Posts Tagged ‘Mantis’


Featured Label: Brick Records Celebrates 100th Release – Moe Pope’s “Life After God”

Monday, July 19th, 2010

brickrecords allblack 300x138 Featured Label: Brick Records Celebrates 100th Release   Moe Popes Life After GodFounded in Boston, MA. in 1996, Brick Records has grown into an internationally known and acclaimed indie hip-hop label. While many indie labels have fallen – Brick has stood the tests of time and continues to persevere, break new ground, and release relevant material from both new and established artists.

Never will this be more evident than on July 27th when Brick will celebrate their 100th release- Moe Pope’s stellar solo LP Life After God. Brick remains true to form with this one as they continue to put out some of the best independent hip-hop around. From God Complex (Brick’s 1st release) to 7L & Esoteric, The East Coast Avengers to Statik Selektah and underground legends MF Doom, MF Grimm and Mr Lif, Brick boasts a discography to rival any indie label out there.

BRK100 couldn’t be a better release to celebrate what Brick is all about. Moe Pope and producer Rain have teamed up to make an instant underground classic. Produced almost entirely  (Headnodic does supply the last beat) by upstart beatsmith Rain (who has laid tracks for Masta Ace, REKS, Blacastan, Day Laborers and others), Life After God is what contemporary hip-hop should sound like; not scared to take chances sonically but with it’s roots firmly planted in traditional Boom Bap and Rock. Moe’s at the top of his game effortlessly floating over Rain’s beats with his smooth, conscious flow. The duo enlists the vocals of fellow Beantown legends Edo. G and REKS, Punk crooner Chris Talkin and live instrumentation from Crown City Rockers alums. The result is an incredibly complete and sonically compelling album. In an age dominated by iTunes singles and MP3s players Life After God is a true album. Put it in, press play and enjoy.

Grab the hot single “Rock Me I” here while you wait for Life After Death to drop:

321387 72 Featured Label: Brick Records Celebrates 100th Release   Moe Popes Life After GodMoe Pope
download icon Featured Label: Brick Records Celebrates 100th Release   Moe Popes Life After God “Rock Me I” (mp3)
from “Life After God”
(Brick Records)

icon landing page Featured Label: Brick Records Celebrates 100th Release   Moe Popes Life After God More On This Album

Grab a bunch more of Brick’s hot tracks after the jump…

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IODA Marketing’s Best of 2009 lists

Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009

As 2009 draws to a close it’s that glorious time for Best Of lists. Each member of the marketing team, both domestic and international, narrowed their favorite albums to a top 5 list plus one outstanding reissue. From Hyperdub’s 5th Anniversary compilation, Deer Tick’s alt-country sophomore release, We Were Promised Jetpacks’ rousing debut to The Monks’ lovingly researched reissue of Black Monk Time, these releases are all over the place and showcase a really eclectic year of releases.

Don’t miss the downloadable tracks at the bottom and stay tuned for the latest IODAcast featuring many of the artists included below!

Thanks and Enjoy!

cp thinbar IODA Marketings Best of 2009 lists

adam wwpjp IODA Marketings Best of 2009 listsAdam Rabinovitz- VP Marketing

1. We Were Promised Jetpacks- These Four Walls [Fat Cat Records]

2. A Sunny Day In Glasgow- Ashes Grammar [Mis Ojos Discos]

3. Deer Tick- Born On Flag Day [Partisan Records]

4. Bela Fleck- Throw Down Your Heart… [Rounder Records

5. Ultre- The Nest And Skull [Audiobulb Records]

Re-issue: The Monks- Black Monk Time [Light In The Attic]

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Beth 5 IODA Marketings Best of 2009 listsBethany Clayton- Marketing, UK

1. Various Artists- 5: Five Years Of Hyperdub [Hyperdub Records]

2. Brother Ali- Us [Rhymesayers Entertainment]

3. Bass Clef- May The Bridges I Burn Light The Way [Blank Tapes]

4. Felt- Felt 3: A Tribute To Rosie Perez [Rhymesayers Entertainment]

5. The Orb- Baghdad Batteries [Malicious Damage]

Re-issue: The Gun Club – Death Party [Cooking Vinyl]

