under the spire recordings

Under The Spire tees.

2012-01-23T21:20:00.001Z

Designed by Jake Blanchard. Discharge screen-printing on Gildan Ultra tees. Available soon from the UTS website for £11 plus shipping. Limited to 40.

Concessionaires - Artificial Interface: pre-order now

2012-01-13T20:48:00.000Z

Head over to the website to place a pre-order for the new Concessionaires (Brad Rose & Pete Fosco) LP. All those pre-ordering will get the record at a discounted price.

http://www.underthespire.co.uk/concessionaires-artificial-interface/
Concessionaires- Artificial Interface by Under The Spire

2012

2011-12-18T09:09:00.000Z

Concessionaires - Mirrorshades by Under The Spire
Must Never Catch It by Quicksails

Both releases available early 2012 on UTS. Check out www.underthespire.co.uk for details closer to the time.

Spire 046

2011-12-04T21:55:00.000Z

Spire 047

2011-11-29T16:26:00.005Z

Refractor Video

2011-11-10T21:09:00.002Z

Here's a video of the track Polarising Alogorithms from the Locus Suspectus LP. Available to order soon.

Refractor - Polarizing Algorithms from Refractor on Vimeo.

Record Collector Interview

2011-11-04T16:27:00.000Z

I'm interviewed in the current issue of Record Collector. Buy a copy and save it as it'll be worth thousands in the future.

Avant Archive / Black Eagle Child Free Form Freakout Podcast

2011-10-16T20:39:00.000+01:00

We recently had a chance to speak with Michael Jantz who runs the Avant Archive label out in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Over the past year, Jantz has honed a very distinctive and instantly recognizable visual aesthetic for the label, while building up a catalog with an impressive range of sounds. In addition to his work with Avant Archive, Jantz has also been an active player within underground tape trader circles for several years now, having put out numerous releases of his own as Black Eagle Child on such reputable labels as Stunned, Digitalis, Housecraft, and many others. We aired our recent phone conversation with Michael on this week's show, where we discussed his work with both Avant Archive and as Black Eagle Child, and we played several tracks from each respective discography.

Black Eagle Child “Crandon” Lobelia CD (Preservation)
(Interview segment)
Emuul “Without Looking Back” Waiting For Winter (AA004CS)
Sean McCann “Along A River” Mammoth Mountain (AA009CS)
Rogue Cop “A1” Act of Violence (AA013CS)
Horse Marriage “Pee-Chee” b/w "Lay Your Hands on Me" 7” (AA014VII)
(Interview segment)
Excavacations “The Sine III” Afternoon Future CS (AA008CS)
Bret Schneider “$dimpl” Model of a Garden Scene With Watering Can CS (AA010CS)
HMS “Belle River” (excerpt) Cascades (AA012CS)
(Interview segment)
Black Eagle Child “I Am A Bunny” Pages On A Plane LP (Under the Spire)**
Black Eagle Child “Roscoe Running” split w/ Donato Epiro LP (Blackest Rainbow)
Outro Music: Black Eagle Child “Stole” Poland CD-R (Sturmundrugs)

Avant Archive Feature by Free Form Freakout

Spire 044 pre-orders soon..

2011-10-16T08:48:00.003+01:00

Refractor - Polarizing Algorithms by Under The Spire
Refractor - Polarizing Algorithms by Under The Spire

Danny Paul Grody live

2011-10-15T21:25:00.000+01:00

It's a gig!

2011-10-13T08:18:00.002+01:00

2011-10-06T11:10:00.001+01:00

Refractor - Undulating by Under The Spire

Black Eagle Child Review

2011-09-27T15:20:00.000+01:00

Pages On A Plane Review here.

Spire034 is still available to buy here.

2011-09-19T07:45:00.001+01:00

Refractor - Polarizing Algorithms by Under
The Spire

Refractor - Locus Suspectus [spire045]

2011-09-19T07:44:00.002+01:00

Refractor - Polarizing Algorithms by Under
The Spire

Steven Hess + Christopher McFall Pre-Order

2011-09-13T10:55:00.000+01:00

Now available for pre-order is the collaboration between Steven Hess and Christopher McFall. Should start shipping in the next 2 weeks. Hess+McFall pre-order

"The Inescapable Fox"

I think I speak for Steven and I both when I make mention of the fact that a great deal of the materials used to create this release stemmed from a mutual interest in working with taped (analog) recordings. So, when we began working together we started by sending analog recordings back and forth by mail. Most of my recordings are done on treated tape, whereby the binder material is subjected to hydrolysis prior to the recording phase. Steven recorded some of the more sound/precussive elements for the inescapable fox on some of my tapes and his as well. He sent them to me and I began editing the material from there. I've been working with piano, voice and field recordings for some time now, so I tailored these source recordings specific to the tracks on the release.

As far as ideologies are concerned, we approached the collaboration process thematically in order to attempt to focus our work for this release. The initial concept for release centered around the thoughts of the interface between light and dark (the specific mention relating to the collision of these two absolutes). This notion of absolutes brought to a stage of possible compromise made me think a bit about Greek mythology, specifically about Laelaps (the hound never failed to catch whatever it was that he was hunting) and his rival the Teumessian fox that could never be caught. 'The Inescapable Fox' seemed to allow for a resolution of the two.

Steven Hess is a drummer and sound modifier presently located in Chicago, USA. He's an active member of Locrian, Ural Umbo, Cleared, Haptic, and On (w/Sylvain Chauveau), and has collaborated with the likes of Christian Fennesz, Pan American, Stefan Németh (Radian), David Daniell, and Robert Hampson to name a few.

Christopher McFall is an experimental composer/sound artist based in Kansas City, USA. His primary interest involves the concept of arranging analog source audio to serve as a gateway for experiencing visual environments, whereby the resulting recordings translate into soundtrack of spaces specific to each listener. The methodology behind Christopher’s workings involves the use of piano, phonograph, saxophone and field recordings captured on chemically treated/decaying audio tape recordings that are then layered and further manipulated in a digital format.

