2010 kicked off in a rather-less-than-celebratory manner with the passing of several notable musicians in Australia and overseas and the sudden and unjust closure of Melbourne live music institution, the Tote Hotel.

Still, we're firm believers that it's always possible to rise from the ashes, and in that spirit, here's the latest on our plans for this year.

First up is the debut album from Lindsay Phillips. Entitled Varning, it is an intricate and involving album which, we're pleased to announce, will be released on glorious vinyl with a free digital download card included in the sleeve. Artwork is currently being finalised (it is "striking", to say the least) and as soon as we can, we'll start posting the tracks and beginning national promo.

Secondly, label partner Andrew Keese has completed his instrumental album, Infinite Possible Shapes. It will be released in around a month or so. There will be a four track free download with the remaining tracks available digitally at 95c each and a limited edition (100) CD version priced at around $10.

Finally, we're extremely excited about Amaya Laucirica's stunning second record, Early Summer. The album is currently in the stages of mastering and artwork and we're planning the release around April 2010. Amaya will be performing in Melbourne during the lead up and, as with Lindsay Phillips' album, this looks like it will be another vinyl/digital release.

Subscribers to Amaya's mailing list will be entitled to an advance preview listen and the free download of several tracks, so visit her site and sign up.

We've been remiss on the mailing list front, so apologies to our subscribers, who were promised free goods and news and various other perks. We'll pick it up this month and aim for a little more regularity this year.

Much more news to come as the year unfolds ...

As the year draws to a close, so too does our business for 2009.

We'll be back in January 2010 and are looking forward to an exciting new year with the official launch of our label and plenty of new releases.

Thank you to all our visitors, supporters, buyers, subscribers, partners and friends for an outstanding 2009.

Have a safe and happy holiday season and we'll see you on the flip side.

Best Wishes,
Departed Sounds.

P.S. If you're in Melbourne, don't forget Gaslight Radio's Christmas Show at the Toff in Town, Swanston Street, Melbourne CBD on the evening of Wednesday 23rd.

We're steadily adding more products to our online store. The latest addition is the self titled debut EP from Lindsay Phillips back catalogue. It is available in both physical and digital formats from our shop.

Some interesting news for Gaslight Radio fans. Apart from building a dedicated Gaslight website, we're currently working with the band to put together a collection of live recordings from shows spanning no less than 10 years. A few tracks will be made available as free downloads, the remainder will be available to purchase (digitally only, at this stage) from our store.

Thank you also to everyone who has so far bought a copy of Gaslight Radio's vinyl. We were a little overwhlemed by the response, and all buyers were very patient with us while we got up to speed. Muchos Gracias.

Amaya Laucirica's sterling new album is currently being mixed in New York by the outstanding Australian ex-pat producer Victor Van Vugt. It should be mastered and ready for release by January 2010.

To cure his full blown addiction to The Wire, label partner Andrew Keese is disappearing to an isolated country town this week where he'll be inhabiting a converted church for a few days. He'll be overdubbing multiple instruments in the service of his debut solo instrumental album, Infinite Possible Shapes.

The always hard working khancoban have recording time booked in and some incredibly interesting concepts surrounding the release method for their upcoming album Everything Went Differently and Everything Was Good. Oh yeah, doesn't hurt that the initial demos we've heard are absolutely oustanding.

More news in the coming months as we emerge from the bitterness of Melbourne winter and head forward into glorious spring.