A visionary, vision is scary, could start a revolution
Pollutin’ the airwaves, a rebel, so let me just revel and bask
In the fact that I got everyone kissin’ my ass
[“Without Me” - Lyrics by Marshall Mathers]
Billboard Magazine listed your President as 1 of 10 “Indie Innovators who are taking risks and reaping the rewards”. I don’t know about the rewards part, but I do know this is a tip of the hat to the entire Last Gang crew that consistently take it in, turn it out, and set it loose! These records don’t just get out there by themselves.
Festival season is upon us. As I write, I am flying back from Crystal Castles’ performance at Glastonbury. They played a blistering set on the John Peel Stage at about 7PM on the closing night of the festival. Thanks to the BBC, you can watch it here. There is something about this band that makes them different. When Death From Above 1979 broke up, I thought we’d never capture it in a bottle again; but with Claudio and Alice, I think we have: real danger, real oddity, real spontaneity, real soul. In addition to CCs’ worldwide exploits, MSTRKRFT, Tiga, Boys Noize, Chromeo and Metric are all playing at festivals throughout the summer – you can check our Myspace page for the detailed listings.
The Last Gang Records “Us Against The World” NXNE party went off with a bang. Terry Lynn had the room packed for her early set…and our firecracker from Kingston, JA didn’t disappoint!! Let’s Go To War exploded onto the stage and showed us all why MIA recently tapped them as openers on her tour. And O’Luge played an epic set that was 5 years in the making. Nearly everyone left the party with free Last Gang garb, vinyl or sampler CD’s….and for one lucky winner, a custom LGR iPod Nano! – (if you missed it, check www.lastgangrecords.com for a chance to win!). Prepare yourself in La Belle Province….we are planning the Pop Montreal version of “Us Against the World”, featuring LGTW, Terry Lynn, a new signing from Moscow (yeah, Russia!)…and some other special guests – stay tuned!
Get ready for the first official release from Let’s Go To War. We are dropping a 12” in August featuring Burn Down The Disco and Whole City’s Got a Cold. Our fine friends at Beatsource are going to help us blast it out to the world. Check out the video that makes you wish you were IN the band. DJ Cirkut and crew are busy mixing and mastering their debut masterpiece…take it from me, it’ll be worth the wait. Have I ever lied to you before? For a sneak peak, check them out at the Rogers Picnic in Toronto on July 20th.
While in Toronto for our NXNE party, Terry Lynn spent the week hitting hot spots with her LG escort Scooter….jumping up on stages, rocking the mic, and melting dance floors. This girl’s got energy. She’s going to take you boys to school and teach you what it’s really like to be tough, be smart, and be sexy. Big up to FADER for running the first North American feature on Waterhouse’s finest. Keep your eyes open for Terry’s first proper 12” featuring Kingstonlogic and various remixes – available on July 22nd through iTunes and July 29th at fine record shops (Canada/US).
As promised, Mother Mother have posted a few new songs on their Myspace….check it out and see how the non-Electro side of Last Gang lives. MM have put together a Pixies meets Beach Boys blend with lush harmonies, intricate guitar parts, and truly world-class word play. Their album is scheduled for physical release on Sept 16th in Canada and the US (…iTunes a week earlier). We just shot the video for “Oh My Heart” (the title single) and it’s going to be a beauty! I’ll have tour date announcements and other exciting news as things continue to move alone. We are all really excited to share their new record with the world!
Those Crystal Castles dates across the U.S. last month will be talked about for a long time. Reports of huge line ups in New York and over-stuffed crowds everywhere else. I told everyone that would listen
that this was going to be a significant band that would grow an audience….I guess the proof is now in the pudding. Just wait for album #2!! Thanks to mtvU for their continued support – watch for the premiere of a new video in August.
Chromeo is busy making music….performing at festivals everywhere it seems…..and still making time for the important stuff – like playing with the kids on Yo Gabba Gabba! and starring in their new AOL reality show Chromeo and Juliet. All of that and Fancier Footwork too? Never stops for Dave and Pee.
O’Luge’s Movements drops Sept 2nd (Canada/US)…you can check out album tracks here featuring Ken Booth and Citizen Cope. All of that and we still have Metric and MSTRKRFT albums to come….maybe this year if we are lucky.
But who needs luck when you’re riding with the visionary huh?
Your President.
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