Steven Hess + Christopher McFall - The Inescapable Fox

2011-09-06T08:40:00.000+01:00

Steven Hess / Christopher McFall - Track I by Under The Spire
Steven Hess / Christopher McFall - Track IV by Under The Spire

Steven Hess + Christopher McFall - The Inescapable Fox

2011-09-03T08:59:00.000+01:00

Spire 042 + New Tee's

2011-08-28T09:02:00.000+01:00

Back from honeymoon and slowly starting to get back on top of things. All orders received over the last 4 weeks will be sent out this coming week.

Now available to order is the Super Awareness Is Fruit 12" EP from Mr Paul Dickow aka Strategy. Pressed in an edition of 200 clear vinyl in PVC sleeve. Soft, strong and very long ; )
Check out the Soundcloud page for samples of the A and B sides.

Also available this week is the new UTS tee designed by Mr Dan Mohr. Black print on Dark Heather Guldan Ultra tee's. These will make you look a million dollars, in used notes...
Sizes S/M/L/XL and a very very limited number of a ladies tee available in lilac. Drop me an email if any of you are interested in grabbing one for your better half/mistress/stalking victim.

The 12" is available to order right now, tee will be available in the next couple of days or drop me an email to the usual address and I'll get it sorted for you as I'm nice like that.

Next up will be albums from Refractor and hopefully a reissue of the first Good Stuff House album on lovely black vinyl.

www.underthespire.co.uk

Mike Shiflet on UTS

2011-07-13T22:29:00.002+01:00

UTS will be releasing The Choir, The Army by Mike Shiflet in late 2011/early 2012.

Steven Hess | Christopher McFall - The Inescapable Fox

2011-07-11T15:49:00.001+01:00

Steven Hess | Christopher McFall  
"The Inescapable Fox"

LP
 
orsa  (side A)
i
ii
iii
 
fin. (side B)
iv
v

Coming autumn 2011 on Under The Spire Recordings.

New UTS logo.

2011-07-04T18:50:00.001+01:00

Huge thank yo to Dan Mohr for the design. Will be availale soon as a tee.

Strategy - Super Awareness Is Fruit 12"

2011-06-09T12:31:00.003+01:00

Strategy - Super Awareness Is Fruit - EDIT by Under The Spire

New Releases

2011-06-08T12:34:00.000+01:00

SPIRE042

SPIRE034

Textura Review Sound People and Matt Christensen

2011-06-01T09:30:00.000+01:00

Matt Christensen - A Cradle In The Bowery
Sound People - Teatime

Both titles are available now from Under The Spire Recordings

Padang Food Tigers in Cambridge

2011-05-29T20:05:00.000+01:00

The Local proudly presents David Thomas Broughton wiith guests Padang Food Tigers, and Joe Rubini, an evening of beautiful and experimental folk music visions...

Tickets £9 on the door or £7.50 in advance from: http://thelocal.tv/listings/gigdetails/1-jun-11-david-thomas-broughton-the-portland-arms/

The Portland Arms

129 Chesterton Road

Cambridge, United Kingdom

Zelienople at Rodan this Wednesday (Free Show)

2011-05-21T13:58:00.000+01:00

It's been quite awhile since our last local show but we're finally leaving our subterranean world to play a benefit for CHIRP this coming Wednesday at Rodan. We'll be attempting new material which is very quiet, fragile and sparse - completely unfit for a loud Wicker Park bar.

Wednesday, May 25th
Rodan, 1530 N. Milwaukee Ave.
No Cover
10pm Zelienople

thanks,
Mike

Black Eagle Child - The Lost Button

2011-05-20T13:12:00.000+01:00

Black Eagle Child - The Lost Button by Under The Spire

Spire 034

2011-05-18T19:28:00.001+01:00

After the release of Fire Star by Myrmyr there will be an album from Michael Jantz aka Black Eagle Child.
Pages On A Plane will be released in a limited edition of 200 copies on marbled/splatter vinyl.

More news soon.

Myrmyr - Fire Star

2011-05-16T13:08:00.000+01:00

The sophmore release from Agnes Szelag and Marielle Jakobsons (Darwinsbitch/Date Palms) aka Myrmyr.
Following on from their first album, The Amber Sea on Digitalis in 2009 this new album was recoded on Shasta Mountain in April 2010.
Recorded by The Norman Conquest and mastered by Myles Boisen. It’s an album of astonishing fragile beauty and darker, more foreboding atmospheres.

The CD in 2 panel wallet is ONLY available directly from the label and is shipping now.
All pre-orders for the vinyl will include a FREE copy of the CD.
Vinyl ships in 2 weeks approx.

150 CD/200 vinyl.

Now available to order from the UTS online store

BBC review of Born Music

2011-05-11T08:03:00.000+01:00

http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/8f5c

Still available from the UTS shop

UTS on Wax!

2011-05-03T20:40:00.002+01:00

Now available to order on the UTS website are Spire040 and 041 on both CD and futuristic black vinyl.

http://underthespire.co.uk

Spire040 CD is available now, vinyl is due to ship May 10th.

Spire041 CD and vinyl should be shipping by the end of the month, hopefully sooner.
The CD will only be available directly from the label and is limited to 150 copies. Vinyl 200.
Initial vinyl pre-orders will also get a copy of the CD so act fast if you'd like both formats.

Spire 040: Matt Christensen - A Cradle In The Bowery

"Matt Christensen of Chicago’s premier pastoral bliss inducers Zelienople ventures out on his own with this triumphant set of dedications to his young daughter. Siphoning strains of melancholic Americana through the trancelike prisms of groups such as Spaceman 3 and Galaxie 500, he creates swirling vistas on tracks such as mesmeric opener Someday I Won’t Matter that’ll be familiar to his group’s many admirers. But elsewhere Christensen pares back the layers to reveal this beautiful album’s emotive, breathing core, baring pellucid folk patinas that recall everyone from Nick Drake to Damon & Naomi, all shrouded in Christensen’s distinctive, nebulous veil.

