With CC firmly rooted, what’s next you may ask…hmmm….keep reading.

There isn’t a more dangerous part of the world than Waterhouse, Kingston (Jamaica).  Last Gang’s, Terry Lynn is slowly gaining attention.  The New York Times says “Stark, merciless electronic beats ricochet like gunshots around Terry Lynn on her debut album”.  CMJ, XLR8R, Spin and Pitchfork have also highlighted our new darling from JA.  We dropped her debut “Kingstonlogic 2.0” on September 23 in Canada and the US.  With its eminent international release, the album will soon begin to make waves in Jamaica, the UK, Europe and elsewhere.  Our partners at Phree have loaded us up with remixes, photo books, and some other good stuff…..all will come out in due time.  Her Kingstonlogic 12” features mixes by Olivier Giacomotto and John Acquaviva (available on Beatport and iTunes).  The full length has cracked the Top 50 at CMJ.  Her debut video for “System” premiered on Pitchfork.tv.  Though our friends in television land loved the video, it was a bit too hardcore for the masses…..or so standards says.  This much was expected though….we didn’t want to dilute the message.  Watch for video #2 in the months ahead.  We are busy confirming loads of press in what seem to be all the right places – people are really taking the record seriously and we are grateful for it.

The next “big thing” on the Last Gang roster is bound to be Mother Mother.  Their new video for “Oh My Heart” now also has an amazing “Making Of” video that MUST be watched.  The special effects on this video are mind-boggling.  (It’s all still pictures….seriously.  I know…WTF?!?)  Special thanks go to Colin Minihan and crew for pulling it together.  MuchMusic has been spinning the video since we delivered it and MTV2 play listed it for their Halloween Subterranean special in the USA.  CMJ has the album holding in the Top 25….making it’s way up.  Their Pop Montreal performance was awe-inspiring and their 2 slots at CMJ were packed to the rafters.  They recently sat in for a performance/interview on CBC Radio’s Q – you can check out the podcast here.

Our favourite sons from Montreal, Chromeo, keep travelling around the planet bringing their funk to the masses.  It’s almost time for them to hunker down in the studio and work on their next album….so catch them now while you can.  They just appeared on Late Night with Conan O’Brien…..with a full string section!…..check it out if you missed it.

We are so happy to announce that The New Pornographers frontman, AC Newman, has delivered his newest solo album, “Get Guilty”, which we will be releasing in Canada this coming January.  Let’s Go To War are nearly finished their album.  Tiga is nearly finished his album….have you heard “Mind Dimension” yet?  Metric are finished their album.  MSTRKRFT are finished their album.  We expect all of these to be out in early 2009.  We’ve also unearthed a couple of new gems that we are in the process of signing up.

It will be an amazing 2009…

Believe me.

I haven’t lied to you yet.

Your President.

Surreal

__________

Bob Lefsetz

The Lefsetz Letter – August 7, 2008

http://www.lefsetz.com/lists/?p=subscribe&id=1

This month we are proud to present no fewer than 3 new videos from our scruffy kids for your viewing pleasure.  We have an amazing slate of new acts to talk about and some of the blossoming flowers that are continuing to grow our gang.

Terry Lynn has just finished her video for “System”, a troubling commentary on the history and increased focus on violence and gun culture in her motherland of Jamaica.  See the exclusive debut on Pitchfork.tv.  Folks in Rexdale, the Bronx or South Compton think they have it bad (and they do some days) but there are parts of Jamaica that are damn frightening.  While tourists tan on the beaches and hotel owners stock crates of cash in offshore banks, the youth of Jamaican ghettos are left without optimism and turn to guns and drugs and, eventually, the grave with potential unrealized and without hope regained.  This video documentary – “Guns, Votes and Money” – provides some enlightening and disturbing perspective.  Through her music and art, Terry is shining a light on the violence afflicting many parts of JA.  Her debut album, titled Kingstonlogic 2.0, drops Sept 23 through Last Gang/Phree Music.  For those that can’t wait, we have put together an exclusive digital version of the album that will release through iTunes Sept 16^th (includes the album tracks, bonus remixes, Kingstonlogic video and digibook featuring lyrics and images from acclaimed Jamaican photographer Peter Dean Rickards of The Afflicted Yard).

