The Whitsundays are playing a free All Ages show Friday September 12 in Sir Winston Churchill Square for Moving Music. The show is a part of Transit Centennial Week celebrating 100 years of public transit in Edmonton.
August 26, 2008
The Famines are getting set to hit the road again. They are teaming up with Montreal's hard hitting We Are Wolves for the following September dates
22nd - The Royal Albert Arms, Winnipeg. MB
23rd - Amigo's, Saskatoon, SK
24th - Pawn Shop, Edmonton, AB
25th - The Republik, Calgary, AB
Check out The Famines interview and videos over at Vue Weekly.
August 17, 2008
A Century Of Fakers returns this Wednesday! Once again, DJs Travy D and G Spot spinning the sunniest songs after dark. This month also sees Pop Echo's Jer-Lo joining us behind the decks spinning whatever sonic discoveries he's made since moving to Vancouver.
The music starts at 9pm. $3.50 drink specials!
past playlists are here.
August 13, 2008
DVAS will be killing the dancefloor this Saturday at Lipstick, Cherry
Check out a their Aug 08 playlist here
August 11, 2008
The Whitsundays Sled Island show is available at CBC Radio 3.
Our good Friends at I Heart Music have a feature on the show and some other nice things to say about Pop Echo.
August 5, 2008
It's finally "Here"!
"Here", the long-awaited debut EP from Windsor's The Golden Hands Before God Conducts Incredible Magic Band & The Spirits is out today in Canada! The album is available on CD, clear 12" vinyl (vinyl comes with free mp3 download), and digitally (iTunes, Zunior, and other digital outlets).
Fans in the Toronto area can catch their CD release show on August 9th, and Windsor fans can catch 3 (!) shows on the 10th!
U.S. fans will have to wait a little longer for the official release stateside, but don't let that stop you from hitting up popecho.com.
July 31, 2008
The Golden Hands Before God Conducts Incredible Magic Band & The Spirits debut album "Here" has made a strong debut at #34 on the Earshot Charts. Keep the requests coming and thanks to all thoses who have helped.
Sean and Damien Golden Hands took part in an interview with CJAM 91.5 FM's Adam Fox. You can hear the interview in its entirety right here
July 26, 2008
remember that banging DVAS track "Ambient Room?"
Well, it's been given a thorough re-rub by the boys in SymbolOne.
And guess what? It's online for y'all to enjoy. It's also at radical blog Discodust
In case you've been living under a rock (or only listening to the Doobies) for the past six months, SymbolOne are a pair of European cats who make some serious tracks. They may be from Ireland or from Croatia and they may be identical twins seperated at birth.
July 23, 2008
Our good friend Raymond Biesinger, illustrator extraordinaire and ex-Vertical Strut (R.I.P.), got together a little while ago with Garrett Kruger, drummer extraordinaire and ex-Wolfnote, to perform some musical black magic. Deep within their cavernous studio, The Famines were born. They've put out a double 7"(!) and you can buy the digital tunes from iTunes here. Zunior to follow soon.
The ever-mighty Golden Hands Before God Conducts Incredible Magic Band & The Spirits are very near to unleashing their incredible debut EP (on both CD and clear !2" vinyl) on August 5th, but you can skip the line and preorder it now! Just take your mouse for a mosey and click on our merch page.
July 12, 2008
A Century Of Fakers returns to Red Star pub this Wednesday. Join DJs Travy D and G-Spot once again for the sweetest sounds you rarely hear.
$3.50 drink specials!
You can check out past playlists here.
July 5, 2008
DVAS has been hard at work in the gym getting ready for their upcoming shows. Watch the boys get macho live July 18 at the Pawn Shop and July 19 in the Canadian wilderness at Motion Notion.
June 22, 2008
Want Elizabeth to play at your house? The boys kick of their western Canadian tour this week. If you live in any of the Western Canadian cities that Elizabeth will be passing through this summer and are having a party that night just send them a message. They will play at your house for nothing.
Elizabeth opening for the Arctic Monkeys.
June 12, 2008
Pop Echo is in Toronto for NXNE. We will see you all at The Golden Hands Before God Conducts Incredible Magic Band & The Spirits show Friday night at the Savahana Room.
Is your band playing? If you're any good we will say hi after your showcase.
June 9, 2008
The Golden Hands Before God Conducts Incredible Magic Band & The Spirits debut album will be out August 5th in Canada and a month later in the US. The album will be available on limited edition clear vinyl as well as on cd and digitally.
The Golden Hands.. are playing for the good folks at the NCRC Tuesdays night at The Loop in Windsor, ON
If you are going to be in Toronto for NXNE make sure to catch the bands showcase show Friday night at the Savanah Room. Then they join up with The Besnard Lakes for two dates June 14th at Call The Office in London, ON and June 15th at The Casbah in Hamliton, ON More Dates coming soon.
June 4, 2008
The Whitsundays play a festival warm up show this friday at the Velvet Underground in Edmonton. Catch them at Virgin Festival and Sled Island Festival later this month.
Stay tuned for more The Whitsundays Canadian and US tour dates coming soon
May 26, 2008
Elizabeth is in the process of finalizing their spring western Canadian tour. confirmed Dates so far include
May 30 @ Wise Hall, Vancouver, BC - A Benefit Concert for the Crisis in the Congo
June 2 @ Richards On Richards, Vancouver, BC - with Jaguar Love
June 24 @ O'hanlons Irish Pub, Regina, SK - Free show!!
June 26th @ The Republik, Calgary, AB - Sled Island Festival
More dates will be added soon. In the meantime check out the exclusive Dustin Hawthorne's (of Hot Hot Heat) remix of War Is Beautiful.