Featuring contributions from Type head honcho/Xela stud John Twells, as well as post-production wizardry from Pete Jørgensen, A Cradle In The Bowery marks a milestone in the catalogue of the burgeoning Under The Spire imprint and documents a pivotal stage in Christensen’s own personal journey and continuing evolution as an artist."

Words: Spencer Grady.

Spire041: Myrmyr - Fire Star

The sophomore release from Agnes Szelag and Marielle Jakobsons (Darwinsbitch/Date Palms) aka Myrmyr.
Following on from their first album, The Amber Sea on Digitalis in 2009 this new album was recoded on Shasta Mountain in April 2010.
Recorded by The Norman Conquest and mastered by Myles Boisen. It's an album of astonishing fragile beauty and darker, more foreboding atmosphere'e. My words really don't do it justice, please head to the Shop to hear samples and purchase a copy.

Yes at last, it's the end of yet another tiresome blog post. I can only apologise.

Mike Weis - Loop Current/Raft

2011-04-20T21:56:00.000+01:00

Mike Weis, the drummer/percussionist from Chicago's Zelienople has a solo album coming soon on the always great Barge Records. First bit of info over at the Barge website now.
Looks like it'll be a vinyl-only release, should be a good one!

Spire041: Myrmyr - Fire Star

2011-04-07T20:16:00.000+01:00

1 Hot Snow 1 by myrmyr
2 Hot Snow 2 by myrmyr
3 Hot Snow 3 by myrmyr

Fire Star will be available soon on CD and vinyl.

Padang Food Tiger's Support Felix in London

2011-04-06T17:13:00.001+01:00

Where: Betsey Trotwood
Date: Thursday 21st April, 2011. 7.30PM
£5 entry

FELIX
Felix will play an exclusive set comprising new material as well as some never-been-heard covers. They released a delectable debut LP on Kranky (Deerhunter, Tim Hecker) last year and are in the process of writing their follow-up record. Lucinda will be armed with a keyboard to accompany her instantly recognisable, mesmerising hushed vocal style.

Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InGXitpprUE

Read:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/bqvh
http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/13637-you-are-the-one-i-pick/
http://drownedinsound.com/releases/14756/reviews/4138219

PATRICK WALKER
If you've listened to the seminal Warning or the newly-formed 40 Watt Sun, you will be no stranger to Patrick's affecting vocals. He will be playing a rare acoustic set so expect original songs as well as covers. 40 Watt Sun's debut record, 'The Inside Room', is a genuine masterpiece and its emotional resonance is unparalleled. Lovers of Sun Kil Moon and Low won't be disappointed. Not to be missed.

Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IEvmtSxfuI

Read:
http://www.doom-metal.com/reviews.php?album=1983

PADANG FOOD TIGERS
Spencer and Steve are members of London drone outfit Rameses III (Type Records). This is their first live outing under the Padang moniker. Influenced by the likes of Loren Connors, Scott Tuma and Boxhead Ensemble, this set of improvised folk promises to be a wonderful exploration in the vein of their banjo-tinged debut LP, 'Born Music', that both Under The Spire and Blackest Rainbow understandably opted to release.

Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhDirO102EM

Read: http://www.underthespire.co.uk/releases-buy/padang-food-tigers-born-music/

Available now: Matt Christensen (spire040)

2011-03-31T10:10:00.000+01:00

I am proud to announce that the CD version of A Cradle In The Bowery by Matt Christensen is now available to order.

This is Matt’s first solo outing from his day job as Chicago’s Zelienople. Think Zelienople’s Pajama Avenue as a starting point heading off into early Spiritualized. And then some.
300 CD copies in digipack and 300 vinyl in full colour sleeve.
There will be a vinyl version available in a few weeks time. For those wanting to buy both the CD and vinyl drop me an email as there will be a special offer for those wanting both formats. This will only run until the vinyl becomes available so get on it.

Please drop me an email at underthespire [at] gmail.com if you wish to order both formats.

Matt Christensen - Someday I Won't Matter by Under The Spire
Matt Christensen - Daddy by Under The Spire

The Silent Ballet interview Ous Mal

2011-03-31T10:08:00.000+01:00

Ous Mal interview

Sound People - Awesome Oolong

2011-03-10T21:12:00.001Z

Sound People - Awesome Oolong by Under The Spire

Available now:Under The Spire

Padang Food Tigers on Late Junction tonight.

2011-03-09T11:56:00.000Z

Radio 3's Late Junction features music from Padang Food Tigers this evening.

Info here

Sound People available now

2011-03-08T12:32:00.000Z

Teatime by Sound People is now available and shipping out. Order here!

Jesse Johnson and Paul Dickow, collectively as Sound People, present Teatime, a document of their multiple sessions of sonic exploration during 2008 and 2009. Fueled by countless cups of high-powered exotic teas, these vivid and lush recordings reveal the two friends united in their search of new dubbed out sound worlds on the fringes between ambient coasting and rhythmic syncopations.
Johnson, who records new bass music as GULLS for his Boomarmnation label, met Dickow (aka Strategy) through Johnson’s membership in the Evolutionary Jass Band, whose first album was released on Dickow’s label Community Library. Teatime reveals their immediate comfort with music that is improvised completely fresh - the recordings were recorded live in single takes – and with a no-rules approach to their instrumentation - live-processed hand percussion, analogue percussion synthesizers and noise makers (Dickow) and live processed trumpet, mini keyboards, mbira, and tape echos (Johnson).
The resulting electric soup is a cascade of echoes and sonic silhouettes, gestures in search of a dubbed out dream space in between drum velocity, serene trumpets, and dub’s open spaces. Pop it up in your headphones and fire up a hot cup of oolong or pu erh for maximum effects.

Matt Christensen - A Cradle In The Bowery

2011-03-06T14:54:00.000Z

Couple of sample's from Matt's forthcoming solo album.
Available soon on vinyl and CD.
Matt Christensen - Someday I Won't Matter by Under The Spire
Matt Christensen - Daddy by Under The Spire

Grouper & Zelienople on Tour..