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christ liquidstranger IODA Marketings Best of 2009 listsChristophe LeBreton- Marketing, France

1. Imaad Wasif- The Voidist [Tee Pee Records]

2. Oumou Sangare- Seya [World Circuit]

3. Liquid Stranger- The Intergalatic Slapstick [Interchill Records]

4. Deer Tick- Born On Flag Day [Partisan Records]

5. Boo Boo Davis- Ain’t Gotta Dime [Black and Tan Records]

Re-Issue: not specified

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craig BMSR IODA Marketings Best of 2009 listsCraig O’Neill- Marketing Account Manager

1. BadboE- Break The Funk [Auditorydesigns]

2. Black Moth Super Rainbow- Eating Us [Graveface Records]

3. The Prodigy- Invaders Must Die [Take Me To The Hospital]

4. The Phenomenal Handclap Band- The Phenomenal Handclap Band [Friendly Fire]

5. Big Boss Man- Full English Beat Breakfast [Blow Up]

Re-issue: Various Artists- Disco Loco, Vol. 1 [LocoBop]

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Elijah Souls IODA Marketings Best of 2009 listsElijah Carroll- Marketing Coordinator

1. We Were Promised Jetpacks – These Four Walls [Fat Cat Records]

2. Mantis – Still Life [Brick Records]

3. Megafaun – Gather, Form & Fly [Hometapes]

4. Souls of Mischief – Montezuma’s Revenge [Hieroglyphics Imperium]

5. Tommy T – The Prester John Sessions [Easy Star]

Reissue: The Roots – Organix [Groove Distribution]

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250585 72 IODA Marketings Best of 2009 listsGreg Beshers – Director of Marketing

1. Willie Nelson, Asleep at the Wheel – Willy and the Wheel [Bismeaux Records]

2. John Doe And The Sadies – Country Club [Outside Music]

3. The Phenomenal Handclap Band – The Phenomenal Handclap Band [Friendly Fire Recordings]

4. General Elektriks – Good City For Dreamers [Quannum Projects]

5. Tinariwen – Imidiwan: Companions [World Village]

Reissue: Rail Band – Belle Epoque Vol. 3: Dioba [Sterns]

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248309 72 IODA Marketings Best of 2009 listsJillian Putnam-Smith- Programming Manager

1. Here We Go Magic – Here We Go Magic [Western Vinyl]

2. Choir of Young Believers – This is For the White in Your Eyes [Ghostly International]

3. Ultre – The Nest and the Skull [Audiobulb Records]

4. Sleepy Sun – Sleepy Son [ATP Recordings]

5. Bear in Heaven – Beast Rest Forth Mouth [Hometapes]

Reissue: Milton Nascimento – Travessia [Dubas Musica]

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287255 72 IODA Marketings Best of 2009 listsMai Sasaki- Marketing, Japan

1. Céu – Vagarosa [Six Degrees]

2. Madeleine Peyroux – Bare Bones [Rounder Records]

3. General Elektriks – Good City for Dreamers [Quannum Projects]

4. Abigail Washburn & The Shanghai Restoration Project – Afterquake [Undercover Culture Music]

5. Tinariwen – Imidiwan: Companions [World Village]

Reissue: Milton Nascimento – Travessia [Dubas Musica]

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277308 72 IODA Marketings Best of 2009 listsMatt Wright- Marketing Account Manager

1. Here We Go Magic – Here We Go Magic [Western Vinyl]

2. Ecstasy & Friends – Lone [Werk Discs]

3. Various Artists – 5: Five Years of Hyperdub [Hyperdub]

4. Yura Yura Teikoku – Hollow Me / Beautiful [Death From Abroad

5. Jega - Variance (Volumes 1 & 2) [Planet Mu]

Reissue: The Monks – Black Monk Time [Light in the Attic]

