"we dig crystals"

Arc In Round Arc in Round is comprised of Philly's finest stalwarts (one form of the band was formerly known as Relay). They play a unique brand of modern Indie/Shoegaze with a dash of proggy Kraut leanings (think Can meets My Bloody Valentine).  Catch them now on tour with The War On Drugs.

Jonathan Byerley Jonathan Byerley is certainly one of the most exciting and original NYC song-smiths we've heard in years. You are probably familiar with Brooklyn-based Plates Of Cake, Byerley's "rock band". Dylan & Nick Cave fans, keep your radar on for his upcoming Catherine Market full length. David from GSGA says: "dig it. it's like if there was a paisley underground scene in 1985 texas (and there probably was, who knows)."   Stay tuned for select tour dates.

Daniel Knox Daniel Knox will spend the next few months at Robert Wilson's Watermill Center in Watermill, NY as an artist-in-residence working on a long-form piece of music based on the work of photographer John Atwood. The piece will premiere alongside a gallery show of the photos in a joint exhibition at the 92YTribecain NYC on 26 January 2012. You can buy advance tickets here.

Judson Claiborne Back in Chicago, Judson Claiborne is preparing as a four-piece to tour the Mid West and East Coast alongside Daniel Knox. The band is working on new album material as well as a 7" vinyl project coming this fall. Judson is playing a monthly (first Sunday) residency at Maria's Packaged Goods & Community Bar in Bridgeport, Chicago all summer. Full show schedule here.

Lewis & Clarke Visit Lewis & Clarke's website to download two tracks (including a haunting Jackson C. Frank cover) from a recent session recorded live at WXPN Philadelphia. The band is at work on a long-awaited third LP, and is playing a few shows in early June, including NYC and Philadelphia with Daniel Knox and Judson Claiborne. Show info here.

Columboid Columboid's throbbing debut, We Were One, drops on March 1st in the USA (UK/EU release date to follow). We are shipping pre-orders NOW, including a very limited number of clear "purple haze" vinyl. The band is touring throughout the month of March, check the shows page for a date near you because you're in for a treat: Morrison-esque sexual tension and passion/aggression punctuated with primal beats and confrontational digi-sax. download 'Statehoarders' mp3 watch 'Statehoarders' video

Daniel Knox We are pleased to welcome Chicago's Daniel Knox to the family with the release of Evryman For Himself, due later this spring. He's collaborated with the likes of David Lynch and Jarvis Cocker, and with good reason: simultaneously caustic and tender, he's an extremely dexterous craftsman with a voice, piano, and imagination. UK tour dates are posted, and rest assured we'll a have a US Release show and stateside touring to announce in due time. If you've come to trust our curatorial taste, rest assured that we've become more fickle, and we've raised the pickle with Mr. Knox. Welcome aboard, Daniel. download 'Ghostsong' mp3 watch 'Ghostsong' video

Judson Claiborne Judson Claiborne's zen song-smith Christopher Salveter is back from a successful tour of the UK. In addition to prepping material for an upcoming vinyl split (more on that soon), Chris is doing a residency at the Hideout Seattle on the last Sunday of every month. The excellent Muzzle of Bees just posted a feature regarding Mr. Salveter's favorite downer songs (mind you, he's no sad-sack). He is also planning some Chicago and NYC shows this spring with Daniel Knox and Lewis & Clarke, check back for more info.

Mako Sica Mako Sica is heading back into the studio to record a new song "Chain Leg" for the excellent Chicago label Slow Fizz. It's a part of the "Garage Sale" singles series (also including Maximum Wage, The Ponys, Tyler Jon Tyler and Cococoma). Also, a song recorded during the Dual Horizon sessions, "Red Rivers", will be released later this Spring on a split 12" with Zelienople on Slow Knife (not to be confused with Slow Fizz) as the first release on this newly crowned Chicago label.

Lewis & Clarke Lou Rogai & Co. are recording an LP (following up 2009's ethereal Light Time EP) in a greenhouse at a pace that should prove to yield exactly what we've all been waiting for. There are photos of the process showing up here, and the group will premier a new song or two at an intimate show on Feb 20 at Johnny Brenda's in Philadelphia. It's a Sunday afternoon matinee (remember those?) and Q & A with the band, part of a 3 part series hosted by WXPN and Folkadelphia's Fred Knittel. In honor of valentine's day, Mr. Rogai also shared a memoir of his kindergarten crush over at eMusic. Keep posted for upcoming spring dates and much anticipated album info.