Spin Magazine is featuring our beloved Crystal Castles this month over a spectacular 8 page spread.  Ethan and Alice are continuing to define the times (even their wardrobe is making news).  In addition, they just finished a new video for Crimewave that debuted on mtvU last week.  If you haven’t seen it, dial into MTV Subterranean on Sept. 11^th and see the Bruce Labruce directed vid in all it’s glory… minus the scenes we had to cut to clear standards (if only we could show you the original ending).  The band continues to be a MySpace phenom – now nearing 10 million views.  They are playing festivals around the world this fall, including Reeperbahn and Iceland Airwaves, all before heading back to North America for more live dates in late October.  The Nine Inch Nails shows were a success – much respect to Trent for the supporting nod.  We hear rumors of a remix album for the holiday season…as long as they don’t set themselves on fire, we should be fine.

Everybody knows “Maneater” by Hall & Oates….but what about some of those tastier oldies??? Chromeo, yeah Chromeo, recently hung out with Darryl Hall in a barn somewhere to kick out the motherfuckin’ jams!  Check it out here.  The positive reviews keep pouring in about their live sets around the world.  Dave and Pee will be hitting Canada for a few select dates in October.  Now let’s hope “Momma’s Boy” climbs the charts and the video makes its way to a TV near you – until then, you can see it here.

Electro this. Electro that.  Turbo is helping us to burn the trail yet again with a monstrous digital compilation, aptly titled “Turbo and Last Gang Present: Superamerica”.  This bomb drops Sept 9^th in Canada and the US and features some classic recordings alongside some new tracks from artists including Proxy, Boys Noize, D.I.M., ZZT and Rainer Werner Bassfinder (or RWB as we like to call him – or is it “a him”???).  Check the “Ghetto Town” track by Dilemn…..loud…..trust me (your neighbors won’t know what hit them).  For anyone wanting to get initiated or others just looking to turn the party out and impress their friends – this is the collection for you.  Sure you could spend 3 days searching online for all these tracks for free, but why bother?  Turbo is wrapping up the much awaited Omnidance featuring all new tracks from…..well, basically everyone……I’ll have more for you next month.

I’m happy for Mother Mother.  They are such a wonderful and hardworking group.  Their new video for “Oh My Heart” is debuting very soon – check back to www.lastgangrecords.com for updates.  The anticipation for their new album is palpable.  O My Heart releases Sept. 23 in Canada and the US.  They’ve just announced a slew of North American tour dates.  Come out and see/hear incredible wordplay, amazing musicianship and spellbinding vocal harmonies.

This week alone I’ve had 3 people tell how much they love the tracks on the new O’Luge album, Movements.  It warms my heart.  I think this could be our sleeper album of 2008.  The more people hear it the more it is going to circulate.  Sometimes “a hit” isn’t found on MTV or Pitchfork or your big local radio station.  Amazing production, dense rhythms, killer musicians…and guest spots from Citizen Cope and Ken Boothe! – makes for a great record that we are really proud of.

All of this and we still have new music coming from Metric, MSTRKRFT and Tiga very, very soon.

Last Gang. Keeping it good since 2003.

Your President.

__________

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 20^th.

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 22^nd through iTunes and July 29^th 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 16^th 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 2^nd (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.

__________

Perfect timing for a celebration it would seem…. No better way than to finally be throwing an official Last Gang Records showcase!  Join us Thursday, June 12^th at Wrongbar in Toronto to witness some of the newest and brightest acts coming out on Last Gang this year: Terry Lynn, O’luge and Let’s Go To War.  All the way from Orlando, South Rakkas Crew will wrap it up with a DJ set that will last until 4AM – just about as long as our liquor license.  We’ve got limited edition vinyl and t-shirts to giveaway…..plus, for one lucky winner, a custom Last Gang Records ipod!  The last LG showcase introduced MSTRKRFT to the masses……this one will be equally as epic.  Join us.  We are planning future parties for Pop Montreal (we love that festival) and CMJ – both in October. Stay tuned.