2011-02-23T21:35:00.000Z

Jendon / Foisy / Weis at Enemy

2011-02-23T20:52:00.000Z

If any of you folks are near Chicago I strongly suggest you check this out.

Hi, just a quick message to let you know that I will be playing with Neil Jendon and Andre Foisy (from Locrian) this Friday night at Enemy in Wicker Park.

Date: Friday, February 25 at 9:00pm - February 26 at 12:00am
Location: Enemy, 1550 N. Milwaukee Ave., 3rd Floor, Chicago, IL

More Info
REPTILE WORSHIP - noise/experiment from WI
FOISY / JENDON / Mike Weis (Zelienople)
HATE BASEMENT/PYRRHIC THANATOLOGY MONGER - chicago harsh noise collab with PTM Jim (BONGRIPPER, CASTEVET)
WINTERS IN OSAKA II - j. soliday and o. gonzalez of Winters in Osaka II

Facebook Invite

thanks,
Mike

Sound People available to order

2011-02-14T15:57:00.000Z

Teatime by Sound People is now available to order from the UTS website.
Should start shipping out by early next week.

Spire040

2011-02-08T21:29:00.000Z

Spire038

2011-01-29T09:56:00.000Z

Sound People - Awsome Chai/Crispy Tail by Under The Spire

Boduf Songs - Absolutely Null And Utterly Void

2011-01-24T20:29:00.000Z

Boduf Songs - Absolutely Null And Utterly Void by Under The Spire

Track taken from forthcoming CD album This Alone Above All Else in Spite Of Everything.
Available for pre order here.

Boduf Soungs European Tour 2011

2011-01-24T08:55:00.001Z

Times is hard huh? Yessir, oh boy, everybody vying for your dollars like you don’t have yr own bills to pay and hungry little childrens to be feeding, and what with little Jimmy getting the sickness last winter things have been tougher than ever, the doctor’s bills keep on coming and meanwhile that pay raise from back in ’02 is just an embarrassing memory, how you had to beg and cry for that pittance, it’s a downright shame, a sorry state of affairs it is, yes indeed, things is tight all over son, tight all over.

But wait... what’s this? Boduf Songs plan to play a tour of Europe, bringing their woeful tales of despair to the huddled continentals? Where is my wallet?! Fetch up my money belt and eBay the goddamn family heirlooms, they is frickin’ ugly and cluttering up the place anyways, and I always loathed that golden phallus bequeathed by old Aunt Elsie. Dirty old Elsie.

And so... we, the aforementioned Boduf Songs, have organised a tour in mainland Europe, but as it eventuates, the operation is going to cost a pretty penny - not least because of lost revenues from day jobs which afford no paid time off, plus the hiring of some sort of automotive transportation, and of course the airfare from the Americas to the motherland. In all sincerity, any financial assistance offered will be received with extreme amounts of gratitude and love and also some stuff. Did I say ‘extreme’? i meant to say “X-TREEM TO THE M-F MAX.” Really.

The latest Boduf Songs album, "This Alone Above All Else In Spite Of Everything" was released by Kranky in 2010, and will be issued on CD by Under The Spire sometime very soon.

Thanks for reading.

http://www.bodufsongs.com/

http://www.kranky.net

http://www.underthespire.co.uk/

http://www.kranky.net/artists/bodufsongs.html

http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/14630-this-alone-above-all-else-in-spite-of-everything/

Sound People - Awesome Chai/Crispy Tail

2011-01-23T21:25:00.002Z

Track taken form forthcoming album Tea Time. Available Spring 2011 on UTS.

Sound People - Awsome Chai/Crispy Tail by Under The Spire

Fluid Radio review Boduf Songs

2011-01-23T11:34:00.000Z

Boduf Songs Review

Boduf Songs available for pre-order

2011-01-22T12:11:00.000Z

You can now pre-order spire039 over on the UTS website. Will be shipping in the next 2 weeks or so, won't be available in the shops for at least 6-8 weeks.

http://www.underthespire.co.uk/releases-buy/boduf-songs/

Zelienople at Abbey Pub

2011-01-20T09:01:00.000Z

Here's a message from Mike Weis of Zelienople.
"
Hi everyone, please join us this Friday night as we headline an incredible bill of Chicago's finest music. This will be our first show with our new Zelienoplian, Dan Mohr. Dan's been recording new material with us for a couple months now but this will be his stage debut as keyboardist/backing vocalist for Zelienople. We'll be trying out some of this new material and we even have a bit of visual element this time around, just something to make The Abbey Pub a little more cozy.

We've hand-picked some stunning artists to round out the rest of the evening. Implodes are a recent Kranky signing - "a special new band". Chris Connelly is a veteran of the scene, formerly of Revolting Cocks / Ministry but since the turn of the century he's had a classy solo career that veered off in a completely different direction. And Locrian just might be the best band this town has seen since Naked Raygun!

The Chicago Reader gave us a nice Critic's Choice write-up in this week's issue. Check it out here.

A night not to be missed.

Friday, January 21st

Abbey Pub, 3420 w. Grace St.

8pm doors open

8:30 Implodes

9:30 Locrian

10:15 Chris Connelly

11pm Zelienople

thanks,

Mike

Spire039

2011-01-19T20:56:00.002Z

Trish Keenan RIP

2011-01-15T11:34:00.000Z

I heard the sad news yesterday that Trish Keenan of Broadcast had passed away due to complications of pneumonia. A terrible loss to the world of music and an even greater loss to her friends, family and loved ones. Her amazing voice will be deeply missed.

Nothing gold can stay

2011-01-13T11:13:00.002Z

A good friend of mine has recently published his first book of photography. It's printed on high grade heavyweight paper with a hardback cover. I got a copy for Christmas and think its excellent, do yourself a favour and grab a copy.
I'm hoping to use some of Dan's work for UTS cover art at some point in 2011. Below are details on how to get hold of a copy.