Dragon Turtle Brian from Dragon Turtle sends the following report from the bunker as they prep the follow up to their epic Almanac: We have a lot of the broad strokes of a future release painted in, crafting away in the frigid barn, you wouldnt believe 30 degrees feels warm, but when the rooms gets there it feels almost tropical. Enjoying the contemplation that comes with coldness and indoor activity. Right now the record sounds to me like a circle pit inhabited by the Psychedelic Furs, Neu! and "The Fawn" era Sea and Cake, although I'm sure it will all alter drastically. Digging Al Jazeera to keep up on Egypt and things.

Soars Release Shows / Orders Shipping Now: Soars' self-titled debut record is shipping now via our store. Wholesalers and stores take note; all of our North American distribution is via Chicago Independent and the UK/EU release date is December 8th via Cargo Records. Soars celebrates 2 release shows this week, one in Bethlehem, PA on Sept 30 and one at Glasslands in Brooklyn on Oct 1. Big thanks to Neil for the consistently impressive and conceptual posters, look for ltd runs in our store soon. Philadelphia's Arc in Round is joining Soars for both shows, and our very own Columboid in Brooklyn. More info and CMJ schedule on the shows page.

Judson Claiborne UK/EU Release of Time and Temperature: Chris will be playing solo dates in London and Paris shortly in support of the Nov 1 UK/EU release of Time and Temperature via Cargo Records, check in with us for specifics...in the meantime here's an interview with Chris about art making, elvis, & tender moments in the bathtub...

Lewis & Clarke / Moon & Moon contribute to Bowie Tribute. Manimal Vinyl is an ecclectic and kindred label from Los Angeles. They have put together quite a few tribute compilations of note, featuring some of our favorite emerging and established artists. Proceeds go to charitable causes while honoring their favorite musicians. We Were So Turned On is a tribute to David Bowie, with proceeds going to War Child. We are especially excited about tracks from both Moon & Moon and Lewis & Clarke, among other notables such as Duran Duran, Warpaint, and Carla Bruni. Stereogum recently premiered Lewis & Clarke's tongue-in-cheek fractured waltzed-out version of "Changes" right here. Purchase a copy and support a great cause from a diverse and interesting roster of talented musicians.

Soars Soars hails from PA's Lehigh Valley and is comprised of four members of LV Illuminati, including Dave from GSGA. They come on with the presence of a tenured band from 4AD's finest hour; think a vamped-up Cocteau Twins, or an industrialized My Bloody Valentine. They'll be playing a handful of dates this summer, beginning August 10th in Pittsburgh, and extending to their record release show in Brooklyn on October 1st. There's a free download of the single "Throw Yourself Apart" on our media page. And if you are inclined to sign up for our email newsletter at the top of the page, you'll receive the next single, "Ditches".

Columboid Columboid is a band from Brooklyn consisting of ex and current: Vaz, Holy Fallout, Coyote, Lewis & Clarke, Man Man.....get the picture? Neither do we. But we get Columboid. We got them and signed them on the dotted line with a needle and thread dipped in gold paint and pigeon blood. They also come over for soup from time to time. Their new album will drop with the falling snow, it's called We Were One. Keep your ears open for it, and in the meantime, feel free to click on the crystal player and check the shows page to get your mind blown.

Lewis & Clarke Lewis & Clarke is at work with a new album. There was recently much disclosure in this interesting interview with Stereosubversion.com dicussing the process and inspiration (among other things). L & C has a new facebook page up, as the old one disappeared into the ether. There's sure to be some documentation of the recording process there along with potential connectivity of all sorts. Also of note, L & C contributed a track to Manimal Vinyl's Bowie Tribute, We Were So Turned On. More on this soon.

Eric DeJesus / Dragon Turtle We Have Heaven's Eric DeJesus will be reading excerpts from his new book, We Wont Be Here Forever. It is 40 pages of magic realism, small typeface, bic pen drawings (with watercolour applied by Beth), hard cover, and a CD soundtrack by Minus Pilots (UK). This happens with Dragon Turtle providing the musical backdrop at Brickbat Books in Philadelphia on August 28th.

Lewis & Clarke Encore performance on Daytrotter Last summer, while on tour with Caroline Weeks and Corridor, Lou Rogai and Co. visited the Daytrotter studios in Rock Island, IL . The result was this stunning live session. For those of you unfamiliar with Daytrotter, it's an amazing phenomenon. It's a beacon, if you will, for touring artists to stop in and perform a live set at their prime, in the midst of sleepless nights and bad road food. Daytrotter captures the magic and broadcasts it online with an accompanying article. L & C performs new versions of our favorites. Stream it, download it, enjoy! Check the shows page for news of both rural and urban upcoming L & C performances.