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284503 72 IODA Marketings Best of 2009 listsOzgur Okter- Senior Manager, Marketing

1. Ancestors – Of Sound Mind [Tee Pee Records]

2. Astra – The Weirding [Rise Above Records]

3. Baroness – Blue Record [Relapse Records]

4. Cave – Psychic Psummer [Important]

5. Shrinebuilder – Shrinebuilder [Neurot]

Reissue: Ofege – Try And Love [Academy LPs]

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263370 72 IODA Marketings Best of 2009 listsRobert Litsen- Marketing, Scandinavia

1. Miss Li – Dancing the Whole Way Home [National]

2. The Prodigy – Invaders Must Die [Cooking Vinyl]

3. Ane Brun – Changing of the Seasons [Determine Records AB]

4. Florence Valentin – Spring Ricco [Startracks]

5. Pauline – Never Said I Was An Angel [Tri-Sound]

Reissue: The Hellacopters – Supershitty to the Max [MNW]

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270720 72 IODA Marketings Best of 2009 listsTara Cuesta- Marketing, Spain

1. Matt & Kim – Grand [Artwerk Music]

2. Vic Chesnutt – At the Cut [Constellation]

3. Wojtek Godzisz – Wodjtek Godzisz [Tigertrap Records]

4. Bettina Koester – Queen of Noise [Asinella Records]

5. Apse – Climp Up [ATP/Recordings]

Reissue: Blue – Another Night Time Flight [Demon]

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259945 72 IODA Marketings Best of 2009 listsWe Were Promised Jetpacks
download icon IODA Marketings Best of 2009 lists “Ships With Holes Will Sink” (mp3)
from “These Four Walls”
(Fat Cat Records)

icon landing page IODA Marketings Best of 2009 lists More On This Album

 IODA Marketings Best of 2009 lists

283208 72 IODA Marketings Best of 2009 listsBrother Ali
download icon IODA Marketings Best of 2009 lists “Us” (mp3)
from “Us”
(Rhymesayers Entertainment)

icon landing page IODA Marketings Best of 2009 lists More On This Album

 IODA Marketings Best of 2009 lists

281463 72 IODA Marketings Best of 2009 listsLiquid Stranger
download icon IODA Marketings Best of 2009 lists “Soundboy Killa” (mp3)
from “The Intergalactic Slapstick”
(Interchill Records)

icon landing page IODA Marketings Best of 2009 lists More On This Album

 IODA Marketings Best of 2009 lists

263548 72 IODA Marketings Best of 2009 listsBlack Moth Super Rainbow
download icon IODA Marketings Best of 2009 lists “Born On A Day The Sun Didn’t Rise” (mp3)
from “Eating Us”
(Graveface Records)

icon landing page IODA Marketings Best of 2009 lists More On This Album

 IODA Marketings Best of 2009 lists

284536 72 IODA Marketings Best of 2009 listsTommy T
download icon IODA Marketings Best of 2009 lists “The Response (featuring Gigi)” (mp3)
from “The Prester John Sessions”
(Easy Star Records)

icon landing page IODA Marketings Best of 2009 lists More On This Album

 IODA Marketings Best of 2009 lists

250585 72 IODA Marketings Best of 2009 listsWillie Nelson, Asleep at the Wheel
download icon IODA Marketings Best of 2009 lists “Hesitation Blues” (mp3)
from “Willie And The Wheel”
(Bismeaux Records)

icon landing page IODA Marketings Best of 2009 lists More On This Album

 IODA Marketings Best of 2009 lists

248309 72 IODA Marketings Best of 2009 listsHere We Go Magic
download icon IODA Marketings Best of 2009 lists “Fangela” (mp3)
from “Here We Go Magic”
(Western Vinyl)

icon landing page IODA Marketings Best of 2009 lists More On This Album

 IODA Marketings Best of 2009 lists

280056 72 IODA Marketings Best of 2009 listsMilton Nascimento
download icon IODA Marketings Best of 2009 lists “Canção do Sal” (mp3)
from “Travessia”
(Dubas Musica)