Limited edition book ''Nothing gold can stay'' Black and white photographs of my travels over the last 10 years. 30 copies only, 160 page hardcover, top quality paper. Every copy is signed dated and numbered and comes with a limited edition 7x5 print which is also signed and numbered. £45 with free UK postage.

website- www.danwoodphoto.com

Facebook group page- http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dan-Wood-Photography/106706626053202

Good news, bad news.

2011-01-02T19:19:00.000Z

Unfortunately Zelienople will no longer be releasing Old Ways To Nowhere on UTS in 2011.
They will however be releasing New York, a companion piece to Hollywood. This album will be similar to Hollywood in that it will consist of two 20 minute tracks. Moer news on that soon.

Matt Christensen's solo album 'A Cradle In The Bowery' will still be released as planned on CD and vinyl in the first quarter of 2011.

Finally, Zelienople have had their website redesigned by the new member of the group, Dan Mohr.
Have a look here

Last few copies.

2010-12-14T12:03:00.000Z

I've dug out some copies of the following, most are down to 1 or 2 copies so get in fast if you want them.

Jasper TX - A Voice From Dead Radio
Ian Hawgood - Live Performances, Japan 2009
Aaron Martin/Part Timer - Grass Rewound
Pillowdiver - Tony Rides A Bike

Drop me an email at underthespire@gmail.com if you want something or even to ask for something that's sold out.

Website Problem

2010-12-13T09:26:00.003Z

It appears that the website hasn't been working for the last few days. Hopefully this will be sorted out as soon as possible.

In the meantime, if you'd like to order any releases please drop me an email at underthespire@gmail.com and I can sort you out with any musical goodies you'd like.

Nothing says 'I Love You' at Christmas more than a CD from UTS ; )

Sound People

2010-11-22T11:00:00.002Z

Sound People aka Paul Dickow (Strategy) and Jesse Munro Johnson (Gulls) will release their debut album in spring 2011 on UTS.

“This recording is drawn from multiple sessions of sonic exploration. The focus of these sessions was on live processed percussion (Dickow), and live processed trumpet, mbira, and bells (Johnson). Resulting in lush and vivid sonic maps full of topography and vibrance. Perfect as an early morning wake up soundtrack, pop it up in your headphones and lay in the grass.

Improvised completely fresh and fueled by countless cups of high powered exotic teas, this represents the best sounds from the first sessions. More to come”

-SOUND PEOPLE

More info and sound samples coming soon.

New Zelienople album on the way.

2010-11-21T12:22:00.001Z

I'm happy to announce that Chicago's Zelienople will make a return to under the spire in 2011.
Old Ways To Nowhere will be available early next year in 4 panel digipack on glassmastered CD.

ibreathefur: Limited copies available

2010-11-18T12:37:00.003Z

You can now buy the sold out EP from the ibreathefur website.

Don't hang about as these are the last copies.

Demo's

2010-11-14T19:43:00.002Z

I am now accepting demo's for 2011 releases. Please drop me an email at underthespire @ gmail.com.
Please don't think your music has to fint into the ambient/drone genre, I'm open to pretty much anything.

Chris

Zelienople - Something Wrong And Right

2010-11-03T21:52:00.000Z

I have unearthed some copies of Spire035X, the business card release that came with the reissue of Hollywood.
It will cost UK:£4/EU/£4.50/ROW:£5

If you would like to buy a copy please drop me an email at underthespire[at]gmail.com

Segue and ibreathefur available to order

2010-10-25T11:53:00.000+01:00

Spire031 and 032 are now available to order over on the UTS website.
They will both start shipping out in around a weeks time.
ibreatheFUR-Things Have Changed Places by Under The Spire
Segue-A Different Point Of View by Under The Spire

ibreathefur - Everyday You Look Different

2010-10-21T21:39:00.000+01:00

Everyday You Look Different will be available to order very soon.

Segue - A Different Point Of View

2010-10-21T21:36:00.000+01:00

After what seems like forever Jordan Sauer's EP as Segue is finally ready for release. Its been a long time coming but I hope you think it was worth the wait. It will be available very soon to order on the Under The Spire website.

Rameses III play Leeds tomorrow!

2010-10-13T21:28:00.000+01:00

Rameses III play the Howard Assembly Rooms in Leeds supporting Murcof tomorrow evening (Thursday 14th).
Perhaps have a beer beforehand and make a night of it, that's what I would do. Maybe a curry afterwards, treat yourself. You only live once eh?

More info here.

Spire031 and 032

2010-10-12T21:48:00.000+01:00

Spire031: Segue - A Different Point Of View
3" CD-R in 3" specific recycled card packaging with photo & vellum paper inserts. Limited to 100 copies.
Segue-A Different Point Of View by Under The Spire

Spire032: ibreathefur - Everyday You Look Different
5" CD-R EP in ink stamped recycled card 4 Panel wallet with photo & vellum paper insert. Limited to 100 copies.
ibreatheFUR-Things Have Changed Places by Under The Spire

Both releases will be available to order very soon. There will be a specal offer for those who order both at the same time. More news soon...

Spire037X: P Jorgensen - Palimpsest (For Strings)

2010-10-11T21:47:00.000+01:00

There are a very limited number of this business card release now available from the artist directly.
Please drop an email to p [at] clangtint [dot] net.

Padang Food Tigers - Born Music Special Offer

2010-10-06T20:47:00.000+01:00

You can now order a copy of the Padang Food Tiger’s - Go Down, Moses CD single for a special price with all pre-orders of Born Music.
This price is only applicable for those pre-ordering the album.
Anyone who has already ordered and would like to take advantage please drop me an email and I can sort it out for you.

Pre-order Born Music here .

Rameses III and Murcof Leeds Date

2010-10-05T21:00:00.000+01:00

Rameses III support Murcof at Leeds Howard Assembly Room on October 14th 2010.

Tickets are available here.

You will be able to buy copies of their recent EP on Under The Spire at the show, or you can still pick up a copy for the UTS website where it's now on sale.