New Judson Claiborne Video: Moonraker Directed by mixed-media artist Japeth Mennes, the vibe of the new Judson Claiborne video, Moonraker, constantly shifts from an eerie and unsettling darkness to kaleidoscopic bursts, leaving you with a quick glimpse of your surroundings followed by the warm glow of a secret message. Judson Claiborne shows here.

Lewis & Clarke performs with Zachary Cale and friends at "Latest Earth", Brooklyn, NY All Hands Electric and La Société Expéditionnaire present "Latest Earth", an evening of music. The Bushwick Starr Space is an intimate and unique venue. They present works-in-progress, ongoing performance workshops, and full-scale productions while offering new, experimental, multi-disciplinary work to a diverse community of theater-goers and music lovers.

Judson Claiborne video / mp3: Stereogum recently premiered the 'Twilight Spirit' video / mp3. The video was directed by Chicago artist Jodie Mack, and, like the song, it’s based on the visions of David Morehouse, a former “psychic spy” for the CIA. Frontman Chris Salveter discusses influences and process with The Chicago Tribune. Time and Temperature CD and LP pre-orders are shipping on April 1st. Order here.

Mako Sica on Tour: Our favorite Chicago mind-scapers are touring the midwest and northeast US in support of Dual Horizon. View the dates here.

Lewis & Clarke at Truck America: Lewis & Clarke has been invited to play the Truck America Festival along with Mercury Rev, Ida, Hopewell, White Rabbits and more. Check back for more show confirmations and recording updates.

Judson Claiborne - Release Show - Album Pre-Order Judson Claiborne and friends will celebrate the release of Time and Temperature at The Hideout in their hometown of Chicago on March 5, 2010. Join us for an evening of revelry! The distant melancholy familiar to listeners of Low Skies (Judson's previous band) has grown into emerging layers of song in the tradition of troubadours, journeymen, country-western stars and master-less wanderers. The roots of country and folk are palatable, but a very modern sense of uncertainty drains any refuge taken from the dusty nostalgia of lost eras. Time and Temperature is the finest blend of Indie Folk with progressive abandon, as the ghosts of the Great Ones smile upon on Judson Claiborne with a nod and a wink. Do yourself a solid and pre-order the LP (ltd. edition colored vinyl) or CD. Pre- orders will ship by April 1, 2010.

Judson Claiborne joins the fold with new album, Time and Temperature: It is with admiration, respect, and excitement that we welcome Chicago's Judson Claiborne to the La Société Expéditionnaire family and announce the release of Time and Temperature, it's a masterful album of spirit-filled songwork. To introduce you to the magic of Judson, here's a past feature from No Depression and an excellent in-depth audio interview with Chicago Public Radio's Althea Lagaspi. Here's another audio interview with Areif Sless-Kitain from last year discussing the creative process and performing stripped-down songs from Time and Temperature. Now you know. And now you can catch a live show and immerse yourself in a video on our media page.

Matt Bauer Kick-Starts New Project / Intimate Brooklyn Show: Since our mega-budget has been dented by our recent business meetings, we're excited to share this fundraising endeavor for the impressive upcoming Matt Bauer album, The Jessamine County Book of the Living. The catch is, it's not made yet, and that's why we need you. If you help fund this, we'll press it and share it with you. But first, this ambitious process needs to be facilitated; From Matt Bauer: "I’m recording with a 4 piece band, 11 piece orchestra, 14 singers, and a number of other guest musicians who live in 10 different cities spread out across the states. Your help would make a huge difference in making all of this come together." It's an interesting process, and it's made possible by believers like yourself. It's not unlike like those public television pledge drives, and we're trying this out as a new model for a project of this scope. Plus, instead of a coffee mug, you can claim silk-screened posters and rare cd's as rewards. And, if the goal is not met, you're not charged. Cool! Donate now and be a part of this process at KickStarter.com!

Strand of Oaks Strand of Oaks is touring the Midwest/East Coast with White Pines in Feb/March, so if you're on the West Coast or Europe, or any other location/world, book your flight, fast! These shows are going to be intimate and unforgettable, as Showalter will be teasing us with tantalizing new material from an upcoming album that is in the mixing stages.

Lewis & Clarke recording new album: Lou Rogai and co. are fingering the frets ,tickling the ivories, and making space happen in the warmth of their winter lair, neck deep in new album material, and experiencing beautiful snow covered pine-boughs in their Pennsylvania winter. Stories and verse are being gathered from nature, technology, long nights by the fire, and trans-atlantic collaborations. What a diverse world! They recently recorded a moving, if not altogether lovely, cover song about "changes"...more on this soon...keep on keeping it cryptic!