May 22, 2008
Exclusive to the glamorous French blog Valerie, DVAS has assembled their first-ever mixtape. Dubbed 'DVAS Passion Communication,' it includes some exclusive edits, old favourites and future classixxx.
The mix also includes a brand new DVAS track called "Watching You," which will appear on a new EP to be released this summer.
May 19, 2008
A Century Of Fakers returns to Red Star pub this wednesday. Join Pop Echo djs Travy D and G Spot for a night of indie pop fun. you can check out past play lists here.
Stay tuned for some big A Century Of Fakers news coming soon....
May 16, 2008
The Golden Hands Before God Conducts Incredible Magic Band & The Spirits have finished "Here". Check out two of the finished tracks at their myspace page.
The album won't be out untill July but it's already being mentioned as a 2008 Polaris Prize contender
may 8, 2008
Pop Echo loves the Famines, you should too.
may 5, 2008
The Whitsundays self titled LP is this weeks featured album at i [heart] music.
Too lazy to get down to your local record store? i (heart) music is giving away a copy of the album.
April 28, 2008
A Century Of Fakers returns this wednesday for a special end of classes edition. Join Pop Echo djs Travy D and G Spot at Red Star Pub for a night of indie pop fun. you can check out past play lists here.
April 17, 2008
The Golden Hands Before God Conducts Incredible Magic Band & The Spirits are putting the final touches on "Here" as you read this. Check out their updated myspace blog and see what I heart music, Burgeoning Metropolis, Two Way Monologues, and Hero Hill have to say about the band.
While you are at Hero Hill check out the excellent The Whitsundays and Tim Gilbertson reviews.
April 12, 2008
There are two big summer festivals hitting Calgary this year, Virgin Festival and Sled Island Festival. We are proud to announce that The Whitsundays have been confirmed for both and Elizabeth for Sled Island.
April 10, 2008
Another boring night at the Junos Sunday. You can help zazz up the 2009 Junos by joining the ranks in support of the drive to make our good friend and long time Pop Echo supporter Nardwuar the '09 Juno Host..
The good folks at Chart Magazine have set up a facebook group for the cause. If your life is so unfulfilling that you're into Facebook, you should show your support for Chart's most famous contributor by visiting the "Make Nardwuar The Human Serviette The Host Of The 2009 Juno Awards" Facebook page
April 7, 2008
Are "suspiciously pale-looking knob-twiddler-types" DVAS "better than Justice"?
Find out for yourself April 26th at the Hi Fi Club Calgary or pack up your glow sticks and patchouli and head out to Motion Notion July 17th - 20th (during July's full-moon!!)
April 1, 2008
Edmonton's best all ages promoters and poster designers Push Pins have two big events coming up.
1. No Competition, Just Collaboration April 4th & 5th. Pop Echo will have a table at the Flea market Saturday afternoon. Stop by say hi.
2. Tim Gilbertson headlines his first all ages show April 12th at Jekyll and Hyde (10610 100ave Edmonton, AB)
March 28, 2008
Junior Bloomsday's debut single featuring Cadence Weapon is now available on iTunes. Prefer vinyl? There are still a few in the Pop Echo shop
One great indie deserves another. We are jacked to announce that Pop Echo has teamed up with Canadian independent digital distributor Zunior.
Zunior.com sells high quality digital music from independent artists. Check them out today and download the latest digital sampler featuring Tim Gilbertson & The Whitsundays.
March 24, 2008
Don't miss The Whitsundays' "dreamy, harmony-heavy" "retro-obsessed AM pop" When they open for The Most Serene Republic April 4th at The Starlite Room in Edmonton and April 5th at The Warehouse in Calgary as part of Junofest.
March 17, 2008
A Century Of Fakers returns this wednesday at Red Star pub. Join Pop Echo djs Travy D and G Spot for a night of indie pop goodness. you can check out past play lists here.
March 11, 2008
The Golden Hands Before God Conducts Incredible Magic Band & The Spirits are getting set to return to Montreal to put the finishing touches on "here".
In the meantime you can check out the bands "face melting" live show March 20th at The Room in Windsor, ON. Nowhere near the "City of Roses"? The Golden Hands before God... on youtube
March 4, 2008
Apple loves DVAS too. Their already blog hyped track "Forever" is featured on iTunes' Essentials, Indie Electronic album.
This just in! DVAS dj set March 21st at The Mod Club @ Halo (10538 Jasper ave, Edmonton) alongside weekly residents dj's Blue Jay and Pop Echo's very own Travy D
February 29, 2008
Elizabeth are back on stage opening for British Sea Power March 5th at the Plaza Club in Vancouver. BSP is one of the best live bands around, this show is a must see for all those in the 'couve. Elizabeth will be heading out for several Canadian dates this summer. Keep checking their website for details.
It only happens once every four years Tim Gilbertson is headlining the great "Party On The Leap" show tonight at Teddy's (112th and Jasper, Edmonton). Head on over to Tim's myspace for a free download of "Wasting Air".
February 27, 2008
The Hipsters love DVAS too. Their hot new track "Ambient Room" is getting the remixxx treatment from two special guests. If you are feeling generous stop by H&M and pick up a matching set of Tiga hoodies for Dietzche and the Snowman and a My Chemical Romance T for Vis A Vis
February 22, 2008
The dreamy track "I Want It All" from The Whitsundays' debut was featured on CBC Radio 3's always awesome weekly podcast with Grant Lawrence. Check out Episode 143 over at the Website (just click on "Podcasts and Shows"). And don't forget to send in your requests for the The Whitsundays and all your Pop Echo favourites.
