I'm pleased to announce an offshoot of this humble blog: Earvolution Records. I'm even more pleased and proud to announce that the first act signed to the new label is Philadelphia's Pawnshop Roses.

I first was introduced to Pawnshop when an Earvolution contributor featured a song here on the blog in 2005 and eventually met the band in May of last year, which resulted in recording a fun podcast interview. After getting to know the guys, I decided to approach them about signing on to my long planned label idea and now have reached an agreement to put out their first full length record.

The label will focus on music I like and will feature acts who deserve a wider audience. Artistic freedom, greater artist profit sharing and flexible, artist-friendly contracts will be the hallmarks of this new venture. For too long record labels have been acting like they are the ones with all the talent when in fact there wouldn't be a music industry without the remarkable music artists have been putting out over the years. Earvolution Records will respect that reality while fostering family-type relationships and a collaborative approach with Pawnshop and all future acts. Yes, I've already got some in mind...but first things first.

Pawnshop recently won the YouTube Underground contest for Best Live Video. The band appeared with the other winners on Good Morning America and since has been featured performers on Philadelphia's CBS and NBC TV affiliates. The band has also enjoyed support from Philadelphia radio on WMMR and Y-Rock on WXPN.

I anticipate the new Pawnshop record to be ready in March and a digital single to be released before then. The guys are working with producer and fellow musician Pete Donnelly, from the Figgs, and have been honing their already great live show, most recently with a killer set at the World Cafe Live this past Friday night. You can expect more of that in 2007 and beyond!

Labels: Earvolution Records, Pawnshop Roses