I want to send a public “thank you” to Pinky who has re-designed our website to coincide with the launching of this next era of the company.  She put it all together for us from Australia (if you can believe it) while caring for her newborn son Danger.  I picture her with the kid in some kind of breastfeeding holster….bumping his head occasionally while searching for the perfect pantone color…. watching kangaroos bounce by the window with wallabies poking out of their pouches and a half-case of Vic Bitter sitting by her on the floor.  Don’t get me wrong, in my imagination I think she drinks in moderation.  It’s probably all completely untrue on many levels, but that’s the way I see it.  For 5 years wonderful years she’s brought her graphic gifts to the party and we are the better for it!

Crystal Castles are busy touring North America.  Shows on this leg of the tour have sold out within hours. If you are going to the Roxy show in LA….bring a pocket air conditioner cause you’re gonna sweat your ass off.  Many thanks to mtvU who is highlighting CC all Summer through their Freshman 5 program.  Go and vote for your favourite new band right here.  Many thanks to the BBC and NME who continue to pay attention to a band that everyone told us was “too strange”. On a day when we discussed CC’s being this era’s Sex Pistols, Steve Jones reached out and asked for a t-shirt….how weird is that?

We’ve been trying very hard to finish the Let’s Go To War album, however we were happily interrupted recently when MIA asked to bring them out on tour – check the photos here.  Gotta admire the hustle of this threesome…and gotta admire this Jully Black remix.

We just released a definitive Chromeo remix compilation titled Fancier Footwork….available on iTunes here.  The release features mixes from DFA, MSTRKRFT, Proxy, Sinden and more.  Things are ramping up for Dave and Pee.  Get ready to hear “Momma’s Boy” pumping out of speakers this Summer!!!

The heat on Mother Mother is intense.  Their new album has everyone at the office buzzing.  “Body of Years”……can’t wait to share it with you all.  Ryan and crew are readying themselves for the next whirlwind.  We are planning the album release for September….and a ton of tour dates through the summer/fall.  More to come soon.

Our re-release of Turbo’s 12” catalogue continues.  The first set, featuring d.i.m., Proxy and Duke Dumont, released June 3^rd.  We’ve got thirteen more 12”s rolling out through the summer….check www.lastgangrecords.com for street dates.

We’re dreaming up plans on how to best introduce Terry Lynn to the world – our newest signing to the roster. Terry comes to us from Waterhouse, Jamaica – one of the most dangerous places to live on the planet.  Her music and lyrics reflect the place and the times she has lived in.  Our good friends at Phree have provided a preview track (Kingston Logic) to give you an early listen to the record…..you can download it here……feel free to share as you wish.  LGR….continuing to bring the danger.

Also coming soon…..what we hope to be the reggae album of the Summer: O’luge, “Movements” featuring Citizen Cope, Ken Booth and other reggae all stars.  Sample a track here remixed by our friends from Let’s Go To War.

Still alive. Still free. Still thinking evil thoughts.

Your President.

__________

We are planning our first big party of 2008…..a fitting stage to introduce to the world some of our newest signings.  The night will feature electro/funk/hip-hop specialists Let’s Go To War, a new signing from Jamaica Terry Lynn, and reggae ambassador O’luge.  Mark your calendars – it will go down Thursday, June 12^th at Toronto’s NXNE festival. We’ll have special limited edition vinyl, Puma giveaways, Last Gang wear, and some other good shit that I can’t mention yet.  If you are in the neighborhood, come by and join us – our license is until 4AM!  If all goes as planned, we’ll see you at CMJ and Pop Montreal for more Last Gang presentations.