February 20, 2008
The French love DVAS too. The boys are set to rock the party March 20th at the re-lanched nrmls wlcm club night in Edmonton and March 22nd at the Palamino Calgary
February 14, 2008
Tim Gilbertson returns with two shows February 29th at Teddy's and March 26th at the Starlite Room opening for Dragonette! Tim's debut album is still going strong scoring a 9.2 out of 10 at Two Way Monologues
The February 21st issue of Rolling Stone has a warning for the New Pornographers "look out: These guys (The Whitsundays) are the next big Canadian indie supergroup" Check it out the next time you are waiting for the dentist.
A Century Of Fakers returns to Red Star pub February 20th for your monthly dose of indie pop delights. You can check out past play lists here
February 6, 2008
The Whitsundays (currently #7 on the Canadian Campus Charts) are playing two album release shows. February 7th at The Republik in Calgary and February 8th at the Artery in Edmonton.
The Golden Hands Before God Conducts Incredible Magic Band & The Spirits are almost finished up recording at Breakglass Studios in Montreal. The 7 tracks are being mixed by Jace Lasek and will be released as a 12" vinyl LP for our 10th release! Catch them at the Loop in Windsor on February 22nd.
DVAS has posted a new track "Ambient Room". According to the band "It's about promoting a club night to hippies who don't like house music. It's also pretty pop, coz it has voxxx in it." watch for more DVAS shows at the end of March.
January 23, 2008
The self-titled debut of Pop Echo Records/Friendly Fire Recordings artist The Whitsundays is starting to get some attention south of the border. In just it's second week on the college chats, the Whitsundays are sitting at number five, just behind some guys called "Radiohead" and "Daft Punk". That's number five nationwide, people.
So, Canada: what about you? Show the Alberta boys some love: visit Chart Attack to track down your local campus radio station and then drop them a line telling them to play The Whitsundays. Then head to our merch page at popecho.com, itunes or your local record store to buy it for yourself. It's really the patriotic thing to do.
January 22, 2008
The debut album by pop supergroup THE WHITSUNDAYS is out now on CD and itunes from Pop Echo Records in Canada and Friendly Fire Recordings in the U.S.A. Catch them live on February 7 at the Republik in Calgary and February 8 at The Artery in Edmonton. And keep watching this space for more Whitsunday tour news.
January 14, 2008
Tim Gilbertson is featured on CBC Radio's Edpod today
January 9, 2008
It's a new year, and as the saying goes, out with the old and in with the new.
The old? A few titles from our back catalogue are now cheaper then ever! The Vertical Struts full-length, Columbus' EP, and DVAS' white hot 7" are now only $5 for Canadian orders, and $9 for international orders! Get 'em while you can, as a few are running very, very low.
The new? Well, The Whitsundays debut, currently burning up the blogs, drops January 22nd. After that, The Golden Hands Before God Conducts Incredible Magic Band & The Spirits will be coming out sometime in the spring, a new website is in the works, and there are plenty of secrets we just can't let out quite yet. Stay tuned!
December 17, 2007
The Whitsundays. are Spin's artist of the day today
December 16, 2007
Happy birthday to us! For this month's edition of A Century of Fakers, we're also celebrating our third birthday.
Joining DJs Travy D and G-Spot behind the decks for this special edition of their monthly residency will be the legendary Dietzche V., Vertical Struts alumnus and local artiste Raymond Biesinger and Pop Echo prodigy Tim Gilbertson.
Bring any two donations to the Edmonton Food Bank, and Pop Echo will give you one free 7" of your choosing from our back catalogue!
It all goes down this Wednesday, December 19, at Red Star Pub, 10534 Jasper Avenue, and the fun starts at 8pm.
Read about it here.
If you happen to be on Facebook, you can RSVP here.
November 28, 2007
Tim Gilbertson is wrapping up his stint as Sonic 102.9s Band Of The Month with a live show this friday. Catch Tim live at the Pawn Shop (10551 82ave Edmonton) with special guests Illfit Outfit
Pop Echo will be at the Royal Bison Art & Craft Fair this weekend. Stop by, say hi and pick up some christmas presents for all you music loving friends.
November 22, 2007
Junior Bloomsday, who some of you will remember from his five-star debut 7" featuring our best friend Cadence Weapon, has just released his first LP "Nervous Habitats" on Roast Records. Catch Junior live this Saturday at the Artery, 9535 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton.
There are still a few 7"s left in the Pop Echo shop.
November 16, 2007
For those of you in the Edmonton area, come on down to Red Star Pub on Wednesday, November 21 for A Century of Fakers, a monthly celebration of all things indie pop. Pop Echo Records' own Travy D and G-Spot will be behind the decks, spinning nuggets of audio gold.
Our friends The Golden Hands Before God Conducts Incredible Magic Band & The Spirits have been busy! They've got some rough tracks from their forthcoming Pop Echo release up for your listening pleasure on their MySpace page, and they've also got a blog! You can also find this link on the Bands page.
November 12, 2007
The Whitsundays are featured on CBC Radio's Edpod today
November 1, 2007
Tim Gilbertson is Sonic 102.9's Band Of The Month for November. Catch Tim live for the Band Of The Month showcase, November 30th at the Pawn Shop with Illfit Outfit
October 31, 2007
Sure, November 11 is already marked on everyone's calendar for more important reasons, but now you have two more reasons to take note:
1. Tim Gilbertson is playing a national tour wrap-up party (All together now, "Nice work, Tim!") alongside Boats and Hot Panda at The Pawn Shop!
2. DVAS is playing close enough to you to feel their sweat! Catch them at Halo when they open for Paul Devro. They're bringing DJ Nik 7 along for the fun too!
