“My Secret World”, one hundred Sarah Records

My Secret World. The Story of Sarah Records
Beefeater In-Edit 2014, Chapter II

Our second choice at this year’s Beefeater In-Edit was a no-brainer, a must-watch. I mean, a movie about the story of Sarah Records? On the first row without a doubt.

Why? Because every truly single indie-pop heart needs to know about the Sarah Records story, the referential label based in Bristol with an adamantium spirit of independence founded by Clare Wadd and Matt Haynes. They created an immaculate, DIY label (oh my God, the story about the letters!), that overpassed it’s eight years of existence (1987-1995) to become a myth.

Director Lucy Dawkins chooses the most straightforward and didactic approach. She gathers with Clare and Matt and in a very logical order. The origins, the fanzines, the idiosyncrasy and attitude of the label... and every band that published with them in chronological order, covering the 100 7” limited releases Sarah put before going out with a bang. That choice proves to be a very coherent one, making “My Secret World” a very consistent documentary and a pleasant experience for fans, but also an excessively linear and, sorry to say, a bit boring film too, in particular for newcomers into the label’s world or for the ones that are not familiar with the bands.

What this rockumentary shows is that Sarah Records’ was a very small world. A relevant world full of indie-pop pleasures, but also shoegaze and punk flirts, twee music (funny how the interviewed bands refuse the adjective). A world with clear goals and a distinct way of understanding music. A world with a will to fight against the silly criticism (what a piece of shite were the music tabloids, I refuse to say magazines), sexism and misogyny, in my opinion the most interesting moment on the movie, would have loved that bit lasted much longer. But still a small world.

If you are a fan, you’re going to love seeing Blueboy, The Wake, Another Sunny Day, The Orchids, The Field Mice, Heavenly (awww Amelia Fletcher, why not a documentary about her), or “special” fans like music journalist Everett True or Jacob from The Drums, evoking their Sarah Records related memories, or just praising the label’s evolution. Not everything is wines and roses, but Dawkins is not interested on digging deeper on some of the “issues”. Something you have to respect seeing the direction of the movie. But if you’re not a fan, or if you’re not a die-hard fan, “My Secret World” can be just tiring. Whatever the case, a film that needed to exist. Plus a great excuse to listen several unmissable bands. At the end, that’s what makes a label memorable.

SCORE: 6/10

Discoverer 94: new indie findings

It's been a short while, but with recharged batteries and many exciting bands to unveil for you, here's our new music proposals series' comeback, enjoy!

Martha. Formed in 2011 in a suburban area of Durham, UK, named Pity Me, this quartet is a pop blast. Not much info on the band origins, though it seems the band's name comes from the fact the very last passenger pigeon (now extincted) was called Martha, they are vegan, straight-edge and DIY group. Recorded in Leeds, since late May the promise of the first tunes has been confirmed on 'Courting Strong', debut album out in Fortuna POP! and Salinas Records. Fun, infectious pop with traces of punk, energetic and impassioned, with intertwined "in your face" vocals (it's a record to shout and sing-along out loud) and a devastating legion of hooks. Knock-out.

The Casket Girls. Coming from Savannah, GA, this is a three-piece with a curious origin. Electronic sound shaper Ryan Graveface found sisters Phaedra and Elsa Greene under a tree in one playing Autoharp and singing bizarre songs. Collaboration began, with Ryan in charge of song structures and instruments while newcomers Elsa & Phaedra were responsible of lyrics & vocals. As a result 'Sleepwalking' arrived on November 2012 on Graveface Records, creating a noteworthy cult status among fans and critics. A self-titled EP followed in September 2013, and since this February (again after a very peculiar recording process, psychedelia meets poetry) we can enjoy their sophomore album, 'True Love Kills the Fairy Tale'. Dreamy, spooky, ethereal and extremely intriguing, this is twisted pop, or psych-rock with a knack for melody among the haze and foggy layers. Prepare yourself to get haunted. Pop witchery...

