronescape of industrial dirge and metallic ambience coalesced into an ambitious whole.

More Than Conquerors On Cool FM The Z

2010-11-05T17:49:00.003Z

'Go On Go On' by More Than Conquerors will be played on Cool FM's 'The Z' , Northern Ireland's premier pop station, on Sunday night at around 8:45pm. Tune in on 97.4FM or online.

There's Nothing Wrong With Covers III, Sat 18th Dec, Brixton

2010-11-05T06:17:00.003Z

On Saturday 18th December 2010 at The Windmill in Brixton, the night that celebrates the best of classic 80s/90s and modern undergound British indie rock 'There's Nothing Wrong With Covers' returns for a third installment with a mixture of past favourites and exciting new acts.

BANANIRVANA as Nirvana - 10:00pm to 11:00pm

Following on from August's rapturously received recreation of Nirvana's much lauded Reading 1992 performance featuring a guitarist, a bass player, a drummer, and an array of different Kurts on vocals (including a female Kurt, a Newcastle Brown Ale necking Chinese Kurt, and even a harmonising Kurt duo), Bananirvana are back with their unique live Nirvana karaoke act performing classic album 'In Utero' in full plus an encore (well, you know, if the crowd want it) of selected other hits. Get in touch if you fancy being a Kurt on the night - all we ask is you learn the words properly and can sing a bit!

SPECIAL GUESTS TBC - 9:00pm to 9:45pm

Excellent band perfoming as excellent band to be announced in due course!

BAND OF PRICKS as Guided By Voices - 7:45pm to 8:45pm

The greatest band from Dayton, Ohio (perhaps, even, the whole of the world) of all time Guided By Voices recently reformed with the classic lineup from their most critically acclaimed period of existence - 1990 to 1996. It remains to be seen whether they will be coming to the UK or just reserving this reunion for American ears. Fingers crossed they make it over, but either way, GBV tribute act, the pun-derfully monikored Band Of Pricks, who at past shows have been likened in terms of energy, enthusiasm, and downright rock and rollability to GBV at their peak, are back with a 25ish song set of material from the 1990 to 1996 period. The set will feature songs from all albums during the period, as well as a variety of EPs and rarities, and some songs GBV have never even performed live themselves.

KANNBERG 1664 as Pavement - 7:00pm to 7:30pm

Everyone into indie rock is a Pavement fan, right? Well Alexei from Johnny Foreigner, Craig from Internet Forever, Aaron from Eelectricity and Lust, and Dan from 4 or 5 Magicians are no exceptions, and they got together to play a Pavement tribute night in May, where they were described by more than one member of the assembled (and possibly slightly drunk) crowd as "actually better than Pavement". It seemed like a perfect opportunity to reform for a Reading 1992 retrospective show in August with a set of early hits, and as both were so fun and so well received they are returning for a third time here with another almost totally different set of slacker rock classics for all you indie rock fans!

EELECTRICITY & LUST as REM - 6:15pm to 6:45pm

Eelectricity & Lust have been rapidly gaining plaudits and a loyal following in London over the past year. Local lads from Brixton, they mix elements of the great American indie rock bands of yesteryear with classic and modern British punk rock influences. Perhaps most important of all to them are the REM of the 1980s, who (and it has perhaps been largely forgotten these days) were a huge influence on such indie heroes as Sonic Youth and The Replacements, not to mention Nirvana, Pavement, and Guided By Voices! E&L will be performing a split set between their own highly promising material and that of REM.

RAYMOND DETRITUS presents Christmas with Raymond - 5:30pm to 6:00pm

When not doing his best Krist Novoselic impression in Bananirvana, Jon Wood works on his irreverent project Raymond Detritus, the self proclaimed "singer-songwriter that can't sing or write songs". Sometimes he plays an 8 string baritone guitar in a four piece band, sometimes there are just three of them, sometimes it is just him and a friend, sometimes it is just him playing a ukulele on his own. Who knows what he is gonna do here, but I am under the impression he will be performing some of his self penned songs about Christmas (as featured on his 'Christmas with Raymond' EP), and maybe even a rendition of 'Jingle Bells' or 'Away In A Manger'.

Doors at 5:00pm : £5 advance, £6 on the door : DJs playing indie rock hits (and perhaps a few Christmas classics) until late. Tickets on sale now.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

The last one of these was possibly the most fun I have ever had. Who is coming this time around?

Dan

And So I Watch YouSA From Afar: 4 Thoughts

2010-11-02T20:38:00.004Z

So then, a while ago we wrote and recorded some music in Ireland, a while later it has brought us all the way over the Atlantic ocean to play our first tour of the United States of America. Over the 5 weeks we were there we drove coast to coast, north to south and the world got a little smaller again and our waistline and our photo collections grew a little bigger. Here's four thoughts about the trip........