Fall 2009

Dragon Turtle Almanac



Their Split 12" was a quite a primer, and we are elated to announce the PA / Brooklyn duo's debut full-length (available Nov 10th). It's a heavy trip of Glenn Branca / Morricone-esque landscapes... and quite a story, including flaming double-helix book-sculpture cover art which you can uncover more about at our blog. Don't take our word for it, stream the entire album and pre-order it right now.

Strand of Oaks - HearYa Session (mp3s/video)

Strand of Oaks' Tim Showalter recently dropped by Chicago's "HearYa" for a live studio session. You can drop by their site to download the live mp3s and check out the rest of the footage below. Here's Tim performing a heart-wrenching cover of The Boss' "Used Cars", but first, check out the pre-Oaks getup, circa 1986.

Matt Bauer - Europe/UK

Matt Bauer (& his outstanding band comprised of brothers Jay and Alex Foote) is in Europe/UK for a slew of live dates with Mariee Sioux. The tour takes them through France/Netherlands/Czech Republic/Belgium/United Kingdom, check the shows page for more info.


Mako Sica - LTD Vinyl

We are prepping the incredible debut LP from Chicago's own Mako Sica, Dual Horizon (due Feb 2010). And in the meantime, because we love them so much (they remind us of Sun Ra and Unwound in a sweat lodge), we are going to tell you how to obtain a recording of them which we had absolutely nothing to do with. Please involve yourself with their limited-run live EP entitled Mayday at Strobe released by the fine folks at Permanent Records (Chicago). Pick up your copy right here.


What's Really Happening?

One never truly knows...what's "real", anyway? However, we do know our CMJ show was a wonderful evening of the best possible turnout of crystal diggers.... So what else is in store? Strand of Oaks will be doing a string of shows in the midwest and working on a new release, Lewis & Clarke will playing in Brooklyn and working on a new release, Soltero is back from Central America gathering new material, as is Matt Bauer while on tour overseas. We'll have plenty more for you before the snow falls...

Let's Get Ready For Fall 2009

Fall is almost upon us, that crisp smell is in the air here in our beloved Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, and we are preparing some new releases for you to wrap yourself up with..not unlike like your favorite letterman sweater...or trusty lined flannel. As always, we extend our thanks to you, music lover... for your support, feedback, and existence.

Dragon Turtle rears it's head It's alive! Early Cartographers drew fantastic mythological creatures such as the Dragon Turtle in unexplored territories of their maps... Dragon Turtle's Split 12" with Goodnight Stars Goodnight Air is hot off the presses, and it's a collaboration of the finest in atmospheric drone psych. Some are calling it a new contemporary movement: Ambient Winter Calypso Space Folk (?!). We just know it takes us to very special places. Stream it, and order it on 12" vinyl right here. You deserve it. And in the holding tank is Dragon Turtle's Almanac, their long awaited full length LP, out before the new year with pre orders shipping mid October on vinyl and cd!

Matt Bauer tours with Jolie Holland, Europe Dates, New Video

We are pleased to announce that Matt Bauer will be supporting Jolie Holland on her North American Tour. He's also returning to Europe for a few shows in between starring in, and scoring French films (can we get a wtf?!). From ANTI's press release: "Holland now prepares to embark on an extensive North America tour joined on the Southern stops by musician, actor Will Oldham (AKA Bonnie Prince Billy) who will sing backup. Seminal folk/blues rambler Michael Hurley will be opening West Coast dates with Kentucky musician and master storyteller Matt Bauer featured on the rest. Holland will be joining both Hurley and Bauer for their sets, then performing alongside supremely talented NYC guitarist Grey Gersten."

Mr. Bauer has also released this brand new video for "As She Came Out Of The Water":

Lewis & Clarke says "yes"

L & C will be playing a few great show this fall in Philadelphia and NYC, please check the shows page for more info. Live dates are going to be scarce for a bit, as new material is well underway. L & C was recently asked by one of their favorite record labels to cover a song by one of their favorite new artists. The answer: Yes. More info to come, of course... We've received quite a bit of correspondence regarding a new LP from Lewis & Clarke from folks wondering if the new material will it to an entirely different level from Blasts of Holy Birth and Light Time while retaining and progressing the trademark L & C identity? The answer: Yes.

Summer 2009

Things are revealing themselves this summer here in our Crystal Diggery, and we have some fine gems for you. We like to think of our musical offerings as "Diamonds in the Rough", shining ethereal light from under the rocks, amongst the trees, within the moss, bending and refracting prismatic sound into your parenthetical spaces, warming you just left of the sternum, and into the third eye. Here's an update of all the latest happenings in our camp. Enjoy!