Gingerlys. Hailing from Long Island, this very young band formed in 2012 around the demos of guitarist Matt Richards, fitting the pieces together in his New York basement and later on studio, with tunes blossoming and a proper band taking shape from a trio to a quartet, finally adopting its current quintet format. First songs started appearing digitally in the summer of 2013 and early 2014, and now the infallible Shelflife Records is going to publish their debut EP 'Jumprope' on early July. Urgent, dreamy and immediately catchy indiepop with the suggestive voice of Maria Garnica reigning four explosive tunes. Sky is the limit with Gingerlys. 

Discoverer 91: new indie findings

Excellent trio of music proposals prepared for you today, check them out!

Le Man Avec Les Lunettes. This Italian quartet was born in 2004, when Alessandro Paderno met Fabio Benni during a boring engineering lesson at university, quickly realising their similar music tastes. They started to write songs together and playing live locally, until they sent a demo to the Swedish Emmaboda Festivalen, who invited them to perform in 2005. Since then, Le Man have toured Europe extensively, changed their line-up, released two albums, a couple of EPs, 7″, 12″ vinyls, a documentary about an Italian DIY group touring Bosnia & Serbia, twenty years after the beginning of the war, and are an intrinsic part of the foundation of one of our favourite labels, We Were Never Being Boring collective. After three years without new releases, they are back with "Make It Happen", out since March. Like Belle & Sebastian meeting the Polyphonic Spree, or Grizzly Bear with sense of humour, here's enduring indiepop, full of layers, melodies and warmth. Quite hard to resist.

The King in Mirrors. Behind the intriguing monarchic name lies Swindon musician Rich May, who began his assault to the guitar pop throne in 2012. The British artist debuted with self-titled mini-album in May 2012, followed with EP "Rolling in the Sun" in the summer of 2013. Now he's back with a new EP, "Little Voices" out since March on Take a Nap Records, which you should be listening now. Why? Because, echoing many of the 80s band we all love, king May has an unbeatable army of pop hooks, melodic weapons, killer guitar lines and the urgency of conquering the listener in 4 minutes. So, you should surrender... and hail the king!

Honeyblood. We end in Glasgow to meet Shona McVicar and Stina Marie Claire Tweeddale. Formed in early 2012, they started putting on a show themselves at The Old Hairdressers to release debut cassette "Thrift Shop" on CATH Records. That gig got the attention of FatCat Records, quickly signing them. Slots supporting Sleigh Bells, Crocodiles, Palma Violets and several festivals followed for the duo, who released single "Bud / Kissing on You" past October. Now a full length is scheduled this 2014, and we couldn't be more excited. Bittersweet pop, riffs, noise & pounding drums intertwine with sweet vocals & effortless charm. Breezy, urgent and addictive as hell. Dying to hear more!

These Go to 11: interviewing February Records

Been meaning to post this one for days and finally here it is. For our next interview we go back to a record label. But a unique one, due to the good taste, being responsible of making me discover a bunch of great bands, like my beloved The Swapsies, The Pretty Greens or Caténine among others. And because its run by two of the nicest folks I've been lucky to meet (virtually to this date, would love to solve that soon). Ladies and gentlemen, a very special pleasure to introduce you the answers of Dan & Kristin, the bosses at February Records. These Go to 11!

Kristin Gill & Dan Goodwin, February Records

Dan & Kristin, indiepop all year 'round

Created as Tweefort Productions in late 2008, initially as a live music booking and promotions project in New Haven, CT, with their first show arriving in March 2009 and releasing first CD-R compilation albums afterwards. The focus of the project quickly shifted from booking shows to releasing music, so they changed their name to February Records in May 2010, with the label putting out its first original recordings few months later. February Records has hosted three Elm City PopFest in New Haven in 2009-2011 and 37 releases to this day, primarily online-only, from bands all around the world with a DIY ethic and a clear goal: offering amazing indiepop tunes, in all their styles. The micro-label is run by founder, label manager and creative director Dan Goodwin, who operates from Boston, and Kristin Gill, primary artist liaison and contact person, who recently moved to gorgeous Stockholm. Here we go!

The "other" Swedish pop

1. First record that you bought (be honest)

Dan Goodwin: I think the first music that I bought with my own money was a cassette single of Ace of Base's "I Saw The Sign." I loved that song so much when it came out. I guess it foreshadowed my love of Swedish pop music.