ASIWYFA - US Tour Sept/Oct 2010

September 24th we flew out of Dublin en route to JFK New York to start our first USA tour. After a lengthy delay of about 8 hrs we get the call to board our connecting flight to Baltimore where we're playing our first date. As it's our first time out proper, we're opening up each night. The main headliners are legendary Japanese band Envy from Tokyo, along with California thrashers Trash Talk. The band after us are also from California, Touché Amore, who very kindly agreed to rent us their back line at a cut price rate saving us a small fortune! First show, Baltimore and a chance to meet all the guys for the first time. They turn out to be really sound thankfully seeing as we'll be together for 5 weeks! Also they fucking rock, hard! This'll be an amazing tour!

4 weeks in now, hard to believe it's gone so fucking fast! I was a bit apprehensive about how we were going to be received and being so far away from home for so long! I can honestly say that I've made some new friends for life, American and Japanese. There's only one week left now. We've travelled coast to coast of the USA and it has been the most unforgettable and fun experience for me personally in this band. Hopefully the first of many. Part of me can't wait to go home but part of me wants to continue on this trip, it's tough sometimes on the road and you miss a lot of things at home but I made my bed and I'll very gratefully lie in it!

Johnny Adger, ASIWYFA

---------------------

In America there's little tissue covers to put over the toilets in all the service stops on the road,this is a great thing. It saves 2 minutes preparation time per visit by eliminating the need to lay down your own covering which takes 7 lengths of toilet roll each 2 segments in size. It does not eliminate the need to check and wipe the seat of urine droplets before hand as although the covers are made of tougher tissue they are still fairly porous and will make for a surprise sit. These seat covers also eliminate the need to lay *"a splash pad" as the middle perforated section pops out to for a catchment layer of its own ontop of the water. Both these elements cut visit time by 1 to 2 minutes a time. 7 people on a 30 day tour with one visit each during transit collectively saves 420minutes, that's 7hrs which is an extra time each to soak up tour or talk to a new face or walk in the desert or make fun of a band member or Skype your parents or write a blog. God bless America.....

Rory Friers, ASIWYFA

--------------------

Terra firma, unexplored, by us at least. That's how I felt about our ....

US tour when it was just about to kick off. That and a huge relief/ ....

excitement to be out on the road once more! The fact we were carving ....

our way such a huge land mass and one that we knew only too well ....

through screens, whether they be TV, cinema, computer or otherwise, ....

but had very little experience of in real life filled us with a unique ....

sense of anticipation and enthusiastic trepidation.....

Plus the fact we knew we were going over to be first on each night on ....

a bill of four bands who had extensively done the circuit over here ....

and we would be relatively unknown, starting from the ground up and ....

wondering if anybody was gonna like us! I knew that the first US tour ....

basically destroyed the Sex Pistols ("ever get the feeling you've been ....

cheated?") and the Manics didn't even make it this far (well, Richard ....

James didn't, poor fella) so there was always the slight intrigue of ....

fear, danger and self destruction looming over us. Still, hasn't ....

happened yet...but then the Irish prospered here historically, right?....

Tony Wright, ASIWYFA

--------------------

This tour is 10 things.......

1: This tour is bouncing around in a converted school bus travelling thousands of miles around America.....

2: This tour is trying to avoid the temptation of insanely fatty and unhealthy food at every moment of the day, and the futile search for fruit at service stops.....

3: This tour is going to sleep in the bus while crack heads chat and smoke their pipes outside.....

4: This tour is getting punctures at the most inconvenient of points and nearly missing shows.....

5: This tour is being overwhelmed by all the amazing scenery and places we see, and trying to be a tourist and musician in the same day.....

6: This tour is finding out it doesn't always rain in Seattle and there isn't always sun in California.....

7: This tour is trying to not say 'parking lot' and 'gas station', just so people get you first time...let them work it out.....

8: This tour is starting at the bottom again,first on with most of the crowd having never heard nor heard of us.....

9: This tour is not having to drive but diving the big bus late at night anyway because it's fun.....

10: This tour has cemented my hope that I will get to say "this tour" a thousand more times.....

Chris Wee, ASIWYFA

November 2010 Newsletter

2010-11-01T22:38:00.002Z

[0] MPFree: Illness: Paper Cut Live

This month's free noise-slice is a live take of 'Paper Cut' - lead track from Illness' second EP out now, recorded especially for newsletter subscribers... click ... download... rawk!

[1] More Than Conquerors in the studio...

This month has been a busy one for all those at STA towers, including our newest arrivals.

More Than Conquerors have taken over an old but still fully functional church in their quest to create the self described 'bigger/dirtier/edgier' follow up to their debut EP. We are almost mission complete, recording due to complete upon the bands return from tour with Fighting With Wire starting Monday. No working titles just yet but perhaps December's mailout will have a Christmas treat for us all!

MTC's remastered, debut five track EP (now including enhanced video content) is currently receiving spins on XFM and the video for 'Go On Go On Get Out' has been soaring on YouTube since it's first outing last week.

