Happy New Year?

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 ...