Attention, vinyl nerds! Sub Pop will reissue Sharpen Your Teeth,
the underground classic and lone offering from Ugly Casanova, on 2xLP worldwide
October 30th. The long, out-of-print vinyl edition will come with the original
13 track album and 4 bonus songs: “Babies Clean Conscience,” “Diggin Holes,”
“Roads to Go to Roads to Go to…“ (which were available as limited edition
singles around the album’s release); AND (because you also need this gem in yer life) the unreleased “They Devised A Plan to
Fuck Forever,” recorded during the Sharpen Your Teeth sessions.
Sharpen Your Teeth is now available for preorder through Sub Pop Mega Mart. The 2xLP will be available both on black and as a limited
“Loser” edition yellow / white with yellow vinyl (while supplies last). In light of this, may we suggest preorder as the prudent path?
About Ugly Casanova:
Ugly Casanova is Isaac Brock, of Modest Mouse.
Or, possibly, it is a mysterious savant named Edgar Graham, who imposed himself
on Modest Mouse at the Denver show of the band’s 1998 tour, introduced himself
as Ugly Casanova, and, through a haze of unnerving instability, shared some
rough songs with the band. His songs, though delivered hesitantly…
shamefully, even… displayed unmistakable talent. By the end of Modest Mouse’s
tour, Casanova, with much reluctance, was persuaded to record some of these
songs and hand them over to record labels for issue as singles or parts of
compilations. Predictably, immediately after he had done so, he disappeared.
Other than a sheaf of ramblings delivered to
Modest Mouse’s singer Isaac Brock in the summer of 1999 that then inspired that
band’s The Moon and Antarctica nothing had been heard from Casanova in
years and those that still thought of him grew fewer. Then in November of 2001,
a faded and water-damaged bundle was discovered among a stack of
old packages during one of those general decontamination purges that so often
follows a mail scare. Addressed simply to “Sub Pop, Seattle, WA,” there was
little evidence of its origin. Inside, swathed in tape, Silly Putty and pelts
of three identifiable rodents was a greeting from the long-lost Graham.
Numerous tapes and a list of requests that alternated between raving demands
for destruction of said tapes and meek pleas for recognition of their contents
were extracted from the mess of the package. Fortunately Sub Pop recognized
that the tapes held promise, and released them in 2002 as Sharpen Your Teeth.
Until such time as Graham/Casanova resurfaces to
take credit for his work and add a bit more to whatever understanding of him
still exists, Sharpen Your Teeth will have to suffice. Produced by Brian
Deck and Isaac Brock at Glacial Pace Studios (Oregon), Ugly Casanova’s songs
are here performed by Misters Brock and Deck, as well as John Orth (Holopaw),
Tim Rutili (Califone, Red Red Meat), Pall Jenkins (The Black Heart Procession),
and a handful of like-minded collaborators.
Ugly Casanova - Sharpen Your Teeth
Vinyl track listing:
1. Barnacles 2. Spilled Milk Factory 3. Parasites 4. Hotcha Girls 5. (no song) 6. Diamonds On the Face of Evil 7. Cat Faces 8. Ice On the Sheets 9. Bee Sting 10. Pacifico 11. Smoke Like Ribbons 12. Things I Don’t Remember 13. So Long to the Holidays 14. Babies Clean Conscience* 15. Diggin Holes* 16. They Devised a Plan to Fuck Forever* 17. Roads to Go to Roads to Go to…*
Please join us in welcoming the newest member of the Sub Pop roster: Mass Gothic, the
Massachusetts-bred, NYC-based outfit, has signed with Sub Pop Records for a
worldwide deal and we’re pretty damn stoked about it.
The group, led by singer and multi-instrumentalist Noel Heroux
will release its label debut (and tour extensively to support it) sometime in
2016. More specific details will be forthcoming soon. Mass Gothic will make its
official live debut at the CMJ Music Marathon in New York this October.