Check them live when they take to the road on Monday in support of Fighting With Wire, dates as follows:

1 Nov - Stereo, Glasgow

2 Nov - The Shipping Forecast, Liverpool

3 Nov - HMV Institute Temple, Birmingham

4 Nov - Cellar, Oxford

5 Nov - Joiners, Southampton

7-Nov - Prince Albert, Brighton

8 Nov - Club Ifor Bach, Cardiff

9 Nov - Barfly, London

[2] LaFaro vs Europe

LaFaro are in the studio tracking album number two with Marty @ Bangor Studios. They have been submerged in the writing process since returning from Reading/Leeds festivals and they have rarely been spotted out except for a short run of hard rocking sell-out shows with Therapy? in Belfast, Cork - twice and now Dublin's Vicar Street on the 5th November.

Pic: Courtsey of AU Magazine

[3] Group Hug? Skibunny on tour...

Wed 17th Nov - BELFAST, Trenchfoot @ Lavery’s

Thurs 18th Nov - BALLYNAHINCH, Pure Savage @ Cloisters

Fri 19th Nov - DUBLIN, Tower Records in-store (1pm)

Fri 19th Nov - DUBLIN, The Good Social (w/ CRYSTAL FIGHTERS)

Sat 20th Nov - STRABANE, Dicey Rileys

Sun 21st Nov - DERRY, Sandino's Back Room

Mon 22nd Nov - GALWAY, Roisin Dubh

Sat 27th Nov - EDINBURGH, Devil Disco @ The Bongo Club

[4] And So... yet more touring

Not very fresh, but very willing - STA's very own Uncle Travelling Matts And So I Watch You From Afar hit the road again in November. The band are currently in the Smalltown America Studio recording a tour exclusive single:

11 Nov - Rosin Dubh, Galway

12 Nov - Pavillion, Cork

13 Nov - Dolan’s, Limerick

18 Nov - Riverbank, Kildare

19 Nov - Spirit Store, Dundalk

20 Nov - Whelans, Dublin

22 Nov - Dingwalls, London

23 Nov - Hare & Hounds, Birmingham

24 Nov - Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff

25 Nov - Kazimier, Liverpool

26 Nov - King Tuts, Glasgow

[5] Label Buddy Bed Hopping

This month Illness take to the stage in support of our SXSW10 top pick DD/MM/YYYY (pic) - the venue is Brixton Windmill and the date is Monday 1st November. Many people doubt that Illness can actually speak, let alone can sing - behold the video evidence to the contrary...

Illness' tour buddies Crooked Mountain, Crooked Sea bed hop this month to take to the stage with Fighting With Wire &More Than Conquerors in Brighton's Prince Albert on Sunday the Nov 7th. A little later in the month & just down the road in Portsmouth's Edge Of The Wedge, CMCS support another Irish bill this time with A Plastic Rose.

[6] Final Farewells

Last month we bid farewell to two members of the STA family.

Firstly Let Our Enemies Beware have decided to go on indefinite hiatus, stepping out in typically irreverent fashion... Cheers for your support out there for LOEB over the few years we were doing our shizzle. Unless of course you didn't support us in any way whatsoever, in which case f***you. Nah I'm yanking ya, cheers in any case.

We were gutted that we didn't get the opportunity to release this LOEB track - killer.

Also Dan Orsmby has chosen to end 4 Or 5 Magicians - for now... If I can organise it, there will perhaps be one final show in London for the band at an unspecified date in the future where a number of past members get together to play an extended set of songs from the entire history of the band. I would definitely like to do this. Perhaps I will even keep the band going as a very occasional ceremonial band that plays special occasions once or twice a year as a couple of our contemporaries have done. Right now I am not sure. But yeah, thanks for all your support, and I'll be back soon with a new project.

We wish the members of both bands all the best for their next projects. The 2009 albums by LOEB and 4 Or 5 are available from the STA store at a retirement-reduced price of £5 each.

That's your lot for this month, thanks as always for reading.

Team STA
Official Site & Store
Twitter

Illness Documentary No. 2: Shield Your Eyes

2010-10-30T11:30:00.005+01:00

Illness present their 2nd documentary film; this time their subject is recent tourmates and STA favourites Shield Your Eyes.

This is a short documentary I made about the UK band, Shield Your Eyes, consisting of an even mix between live footage and mechanical intuition, before a full performance of their song, 'Come On Melissa Are You A Kisser'.

The band have recently released their third album, 'Theme From Kindness', available through their Myspace or through Function Records, and they are constantly touring the UK and Europe.

'Come On Melissa Are You A Kisser' is available on their first album, 'Shield Your Eyes', also available via the band's myspace.

This is the second of hopefully many short band documentaries by Illness, and is edited in part by Stef from Shield Your Eyes.

Shield Your Eyes Documentary from Illness on Vimeo.

ASIWYFA Do America In 7 Minutes 14 Seconds

2010-10-30T00:56:00.001+01:00

ASIWYFA - AMERICA 2010 - it took 5 weeks to tour...here it is in 7 mins 14secs.

Please not this is just random footage and not to be perceived as making any sense. This is the preview to the full length film/rockumentary of ASIWYFA in America. Watch this space for the full length.

Video and sound by A. Coles

Skibunny On Jim Gellatly New Music podcast

2010-10-27T13:35:00.004+01:00

Skibunny are cover stars for this week's episode of Jim Gellatly's New Music podcast, always a goldmine for new bands. Download or better still, subscribe via iTunes.