Padang Food Tigers - Born Music available to pre-order

2010-10-04T21:37:00.002+01:00

The debut album from Padang Food Tigers is now available to pre-order from the Release/Buy page.
Born Music is the work of Stephen Lewis and Spencer Grady of Rameses III.
I can honestly say this is one of my absolute favourite releases so far on Under The Spire and I’m extremely happy to be finally releasing it.
Born Music will be released in November 2010 in full colour digipack on glass mastered CD. 250 copies only.
All orders from UTS will be sent out well before release date, hopefully in around 2 weeks if all goes to plan.

Click here to pre-order Born Music.

It will also be released on vinyl in extremely limited numbers by Blackest Rainbow, it’s available for pre-order right now on their website.

Padang Food Tigers - Every Heaven I've Ever Seen by Under The Spire
Padang Food Tigers - Up Beat Hummer by Under The Spire

Padang Food Tigers - Born Music

2010-09-29T09:27:00.000+01:00

Spire033 will be released November 2010 in an edition of 250 copies in matt finished digipack.

Stocking Under The Spire Recordings CD's

2010-09-15T11:40:00.002+01:00

If you own a record store or know a record store who would like to stock UTS releases please get in touch.

underthespire[at]gmail[dot]com

Spire036: Upward Arrows

2010-09-13T20:47:00.000+01:00

The next release on UTS will be an album from John McCaffrey under the new guise of Upward Arrows. Here are a few words from John.
“The tracks on Upward Arrows were made especially for Under The Spire – the name Upward Arrows is an allusion to the thousands of church spires that pepper the world, all pointing upwards like arrows aimed at the sky.
Instead of giving Chris an album of ‘Part Timer’ material, I wanted to do something different; something that fit with my understanding of the UTS sound and which was still linked to my music as Part Timer. Looking through the files on my hard drive, I found lots of sounds from collaborative pieces I had done recently and many partially completed tunes. I started to combine snatches of these sounds with field recordings, recorded some new parts and assembled 10 tracks that felt right together.
I suppose I have tried to merge my folkier-electronic leanings with a relatively recently developed interest in drone and modern classical music. I think Upward Arrows captures my developing awareness of these other genres without trying too hard to change what it is I normally do.
Anyway, I hope you like it.
John”
Release date is October 4th. You can pre-order a copy now on the release/buy page and receive your copy well before the official release date.
Upward Arrows - ^^ by Under The Spire
Upward Arrows - ^^^^^^^ by Under The Spire

P Jorgensen UK Tour

2010-08-31T21:42:00.000+01:00

Peter will be touring in support of his upcoming album on Under The Spire through September. Dates are below.

2010.09.22
@ The Packhorse, Leeds, UK
w/ Ithaca Trio & Relmic Statute

2010.09.23
@ Birchcliffe Centre , Hebden Bridge,UK
w/ Seasons (Pre-Din) & Ithaca Trio

2010.09.24
@ Nexus Art Cafe, Manchester,UK
w/ Seasons (Pre-Din) & Operations

2010.09.25
Live Set @ Exotic Pylon on Resonance FM

2010.09.26
Recluse all-dayer @ The Wilmington Arms, London, UK

If your anywhere near any of the shows do youself a favour and head down. Peter will have limited copies of his UTS business card release for sale at the gigs.

Soundtrack_Remix will be released September 22nd and is available to pre-order now from Under The Spire Recordings.

Spire036

2010-08-30T09:53:00.000+01:00

Reviews

2010-08-29T14:04:00.000+01:00

P Jorgensen at Fluid Radio

Padang Food Tigers at Derives

P Jorgensen - Soundtrack_Remix is available to pre-order now.

Padang Food Tigers - Born Music will be released Autumn 2010 on Under The Spire Recordings.

Upwards Arrows [spire036]

2010-08-27T13:10:00.000+01:00

Upwards Arrows - ^^ by Under The Spire
Upwards Arrows - ^^^^^^^ by Under The Spire

Upwards Arrows aka John McCaffry aka Part Timer (!) will release a full length album on UTS in October 2010.

Summer Sale!

2010-08-25T21:54:00.000+01:00

Head over to the Release/Buy page where I’ve knocked a few quid off everything (apart from Spire035 & 037). Don’t hang around as stock is pretty limited. Once they’re gone they’re gone. NO represses!

Under The Spire Interweb Corner Shop

Padang Food Tigers - Born Music [spire033]

2010-08-25T14:19:00.000+01:00

Padang Food Tigers - Born Music (spire033) by Under The Spire

Padang Food Tigers is the project of Rameses III members Spencer Grady and Steven Lewis. They follow up the Go Down, Moses EP with this full length released autumn 2010 on Under The Spire.

Spire037 available to pre-order

2010-08-22T20:31:00.003+01:00

Soundtrack_Remix by P Jorgensen is now available for pre-order on the Release/Buy page. Official release date is September 22nd but will be sent out before the release date if ordered directly from UTS. As previously mentioned this will be a 2 CD set in 6 panel offset printed cover with booklet.

Disc one is the original score from the documentary ‘Kim’, a film about a Danish resistance fighter in WWII. Strings were provided by Mr Peter Broderick on several tracks.
The second disc contains remixes from some amazing artists as listed below.

Will Long
Pawn
Rameses III
Machinefabriek
Chris Herbert
Seasons (Pre-Din)
Peter Broderick
Jasper TX
Jefre Cantu-Ledesma
Greg Davis

Under The Spire Recordings

Autumn releases

2010-08-09T16:51:00.000+01:00

Coming up before the end of the year will be full albums from the following:
Padang Food Tigers
Upwards Arrows (aka John McCaffrey-Part Timer)
P Jorgensen (pre-orders available soon)

There will also be EPs from Segue and ibreathefur coming up very soon in very limited numbers (100 copies each).

P. Jorgensen - Soundtrack_Remix

2010-07-15T21:11:00.002+01:00

As previously mentioned Under The Spire will release a 2 x CD album by P. Jorgensen in September. One disc will be tracks taken from 'Kim', a documentary about a Dutch resistance fighter in WWII. Strings were provided by Mr Peter Broderick on several tracks.
The second disc contains remixes from some amazing artists as listed below. Its an incredible lineup and myself and Peter are very proud to have them work on the project.