October 11, 2007
Tim Gilbertson is heading out on tour. He still has a few empty dates so if you can help him out with a show please let him know. tour dates are
Oct. 6 Hinton, AB
Oct. 12 Calgary, AB
Oct. 17 Thunder Bay, ON
Oct. 19 Sault Ste. Marie, ON
Oct. 22 Ottawa, ON
Oct. 23 Guelph, ON
Oct. 25 Windsor, ON
Oct. 27 Peterborough, ON
Oct. 28 Toronto, ON
Nov. 2 London, ON
Nov. 3 Waterloo, ON
Nov. 11 Edmonton, AB
Expect a few more dates to be added soon.
October 2, 2007
The Whitsundays make their live debut this Thursday October 4th at the El Mocambo in Toronto then play Pop Montreal Friday the 5th as part of the Friendly Fire showcase at Les 3 Minots.
September 30, 2007
Hey Vancouverites! Catch Elizabeth opening for Arctic Monkeys* tonight at the PNE!
*Fun Fact: Pop Echo Records tried to sign Arctic Monkeys one year before their major label debut.
September 25, 2007
Get MACHO now! Dietzche V. and the Abominable Snowman's "DVAS MACHO 2003 - 2007" is in stores and on iTunes today.
September 8, 2007
Beat the line-up at the store! Dietzche V. and the Abominable Snowman's "DVAS Macho 2003 - 2007" is now available for preorder! Orders will be shipped on September 19, 2007. If you have a bit of patience, the disc will be available on iTunes and in stores September 25, 2007.
September 5, 2007
The Vertical Struts debut 7" is SOLD OUT! If you're really lucky, you might be able to find one of the few (like 3) floating around through Scratch Records.
In related news, there are only 20 copies left of Dietzche V. and the Abominable Snowman's super-swank, white vinyl, double A-side 7"! Get them now as they're likely to sell out at DVAS triumphant return to the stage this Friday at the Starlite Room for their "DVAS Macho 2003 - 2007" CD Release Party!
Their new CD, collecting every dancefloor extravagornza they've recorded so far, will be in stores Sept 25,and will be available for preorder very soon!
August 27, 2007
Shows! Shows! Shows! Two Pop Echo bands make their long awaited return September 7th. Dietzche V. and the Abominable Snowman party down at the Starlite Room in Edmonton in celebration of the release of "DVAS Macho 2003 - 2007". Elizabeth return to the stage in Vancouver for Casbah! RocknRoll Club Night at the Library Square Public House. Be there or be square.
August 3, 2007
Here's the deal: Dietzche V. and the Abominable Snowman are putting out a 10-song Greatest Hits LP, MACHO 2003-2007, this fall on Pop Echo Records. The LP tracks the duo's rise from fledgling, pale-skinned knob twiddlers to the toned dance icons they've become. The collection has it all: the guts, the glamour, the glory, the blood, the sweat, the tears, the lotion, the floppies, the blades, the ceiling sit ups, the leather manties, and most importantly, the unbridled menergy of these two bronzed visionaries. Brand new tracks include the space-disco-meets-gay-biker-house of "You're Amazing" and the stone-cold thriller "Black Rain," which name checks Richard Gere and explores the forbidden -- and delicious -- spheres of pain, pleasure, and sin. In other words, DVAS is back. Some said it would never happen. In fact, the band themselves said it wouldn't. But guess what, fuckers, the DVAS game is locked tighter than ever and the boys are ready to jack. Are you?
August 1, 2007
Are you ready for some hot news? O.K.! We're pleased to report the debut CD by Edmonton's own Tim Gilbertson has cracked the Canadian campus radio Top 50! Make sure you drop your local campus or community radio station a line and request they give Tim a spin. And when you're finished doing that, you should really go see the man himself when he takes the stage at the Velvet Underground on August 11, 2007 with Toy Singers. Tickets are $8 at the door.
July 24, 2007
Pop Echo Records is pleased to announce that Tim Gilbertson's full-length eponymous debut hits shelves and iTunes TODAY!
June 27, 2007
Pop Echo Records is incredibly psyched to announce the signing of Windsor Ontario's THE GOLDEN HANDS BEFORE GOD CONDUCTS INCREDIBLE MAGIC BAND & THE SPIRITS.
A psychedelic congregation of sonic bliss, The Golden Hands Before God... is an assemblage of some of Windsor's most respected scene veterans, manipulating sounds into a choir of dreamy cacophony.
They've spent the last year honing their sound and live performance, landing opening slots with such bands as The Besnard Lakes, The High Dials, The High Strung, The Mark Inside, The Ride Theory, Twilight Hotel and Wax Mannequin. In 2006, they were picked to be one of the featured performers at the P.A. Music Festival in Windsor, Ontario, alongside such acts as The Golden Dogs, The High Strung, The Coast, Sunparlour Players, Lindy and more. In January of 2007, The Golden Hands Before God... were featured on CBC Radio One.
In August of 2007, they will be travelling to Breakglass Studios in Montreal, Quebec to work with Jace Lasek (The Besnard Lakes, Young Galaxy, Patrick Watson, Stars, Wolf Parade, etc.) on their debut EP, which will be released this fall through Pop Echo Records.
"Bliss out to the narcotic sounds of The Golden Hands Before God Conducts Incredible Magic Band & The Spirits...the congregation's dreamy musical output draws easy comparisons to the likes of Mazzy Star and the Velvet Underground." Dalson Chen, The Windsor Star (Nov. 27, 2006)
www.myspace.com/thegoldenhandsbeforegod
May 31, 2007
Pop Echo Records is pleased to announce the signing of rising Edmonton singer-songwriter Tim Gilbertson. Tim's full-length debut will hit shelves and iPods this summer.