ASIWYFA Take Manhattan

2010-10-26T12:23:00.003+01:00

Read US blog's Live4Ever's extensive coverage of ASIWYFA's recent Manhattan Santos Party House gig.

ASIWYFA on RTE Under Ether This Thursday

2010-10-26T09:47:00.003+01:00

ASIWYFA will feature as special guests on this week's Under Ether. It broadcasts this Thursday night 28th, 11.25pm on RTE 2 with a repeat on Friday night 29th at 11.50pm.

For those without the RTE channels, you can catch it on the PLAYER on RTE.ie

XFM Xposure Plays for Illness, More Than Conquerors

2010-10-22T21:33:00.001+01:00

Thanks John!

X-Posure Thursday 21st October 2010

10-11pm
The XX ‘Crystalised (Rory Phillips Remix)’ (XL)
Kele ‘On The Lam’ (Polydor)
them:youth ‘Toothache’ (Big Hand)
Wolf Gang ‘Lions In Cages’ (Atlantic)
X-Posure Hot One: Josephine ‘A Freak A’ (Ark)
Stornoway ‘I Saw You Blink’ (4AD)
The Slits ‘Typical Girls’ (Island)
One Night Stand, Session Track: Middleman ‘Not Over Yet’
One Night Stand: Phone Interview w/ Andy of Middleman
One Night Stand, Session Track: Middleman ‘Chipping Away’

11pm-Midnight (Deep)
The Vaccines ‘Wreckin’ Bar (Ra Ra Ra)’ (Marshall Teller)
Friends Electric ‘Golden Blood’ ()
Foreign Office ‘On Repeat’ (Quiet Life)
Penguin Prison ‘Golden Train’ ()
Chapel Club ‘All The Eastern Girls (The Shoes Remix)’ (East City)
Guest Correspondent: Russell Porter, Barclaycard Mercury Prize Recommends
Dels ‘Trumpalump (Joe Goddard Remix feat. Ghostpoet)’ (Big Dada)
Guest Correspondent: Russell Porter, Barclaycard Mercury Prize Recommends
Remember Remember ‘Get Good’ (Rock Action)
Artists In Residence, Session Track: Darren Hayman & The Secondary Modern ‘Drive Too Fast’
One Night Stand, Session Track: Middleman ‘Spinning Plates’

Midnight-1am (Deeper!)
X-Posure Big One: We Three And The Death Rattle ‘Double Or Quits’ (myspace.com/wethreeandthedeathrattle)
The Brute Chorus ‘Could This Be Love?’ (Tape)
Sissy & The Blisters ‘Things May Change’ (Hit Club)
Lost Classic: Motorhead ‘Doctor Rock’ (Universal)
Action Beat ‘Car Crash Halloween Disco’ (Truth Cult)
One Night Stand, Session Track: Middleman ‘Snapshots’
Lightspeed Champion ”Til I Die’ (Domino)
Lazy Dre ‘When You’re Outside Her’ ()
Boy & Bear ‘Mexican Mavis’ (Chess Club)
The Good The Bad ‘030’ (www.myspace.com/tgtb)
Live Studio Guests: Interview w/ Adam of The Good The Bad
Live Studio Guests, Session Track: The Good The Bad ‘004’
Live Studio Guests: Interview w/ Adam of The Good The Bad
Live Studio Guests, Session Track: The Good The Bad ‘003’
Live Studio Guests: Interview w/ Adam of The Good The Bad
Live Studio Guests, Session Track: The Good The Bad ‘017’
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion ‘Afro’ (Shove!)

1-2am (Deeper Still!)
Light Asylum ‘A Certain Person’ (www.myspace.com/lightasylum)
SBTRKT ‘Look At Stars’ (Young Turks)
Armand Van Helden & Steve Aoki ‘Brrrat!’ (3Beat)
Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs ‘Household Goods’ (Greco-Roman)
The 2 Bears ‘Church’ (Southern Fried)
Silver Columns ‘Brow Beaten (Donovans Remix)’ (Moshi Moshi)
Hotpants Romance ‘Go Dancing’ (Cherryade)
Das Wanderlust ‘Swan Song’ (Cherryade)
More Than Conquerors ‘I’ve Done Nothing / I’ve Done It All’ (Smalltown America)
Illness ‘Paper Cut’ (Smalltown America)
Ensemble ‘Envies D’Avalanches’ (Fat Cat)
Nina Nastasia ‘You Can Take Your Time’ (Fat Cat)
Frightened Rabbit ‘Don’t Go Breaking My Heart’ (Fat Cat)

Skibunny: Coughing, Sneezing, Gigging, and… Vegas?