Lewis & Clarke
L & C will Tour the US this summer with Caroline Weeks and Corridor, check out some of the dates here, more to come!

The searing Light Time EP has been the perfect elixer for some HEAVY spins, and have you seen it? It's 12 inches of wonderous Magnolia Blossom coloured vinyl! It's been discussed in several recent Interviews with Lou Rogai along with ressurection of weird, found photos, Tolkien, The Weel of Fifths, and Bread, as well as Leonard Cohen.

L & C recently opened a bunch of dates for the spellbinding Bat For Lashes, and the brief whirlwind is lovingly documented in a Mini-Tour Diary by Cellist Codd on our blog. There are a few photos here as well.

Strand of Oaks
As Leave Ruin permeates the hearts of anyone within earshot, Tim Showalter has recently tied the proverbial knot. Congrats, Tim and Sue! It was quite a party, Jason Anderson's All-Star Wedding Band blew the doors off (of the pavillion?) and rocked non-stop for three hours with hit after hit. And how's this for a Honeymoon: Mr. and Mrs. Showalter are taking Matt Bauer along, heading to New England, and calling it a tour. That's how we do it here in the La-Soc family, it's ALL in the family. Tim is also retiring from his position of Hebrew Day School Teacher and Zany Bus Driver to make even more music. Rumours amongst the pupils is that they hope it all backfires and he returns. Seriously, imagine if this dude was your teacher? Listen to the passion in which he speaks of the children in this audio interview.

Matt Bauer
Matt is back from tour in the Netherlands and France including two weeks in the woods with lots of deer, wild boars, and a great crew of folks creating a short film called "The Diamond Guitar" directed by Frank Beauvais. Matt wrote two new songs for the project, which he performs in the film. It will appear on France 3 and at film festivals later this year, hopefully near you, so keep it on your radar!

Next Thursday (June 25) Matt will be performing at Zebulon in Brooklyn with L & C. Matt will play to one of his original projections starring Melaena Cadiz called "Protect Me."

Mr. Bauer is also currently recording a collaboration with Elizabeth Butters. The songs are mostly about snakes, wolves, white lakes and braids nailed to fence posts. Rumour has it, they are taking suggestions for a band name, so drop us a line!

Moon & Moon
VII Acts of an Iron King is making waves in the sound-pond and beyond. If you are new to it, please feel free to stream it and follow the Libretto, right here. Alarm Press recently ran a feature, discussing such topics with Will Lemon as "smell-o-vision" and "goosing the audience". Here's another interview which mentions aquatic deer with Mr Lemon, as well as this interesting article regarding his viusal art. Speaking of, he's got a solo show at Fuse Gallery in NYC, opening July 11, here's the invitation.

Dragon Turtle
After eternal and patient cosmic winters in the works, the Turtle awakens with a quiver of teleportation devices: a 12" SPLIT w/ Goodnight Stars Goodnight Air, Upcoming Northeastern US Dates, and a completed Full Legnth due in September entitled Dragon Turtle Almanac. Complete Summer/Fall stargazing companions.

The Black Swans
Columbus, Ohio's darkest birds have a new split 7" with Alina Simone available from the Sunken Treasure imprint, new footage from their WFMU performance, and a patch of summer gigs including one at the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame (note: BS not eligible for induction until 2029).

The biggest news is that Black Swans frontman, Jerry DeCicca, produced an album by 70's singer-songwriter, Larry Jon Wilson, two summers ago that is finally seeing the light of day courtesy of Drag City. It also includes Black Swans violinist, Noel Sayre (R.I.P.) on several cuts. Buy it on June 23rd.

The Spring Time of Our Lives

Lewis & Clarke limited edition 12" vinyl EP and select dates with Bat For Lashes:
Light Time is the new 12" by Lewis & Clarke. It's unbearably heavy...or wait...perhaps it's unbearably light. Either way, we are dealing with concepts of both weight and illumination, the yin and yang...the music fills in the rest. For everyone who has been starving for new sounds from L & C, you can stream the record, as well as purchase it directly through us, right here. You'll want to do this, because it's a limited edition run on colored vinyl (and of course, digitally).

And yes, L & C eats it's own fruit with a new version of Dead & Gone (from 2005's Bare Bones and Branches) as well as boldly reinterpreting a most personal and influential song by Leonard Cohen.