Will Long
Pawn
Rameses III
Machinefabriek
Chris Herbert
Seasons (Pre-Din)
Peter Broderick
Jasper TX
Jefre Cantu-Ledesma
Greg Davis

Remix_Soundtrack will be released in 6-panel offset printed wallet by Stumptown Printers on glass mastered CD's.

Peter Jorgensen: Soundtrack_Remix by Under The Spire

Summer Break

2010-07-13T19:09:00.000+01:00

I will be taking a little break from label activities for 4 weeks to spend some time with the family. There will be no orders sent out between July 20th and August 20th. Any order received between these dates will be delayed untill August 22nd when I will start sending stuff out again.
Will be back in September with Autumn releases from Peter Jorgensen, Shaula, ibreathefur and Segue.
Cheers everyone for your support, have a great summer whatever you do. Wear suncream and make sure you don’t get dehydrated, ok?

Fluid Radio review Hollywood

2010-07-04T07:37:00.000+01:00

Opening in a deluge of drone, this re-release of Hollywood by Zelienople, sets the listener off on a path of self-discovery in a freakish netherworld; an alternate reality populated by slow-moving disco balls and an ethereal orchestra performing in an underwater, labyrinthine orchestra pit…
The bright lights and elegance associated with “Hollywood” are slowed down, every single sound is brought to the forefront and then returned to the back, the nuances exist in microscopic detail with dirt and grime visible; the underbelly is apparent and the listener is engulfed almost immediately with every creak and shutter.

These two long form tracks (each running around 20 minutes), “Misty” and “Drug Legs”, which were originally released on separate 3” cdrs, come together to form one cohesive yet unsettling work. On “Misty”, after the band has worked themselves into a frenzy, amid the din of crashing symbols, the cacophony of bleating horns and kitchen sinks strewn about, the bottom seems to fall out and the remaining pieces float to the ground.

This transcendent ending moves nicely into “Drug Legs,” which shifts gears abruptly as free-jazz motifs amble around disjointed noise brimming below the surface. Zelienople really have a knack of creating unexpected movements, shifts in tone or mood, and generally leading the listener askew, down unfamiliar paths into uncharted territory. Further in, the free-jazz motifs become muffled and even more obtuse, the underwater aura surrounding much of the recording breaks apart, and frenetic synthesizer chirps allow the piece to shift into an entirely different movement.

Zelienople have once again created an excellent work that marries the unsettling with the unclassifiable. After countless releases, the trio of Brian Harding, Matt Christensen, and Mike Weis continue to craft wonderful pieces that sound fresh and original, and unlike anything else. – Review by Michael Vitrano for Fluid Radio.

Fluid Radio

Hollywood is still available with limited business card CD from here .

ibreatheFUR-Phosphenes

2010-07-01T10:22:00.000+01:00

You can download the new Ep from ibreatheFUR over on the Audio Gourmet website right now.
Chris' EP for Under The Spire will be available in September/October 2010.

Spire035 & 035x available to order

2010-06-16T20:33:00.000+01:00

The reissue of Hollywood by Zelienople is now available for order over on the website.
There will be a limited number of business card CD’s available containing a brand new Zelienople track called Something Wrong And Right.
This business card release is only available when you order directly from UTS.
Official release date is July 5th but I hope to start sending out at the end of this week.

Under The Spire Recordings

Spire037x

2010-06-13T21:14:00.000+01:00

Available very soon.....

Spire029: Ian Hawgood-Live Performances, Japan 2009

2010-06-10T10:34:00.000+01:00

This album is now available to order over on the Under The Spire website

Ian Hawgood-Piece For Shruti Box/Piece For Wind Chimes (edit) by Under The Spire

Jasper TX-A Voice From Dead Radio

2010-06-08T12:06:00.002+01:00

I have found a few spare copies of this release, if anyone would like to buy a copy please drop me an email at underthespire [at] gmail [dot] com

Peter Jorgensen: Soundtrack_Remix (forthcoming album on UTS)

2010-06-04T11:45:00.000+01:00

Soundtrack_Remix by p jørgensen

Zelienople-Hollywood (spire035): Release date July 5th

2010-06-04T10:51:00.001+01:00

The Silent Ballet review Wreaths and Rameses III

2010-06-02T20:59:00.000+01:00

The Silent Ballet: Wreaths review

The Silent Ballet: Rameses III review

Fluid Radio review Wreaths

2010-06-01T17:50:00.000+01:00

Wreaths is the moniker of Michael R Donaldson. He creates experimental music with a variety of instruments and techniques and has an idiosyncratic approach to capturing the ideas which reside in his head.

Like Sparks From Throats Falling opens with ‘Nautical Almanac’. The track begins with long drones and electronics. Slowly building, the effect is mesmerising, then suddenly everything falls away into the abyss, ending with hushed tones, a hint of what’s to come.
‘O! Like Falling Snow’ proffers a more melancholic mood, with plaintive guitar playing backed by mournful strings. The piece is sublime and the delicate guitar feels like it may falter and fall apart at any moment, the fragility lending emphasis to the beauty present.
‘Through Winter On Foot’ finds the guitar holding centre stage again. This number feels a little more upbeat, the guitar being mixed with long tasteful minimalist drone, the two parts complementing each other beautifully. Once the guitar stops, the drone continues virtually unaccompanied for the rest of the song, slowly fading out into silence. This is minimalism at its best, sparse arrangements serving to highlight the beauty of Donaldson’s songwriting.
One of the standout tracks on this astounding album is ‘He Skulked Behind A Curtain’, with drones again providing undertones for the beginning of the track, this time sounding dark and ominous. Donaldson then introduces beautiful, fragile guitar, somewhat reminiscent of Bonnie Prince Billy. Except while the American troubadour complements his guitar with heartfelt singing, this Newcastle native uses subtle drones in the place of vocals and is none the poorer.
The album closes with ‘Cervine’, a beautiful piano based ballad, centred around a simple repeating progression that will move the listener with its pure, genuine and heartfelt emotion. There’s such depth here that one is compelled to return to each track multiple times, with each repeated sitting revealing another layer of sound meticulously woven.
Like Sparks From Throats Falling is a truly eclectic collection of sounds with a plethora of arrangements, instruments and ideas, all impeccably executed. This is a challenging, intelligent album that will demand your rapt attention and is all the more rewarding for it.
Released May 31st on the consistently excellent Under The Spire label in a run of 250 copies, on glass mastered pro CDs, in recycled cardstock wallet.