icon landing page IODA Marketings Best of 2009 lists More On This Album

 IODA Marketings Best of 2009 lists

254916 72 IODA Marketings Best of 2009 listsThe Monks
download icon IODA Marketings Best of 2009 lists “Monk Time” (mp3)
from “Black Monk Time”
(Light In The Attic)

icon landing page IODA Marketings Best of 2009 lists More On This Album

 IODA Marketings Best of 2009 lists

279058 72 IODA Marketings Best of 2009 listsVic Chesnutt
download icon IODA Marketings Best of 2009 lists “Chain” (mp3)
from “At the Cut”
(Constellation)

icon landing page IODA Marketings Best of 2009 lists More On This Album

 IODA Marketings Best of 2009 lists

265630 72 IODA Marketings Best of 2009 listsAbigail Washburn & The Shanghai Restoration Project
download icon IODA Marketings Best of 2009 lists “Sala” (mp3)
from “Afterquake”
(Undercover Culture Music)

icon landing page IODA Marketings Best of 2009 lists More On This Album

 IODA Marketings Best of 2009 lists

Review: Mantis

Tuesday, July 7th, 2009

By: Elijah Carroll

271671 72 Review: MantisMantis
Album: Still Life
(Brick Records)
icon landing page Review: Mantis More On This Album
Genre: Hip-Hop : Rap
Release Date: 7/21/09
UPC: 765481500233
Territory: World

“Possibly one of Canada’s freshest offspring of the love triangle between funk, soul, and hiphop, rapper/producer Mantis is the essence of urban music personified.” -from Mantis Myspace

Highly melodic beats bump as Mantis deftly spits his intelligent yet accessible lyrics with the skill of a seasoned veteran. From the opening bars of Still Life it’s clear there’s a new force in Hip Hop coming to us from north of the border.

“Born on the 16th of September 1984, Mantis embodies the love of music passed down to him from his father, a guitarist in a local blues outfit and organizer of many celebrated jazz, blues, and funk festivals in the Southern-Ontario city of Kitchener/Waterloo. First picking up the drumsticks, then the microphone, then finally mastering the art of music production at the Trebas Institute in Toronto, Mantis represents the finest in hiphop culture in all that he creates.” -from Mantis Myspace

Having already produced tracks for the likes of JD Era, Shad K and Point Blank, Mantis is no newcomer to the up and coming Canadian hip hop scene. His track “I Don’t Like To” was the lead single to Shad K’s 2008 Juno Award nominated album – The Old Prince. With guest appearances on Still Life supplied by Rufus John, Justis, Hajah Bug and others there’s no doubt that Mantis in the middle of the freshest hip hop coming out of Canada today. Unfortunately for Mantis and his collaborators, Canadian hip hop still faces a huge challenge when breaking into the American market. Only a few Canadian hip hop artists such as Kardinal Offishaal have achieved any success in America.

Though firmly rooted in the present Mantis sound is more mid-90′s new school than current day. His combination of live instrumentation, soulful samples and melodic flow fit more closely with The Roots than Lil’ Wayne. His Lyrics are thoughtful and well crafted without becoming overly wordy. Mantis is clearly steeped in hip hop history and has an amazing sense for blending the past and present. Likewise he carefully toes the line between indie and mainstream referencing and even partially quoting Jay-Z while also sampling Common. From the classic soul samples of “You Don’t Know” to the musical layering on “Bounce Back” Mantis displays production talent to match the best in the industry. Combine this with his cool melodic flow and you have the best up and coming rapper/producer since Kanye West.

Mantis has already opened up for Canadian hip hop’s biggest star Kardinal Offishaal as well as the K-Os, Jeru the Damaja, and CL Smooth. His talent is undeniable and his craft is clearly honed and ready. The question is whether or not the hip hop world is ready for Mantis. The answer is yet to be determined, but one thing is clear: It is time for American hip hop fans to look to the north and embrace our Canadian neighbors.