Kristin Gill: The first album I bought was The Wallflower's “Bringing Down the Horse.” I loved that song “One Headlight,” though I can't say I really remember anything else from that record.

2. First and last concert you have attended (be honest too!)

D: I believe the first concert I attended was a Christian rock band called Newsboys with a church youth group when I was in middle school. I'm not ashamed to say I thought they were awesome at the time. The last proper concert I went to was Elvis Costello at the University of Connecticut in November 2013. The last DIY show I went to was Eastern Phoebes, Pier Jump and some other bands at a very cool DIY space in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, called Machines with Magnets, in January 2014.

K: I suppose the first show I ever went to was something my friends organized at the local VFW. However, if we're talking about actual concerts, I'll have to go with seeing Howie Day when I was 14 or something. The last gig I went to was the Eastern Phoebes and Pier Jump show with Danny in Rhode Island back in January.

Taylor Swift, country pop?

3. Guilty pleasure (song/band you shouldn’t like but you do, yes, it’s the embarrassing question)

D: I'm not ashamed to admit that I own more than one Neil Diamond record.

K: This was tough as I'm not embarrassed about anything that I like. I'm really not ashamed at all to admit I like Taylor Swift. I don't own any of her albums, but I'm certainly not afraid to sing along. It's never been a secret - I think multiple people have been subjected to that by now.

4. Most precious music item you own (collector mode on)

D: I guess my most precious music items aren't really collector's items. I have a bunch of records that belonged my parents when they were teenagers. There are some really great records in there ― The Beatles, The Monkees, The Everly Brothers, Gerry and the Pacemakers, The Beach Boys ― and they are all marked up by my parents with their names and other doodles and writings. I just think it's cool to kind of get a glimpse of what my mom and dad were like and what kind of music they were into when they were younger.

K: I don't think I'm a collector by any means, though I have a great deal of records and instruments lying around. Like Danny, I inherited a lot of records from my parents, though I've grown the collection quite a bit on my own in recent years. I suppose the most precious records that I own are ones that have stories behind their acquisition or hold sentimental value for me.

5. Favorite lyrics (not yours)

D: For an art class I took in high school, we had to choose song lyrics for a typography project. I remember I chose a couple lines from "Strawberry Fields Forever," by The Beatles. I'm not sure I would say they're my favorite song lyrics, but they've always stuck with me. Living is easy with eyes closed / Misunderstanding all you see / It's getting hard to be someone / but it all works out / It doesn't matter much to me

K: Since I merely pretend to know anything about the technical side of music, lyrics are usually what draws me into a song initially. Therefore, this question is absolutely impossible to answer. Just about any song I like has at least one verse or phrase that I think is wonderful. I simply couldn't choose.

The drummer of that small band
from Liverpool, you know?

6. Musician/s you would like to meet (should be alive, for obvious reasons, but you can choose a dead one too)

D: I'd love to meet David Bowie, Elvis Costello, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr.

K: I've already embarrassed myself in front of Barry Tashian, so I'm going with Johnathan Sebastian and Peter Noone.

7. Favorite artwork album (not yours)

D: I've always loved the artwork for The Beatles' "Revolver." When I was younger I used to try to draw it all the time, but I could never get Ringo's nose quite right.

K: Admittedly, I don't pay a lot of attention to artwork on albums. There have been quite a few that I find aesthetically pleasing, but I couldn't narrow anything down. If anything, I focus on bad artwork more than I should!

"Heartbeats"poster 

8. Books or movies? Depending on your answer recommend us one (trick: you can choose both)
D: Lately, I've been watching a lot of movies. I even started documenting and rating them in a Tumblr I call I Like Movies. The last movie that I watched that I thought was really beautiful and moving was "Heartbeats." The original title in French is "Les amours imaginaires." It came out in 2010 and was directed by Xavier Dolan, who also stars in the movie. It's about a love triangle between three close friends. The music is amazing, the story and acting are great and it's beautifully shot. I'd highly recommend it. I recently read Gabriel García Márquez's "One Hundred Years of Solitude" for the first time. I can't recommend it enough.
K: Danny's Tumblr does have some great movie suggestions! I haven't watched many as of late. I think the last film I watched was “Robinson in Ruins.” I never thought I would enjoy watching a butterfly sit on vegetation for five full minutes, but I did! The imagery was wonderful. Books are much more my thing, though. I was a literature major in school and I still tend to devour books quite quickly. Before I left for Sweden I read Donna Tartt's “The Secret History” in about a week, followed by Jonathan Lethem's “Motherless Brooklyn” in about the same amount of time. I highly recommend both! I'm currently reading Andrew Brown's “Fishing in Utopia.”