Review by Adam Williams for Fluid Radio

Purchase through Under The Spire here
Soon through Experimedia here
www.myspace.com/wreathstaperecordings
www.underthespire.co.uk

Papercutz-Do Outro Lado Do Espelho (Lylac Ambient Reworks)

2010-05-30T10:31:00.000+01:00

Some friends of UTS have contributed some fine remixes to this project, info below.

A breathtaking set of ambient-styled reworks of the last :papercutz album Lylac. Do outro lado do espelho, translates from the Portugese as “on the other side of the looking glass.” A reworking of Miguel's world still holds dear the gorgeous female vocals which ride across marimbas, pianos, and inspired electronics. Each track is uniquely reshaped by renowned contributors from the worlds of ambient, electronic and microsound genres.

Full artist list and line-up:

- Taylor Deupree (12k)
- Jasper TX (Miasmah, Fenetre Records)
- Chris Bissonnette (Kranky)
- Helios (Type Records)
- Emanuele Errante (Apegenine recordings / Somnia)
- Rameses III (Type Records)
- The Astroboy (Test Tube/Cobra)
- Autistici (12k / Kesh / Audiobulb Records)
- Feu Follet (Ex Ovo)
- Simon Scott (Miasmah / Kesh)
- He can Jog (Audiobulb Records / Home Normal)
- :papercutz (Apegenine / Audiobulb Records).

Available now on CD & Digital Download. http://www.audiobulb.com/albums/AB029/AB029.htm

:Papercutz interview at Tokafi http://www.tokafi.com/15questions/interview-pap...

:Papercutz / Helios video http://vimeo.com/11688354

Audiobulb Records
Exploratory Music
http://www.audiobulb.com

Rameses III are hot shit...Wreaths is full of paganist instrumentals!

2010-05-28T18:26:00.000+01:00

Not my opinion, the good folk of Norman Records have decided to put For José María into this weeks 'hottest shit'. Cheers lads! Below is their lovely revew for the EP that still available directly from UTS.

"Who could fail to be touched by the gorgeous ambience on show here given the backstory? Conceived as a tribute to Jose Maria Bellido (an apparently ambitious, talented pianist and athlete stricken with a debilitating case of diabetes) and featuring his daughter performing in tribute, it seems the sort of release that really deserves more time and thought than I'll probably be able to give it. All I can really say is that this 20-odd minute track is beautifully put together, combining breathy drones in a Celer sort of style with field recordings, processed vocals and piano playing that somehow manages to be strong in sound, yet fragile in content totally gets you 'right there'. It's really not difficult to imagine an awful lot of deep, thoughtful moments being soundtracked by this release once it trickles out into people's homes."

They also had some kind words for Like Sparks From Throats Falling. They think UTS is still 21, its always nice when people think your younger than you are. Well it is at my age anyway...

"Today's big news is Under the Spire is 21! 21 releases old! This pro-mastered baby is a discette that begins with a big stately, ever-building drone & calming cosmic tones. Along the way we encounter a woozy Alexander Tucker-esque paganist instrumental and psychedelic industrialisms, meditative post-rock textures & shimmering guitar atmospherics amongst other popular contemporary minimalist styles. One to submerge your consciousness into via some quality headphones....Nice work! Mastered by the ever eager Ian Hawgood.

Still available from UTS.

Have a great bank holiday weekend you hip young gunslingers...

Zelienople-Hollywood (spire035)

2010-05-27T16:51:00.000+01:00

The reissue of Hollywood should be up for order and shipping out early next week. The official release date is July 5th so order directly if you'd like your copy right now. It is released on glassmastered CD in printed 4-panel wallet by Stumptown Printers.

Under The Spire

Padang Food Tigers review on Audio Gourmet

2010-05-25T11:18:00.001+01:00

PADANG FOOD TIGERS - "Go Down, Moses"
Another excellent release from the ever consistent Under The Spire label; here we are treated to a three track E.P from a relatively unheard of artist. That is what has been so fantastic about Under The Spire as a label - label owner Chris has been selecting a blend of established artists such as Rameses III, Zelienople and Jasper TX and releasing their work alongside new and relatively unheard of talent. Here with Padang Food Tigers' release, we have a record in the latter category.
This painfully short E.P is evidence that there is still a wealth of superb artists emerging in the scene and things are as healthy as they have ever been. 'Go Down, Moses' opens with the title track , which fuses field recordings with banjo and piano composition. Secondly, 'Wandering Souls' is the track that was originally posted on Under The Spire's Soundcloud account and is a track that sums up the overall demeanour of the E.P - short, sweet and breezy. Closing the record is 'Corn Stem King', my personal favourite piece. More delicate, relaxed instrumentation with an ending that closes using environmental field recordings.
This is just how I like my music - raw and acoustic with the subtlest of electronic treatment. I've been enjoying this all month and if there are any copies left lying around - I strongly suggest you get one purchased. I wonder whether the Padang Food Tigers will be releasing a full album...?

Audio Gourmet Blog

Cheers Harry!

Spire021 available to order

2010-05-21T10:33:00.001+01:00

After a slight delay I finally have copies ready for Like Sparks From Throats Falling by Wreaths.
Its one of the best things I think I've released on the label so far.
Official release date is May 31st but orders placed on the UTS website will start shipping out tomorrow. Get a copy here.

Wreaths-Through Winter On Foot by Under The Spire
Wreaths- Ribbons, Like At The Nape Of The Neck by Under The Spire