2010-10-22T20:06:00.001+01:00

Wow, it’s properly cold out there now, isn’t it? Well we squeezed as much fun as we possibly could out of our Indian summer, hope you did too. Our debut album was released last month, we had TWO amazing launch parties, one was on a BOAT, Tanya went to the Matador 21 gigs in Vegas where she drank too much tequila and accidently married Ted Leo*, we played some shows in the very very north of Scotland with Stanley Odd, then Tanya got a bad dose of the flu and was forced to stay in bed and do nothing. Now said flu is pretty much gone and it’s business as usual at Skibunny HQ, hurrah! So here’s the round up of stuff coming up…

Sat 23rd Oct - EDINBURGH, Hidden Door Festival (DJ set @ 11pm)
Wed 17th Nov - BELFAST, Trenchfoot @ Lavery’s
Thurs 18th Nov - BALLYNAHINCH, Pure Savage @ Cloisters
Fri 19th Nov - DUBLIN, Tower Records in-store (1pm)
Fri 19th Nov - DUBLIN, The Good Social (w/ CRYSTAL FIGHTERS)
Sat 20th Nov - STRABANE, Dice Rileys
Sun 21st Nov - DERRY (details to follow!)
Mon 22nd Nov - GALWAY, Roisin Dubh
Sat 27th Nov - EDINBURGH, Devil Disco @The Bongo Club

More shows will be added as confirmed!

We have a new track “Black Dark, White Light” included in the latest TEN TRACKS mp3 bundle, where you get 10 tracks for just £1, you can really argue with that!
Don’t forget our album is out now, get your copy here, they ship WORLDWIDE and FREE shipping in the UK!
And just for fun, here’s Guided By Voices, live in Vegas!

*Not really, of course.

Brand New Skibunny Download, Hidden Door II Slot

2010-10-21T21:31:00.007+01:00

A brand new Skibunny track Black Dark, White Light (feat. Barry Peak) is available for download along with one of my new favourite bands The Social Services and 8 more for a mere £1 to promote this weekend's Hidden Door II not-for-profit arts festival in Edinburgh.

Skibunny are DJing Saturday at 11pm; check out the impressive full line-up.

4 Or 5 Magicians: The End

2010-10-21T21:28:00.001+01:00

4 or 5 Magicians was a band that existed between October 11th 2005 and October 20th 2010.

We just completed, what has become quite clear to me in the past few days and hours, our final tour tonight in Nottingham and I am now sad, but in a sense relieved that I am calling an end to the "4 or 5 Magicians" moniker.

I will be recording new material over the coming months (which I am very optimistic about!), and hopefully will be back with a new project and a more focused direction by next spring.

I am now 26 years and 6 months old, and it is a big shame that I wasn't able to make 4 or 5 Magicians work exactly how I wanted it to while I was still young and (slightly more) carefree, and hoped it could have done. The fickle nature of the industry is partly to blame, I am also partly to blame for perhaps not having more focus or drive, and making the occasional flippant or naive decision. This is something I can hopefully now rectify with a clean break, and a clean slate, free from any prejudice that goes with the name, and with the experience of it not totally working out for me.

I have had some good times, and some not so good times, but overall it has been an experience I have hugely enjoyed, and while it is a cliche, music is basically my life, and I will definitely carry on writing songs, and hopefully getting them out there to the widest audience possible.

My thanks go out to all the musicians who have played in the bands over the years, and the three labels that have helped us along the way - Smalltown America, This Is Fake DIY, and Alcopop. Also to everyone who has put us on, put us up for the night, bought our records, come to see us live, or anything like that - thank you.

If I can organise it, there will perhaps be one final show in London for the band at an unspecified date in the future where a number of past members get together to play an extended set of songs from the entire history of the band. I would definitely like to do this. Perhaps I will even keep the band going as a very occasional ceremonial band that plays special occasions once or twice a year as a couple of our contemporaries have done. Right now I am not sure.

But yeah, thanks for all your support, and I'll be back soon with a new project.

Bye for now,

Dan x

Go On Go On Get Out....is Out!

2010-10-21T14:39:00.007+01:00

More Than Conquerors are set to release Go On Go On Get Out as the first single from their debut s/t EP. There are 5 tracks total on the EP and what the heck we have even thrown in the video for you to have and hold also - can't wait that long? Have a sneek peek by clicking here

The official release date is 15 November 2010 - it is however available to pre-order on the STA Store now by clicking here.

The band hit the road in just under two weeks with Fighting With Wire who also have a new offering to make. I can confirm, I am Ursus is fresh out of the studio and sounding monsterous...obviously!

Tour dates are as follows:

1 Nov - Stereo, Glasgow

2 Nov - The Shipping Forecast, Liverpool

3 Nov - HMV Institute Temple, Birmingham

4 Nov - Cellar, Oxford

5 Nov - Joiners, Southampton

7-Nov - Prince Albert, Brighton

8 Nov - Club Ifor Bach, Cardiff

9 Nov - Barfly, London

Illness Go Acoustic

2010-10-10T08:17:00.005+01:00

Video from Illness' acoustic session from yesterday afternoon at Brighton's Northern Lights will be online soon (where you'll find out if Spencer got his Yamaha working).

Their next show is Monday at Vines in Derby with Crooked Mountain, Crooked Sea courtesy the good people at Button Pusher. It's a FREE ENTRY so no excuses!