But you surely can experience the latest L & C ensemble live, as they are opening select dates of Bat For Lashes US tour, including sold out shows at the Bowery Ballroom in NYC and Music Hall of Williamsburg. Once again, it's yin and yang, we are talking black and white, because Rogai and Co. are also playing a basement in Binghampton a week before. Bless them.
Check the full dates here.

Strand of Oaks tours the Northeast and Midwest:
While Leave Ruin is still making waves, Tim Showalter takes a break from his educational duties and brings it to the people. Our kind of people! You! In case you missed his "Top 10 Songs to Stare at His Velvet Pegasus Painting", you can check it out at When You Awake.
Most notably, and an exciting bit of news, is that Showalter returns to Goshen, IN for a hometown benefit show. A town that provides much of the backdrop to Leave Ruin, and is doing it's best to not emulate Flint, MI in the nineties. Calling all Hoosiers and helpers, all proceeds go towards "The Window" food pantry in downtown Goshen.
Check the full dates here.

Matt Bauer returns to Europe, vinyl release of The Island Moved In The Storm en route:
Matt's been playing everywhere from Carnegie Hall to Paris, France and it's only natural that we release The Island Moved In The Storm on vinyl.

Look for the pre-order link on our releases page when the showers turn to flowers.
France and the Netherlands in April and May, while June will bring a string of Northeast US
shows with Strand of Oaks and Lewis & Clarke. Check more here.

Vote Bauer! Matt Bauer has been nominated for the esteemed title of "Artist of the Month" at Deli Magazine. Show your support and cast your vote at Deli Magazine's site.

Also, since we make records, and record stores carry our records, we thought it important to mention National Record Store day!

April 18 is right around the corner, and we will all come together to celebrate at our favorite record store (which happens to be our local record store), the Main Street Jukebox in Stroudsburg, PA, with L & C, Strand of Oaks and Dream of Fire. More info right here.

Addendum: The Dragon Turtle / Goodnight Stars Goodnight Air Split 12" is in the mastering stage and will be your soundtrack to summertime stargazing.

Happy 2009!

"It's been a good year, much better than the last, and what can ruin a guy seems to move just as fast" - Strand of Oaks

We can surely relate - out with the old and in with the new...There's some wise proverb that claims you cannot dip your foot into the same river twice, and we agree as we roll up our pant legs for a dip in the river of Oaks nectar... It's been a long time coming, and the floodgates are open. Now before this metaphor is sent down the river, there is something you should know: Leave Ruin by Strand of Oaks is available now, directly from us and at finer retailers everywhere...it's the kind of album that will be your trusted companion, as you'll discover when you preview a track in the crystal player or download this mp3.

Catch Strand of Oaks live on January 22 with Matt Bauer @ Zebulon in Brooklyn, NY USA, and in Febuary with Lewis & Clarke for select East Coast US dates. Remember: It's never the same river, that's what keeps this crazy sphere interesting.

Addendum: New albums are in the works by The Black Swans and Lewis & Clarke, while Dragon Turtle and iDeath are nearing completion. Matt Bauer is gearing up for another European tour, and we should soon be receiving transmissions from Soltero's Tim Howard, who is on the lamb in Nicaragua...

It is still 2008

Moon & Moon's Epic Rock Opera, VII Acts of An Iron King, is available directly from us, right now. And if you are a discerning and involved music listener (we know you are), you'll want to access our "Companion Guide to Moon & Moon's VII Acts of an Iron King." You'll enjoy taking the time to lose yourself in this unreal and active listening experience...and don't forget to bear witness to the album release show on December 14 at Glasslands in Brooklyn, NY USA.

Matt Bauer returns to Europe for solo dates, as well as accompanying Alela Diane. From his recent cross-country US tour, we have a new live mp3 for you right here. Have you seen the brand new video for Don't Let Me Out? Well, you're probably in it, so have a look:

That was amazing, right? You looked different, but good nonetheless.

Lewis & Clarke contributed a haunting version of Disintegration to Manimal Vinyl's Perfect as Cats: A Tribute To The Cure. It's available now and all proceeds benefit Invisible Children. Check out tracks from Bat For Lashes, The Dandy Warhols, Mariee Sioux and Caroline Weeks as well!



RIP, Noel

Noel Sayre of The Black Swans has left this physical world. He will be remembered by most of us as a man of few words, his point coming across clearly with a murmer, a glance, and the sweep of his bow. Still waters run deep. Noel's contributions to our musical community will not be forgotten, and his soul lives on in the sound. Until we all meet again at that great gig in the sky: rest in peace, friend. Longtime bandmate and confidant Jerry DeCicca has posted this announcement.