More about Mass Gothic:
Noel Heroux grew up outside of
Boston, Mass. He began playing piano at a very early age, and started writing
and recording music in his early teens.
In 2005, he formed an early version of the rock band Hooray
for Earth, playing shows and self-releasing early demo recordings locally.
Heroux initially started the band as a solo project, but it quickly morphed
into a full-fledged band effort upon the release of its debut EP in 2008. In
Hooray for Earth’s brief career, the group recorded two full-length LPs
and two EPs, before calling it quits in 2014.
Mass Gothic finds Heroux at the helm writing and recording all of its material,
augmented by a full band in studio and on stage. Mass Gothic will release its
Sub Pop debut in 2016, with extensive touring to follow.
Folks, we are stoked to announce the imminent reissue of The Album Leaf’s 2004 classic In A Safe Place on vinyl, worldwide September 25th, 2015. This vinyl edition of the album, which has been out of print since 2007, will be repressed both on black and a limited “Loser” edition colored vinyl (while supplies last). This fine LP is in production as we type, and is now available for preorder at megamart.subpop.com.
But wait, there’s more: Later this fall, The Album Leaf will perform In A Safe Place in it’s entirety at All Tomorrow’s Parties “Nightmare Before Christmas” weekender, to be held at Prestatyn Holiday Centre, North Wales, UK, November 27th-29th, 2015. Event info lives here: https://www.atpfestival.com/events/atpnbc112015/view/eventinfo.
In A Safe Place’s songs “On Your Way,” “Eastern Glow,” “Window,” “Over the Pond,” TwentyTwoFourteen,” “The Outer Banks” and “Another Day” have been featured in a variety of TV shows and films over the years, including The OC, CSI Miami, Brotherhood and more. Additionally, “Window” was used in a fanmade, mashup video [view here] featuring Charlie Chaplan’s speech from The Great Dictator, which has amassed over 15 million views.
About The Album Leaf:
Jimmy LaValle has released critically-acclaimed solo work as The Album Leaf (the name comes from a Chopin piece) since 1999’s mellow An Orchestrated Rise to Fall (Linkwork). During the realization of 2003’s Lifetime or More (Arena Rock) and Seal Beach (Acuarela) EPs, he prepared himself to take on a new direction by founding his rich, textural documents on minimalist beats. At the time of 2003’s recording sessions, however, nothing could have prepared LaValle for the experience he had in Iceland.
LaValle befriended Sigur Ros on their first U.S. tour, and they encouraged him northward to Iceland. With the help of his hosts, including members of Sigur Rós and Múm, LaValle was able to craft an album that ventures into new territory. Chillingly delicate and more pop-based than ever before, In A Safe Place masterfully negotiates the spaces between minimal electronic music and melancholy instrumental neo-rock. The inclusion of vocals from The Black Heart Procession’s Pall Jenkins, Sigur Rós’ Jon Thor Birgisson, and LaValle himself is one of the striking results from this newly collaborative process.
Sub Pop is currently accepting resumes from energetic, responsible, detail-oriented, and dependable candidates for a full-time Sales Clerk position at our new and (let’s not be coy about it…) terribly impressive store at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. This guy.
Responsibilities include: • Greeting and assisting customers in a friendly manner. • Full compliance with Sea-Tac operation rules and strict TSA regulations and restrictions. • Efficient handling of cash and credit card transactions. • Ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively. • Availability to work nights, weekends, and holidays. • Assist in organizing and restocking the store. • Maintaining the general appearance of the store. • Contributing to the team retail effort by accomplishing related tasks as needed.
Qualified candidates will have: • Previous experience in the retail environment. • Knowledge of the Sub Pop catalog, Pacific Northwest music, the Seattle music community, and the City of Seattle. • A friendly and enthusiastic disposition with customers and staff. • Strong and clear communication skills. • A general understanding of retail Point of Sale systems. • Flexibility in schedule and willingness to work early or late hours.