At just 20 years old, Gilbertson has already impressed with his penchant for timeless power-pop hooks, inviting comparisons to the likes of Pinback, Modest Mouse, and the Weakerthans. The product of a musical family- mom plays piano, dad plays guitar, his sister is a music teacher, one brother is a drummer and the other plays guitar-Gilbertson's musical precociousness manifested itself early. He began playing guitar at age 8 and eventually worked his way through numerous high school bands. In 2005 Gilbertson set down a five song demo in his brother's Spruce Grove basement studio which led to a Craigslist rendezvous with Vancouver producer Andrew Shaw. Gilbertson and Shaw worked through the summer of 2006, eventually coming away with an 11-song LP. After months of shopping the album around, Gilbertson caught the ears of local label Pop Echo, who were as impressed by the young troubadour's crunchy pop ditties as they were by his maturity and ambition.
The eponymous debut LP from Tim Gilbertson will be released July 24, 2007, on Pop Echo Records.
May 4, 2007
Elizabeth is heading overseas for a 2 week UK tour you can check them out at:
Blue Cat Cafe May 06 2007 Stockport
Ignition May 07 2007 Newcastle
TBA May 08 2007 Liverpool
TBA May 09 2007 Manchester
The Casbah May 10 2007 Sheffield
Whistlebinkies Live Music Bar May 11 2007 Edinburgh
The Old Kings Head May 12 2007 London
Brighton May 13 2007 London
City Screen Basement Bar May 14 2007 York
Mixing Tin May 15 2007 Leeds,
The Brickyard May 16 2007 Carlisle
The Arches: Club NME May 17 2007 Glasgow
Jukebox May 18 2007 Newcastle
Then back home to play day two of Vancouvers V fest -
Virgin Music Festival May 21st Thunderbird Stadium Vancouver
April 24, 2007
First Excommunications, the debut full-length album from Elizabeth is available now at finer records stores, iTunes, and all other major digital stores.
January 17, 2007
First Excommunications, the debut LP from Vancouver quartet Elizabeth, will be released by Pop Echo Records on March 20, 2007.
Elizabeth was formed in the winter of 2002 by brothers Reggie and Paul Gill (vocals/guitars and drums respectively), bassist Rory O'Sullivan and guitarist Davor Katinic. Elizabeth made its mark opening for a number of renowned Canadian and international acts, including The Organ, Death from Above 1979, T.V. on the Radio and Franz Ferdinand. In 2004, following triumphant festival performances at Pop Montreal and North By Northeast, the band unleashed a self-released EP that solidified them as one of Vancouver's most promising, and most contentious, buzz bands. First Excommunications was recorded in July 2006 at The Hive studios and produced by Jesse Gander and Elizabeth. A western mini-tour to mark the CD release is in the works, as is an early summer United Kingdom jaunt. First Excommunications will be available in Canada on CD through Scratch Distribution and worldwide in digital form, including iTunes, through IODA.
January 3, 2007
Hi there! It's bit a while, we know, but we wanted to wish everybody a happy holiday season and thank everybody who supported us and all the bands in 2006. It was a quiet year, but I'm here to tell you we've got some great stuff coming up in 2007. What that entails, well, you're just going to have to wait and see. Stay tuned!
October 18, 2006
We have just signed a new digital distribution deal with IODA. You can now download all of our digital releases worldwide through most digital retailers. A full list is located here: www.iodalliance.com
September 21, 2006
Vertical Struts 2001-2006
It is with a heavy heart and furrowed brow that Pop Echo announces the passing from this world of the Vertical Struts. We at Pop Echo were devotees of the dynamic twosome and their brand of wonderfully fractured garage rock long before there even was such a thing as Pop Echo. In releasing their one and only CD, we can say we played a small role in the legacy of one of Edmonton's finest musical products, and we're proud to have been a part of it. The final word goes to drummer Trevor Anderson:
"It was September 2001 when Raymond Biesinger and Trevor Anderson decided, on a lark, to form a band and play two weeks later as the "entertainment" at a Canadian University Press conference here in Edmonton. Little did we know that decision would lead us from Victoria to Montreal twice, into the arms of Edmonton record label Pop Echo, up the national campus charts to #11 (that's like a #1 for each of the two of us), through a van heist and a highway crash to this, the end of the road.
As we shake hands and part ways, we want to thank everyone who's listened to us, danced, drank or played with us, booked us, promoted us, let us sleep on your couches, floors or pool tables, and generally proven to us that the rock and roll underground of Canada is just one big small town.
OK, everyone. That's our show. If there's any beer left on our tab, help yourselves. Thanks for coming out. Get home safe."
June 27, 2006
The Split EP from Bella and Columbus is now available on our merch page and through fine retailers near you. You can get a preview over at our MySpace (myspace.com/popechorecords) page. Also make sure you drop by Bellas web homes here (www.bellamusic.org) and here (www.myspace.com/bella) for news and tour dates. For the latest Columbus news, check em out on MySpace (www.myspace.com/columbusband).
May 11, 2006
Yeah, we caved: www.myspace.com/popechorecords
April 20, 2006
Pop Echo is away for spring break from April 25th to May 2nd, so all e-mails and online orders will be addressed when we return.
March 31, 2006
Columbus and the Vertical Struts are now available on iTunes.
March 16, 2006
As previously mentioned, we're super stoked about the upcoming Bella/Columbus split seven-inch. Well, now we have even more reason to be excited as this baby will feature not one, but two exclusive remixes by Joy Electric (who take on Bella's "Crystal Tears") and Ma Radio Star (Pedro Resende of Tahiti 80, who reworks Columbus' "You Know Its True"). Neat, huh?