The Columbus Music Co-Op has set up a non-profit account for us to deposit funds in order to help cover Noel's funeral expenses. All remaining money, and money earned in the future, will be used to set up a music scholarship at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio in Noel's name. Donate via Paypal at columbusmusiccoop@yahoo.com or by check made payable to "Noel Sayre Memorial Fund" and sent to:

Noel Sayre Memorial Fund
c/o Columbus Music Co-Op
2895 Neil Avenue #390a
Columbus, OH
43202


Be Here Now, 2008

Time's a wastin' and we have records to make, crystals to dig, and all sorts of other mysterious and interesting projects to tell you about. We don't mean to tease, it's just that these things take time and nurturing. Since you've inquired, we want to give you a taste. There are albums dangling before our very eyes like crystalline carrots...rays of light and waves of sound refracting and bending in prismatic wonder, a hall of mirrors in Timothy Leary's changing room. But we won't do that now.

We only have time for the hard facts, "bullet points" as they say in the biz. So let's get down to business:

Out now:
Soltero - You're No Dream (Read more here, and order direct from us! eMusic and iTunes too! And if you're lucky, catch Soltero live in France.)

Out soon:
Matt Bauer - The Island Moved In The Storm (Tune in on 6/9 to Irene Trudel's show on WFMU and see him live @ Joe's Pub NYC 6/18)

Out later:
Moon & Moon - VII Acts of an Iron King (preview in the crystal player!)

Strand of Oaks - Leave Ruin (yes, the crystal player!)

Check out:
The Media page for more mp3's, videos, podcasts, tour footage filmed by blind people on pogo sticks, and a Matt Bauer live session from Germany, and a Strand of Oaks "Secret Stereo" session!

Rumours:
What? Albums from iDeath? Dragon Turtle? New recordings in the works from The Black Swans and Lewis & Clarke?

Advice:
Look into the crystalline carrot and remember, the mirror won't lie to you. Set sail, shed scales, and let the music light the lamps...

March 2008

Tours and more tours.... This means Columbus, Ohio's darkest birds The Black Swans in the midst of a national tour, as well as Lewis & Clarke, Strand of Oaks, and Soltero coming soon to a town near you. And there's gentle giant Matt Bauer, currently in Europe backing Alela Diane and playing a string of solo dates. So click on the shows page, please. Then go see our artists live, while they still play their own instruments.

Records, too! We are delighted to announce May 20 for the release of You're No Dream, the latest from Soltero. Soltero's Tim Howard is as prolific as he is under-the-radar, until now...You be the judge, as there is indeed a new song in the player, Honey Say It, our favorite little gem of the album. Our friends Messie Murders will facilitate the release in France, hand-in-hand with select Soltero dates overseas. More soon....

Check out the new Lewis & Clarke video which reconstructs indie-folk-cum-performance-spandex-gesture-piece over at Stereogum. You'll like it. Also of note for the neo-baroque soul-benders, our friends at Manimal Vinyl have invited L & C to contribute to their latest benefit compilation, Perfect As Cats, A Tribute To The Cure.

At the moment, there are other treasures here at La-Soc HQ: finished masters of new records including a mythical epic from Moon & Moon, Strand of Oaks' hometown deathbed confession hymns and ghost-whisperer Matt Bauer. Are they amazing? Yes, and they will prove to accompany the floral and aural fauna of our early midsummer night's daydreams. Stay tuned, dreamers....

It's too damn cold in Pennsylvania to sit here and type about The Black Swans US Tours and Daytrotter Sessions, or year-end lists where The Onion makes statements about Lewis & Clarke like "Lou Rogai finally puts the lame-ass freak-folk label to rest by making an album that's as grounded in real life as it is sublimated in ether." There is no time for telling you, our rabid music freak, about videos that look like they have been filmed by a blind person on a pogo stick, or other such peripheral wankery. Sometimes reality is as plain as frostbite, the stove is out of coal, and it's time for Tom to chop some wood....So you may please click on some blue links or something, and check back soon, we'll tell you all about the upcoming Soltero, Moon & Moon, Strand of Oaks and Matt Bauer records! (pssst....there's a new song in the player) Stay warm....and thanks for a wonderful year.

Even our mom called last month "Rocktober," with Lewis & Clarke closing their North American tour with Bat For Lashes, The Black Swans beginning their pre-release wanderings, and all of La Société Expéditionnaire piling up in Brooklyn for CMJ at Union Pool on the 17th and at Sound Fix on the 18th, it looks like mother was right.

