Feature: 2011 Preview - Labels Preview

For the last few years the playing field for labels to compete on has gradually started to level. The information age has allowed anyone with an internet connection, a strong work ethic and hell of alot of passion can put a record out and have it reach a global audience. As part of Alter The Press' 2011 preview, we're going to be shining a spotlight some of the labels that are showing the big boys a thing or two about innovation, dedication and the simple fact that a good record is a good record regardless.

No Sleep Records
Having had an astoundingly consistent year, with releases from likes of The Wonder Years, I Call Fives and The Felix Culpa as well as cracking splits from the likes of La Dispute/Touche Amore and Into It Over It/Koji, No Sleep show no signs of resting in 2011. With full-length releases expected from Into It. Over., Former Thieves, Balance & Composure, Aficianado, No Trigger and the furiously anticipated second full-length from La Dispute. In addition new material from Stay Ahead Of The Weather is expected.

Visit NoSleepRecs.com

Hassle Records*
Hassle Records are keeping their 2011 plans rather quiet, however we can tell you Alter The Press! favourites, We Are The Ocean will release their second full-length in the spring. On top of that Pennsylvania metalcore group, August Burns Red have pencilled in a new release for the summer.

The label has also told us to expect two new UK signings in the coming months.

Visit HassleRecords.com

Tangled Talk
Quietly working away on the south coast Tangled Talk have been building a small but perfectly formed roster of bands. Kerouac and Let's Talk Daggers have already dropped fantastically chaotic records in 2010 and with a remix album on the horizon from Black Nite, a 7" from Pariso as well as a Kerouac/The Long Haul split, Tangled Talk will definitely set tongues wagging in 2011.

Visit TangledTalk.com



Big Scary Monsters
2010 saw the one they call BSM celebrate it's 100th release with a CD/DVD set packaged lovingly in one of the best pieces of product design we at Alter The Press have seen. They also put out cracking records, packaged slightly less extravagantly but no less lovingly, from Walter Schrifels, Andrew WK, Tall Ships and the positively monstrous Talons debut. 2011 will see a return of the 52 MP3 bundle BSM '10 (cunningly titled 'BSM '11') which gives subscribers a new track every Monday.

On top of that we can expect full lengths from Shapes, (recorded with some man who also manned the desk for some band called Refused) Dad Rocks (complete with a mystery guest appearance) and Kevin Devine as well as debut EP's from Tangled Hair and Men.

Visit BSMRocks.com

Topshelf Records
Having dropped one of the album's of the year in Pianos Become The Teeth's 'Old Pride', Topshelf's ascent to the upper echelons is in full swing. Previous records from the likes of Castevet, Grown Ups and Defeater have given the label a cracking back catalogue of releases for fans to delve into and with up coming 7"s from Caravels, Empire Empire (I Was a Lonely State), We Were Skeletons. Caravels (which can be streamed here), The World Is A Beautiful Place & I Am No Longer Afraid To Die and the second full length from PBTT. They are just a small sample of several new releases that will gather the label legions of new fans in 2011.

Visit TopshelfRecords.org

Eyesofsound
With stark and commanding release from Rinoa and The Mire this year Eyesofsound are changing tack somewhat in 2011. Looking to release more digital releases in the new year label owner Ryan is attempting to be come a ‘digital nomad’ fully independent from constraints of geography he will be running the label while travelling. You’d be advised to keep your eyes and ears on this label.

Visit Eyesofsound.com

Run For Cover
It’s been a huge year for Run For Cover. Tossing out critically praised, universally adored records from bands across the spectrum of punk rock/indie like it was going out of fashion (is it?), 2010 saw the release of Man Overboard’s cracking debut ‘Real Talk’, Transit’s stunning sophomore effort ‘Keep This To Yourself' and Tigers Jaw’s ‘Two Worlds’ which was a late contender for album of the year for many. With upcoming releases by the UK’s own Basement, as well as releases from Daytrader, Fireworks and GDP. The list goes on and contributes to the label continuing its momentum into 2011.

Visit RunForCover.com

Holy Roar
Always gluttons for punishment Holy Roar have had a busy busy year and 2011 looks set to be no different. Rounding off 2010 with the crushing Hellfire Reign’ from Hang The Bastard. 2011 will see release from the likes of Maths, Brontide, Gallops as well as a 2xLP + DVD from Rolo Tomassi in the spring among a ton of others. 2011 will see Holy Roar celebrate it’s 5th birthday and you can expect a crazy amount of releases from this hub of innovative and creative metal/hardcore and beyond.

Visit HolyRoarRecords.com

A Wolf At Your Door
The leading lights of the AWAYD roster both had incredible years. Lower Than Atlantis seemingly never saw any of their native Watford, as they got in the van and toured the arse off their debut full-length 'FAR Q' and they show no signs of slowing down when it's follow up, the predicatbly cheekily titled 'World Record', expect that to drop in April.

Deaf Havana also had a stellar if slightly more turbulent year, having to reshuffle their line-up. However they have come back strong with a new line-up and the recent single 'Smiles All Round' shows they still have a bright future. The label will be keeping busy throughout 2011 with releases from fresh new signings Polar and The Ocean Between Us, as well as another new signing that is currently being kept hush hush. Keep an eye on these guys, they have they're looking set to become a force to be reckoned with in UK rock.

Visit WolfAtYourDoor.com

Alcopop
Coming back with a bang (or a pop?) in 2010 with big signings and even bigger releases. Johnny Foreigner, Stagecoach and My First Tooth who all have records out in 2010 and are set to have even bigger years in 2011. In terms of new music the likes of Ute and Jumping Ships both have records out as well as Freeze The Atlantic; featuring ex-members of Hundred Reasons and Reuben members, FTA are just one of the many bands on the label that looks set to keep the Alcopop ball rolling into 2011 and beyond.

Visit IloveAlcopop.co.uk

LAB Records
Having cornered the UK pop-rock market throughout 2010, 2011 will see LAB only continue to grow. Kicking off 2011 with a sampler and following that up with releases from Not Advised, Pegasus Bridge and The Summer Set it seems like 2011 will be a beach for LAB.

Visit LABRecs.com

Disconnect Disconnect
Fine purveyors of punk rock 2011 will see DD up it's game by releasing a some of the most promising emerging UK and US punk bands. First up is Radicus who are pencilled in for a Febuary release with an EP and a split with the US' Samuel Caldwell's Revenge coming soon after. The recently reformed Hear The Sirens are also hoping to have a big 2011.

Visit DisconnectDisconnect.Bandcamp.com

Words by Barney Dufton
*Notes words by Sean Reid