Also, for you Vertical Struts fans out there, if you haven't got your hands on their "Plans for Her/Blues From an Airplane" seven-inch, get over to the merch page. There's only about 20 of these red-vinyl babies left so get them before they're gone forever.
And before you go, take a look at this super review of the Junior Bloomsday "Marygold/Your Perfect Gene" seven inch from the Edmonton Journal.
February 21, 2006
Hey '80s fans: while you're checking out Bob Mould (ex- H|sker D|, as if you didn't know) on Saturday, March 4 at the Starlite Room, get there early and check out the opening set by Junior Bloomsday.
January 26, 2006
OK, here's what you need to know: Pop Echo Records and the Wet Secrets are an item. Yup, Edmonton's elusive ad hoc supergroup are going into the studio to record the follow up to last year's DIY smash "A Whale of a Cow". The new album will be a monster, with at least six brand new tracks and, for those who missed out the first time, new versions of all 10 songs from "...Cow", And don't even get us started on the extra goodies we can't tell you about yet. This is some hot stuff, kids. Watch this space for more updates.
Also, we're thrilled to announce that Vancouver's Bella is joining forces with Edmonton's own Columbus for a split seven-inch. Look for the fruits of this pop partnership sometime this spring, only on Pop Echo Records.
January 10, 2006
Pop Echo is pleased to announce one-man electrofuzzpop machine Junior Bloomsday is set to drop his debut release, the "Marygold"/"Your Perfect Gene" seven-inch on Tuesday, January 31. You can get your hands on this limited edition, yellow vinyl gem (featuring a guest spot by Cadence Weapon) in finer record stores, through Scratch Distribution or online through our merch page. Also, come check out the album release show on Friday, January 27 at the Velvet Underground (10030-102nd Street, Edmonton) with special guests Down North and Duck! (Calgary, ex-Reverie Sound Revue). Tickets are a measly $8; doors open at 8 p.m.
Attention citizens of the United States of America: Pop Echo Records is coming to your country. Yup, thanks to our pals at Scratch Records, Pop Echo's catalogue is now available stateside through Revolver, Darla, Insound, Surefire, Carrot Top, and Southern Records. That means red and blue staters alike can now get a hold of such choice selections as the Vertical Struts eponymous CD and Columbus' Debut EP from their local record shops. U.S.A! U.S.A!
Unlike some people, the Vertical Struts aren't afraid to say they love Canada. So, as part of heir ongoing efforts to combat western alienation and regional divisions, Edmonton's federal ambassadors of rock are loading up the van and heading east for yet another road swing. If you missed them on their last eastern Canadian outing in November, make sure you check them out this time. See the tours page for dates and places.
December 9, 2005
Check it out: Esquire Junior is throwing a shindig for the release of the new joint from rapper/producer/dynamo Cadence Weapon. The Vertical Struts and Pop Echo's own DJ Travy D will be there to help get the party started. Shit goes down Saturday, December 17 at the Velvet Underground (10030 - 102 Street).
Also: have you bought your tickets for the big New Years show (featuring Dietzche V. and the Abominable Snowman, the Shout Out Out Out Out) yet? If not, why the hell not?
December 5, 2005
Let's face it: New Years Eve kinda sucks. It's the one day a year where good times are mandatory and disappointment all but inevitable, thanks to the dizzying cocktail of high expectations and cheap champagne. But what if we promised that this year will be different? What if we were to tell you about an event jam-packed with enough awesome-itude that it will make every New Years Eve bash before and since look like your sixth birthday party where the only person that showed up was the smelly kid from down the street that your mom made you invite, where the clown showed up reeking like Royal Reserve and where you ended up barfing after eating all the frosting off your crappy Safeway cake? You'd probably go ape-shit, is what. But enough of the preamble: ladies and gents, ringing in the New Year at the Starlite Room, I give you the unstoppable techno-dance-rock multiple-hit combo of Dietzche V. & The Abominable Snowman, the Shout Out Out Out Out, Lazersnake and very special guest DJ Reuben Wu (Ladytron). You can't beat that for 20 bucks. Tickets on sale at all Ticketmaster outlets, charge-by-phone 451-8000, online,
November 1, 2005
We're pleased to announce the debut CD by the incomprable Vertical Struts is now available! Buy it from our merch page, visit Scratch Records, or ask for it at your local record shop today! For a preview, go to www.verticalstruts.com and check out their "Sounds". Finally, the Struts wil be barnstorming their way across Canada this month, so check the tours section to see when they are coming to your town
October 17, 2005
Konichiwa! Columbus' Debut EP is now available in Tokyo, Japan through our new friends at Apple Crumble Record!
Check the Tours section for more Vertical Struts live dates.
September 15, 2005
The Vertical Struts brand spanking new CD is here! Look for it in stores and online verrrry soon. Also, check out the Tours page for a whole bunch of new dates. Eastern Canada: the Struts are coming for you!
In other news, Columbus are back in the studio to record their full length follow up to their Pop Echo Debut EP. Unfortunately, due to studio commitments, they will not be appearing at the Sidetrack Cafe with the High Dials on November 12 as previously reported. Sorry.
September 15, 2005
Hot on the heels of a successful western Canadian mini-tour (including two nights opening up for Canadian electro-pop superstars Metric), Columbus is riding high on the charts! Yesirree, the Debut EP by River City's finest purveyors of sweet pop music hit lucky number 13 on the !earshot national college campus radio charts for the week of September 13, 2005, eclipsing the previous high-water mark of number 26 set back in August.