We started this label with a motto, “Us Against the World”.  It’s always been about the bands and without them we wouldn’t exist; however as we celebrate our 5^th year in business, it’s nice to see that our brand is meaning something to fans of our artists and readers of this newsletter.  In this day and age when there is so much clutter and so much hype we are honored that you are trusting us to help you navigate through the noise.  Thank you for your words of encouragement and thank you for connecting the dots.  You’re right, “we always sign good bands”….well, we try.

Now….some updates on our incredible artists:

Crystal Castles continue to connect with kids on computers and kids in clubs.  Remember the stories you read about punk rock shows in the early part of the 80’s….well….in that spirit, their last LA show was shut down by the Fire department…..25 minutes of glory before the Marshall shut it down – deep bass, heavy strobe, violent screams, and way too many people packed into one club.  I saved a YouTube link to share with you, but it has since been removed…you’ll have to trust me – a true punk rock moment.  Our darling CC’s also scored their first NME cover (you can read the article here).  The artwork “controversy” is “news”??  Wow…we must doing be something right.  What next? “Ethan J Walks – AGAIN!!!.”  They are playing everywhere this year.  We are pushing for a remix record for the Fall….fingers crossed.

Terry Lynn is our newest signing.  She hails from Waterhouse, Jamaica – one of the more dangerous places to live on our planet.  As you would expect, her music reflects the place and times she has lived in.  Our good friends at Phree are hooking up a mix to give you an early listen to the record….hopefully for next month.  LGR – continuing to bring the danger.  Don’t believe me?  Check this.

Last year’s set by MSTRKRFT at Coachella was epic….this year’s set by Boys Noize was R-E-T-A-R-D-E-D.  When the greatest DJ in the world chooses to be on your label (along with our partners at Turbo of course) you gotta feel proud….and we are.

This summer we are celebrating Turbo’s 50^th release by re-releasing 15 of their finest 12”s…..including music from d.i.m., Proxy and Duke Dumont.  The first three vinyls will be released June 3, with the rest to follow through the summer (check lastgangrecords.com for details on street dates).  We are also putting together a digital retrospective to be released on iTunes, tentatively called “Superamerica”….watch for it in June.  Our relationship with Turbo continues to expand as they consistently bring the best dance music in the world to our doorstep.  All of that and advice on Rolex watches.  A match made in heaven.

Let’s Go To War have finished the masterpiece.  Electro, Pop, R&B, Hip Hop, Dancehall….call it what you want – how about GOOD music?  It took a while but it is finally here.  We are hoping to have some music out to you soon, but for now, check Live We Live (available free as an exclusive download through Myspace) – blog it, playlist it, stream it through imeem, ilike, muxtape, mixwit…..Myspace, Facebook……all of the above.

Chromeo was another highlight for a lot of people at Coachella this year.  We all have to admit that there was one funkier brother in Indio (a five foot dynamo from Minneapolis by the name of Prince), but if Chromeo isn’t #2, I don’t know who is.  We just got their new video for “Fancy Footwork” – check it through Myspace.  We are releasing a massive remix compilation called Fancier Footwork – available June 3rd through iTunes (Canada) – the perfect companion to the album….and pretty much all you need for your backyard summertime danceparty.  The release features exclusive mixes from DFA, MSTRKRFT, Proxy, Sinden and more, plus a few choice songs from their first album, She’s In Control.  If you missed them at Coachella, you can catch Dave and Pee sometime this summer….they are playing pretty much every major music festival that matters.

Metric skipped out of the studio to rock Coachella.  Technical malfunctions this time around were limited to Emily’s Pro1 keyboard……though she talked it back in fine style.  Unlike in 2005, the Coachella gods spared us equipment falling over, speakers blowing up, and a drum kit imploding.  Could it be an omen for good things ahead?  I hope so.  An album this year would be an amazing start…..all good things in time.  Check out their new song Satellite Mind.

The New Pornographers’ new video for Myriad Harbor is rolling on the nation’s music station.  They recently confirmed North American tour dates through the summer – check here for details….more to come soon.