More Than Conquerors Play Oh Yeah Contenders Compilation Show Next Friday

2010-10-09T10:21:00.001+01:00

Fighting With Wire Break A Bottle Against The Hull Of New Warrenpoint Venue - This Saturday

2010-10-06T21:48:00.004+01:00

Skibunny Play On Huw Stephens

2010-10-05T21:17:00.002+01:00

Skibunny's Aah Ooh gets a Radio 1 spin courtesy Huw Stephens - listen again, Skibunny goodness at about 77 mins in!

October Newsletter

2010-10-05T20:52:00.001+01:00

[0] EPFree: STA Autumn Mixtape

This month's a busy one and for that reason we thought one free track just won't cut it so we have packaged together 5 of the best tracks propping up our busy October schedule. Click here
to get your free mix from the carefully considered listings below.

1. More Than Conquerors: I've Done Nothing/I Have Done It All
2. 4 or 5 Magicians: Oh! Darwin
3. Ace Bushy Striptease: Bon Nuit, J'ai Changé Mon Esprit
4. Illness: Paper Cut
5. Crooked Mountain, Crooked Sea: Slow News Day

[1] Introducing: More Than Conquerors

New signings to the Smalltown stable are Northern Irish punch/riff/rawk early risers More Than Conquerors.

Formed in late 2009 the band have wasted no time - less than a year later they have racked up impressive supports with General Fiasco, Feeder, Twin Atlantic & our very own Fighting With Wire.

Their debut 5 track EP written and recorded in a week in a DIY home studio is a confident display of who-the-flip-are-Arctic-Monkeys? era danceable punk rock meets Me Without You rock structures delivered with the live raw passion of As Cities Burn. Its available to pre-order NOW! on the Smalltown America shop - click here to bag your copy...

Check them live when they take to the road in November in support of Fighting With Wire, dates as follows;

1 Nov - Stereo, Glasgow

2 Nov - The Shipping Forecast, Liverpool

3 Nov - HMV Institute Temple, Birmingham

4 Nov - Cellar, Oxford

5 Nov - Joiners, Southampton

7-Nov - Prince Albert, Brighton

8 Nov - Club Ifor Bach, Cardiff

9 Nov - Barfly, London

[2] Recurring Illness: New EP, Tour with Crooked Mountain, Crooked Sea

Hot on the heels of their first EP, Brighton instrumental slackermath duo Emilio and Spencer return with another fifteen minute argument against the need for vocals. For All You ABC-1s Out There... features a further 6 tracks from their session earlier this year with Rory Bratwell plus a video-slash-Palinesque travel documentary of lead track Paper Cut. Lead track Paper Cut is available right now on the EPFree [0]

Illness will be going out for some dates with labelmates and neighbours Crooked Mountain, Crooked Sea where you'll be able to get the EP directly from the band a full month ahead of it's proper release date.

8th Oct - The Cowley Club, Brighton
11th Oct - Vines Bar, Derby
13th Oct - Harry's Bar, Stoke On Trent
16th Oct - Old Blue Last, London
18th Oct - The Boiler Room, Guildford

The band will then be touring mainland Europe from Nov 10th - Dec 2nd so if you'd like to put Illness on in your country get in touch with them via Myspace. Meanwhile, their recently recorded debut album is currently being mixed in the STA studio ahead of release next year.

[3] Skibunny Hug the Scottish

Skibunny take their critically-embraced debut album of electro-rock gems Hugs to some rather more conventional venues than their recent Belfast album launch on a barge with 6 Scottish shows:

8th Oct - Mad Hatters, Inverness (w/Stanley Odd)
9th Oct - Skinandi's, Thurso, Caithness (w/Stanley Odd)
13th Oct - Captain's Rest, Glasgow
14th Oct - The Greenside, Leslie, Fife (w/Islet)
15th Oct - Harley's Bathgate, West Lothian
16th Oct - Doghouse, Dundee

At time of writing, there's a handful of album bonus discs left - featuring brand new songs written and recorded specially. Order it now from the STA store. Keep watching the band's myspace for news of more UK dates.

[4] FWW November UK Tour

The band are currently in the Smalltown America studio adding a little here and taking away a little there before they announce the completion of their exclusive tour EP. The title of the super special 4 track titan is I Am Ursus - which references a bear and a constellation - both are huge, are you trying to say something here lads? I'm excited....

[5] Ace Ormsby Striptease: New 4 or 5 Magicians Tour

Brighton's irony-laden indie favourites 4 Or 5 Magicians and hotly-tipped Birmingham 4 piece Ace Bushy Striptease have announced a joint tour for October.

Ace Bushy Striptease are fast earning a reputation for their short, sharp songs which stubbornly avoid repetition and spring along with light melody and inescapable fun as witnessed by anyone who's heard their 12 song, 22 minute long recent album. Some have dubbed them as an extrapolation of Mclusky and The Pastels, others just stand there a little stunned, not entirely sure what's going on, but enjoying every precious minute.

Magician-in-Chief Dan Ormsby says: "I'm excited about making our first trip as a band to both Manchester and Nottingham, and a long awaited return to old haunts in the three Bs of Birmingham, Bristol and Bournemouth. Oh and Brighton and London too, of course!