The Swapsies, better than any World Cup

9. Release (of yours) you are most proud of

D: I love all the music that we've been fortunate enough to release on February Records, but the ones I'm most proud of are probably the first three that we released back in January 2010. We had three digital offerings come out on the same day to make a splash as we made the transition from a booking and promotions outfit to a record label. Those releases were Onward Chariots, "I'm So Good at Shining"; The Fictional West, "Giant Clouds"; and Women's Basketball, "An Octopus, But Like An Octopus With MassiveWings And Junk". When Onward Chariots went on to release with Elefant Records, I considered that something of a victory for our little record label.

K: There isn't one release in particular that I'm more proud of or that I like more than the rest. I genuinely love everything this label has produced since the very beginning. I'm glad that my involvement brought the label back from it's hiatus, and I suppose in that sense I'm proud of the first two singles we released in which I played a major role: Finnmark's Everyone's Dying” and The Swapsies “Another Game on Saturday”. 

10. What’s does it mean indie for you? (yes, the “serious question”)

D: This is such a loaded question. In a sense, I feel like the word "indie" has nearly lost all meaning. A lot of people see it as an aesthetic, whether or not the band or label is actually independent or not. Indie is not a sound or a look. To me, it's a conscious choice to go your own way, do things how you want to do them, and seek the approval of a much smaller, but much more devoted, group of fans and music lovers, rather than the approval of the masses, the majors, or the corporate media.

K: I don't necessarily think “indie” holds the same connotation that it used to. Personally, it simply means doing things on my own terms. It's a concept in which I try to live my own life by.

11. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

D: This is so far out for me to be thinking about. I guess I'd like to see February Records as an established record label with enough money to support a successful roster of bands.

K: I hardly know where I'm going to be a month from now, let alone ten years! I hope the label is still around in some capacity - maybe we'll be able to press vinyl eventually. Hopefully I'll still be in Europe, teaching somewhere. Maybe I'll even have learned how to play guitar by then. Better yet, perhaps I'll finally have caught up with the Lloyd Cole discography.

Zillion thanks Kristin and Danny!

These Go to 11: Interviewing Northern Spies

Today we start a new section of the blog, long-time planned, with a series of interviews to musicians, bands, indie label owners and all sort of indie culture promoters (maybe I should say defenders). The questionnaire was intended to be as enjoyable to answer as it was to prepare it. And of course, fun for you to read as well. Ladies & gentlemen, These Go to 11!

Ms. Wiezell, the charming  Swedish

Astrid Wiezell, aka Northern Spies 
Our first interviewed is one of the most amazing music discoveries of 2013. This lovely young Swedish is responsible of one of the best EPs of the year, "My Middle Names", available on the infallible EardrumsPop for free!. A disarming charm permeates her indiepop/singer-songwriter tunes, a natural grace that can't be faked and you'll easily find in her answers to the questionnaire. Perfect choice to start this section!

1. First record that you bought (be honest)

The first album I got was probably "Anthology I" with The Beatles, a two CD compilation with early recordings when I was maybe 8 or 9 years old. I pretty much learned English to all the Beatles lyrics and skits on that album, so much goofy stuff. The first single I bought was "Circle of Life" by Elton John, from "The Lion King". I was obsessed with the movie. I was also really into Meat Loaf, haha.

2. First and last concert you have attended (be honest too!)

My first concert was the Spice Girls when I was 11 years old. I am still really proud of that! They were my heroes, a fantastic pop culture introduction to feminism as a tween and it was where I started before I found riot grrls in my teens. They were all about sisterhood and having fun with your friends foremost. The last show I saw was Slow Magic last week which was really fun as always, I've seen him play a bunch of times. I am SO excited about my next show: Night Beds, a new-ish country rock band from Nashville. The singer Winston has one of those magical voices.