And since everyone loves nicknames, let's call this page of the calendar "Slow-vember" because the 6th is the day when The Black Swans present us with Change!, their new knotty dose of creaky truths that comes at you like a snail with a giant brain. It's already getting the big buzz with Pitchfork and Stereogum wetting appetites with news and music. Pre-Orders shipping now! Most importantly, please check out the "making of" video on The Black Swans' artist page. "Where's my buddy Jerry?"

Oh, and Lewis & Clarke just recorded a Daytrotter session in Rock Island, Illinois, and The Black Swans have one on the books before the month is out. Fine folks, over there in Rock Island...Rocktober? Hmmm....Once again, this makes La-Soc say, "Dig the crystals."

Coming in 2008: Moon & Moon delivers a seven-act performance/musical theater piece, an epic tale of angst, hunger, tragedy, failure, and ultimately, hope. Strand of Oaks prepares to Leave Ruin and we are invited along...in the meantime, check out an exclusive Oaks EP and interview at Secret Stereo! Full lengths from Dragon Turtle and iDeath all on the way.

Addendum: In case you exist only in an isolated bubble of contemporary popular sub-culture and music critique, unaware of our global political climate, please peek at the situation in Burma and spread the word! The word is powerful, and it starts with each of us.

Viva La Soc!

September 2007


Lewis & Clarke have announced North American fall dates, including a tour with Brighton UK's finest, Bat for Lashes. We could not be more pleased with the pairing of such enchanting and spellbinding beauty. Blasts of Holy Birth is now available digitally, as well as climbing the CMJ charts and warming the hearts and souls of music lovers everywhere. Also, Stereogum's Brandon Stosuy caught up with Lou to discuss the finer points of balance...read the interview here.

The La Société Expéditionnaire über-official CMJ Showcase:
Join us on October 17th at Union Pool in Williamsburg Brooklyn: Moon & Moon, The Black Swans, Lewis & Clarke, Strand of Oaks and Dragon Turtle...more here.

Change! is the new album by The Black Swans, coming November 6. This record has had us nailed to the floor with our jaws wide open, drooling, and is bound to tug your heartstrings, and then some...Click the crystal and have a listen for yourself, and catch them live all over the place this fall.

Spring/Summer 2007

Lewis & Clarke's Blasts of Holy Birth
Shipping now! Streaming here! The response has been overwhelming...alas, words alone can do no justice, it simply must be experienced in context. Get on it, celebrate spring with this wonder of aural yoga.
Info, mp3, tracklisting, and order info on the releases page.

Strand of Oaks on the radio
While working out details of the upcoming Leave Ruin, Tim and his special guests performed a live session from Simple Folk Radio out of Brighton, UK. Listen to it here, on our new iMeem player.

The Black Swans phone it in
Tune in to the sound of grown men clad in undergarments and other peculiar attire as they hijack an Ohio University dorm room, acquire a shirtless music student to accompany them on "lead guitar", and perform the finest and most surreal set in the history of the program. From the belly of the beast, amongst brazen co-eds, and under the radar of campus security, The Black Swans perform live on Phoning It In.
"He's on a scholarship."

Busters Magazine
"Looks good in a pocket, take it on the bus, cool your eyes on a Busters Magazine."



More soon, including upcoming releases (see below) , tourdates, and witticisms, now back to the gardening...

Winter 2006

Dig deep, friends. Our crystal cluster is growing, and the glowing oracle is forecasting the arrival of many treasures in the form of limited edition vinyl, digital releases, Busters Magazine, and some amazing albums on the way from Lewis & Clarke, Strand of Oaks, and Moon & Moon. Read on...

"I'll keep touching myself"
Strand of Oaks' Timothy Showalter reveals all in Sister Evangeline. Has he cracked and gone too far, or is he merely presenting a character narrative? Perhaps both. Leave Ruin is the wonderful new album in mixing stages at One Forest, It is a beauty of an album which will take them out of the basement and into the civic arena before anyone can cry "Judas!"... In the meantime, you can get your dose of Oaks nectar in the form of a sweet split 7" with Dragon Turtle.


"Two sons? I have two sons?"
The pleading voice of a distressed mother quivers in disbelief during Act II of the workings from Moon & Moon, referred to by one ill-advised music critic as "an acid burnout (not, as rumoured, Devendra Banhart) fronting three percussionists, three keyboardists and a bassist making shockingly listenable hippie jams." This is one of the more amusing descriptions we have heard, and there has been quite a lot of misinformation and rumour surrounding this outfit, so here's to keeping the fake-tasters guessing. Feel free to investigate the concept for yourself, click the crystal...

Coming soon: less language, more music, online store, photo album, free downloads, space. Check back with us.