On tour we will be showcasing new material which will feature on our 2nd album, hopefully out next spring. We just demoed two of the newies and even the dodgy rough mixes sound ace! The plan is to record the album in November and December, so this may well be the last time you get to see 4 Or 5 Magicians until 2011!"

Oct 14th - Big Chill House, Kings Cross, London (FREE ENTRY)
Oct 15th - The Hobgoblin, Brighton
Oct 16th - The Green Room @ The Portman Hotel, Bournemouth
Oct 17th - Mother's Ruin, Bristol
Oct 18th - The Victoria, Birmingham
Oct 19th - Tiger Lounge, Manchester
Oct 20th - Spanky Van Dykes, Nottingham

An mp3 from each band - Oh! Darwin from the 4 or 5 Magicians album Empty, Derivative Pop Songs and Bon Nuit, J'ai Changé Mon Esprit from the Ace Bushy Striptease album A Little More Suspicion In Our Fairytales Plz (Odd Box Records) - can be heard on the EPFree [0]

[6] And So I Watch USA from Afar

And So I Watch You From Afar get properly stuck into North America this month in the company of Trash Talk. Expect tour diary anecdotes aplenty.

4 Oct - Mohawk Place, Buffalo, NY
5 Oct - Rex Theatre, Pittsburgh, PA
6 Oct - Grog Shop, Cleveland, OH
7 Oct - Magic Stick, Detroit, MI
8 Oct - Reggie's Rock Club, Chicago, IL
9 Oct - Triple Rock, Minneapolis, MN
10 Oct - Jackpot Music Hall, Lawrence, Kansas
12 Oct - Bluebird Theatre, Denver, CO
13 Oct - The Basement Ogden, UT
15 Oct - El Corazon, Seattle, WA
16 Oct - Hawthorne Theatre, Portland, OR
18 Oct - Cafe Du Nord, San Francisco, CA
19 Oct - Chain Reaction, Anaheim, CA
20 Oct - Troubadour, West Hollywood, CA
22 Oct - The Casbah, San Diego, CA
23 Oct - The Underground Mesa, Arizona
25 Oct - Rubber Gloves, Denton, TX
26 Oct - Emo's Alternative Lounge, Austin, TX

Barely pausing for breath, ASIWYFA's next UK tour in November is selling fast...

22 Nov - Dingwalls, London
23 Nov - Hare & Hounds, Birmingham
24 Nov - Club Ifor Bach, Cardiff
25 Nov - Kazimier, Liverpool
26 Nov - King Tuts, Glasgow

[7] LaFaro in not touring this month controversy

It appears that relaxation for LaFaro after an intense year of live shows is to record a 2nd album(!). Expect to hear new material sneak into these select live appearences ahead of November's much anticpated European tour with Helmet.

9th Oct - HWCH Twisted Pepper, Dublin
15th Oct - Mandela Hall, Belfast w/Therapy?
23rd Oct - Cypress Avenue, Cork w/Therapy?
24th Oct - Cypress Avenue, Cork w/Therapy?

[8] Crooked Mountain, Honest Giveaway

Post-hardcore rejuvenators Crooked Mountain, Crooked Sea are giving away their previous EP It's The Falling That Counts, Not The Landing for free via their Bandcamp. Click here to download the songs that seduced the likes of BBC 6Music's Tom Robinson into playing them and well, us into signing them!

Catch CM,CS out on the road with Illness [2]

ASIWYFA November Shows Selling Fast

2010-10-04T22:48:00.000+01:00

Illness & Crooked Mountain, Crooked Sea Tour Begins Next Week

2010-10-01T20:01:00.004+01:00

Vote Skibunny For Best Of Myspace

2010-09-30T21:37:00.004+01:00

Aah Ooh from Skibunny's debut album Hugs is one of the tracks on this week's edition of the always-good Best Of Myspace podcast. Click here to listen to all of the tracks and download this week's podcast but most importantly please vote for Skibunny as your track of the week to get the band a feature on Myspace itself!

Cargo Collective October 2010

2010-09-29T21:53:00.003+01:00

STA Recommends

Shrag
Life! Death! Prizes!
Where Its At Is Where You Are CD
SHRAG are "bringing analytical attitude to the debased trade of pop and serving it up with bulldozing portions of raw guitar noise" MARVELLOUS

DD/MM/YYYY
Black Square
Invada CD
A hybrid of Devo, Melt Banana, Janes Addition, Fugazi and the math rock genre mixed in a blender. Noise rocks by way of an amalgamation of influences.

Her Name Is Calla
The Quiet Lamb
Denovali CD
"…there can be no denying that Her Name Is Calla are one of the most daring, unconventional bands the UK has to offer right now." (Drowned in Sound)

Shield Your Eyes
Theme from Kindness
Function LP/CD
Like a stack of classic rock and blues tapes slit into pieces and reassembled Via some fragmented rhythmic interplay into something mind-bogglingly fresh and unique.