Thanks to everyone who gave the record a spin or called to request it: keep it up! And don't forget: if you can't find Columbus's Debut EP or any other fine Pop Echo products at your favorite record shop, you can visit our merch page to order online, or get your local retailer to contact our friends at Scratch Records. Oh and speaking of online orders: Pop Echo is taking a little end-of-summer vacation from September 20 to 27th, so all e-mails and online orders will be addressed when we return.
September 9, 2005
Hey! We've got new Vertical Struts live dates in our "tours" section. The CD is coming soon, and it's gonna be awesome. Also, Columbus hits the road this weekend (September 9-11) for three western Canadian shows in three nights, and Junior Bloomsday joins Frog Eyes at the Victory Lounge on Wednesday, September 14.
August 15, 2005
Check out our new Merch page!
July 27, 2005
Columbus debut CD EP available now! Look for it in finer record stores or order through Scratch Records Vancouver. Check out the CD Release show this Saturday, July 30 at the Victory Lounge with special guest Junior Bloomsday.
June 29, 2005
We now have a TOURS section on our site for your convenience. Some other changes will be happening around here soon too. We are quite excited.
June 22, 2005
CJSR FM88 has a half-hour feature on Dietzche V & the Abominable Snowman. Check it out here.
Here are some upcoming shows:
Dietzche V & the Abominable Snowman
July 9th Underground 10249 - 97 street, Edmonton (All Ages with Cadence Weapon and Junior Bloomsday)
Vertical Struts
August 19th Victory Lounge, Edmonton
August 20th the Sharktank, Edmonton (AA)
Columbus
June 30th New City, Edmonton
July 30th Starlight Room, Edmonton (EP release with guest Junior Bloomsday)
Junior Bloomsday
July 9th Underground 10249 - 97 street, Edmonton (All Ages with Cadence Weapon and Dietzche V & the Abominable Snowman)
June 6, 2005
The Vertical Struts'June10 performance at the Mod Club at Halo is cancelled as the band is turning their attention to recording their new record. Vertical Struts International Fan Club shirts will be available at Blackbyrd Myoozik on Whyte. There's a limited amount of small and medium sizes, and they’ll be available for a little more than $20 each.
May 26, 2005
The Vertical Struts have just returned home from their spring western Canadian tour with pals Fake Cops. Unfortunately, the road trip was marred by some jerk in Vancouver's decision to rip off the band's van. In addition to the ride, the thief also made off with a significant quantity of gear and merch. The Struts lost two guitars, an amp, 100 7" records and all of their merch. The Fake Cops lost much much more. You can see a full list of the stolen items at www.verticalstruts.com/stolen. If you have information leading to the recovery of any of the purloined gear and the arrest and/or junk punching of the perpetrator, contact Fake Cops through Ian Russell at polisfalsos@fakecops.com(403) 244-7280 or (403) 969-3253 Calgary, Alberta, Canada. and the Vertical Struts through Raymond Biesinger at raymond@fifteen.ca (780) 433-4560.
Worry not, though, for the Struts' Friday, June 10 engagement at the Mod Club at Halo (10538 Jasper Avenue) is still a go. To help cover the costs of replacing the lost gear, the Struts will be selling 22 limited edition "Vertical Struts International Fan Club" shirts and membership cards at $20 a pop. The rave-up starts at 10 p.m.
In other news, Junior Bloomsday has secured a slot opening for indie faves and generally mopey characters Xiu Xiu on Saturday, June 18 at the Freemasons Hall (10318 100 Avenue). No secret handshakes required.
May 12, 2005
The Vertical Struts hit the road for the first of their two summer tours. You can check them out:
13 May @ the Bassment, Saskatoon
w. Submission Hold, Billy and the Lost Boys, Fury & the Mouse (AA)
19 May @ Broken City, Calgary
w. Fake Cops
20 May @ Pat's, Vancouver
w. Fake Cops, Ladyhawk, Joel & the Last of the Neighbours
21 May @ Logan's, Victoria
w. Fake Cops, Wooly Mammoth
10 June @ Mod Club at Halo, Edmonton
April 28, 2005
The Vertical Struts All Ages show with the Doers, Run Chico Run, All Purpose Voltage Heroes and Mark Birtles Project on April 28th has been moved to the Sharktank.
Columbus is also playing in Calgary April 29 For U of C and SAIT grads at at the Varsity Hall.
Columbus will be playing Seedy's May 7th with Albertasupergroup Fosters and McGarvey. Seedy's is closing May 14th so this will be one of your last chances to support this great venue.
We are most excited to announce that Columbus will be opening for New York art rockers The Fever June 30th at New City.
April 9, 2005
We at Pop Echo are big believers in finding the common ground between the aloofness of art and the populism of pop, so when Junior Bloomsday wormed his way into our eardrums, we took notice right away.
The pulsing drum machine beats, swooping synths and fuzzed-out guitar squall skirt the boundaries of noise, but are reeled in by sharp pop hooks and inescapable melodies. Brainy, not pretentious. Danceable, but not vacuous. We were intrigued. And, after watching Junior Bloomsday turn in a stellar debut performance at the Victory Lounge in March, we were sold.
To make a long story short, we’re very excited to welcome Junior Bloomsday to the Pop Echo Records roster. We’re also stoked that Mr. Graham Lessard has agreed to produce Junior’s first effort for Pop Echo. Look for the product of that session this fall. And don’t forget to watch this space for news and updates.
April 2, 2005
Hi there. We're very busy putting the finishing touches on Columbus's debut EP. In the meantime, those shaggy-haired popsters are playing an all ages show on April 9 at Eco City (9524 Jasper Avenue) with The Rocky Fortune (formerly Sons of Daughters), A Priori and The Stars Here. Showtime is 7 p.m. You should seriously think about going.