The Sub Pop Airport Store at Sea-Tac is open unusually long hours, generally 6am - 10pm, and 365 days a year. We are accepting resumes at airportstore@subpop.com.
This coming weekend, Sub Pop Records employees will join in the 202-mile Seattle to Portland (STP) Bicycle Classic held on July 11 -12, 2015. Now in its 36th year, the STP is the largest multi-day ride in the Northwest with up to 10,000 riders making the journey through Western Washington and Oregon.
In January of 2013, Sub Pop Records Co-Founder Jonathan Poneman was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. In a 2013 Seattle Times article, Poneman states, “I accept that I have this disease, but that doesn’t give me the right to be passive.” In response, Sub Pop Records employees will be raising money for the Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation (NWPF) by doing the infamous STP bike ride.
What We Need & What You Get
Since being diagnosed, our President has done everything he can to show others that there is life beyond Parkinson’s. He actually explains it as sort of a blessing. Parkinson’s has allowed him to “recalibrate” important values.
“As ironic as it sounds, I am truly grateful to the disease.” Poneman explains further that, “My love of life and its precious elements became more vivid at the thought of seeing them fade away.”
Our goal is to raise $20,000 for the foundation. We are SO close to reaching our fundraising goal and we still need your help! This week we added a few stellar perks for donating:
* Autographed Sleater-Kinney “Start Together” box set on COLORED vinyl (limited to 3000 copies). Includes hardcover photobook of never before seen pictures from their personal collection, all seven LP’s, and 7” of single “Bury Our Friends” from their new album No Cities to Love
* Autographed Postal Service “Give Up” Anniversary Re-issue on COLORED vinyl. 3xLP deluxe version
** 2 pairs of VIP passes to Bumbershoot Festival in Seattle on Labor Day weekend 2015 (Sept 5-7th).Lineup this year includes: The Melvins, Ellie Goulding, Flying Lotus, Ben Harper, Dead Moon, Mikal Cronin, Neko Case, and more. VIP admission to the 3 day festival includes: Special VIP entrance to festival, Exclusive viewing areas (21+ ONLY) at Memorial Stadium, Fisher Green and Mural Amphitheater, and an official 2015 poster and water bottle.
SOLD OUT : 2 VIP passes to Capitol Hill Block Party in Seattle July 24-26. Lineup this year includes: The Kills, Father John Misty, RATATAT, TV on the Radio, Built to Spill, Wye Oak, Shabazz Palaces, and more. VIP passes are good for all three days (July 24th-26th, 2015) and also include: access to outdoor and indoor VIP lounges (21+ ONLY), complimentary drinks and food throughout weekend, Silk Screen Poster, T-shirt, other swag, and Sponsor Swag
The Impact
Your donation will go directly to the Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation. NWPF is the only independent regional Parkinson’s organization serving Washington State. NWPF aims to establish optimal quality of life for the Northwest Parkinson’s community through awareness, education, advocacy and care. Located in Seattle, NWPF proudly invests every dollar in local programs to support the Northwest Parkinson’s community. NWPF plays a vital role in helping people with Parkinson’s live meaningfully with the disease. In addition, NWPF provides information that gives patients and their families the tools they need to find quality medical care, better manage their disease and take charge of their daily lives.
Sub Pop has a long history of supporting non-profit organizations around the globe but prefers to focus on local organizations in the Pacific Northwest. We have been involved in fundraisers for the uncompensated care for Seattle Children’s Hospital, donated food and funds to Northwest Harvest, given time, support, and funds to the all-ages music venue ‘The Vera Project’, supported the campaign for marriage equality in Washington state, among many more. We believe in supporting the community that has always supported us. The Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation is an organization we feel proud to be riding for.
Other Ways You Can Help
You can also go to the Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation main website (www.nwpf.org) and give directly to the foundation through a gift at a different time if you are not able to help now.