Astrid turns into a poster PopArt girl!

3. Guilty pleasure (song/band you shouldn’t like but you do, yes, it’s the embarrassing question)
I don't believe in guilty pleasures at all. So boring and restrictive! You like what you like. I think many would think of it as a guilty pleasure that I love Taylor Swift. I think RED is one of the best albums of the last ten years and that most people will get that with time. Usually anything adored by teenage girls gets mocked and ridiculed. I just think she's a really great songwriter and performer.

4. Most precious music item you own (collector mode on)

I don't really collect records in the way some do, but I love buying records since I got a proper stereo and record player. In terms of prettiness, "Vol. 3" by She & Him win by a long mile. Pastel pink vinyl is pretty dreamy.

5. Favorite lyrics (not yours)

I don't trust anyone who can just throw out an answer to this one with ease. For me it changes every day. One of my favourites is from the song I Remember by Joel Alme, that song just kills me in all its Swenglish sweetness: "Our life is short/No time to waste/I am your friend, don't hesitate/There is not only stars up in the sky"

6. Musician/s you would like to meet (should be alive, for obvious reasons, but you can choose a dead one too)
I've said Jonathan Richman before, but I'd really love to sit down with Joni Mitchell too. I'm just getting into her music now and she is spectacular. As a wordy songwriter myself, I love the way she writes. I'll settle for watching interviews on YouTube though.

7. Favorite artwork album (not yours)
Oh man, I'm not really that cool with these things, I just love pretty album covers that work well with the music. Some recent favourites: First Aid Kit- "The Lion's Roar", She & Him- "Vol. 3", The Very Most- "Just A Pup", The Smittens- "Believe Me", Tigercats- "Isle of Dogs"... I could go on, which is turning out to be the theme of this interview.

8. Books or movies? Depending on your answer recommend us one (trick: you can choose both)
Books: "The Best of Everything" by Rona Jaffe is a great little read. Some books stay with you and I think about that one quite often.
Movies: "Frances Ha" moved me so much and is beautifully shot in black and white. Maybe my favourite movie of the year! Otherwise my favourites are "Almost Famous" and "Moonrise Kingdom", I think.

9. Song (of yours) you are most proud of

I just wrote and recorded a song called "E 6th" that I'm loving on. I wrote it for my step sister about our week in New York in September. It made her happy, and made her cry, and so if anyone else likes it that's just a bonus. It's our song.

10. What’s does it mean indie for you? (yes, the “serious question”)

I think there are two branches of it. Indie as independent - music being made outside of the more traditional big label means, less commercial, more DIY ethos. Then there's the indie as genre question which always raises a lot of debate, indie pop, indie rock... people argue over what's what all over the Internet. I guess I identify my music mostly as indie pop as in being part of a community and sound that calls its music that, and as in that I write, play and record everything myself. I feel passionately for the DIY spirit.

11. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
If I can be a dreamer (and I'm totally a dreamer): on stage, singing in some capacity.

Zillion thanks Astrid!

Spanish indie 7: suggesting the best national acts

More proposals of Spanish alternative bands for your listening pleasure. Enjoy!

La Habitación Roja. The release of their eighth album, "Fue Eléctrico", out now, gives me the perfect excuse/occasion to introduce this veteran band, formed in Valencia (yes, good things can come from there too), that are, simply, one of the best national groups. Inexplicably (and unfairly) underrated despite their solid career, started in 1995, LHR has been a reference when discussing about indie-pop/rock in Spain, something the new record proves again. Energy and melody, passion and honesty. The long distance runners of Spanish scene are back. A reason to celebrate.


Doble Pletina. Started in 2010 as a duet from the ashes of Abrevadero, a surreal combo that made peculiar versions of popular songs, Marc Ribera and Laura Antolín have created a lot of expectations with their few songs, in particular with the 2011 slow-burn hit "Música para cerrar las discotecas". Pure pop genious, where acoustic sounds meets a restrained epic, and where lyrics become pivotal. Hoping for more releases this year to confirm the promise, and to see them live at Primavera Sound. Keep an eye on them.