ASIWYFA Christmas Show Announced, Tickets On Sale

2010-09-29T20:46:00.003+01:00

And So I Watch You From Afar may be clocking up the miles across America with Trash Talk but that doesn't mean they've forgotten about all you fans back home; the band have announced today that they'll be hosting a festive blowout at the Hideout in Warrenpoint on Thursday 23rd December - tickets on sale now.

Expect a tinsel-adorned version of their logo to follow in due course.

LaFaro Soundtrack Cold Water Classic Surf Contest

2010-09-28T21:02:00.001+01:00

An excerpt from the O'Neill Cold Water Classic event from Thurso Scotland. Them people at STA were kind enough to let us use LaFaro 'Chopper Is A Fucking Tout' as part of the soundtrack. Here is the result.

The STA Official Label Blog Of Thoughts And Stuff®

Handmade with love...

Feldberg are exciting, happy and perfect for when the sun is shining.

Feldberg @ Lomography Recap

Feldberg are 'Track Of The Day'!

More Than Conquerors - "A Lion, A Man" single release

Balcony TV Presents....Feldberg!

Feldberg Live on the Pat Kenny Show!

More Than Conquerors: Tour Update

LaFaro - Midnight Show - Tomorrow - That rhymes, right?

Feldberg Set For Derry on 22nd April

"Quirky, eccentric and surreal sounds fine unless you are descriping your doctor."

More Than Conquerors: On the road again!

Feldberg release day!

More Than Conquerors are back on the RADAR

LaFaro give top5 performance @ SXSW

LaFaro down piss alley!

"Chugga chugga without all of the drama and theatrics"

Skibunny share some DJ set news...

SXSWi Notes - Guy Kawasaki

LaFaro SXSW Showcase Poster

LaFaro on Limeblog

Cargo Collective March 2011

4 Or 5 Magicians Last Ever Gig Poster

Austin... Let us introduce LaFaro.

Andrew chats all things STA with Rocksound.

Top Ten Stupid Things Said In Studio STA 2010

Feldberg Take New Single To Dizzying Heights

And So It's Farewell...

The Last Ever 4 or 5 Magicians Rock Concert, Friday April 1st @ Brixton Windmill

Illness Play OIB Sea Monsters Fest & Compilation

Rock Sound Highlights - ASIWYFA 2011 Preview, LaFaro Rank Among Best Newcomers, FWW Live Review

Happy New (Tenth!) Year for STA - It's Art Fucking Rock Okay?

Next Illness Show: Tues 11th w/ Nope

ASIWYFA Secret Show Coverage on Live4Ever

LaFaro Officially Better Than Gorillaz

ASIWYFA: 3 Belfast Shows In 1 Day - Fri 17th Dec

Illness Tipped on 6Music Introducing

Vote STA in the Digital Socket Awards

Cargo Collective December 2010

Skibunny Christmas Shows

Fighting With Wire Homecoming Show 23rd December - Nerve Centre Derry

ASIWYFA Tour Screenprint Poster For Sale

Hear Exclusive Fickle Public Song On New Glasgow Podcart

Rock Sound Highlights - FWW Live, LaFaro #41 Album Of 2010

December 2010 Newsletter

Watch And So I Watch You From Afar 'Set Guitars To Kill' Live at Whelans, Dublin

VOTE TODAY! VOTE OH YEAH!

Watch LaFaro Live @ Den Bosch - The Netherlands

Vote STA In Kerrang Reader's Poll 2010

More Than Molasses Say Hot Press

Fighting With Wire Video Tour Diary Day 4 Oxford

Fickle Public On Jon Hillcock New Noise Podcast

Watch And So I Watch You From Afar 'Straight Through The Sun' Live in Dolans Limerick

Listen To New Fighting With Wire Track 'Call It A Draw'

Watch New More Than Conquerors Video

New And So I Watch You From Afar Single Out Today - For FREE

Fighting With Wire Video Tour Diary: Day 3 Birmingham

Watch And So I Watch You From Afar Interview + 'D Is For Django the Bastard' on Under Ether 2010

Vote STA In Rock Sound Reader's Poll 2010

New LaFaro Interview From AU

Free Skibunny Show, Friday 19th, Tower Records Dublin

Crooked Mountain, Crooked Sea: Portsmouth Show, Thursday 18th

More Than Conquerors Video Tour Diary: London Finale

ASIWYFA Nov Tour Poster

Listen Again: New ASIWYFA Single On Nick Grimshaw

Fighting With Wire Video Tour Diary: Day 2 Liverpool

And So I Watch You From Afar First Radio Play For New Single Tonight

And So I Watch You From Afar Competition

LaFaro w/ Pulled Apart By Horses Saturday, Nerve Centre

Fighting With Wire Video Tour Diary: Day 1 Glasgow

More Than Conquerors Video Tour Diary Part 6

Cargo Collective November 2010

More Than Conquerors Video Tour Diary Parts 4 & 5

More Than Conquerors On Cool FM The Z

There's Nothing Wrong With Covers III, Sat 18th Dec, Brixton

More Than Conquerors Video Tour Diary Parts 2 & 3

And So I Watch YouSA From Afar: 4 Thoughts

November 2010 Newsletter

More Than Conquerors Video Tour Diary Part 1