Or simply get the word out about our campaign! Share our story and spread some awareness for Parkinson’s Disease. While science looks for a cure, the NWPF is looking out for the Parkinson’s community. We are grateful for anything you can do to help.
WE ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTING RESUMES FOR THE DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR POSITION.
Sub Pop Records: Digital Communications Coordinator
Overview Sub
Pop Records is currently looking for a new Digital Communications
Coordinator, working here in the label’s Seattle headquarters. This is
an important role within the company with responsibility for maintaining
and growing our social media presence and managing direct-to-fan
communications. This person will work closely with marketing and sales
staff and the Director of the Digital Communications department.
Our
ideal candidate for our growing Digital Communications department is an
enthusiastic, creative and skilled social media manager and content
producer who has a solid understanding of social media marketing and
online communities, the artists and music represented by Sub Pop and how
best to serve them and their fans in this digital environment. This
person must have excellent written and overall communication skills and
an appreciation for how to continue to develop and expand the Sub Pop
voice within each unique social platform. A thorough understanding of
social media campaigns and a drive for creating and sharing engaging
content and recognizing new opportunities is essential. The ability to
work well as a member of the Digital Communications and larger marketing
and sales teams, representing the priorities of each is crucial as
well.
The closing date to apply for this position is Monday, May 25th.
Summary Social Media and direct-to-fan communications Communication & Reporting
Responsibilities Social media and direct-to-fan communications
Manage
the social media efforts on behalf of Sub Pop Records to increase
awareness of our releases, bands and the Sub Pop brand, and maintain
regular communication on social channels for customer service
opportunities, general fan interaction and identifying trends.
Develop
our growing email list and in coordination with Sub Pop’s Mega Mart
(ecommerce) priorities write and deliver a bi-weekly newsletter to this
list, with the goal of growing direct-to-consumer sales as well as
artist and brand awareness.
Schedule, organize and
execute direct-to-fan communications, and create and distribute
marketing assets on behalf of the label and its bands within a shared
Digital Communications editorial calendar.
Monitor and
effectively leverage ever-changing social media tools; stay current with
best practices and tools and evolve different strategies as
appropriate.
Address social media challenges and suggest solutions.
Communication and reporting
Work in partnership with the Director of Digital Communications and marketing staff as a whole.
Attend weekly marketing and departmental meetings to evaluate emerging opportunities and report on current projects.
Track
and and report on digital analytics and effectively convey these
findings in department and marketing staff weekly meetings, and at
semiannual meetings.
Responsible for all updating and maintenance of project reports; identify new needs for additional reporting and stats.
Work
with Director to help evolve strategies and determine best metrics to
measure and report the results of social media initiatives for Sub Pop
and our bands.
Attend relevant conferences and maintain
and develop contacts with all relative platforms and services, such as
Facebook and Twitter.
Work with and help educate marketing staff on emerging social media technologies and industry best practices.
Skills & Experience
3-5 years experience overseeing and developing content for a lifestyle or entertainment brand.
Thorough
knowledge of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Tumblr, Pinterest
(and more) and integration of tools and third-party applications, such
as Hootsuite.
Advanced computer skills required; strong
technical skills preferred; aptitude with the usual suite of current
office software and tools are all expected.
Data, analytics, and metrics oriented; strong analytical and quantitative skills.
Ability
to create and manipulate images and video for use online &
familiarity with basic editing programs required; specific
experience/background in graphic design, multimedia, video production
and all relevant software (Adobe Creative Suite, Pro Tools, Final Cut,
etc) preferred.
Must be highly motivated and organized
self-starter with the ability to multitask and communicate clearly and
effectively to large and small groups alike and interpersonally as well.
A creative thinker with the ability to work well both independently and
as part of team to see tasks through to completion.
Supervisor: Director of Digital Communications
Please send all resumes and cover letters to jobs@subpop.com