Thee Brandy Hips. Just confirmed among the Benicàssim Festival line-up, with their second album, “Raincoat”, released in early February, this five-member band from San Sebastian offers a much needed dose of fun and vitality. Addictive and sunny guitar-driven pop, where melody means everything. Between the noise-pop of The Pains of Being Pure at Heart and lo-fi, between power-pop and The Bluetones playing on a beach, and with a DIY attitude, they might not be reinventing the wheel, but there's plenty to enjoy in their music.

Discoverer 17: new indie findings

Time for the weekly recommendations!

The Robot Heart. Described as "Icelandic sounding Beach Boys", this four-piece from Brighton, UK, are gorgeous epic indie-pop songcrafters. That's what you feel hearing their eponymous debut album, released in May, or their previous EP "Dust". Leaded by Tom Marsh after a turbulent and sad period for him, I don't think their name makes justice to their music. Because this is emotionally uplifting, hauntingly beautiful electro-acoustic sound with a lot to scratch behind the surface. The opposite of a robot. As Guy Garvey from Elbow wisely says "A very special band.”

The Robot Heart - The Robot Heart by B H Recordings

The Moth & the Mirror. A six-piece supergroup from "the factory", Scotland, including Stacey Siewright, singer on The Reindeer Section and Arab Strap, and Gordon Skeen from Frightened Rabbit. Active live since 2006, their debut album, "This World, Honestly" will appear in October 10th. Meanwhile, check their myspace for great tunes, and you MUST download (for free) "Lights in the Sky", their new single. Dream-pop, chamber-pop, folk-pop, multi-layered and epic, with the stunning voice of Stacey (love at first listening) on top of it. Counting down the days...

Grass Widow. The third proposal hails from another recurrent place, San Francisco, where this female trio formed in 2007 and quickly got the attention within the underground scene. In 2009, they released their first S/T LP, followed in 2010 by album "Past Time" on label Kill Rock Stars. Self-taught musicians, part of the DIY (they even do their own music videos) community, and active in social and political movements, their music resist to be categorized. Melodic post-punk? Adventurous pop? A combination of exquisite three-part harmonies, punk attitude and intricate guitar parts and arrangements. A unique an addictive experience.

Grass Widow "Milo Minute"

Discoverer 14: new indie findings

Back to Sunday's music proposals, just for you!

Mazes. This London/Manchester band formed in early 2009 in Manchester and has toured with the likes of Wavves, Deerhunter, Dum Dum Girls or Crocodiles. Part of the DIY (Do It Yourself) scene (Male Bonding, Yuck, Spectrals), this quartet has the rare talent of creating sharp, edgy tunes with an infectious pop melody in the Pavement, Guided By Voices, Television Personalities' lo-fi style. "A Thousand Heys", their 2011 debut album (don't miss surefire hits "Go Betweens", "Most Days" and "Summer Hits") has enough hooks, choruses and vitality to keep you going all summer. Exciting band.

Mazes - Summer Hits
Mazes - Most Days
Art Museums. Thanks to our beloved Slumberland records, who has just released their new "Dancing EP", I have found this delicious band. Hailing from California, they are responsible of a joyous small collection (two EPs and the mini-album, that I enthusiastically recommend, "Rough Frame" from 2010) of tunes, that recall the 60s, jangle pop, Sarah Records, 90s lo-fi, and an engaging etc. But who cares about definitions? Anyone who can comprise in 1:30 minutes a gem like "Dancing With A Hole In Your Heart" should be defined as a pop genius, period.


Fonda. 90s are back. And they are very welcomed while they have the form of music as good as this "Better Days" EP. Behind L.A.'s Fonda are Dave Klotz and Emily Cook, who made three albums and an EP between 1998 and 2003. Then, band was put on hold. They married and developed successful careers, she as screenwriter (blockbusters "Gnomeo and Juliet" and "Ratatouille") and he as music editor (famous TV show "Glee"). But now they are back recording. Dreampop, smooth shoegazing and hints of brit-pop in this great EP. Welcome back, hope this is just a (new) beginning.
Better Days - EP by fondaband