We're also thrilled as the dickens to announce Columbus is joining The French Kicks in September for a western Canadian roadtrip. The French Kicks are coming off a big 2004 that saw them drop their acclaimed sophomore LP "Trial of the Century" and tour across the continent, including a one-month residency at New York City's Mercury Lounge and two performances at South By Southwest in Austin, Texas.
The French Kicks and Columbus Fall 2005 Western Canadian tour*
September 6: Victoria, BC
September 7: Vancouver BC
September 9: Edmonton, AB
September 10: Calgary, AB
September 11: Regina, SK
September 12: Winnipeg, MB
*Venues TBA
March 21, 2005
The Vertical Struts are staging their comeback. Sugar is being removed from gas tanks, boot camps attended and fiscal balance sheets triple checked. Shoes = mended. Pants hemmed. Strings changed.
The first Struts shows in eight months take place on Saturday, April 23 at Seedy's (10314-104 Street) with Falconhawk and Jeremy Nischuk (of the Wet Secrets), and April 28 at the Queen Alex Hall with the Doers, Run Chico Run, and the All Purpose Voltage Heroes (all ages!). Get your full Vertical Struts fix at the brand spanking new website www.verticalstruts.com.
Dietzche V. & the Abominable Snowman is sweeping the nation! After cracking February's !earshot campus radio charts, the Edmonton party crew's contagious "Bromance/the Chant" single has jumped almost 100 spots in a month to hit #58 for March 2005. The single also climbed to #12 on the !earshot electronica charts. Guelph, Ontario has also been hit with an outbreak of Dietzche V. fever, with the single breaking into CFRU's electronica top ten in early March. Find out what the fuss is about: check out our bands page for samples or e-mail contact@popecho.com for more information.
February 14, 2005
Columbus returns to the Sidetrack Cafe stage March 4 with friends Field and Stream and Saskatoon's Junior Pantherz.
Dietzche V. and the Abominable Snowman "Bromance/The Chant" seven-inch now available at rUkUs on Whyte Ave (10351-82 Ave). And while you're there, why don't you stop being such a cheapskate and grab a handful of fresh DVAS pins (also available at Listen Records, 10649-124 street).
Thanks to everyone who helped "Bromance/ The Chant" crack the National Campus and Community Radio Association charts for February (#152 with a bullet, baby!).
Mad love to the good people at CJSR FM 88 Edmonton for keeping the dream alive.
January 28, 2005
Dietzche V. & the Abominable Snowman’s “Bromance/The Chant” seven-inch is #1 on CJSR! The record cracked the Top Ten immediately after its December release, finally hitting the top spot for the week of January 25. The white vinyl one-two punch is also tearing up dance floors at club nights across the city, including Nrmls Wlcm, I Am Damo Suzuki (Victory Lounge) and the Mod Club (Halo).
Thanks to everyone who’s helped make Pop Echo Records’ inaugural release a success. Stay tuned for more from Dietzche V. & the Abominable Snowman (including a remix of "The Chant" by DJ Dave Stone), news and live shows with Columbus and the return of the incomparable Vertical Struts!
January 4, 2005
Dietzche V. & the Abominable Snowman "Bromance/The Chant" white vinyl seven inch is in stores now. Look for it at Listen Records, Sound Connection, Blackbyrd Myoozik and other fine retailers, or e-mail us at contact@popecho.com to find out how you can get your very own copy of this deluxe, limited-edition release.
December 9, 2004
Come on down to Pop Echo Record's launch party on December 21 at the Victory Lounge. The fun starts at 8 p.m., with DJ's, giveaways, drink specials and a screening of Michael Winterbottom's "24 Hour Party People". See you there!
November 25, 2004
Breaking News!
This Friday, Smilin' Jay's Happy Hour is broadcasting Dietzche V. & the Abominable Snowman's August 7, 2004 live peformance at Studio E with the Shout Out Out Out Out. Be sure to tune in to CJSR FM 88 at 3 p.m on Friday, November 26, 2004.
Go see Columbus live at the Sidetrack Cafe on Friday, December 3, 2004. The show, headed up by Winnipeg's The Paperbacks and featuring locals Little Baby Cupcakes, gets underway at 8 p.m. The Columbus kids are taking a bit of time away from the stage over the holidays to finish off their EP and such, so check 'em out while you can.
November 19, 2004
We’re pleased as punch to welcome Columbus into the Pop Echo Records fold.
Columbus features Chris Webster, Tony Baker, Jesse Sherburne, Rich Dimitriou and Thea Varvis, five veterans of the local scene with a collective ear for the sweetest pop melodies and catchiest hooks in town. They are currently recording their debut EP, with plans afoot to release it early in 2005. In the meantime, check out “Turncoats” their contribution to the Humblebee Recordings compilation Hey! Where’d the Summer Go?
November 1, 2004
Pop Echo Records is here!
Party monsters Dietzche V. & The Abominable Snowman are here to rock your world with their very special, limited edition, double-A side white vinyl seven-inch, available December 21, 2004. Check local record shops, or e-mail us at contact@popecho.com and we'll tell you how to get your mitts on one (those are underscores _ between the words).
Pop Echo and NrmlsWlcm are pleased to present Dietzche V. & The Abominable Snowman live at the Victory Lounge on Thursday, December 23, 2004. Not only is it the first D.V.A.S sighting since August, it's also a party for their brand new seven-inch. So come down and join the festivities with special guests Shout Out Out Out Out and Bolide.
The lovely red vinyl Plans for Her/Blues From an Airplane seven-inch single by the incomparable Vertical Struts is now available at finer record stores.