Current Priorities: July

Tuesday, July 7th, 2009

current priorities big Current Priorities: July

WWPJP 150x150 Current Priorities: July We Were Promised Jetpacks
“These Four Walls”

Fat Cat Records
Genre: Rock : Indie
UPC: 600116997227
Territories: North America, Australia
Release Date: 7.7.09
Opening with a lone guitar line that itself has all the momentum of entire genres crammed into a single set of chords, We Were Promised Jetpacks’ These Four Walls – signifies a debut album that has the sort of peerlessness and potential to stand as a mainstay and luminary of indie music in the 21st century.

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chrisG 150x150 Current Priorities: July Chris Garneau
“El Radio”

Absolutely Kosher
Genre: Indie : Pop-Folk
UPC: 653225008322
Territories: North America, Australia
Release Date: 7.7.09
El Radio is Chris Garneau’s follow-up to his acclaimed debut Music For Tourists. There is a poignant melancholy and bold sincerity throughout all of Garneau’s music, those qualities are augmented by a playfulness in his melodies and arrangements.

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keletigui 150x150 Current Priorities: July Keletigui et ses Tambourinis
“The Syliphone Years”

Sterns
Genre: World : African
UPC: 740042303126
Territories: US, Canada
Release Date: 7.13.09
Whether it was with songs about incest and suicide, or through those praising a fruit-juice company, Keletigui et ses Tambourinis were at the heart of Guinea’s state-sponsored musical explosion in the 1960s and 70s. These two albums tell their story – a story that’s as vital and relevant today as it was then.

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rainbow 150x150 Current Priorities: July Rainbow Arabia
“Kabukimono”

Manimal Vinyl Records
Genre: Alternative : Alternative Rock
UPC: 879198003397
Territories: World
Release Date: 7.20.09
The second release from Los Angeles duo, Rainbow Arabia comes in the form of Kabukimono. This 7 track album features 5 new recordings and 2 remixes of classic tracks from their 2008 debut, The Basta. Recorded between a grueling tour schedule with fellow exotic spice beat-makers, Gang Gang Dance.

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Mantis1 150x150 Current Priorities: July Mantis
“Still Life”

Brick Records
Genre: Hip-Hop : Rap
UPC: 765481500233
Territories: World
Release Date: 7.21.09
“Possibly one of Canada’s freshest offspring of the love triangle between funk, soul, and hiphop, rapper/producer Mantis is the essence of urban music personified.” -from Mantis’ Myspace

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Dengue 150x150 Current Priorities: July Dengue Fever (featuring Inara George)
“Radio Dance Floor”

Genre: Indie : Dance
M80
UPC: 844185036900
Territories: US
Release Date: 7.14.09
Radio Dance Floor transports Dengue Fever from their customary sound of psychedelic 60s Cambodia straight onto the late 70s New York Studio 54 dance floor, with the inclusion of the remix of “Clipped Wings” from Secret Circuit.

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freshonlys 150x150 Current Priorities: July The Fresh & Onlys
“The Fresh & Onlys”

Howells Transmitter
Genre: Indie : Pop
UPC: 844185094900
Territories: World
Release Date: 7.14.09
San Francisco’s next great band The Fresh and Onlys have turned out a fantastic new record riddled with 60’s psych Tambourine jams, contemporary garage rock classics, and formidable pop sensibilities.

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cso 150x150 Current Priorities: July Chicago Symphony Orchestra
“Daphnis et Chloé”

CSO Resound
Genre: Classical : Orchestral
UPC: 810449019064
Territories: World
Release Date: 7.14.09
The Chicago Symphony Chorus takes center stage in two gorgeous French works from the twentieth century on CSO Resound’s newest release. The 150-voice choir, under the direction of Chorus Director Duain Wolfe, sings Poulenc’s effervescent update of the Latin Gloria with astonishing sensitivity and is the orchestra’s dynamic equal in Ravel’s ballet showpiece.

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