Mother Mother are inches away from delivering a mastered/sequenced album, which we are hoping to release to you in the Fall.  I’ll have a preview for you very soon.

If you buy one reggae record this year, this should be it: O’luge, “Movements” featuring Citizen Cope, Ken Booth and other reggae all stars.  Check his track Istanbul on Myspace.

Watch out for our new look website coming in June. Pinky is killing it!

Hey………did LG just become the best label in the world????

Your President.

__________

Not all ribs are created equal and nor are bands.  SXSW was further proof that there are a lot of bad bands out there – here’s a taste of some of the good stuff…

Crystal Castles’ lead singer, Alice, slowly recovered from her rib injury suffered last month and trooped through the remaining US tour dates….there will be more coming soon.  Their album hit shelves on March 18 and has already sold 6000+ copies in North America!  Stay tuned for a preview of their first official video (Courtship Dating).  The Village Voice headline was hilarious, “Crystal Castles: Better Than Justice”.  The album debuted as the “Most Added” at college radio in the U.S. and continues to rise up the charts.

Let’s Go To War killed it at SXSW…..(and apparently in the bathroom stalls of 6^th Street).  Get ready for their first 12” in June featuring remixes from Al P (of MSTRKRFT), Roger Sanchez, and a feature vocal appearance by new Last Gang signee Terry Lynn.  Burn down the disco!!!!!!!!!! Fah Real.

What more can we say about Boys Noize?  His Oi3 EP dropped last month, featuring remixes from A-Trak, Para One, Housemeister and more.  The story just continues to get bigger and bigger.  Ask anyone who saw his SXSW or WMC sets last month…. they were over the top.  The SXSW set was for many the “show of the week” in Austin….. watch the last bit here.  WMC was equally crazy.  If you missed those, you can see him at Coachella on April 26^th.  Together with Turbo, we are giving away a laser engraved custom Boys Noize iPod loaded with the Oi Oi Oi album, EP, and other cool shit – enter to win here.  This thing is dope – trust me!

We are all happy to say The Jealous Girlfriends’ self-titled album will be available through Last Gang in the US and Canada on April 22^nd via our kind friend, Serge at Good Fences.  For those who just can’t wait, you can buy it a week early on iTunes.  Their sets at SXSW were truly sublime.  Holly and friends deliver effortless harmonies and ooze natural cool and confidence.  We are so excited about this record! Check out the video they made for How Now.

We’ve just re-released Chromeo’s first album “She’s In Control”, which features some cool bonus tracks not on the original album.  For those making the trek to Indio, they are playing Coachella on April 27^th.  They blew through SXSW and played a highlight set at Stubbs on Saturday afternoon….2-step, 2-step.

Metric continues their work in the studio.  Thank you all for your support on their DVD, Live At Metropolis, which is available in stores across North America or via mail order at Kill The 8.  They also join Chromeo and Boys Noize at Coachella this year.

The New Pornographers’ new video for Myriad Harbor is fantastic!!  We are so proud of it.  If you haven’t already seen it, check it out here.  We saw the band at Canadian Music Week last month and, once again, were amazed.  Carl and crew are the nicest group of musicians you could hope to work with.

Mother Mother are busy putting the finishing touches on their next album….if all goes as planned, we’ll have a mixed/mastered version by the end of April.  Check out next month’s 411 for a sneak-peek.

MSTRKRFT LP2 is still in progress.  We are all looking forward to hearing the new masterpiece! Their Kylie remix and current tour date info is available here.

…… Hope to see you somewhere in the desert in Indio.  Note to the wise: bring sunscreen…lots of it!  Until then, check back into www.lastgangrecords.com for announcements about the Coachella Turbo/Last Gang After-Party…..as if a full day in +100° temperatures wasn’t draining enough!

Metric (2003), Death From Above 1979 (2004), MSTRKRFT (2005), Emily Haines (2006), Boys Noize (2007), Crystal Castles (2008)……..

Any more questions???

Ribs.

Your President.

__________