Manitoba Music
Smallman Lookin Mighty Big These Days
Perhaps its time for Smallman Records to start thinking about a name change. After all, the Winnipeg-based labels diminutive moniker is hardly fitting these days, as it prepares for what may prove to be its most exciting year yet. Between organizing tours, preparing to release three of Canadian punks most highly anticipated records, and a trip to MIDEM - the worlds largest music industry conference and trade show - in Cannes, Smallman is getting ready for some big things.
Were gearing up for our busiest time of the year, says Smallmans Rob Krause. We generally do a big tour in the spring, and this year we actually have three going on.
In addition to Winnipeg trio Sixty Stories Eastern Canadian tour, iconic Calgary-based experimental punk outfit Choke will be taking a spin through the United States, and Torontos Moneen and Montreals Selfmademan will be headlining the cross-Canadian Smallman tour.
In addition to heavy road work, Selfmademan and Michigans Small Brown Bike will be releasing new records this summer, Meanwhile, Moneen will be releasing its second album with Smallman, and both the label and the band are thrilled to announce that the Moneen disc will be carried in the U.S., Australia, Japan and Europe by Vagrant Records.
To the band, its instant recognition in the U.S., says Krause of the Vagrant deal. As for Smallman, were hoping that it will increase our international standing as a label and perhaps make Canadian indie bands recognize that a Canadian label can help you achieve your goals.
Smallmans presence at MIDEM is proof alone of that statement. While in Cannes, Krause says, the label was able to network extensively with European and American labels and develop opportunities for future international distribution, including a soon-to-be-announced international record deal for Small Brown Bike. MIDEM was a great experience, says Krause. We were able to make some great connections in the international music community.
With 2003 becoming more and more about Smallmans chance to shine, Krause is quick to give the credit for the labels success directly back to the artists.
Weve been lucky with the bands that weve chosen to work with, and whove chosen to work with us, he says. Not only are they great musicians, but they work hard and appreciate what weve done with them. The success that our bands are seeing now is a direct result of all the work that we and they have been doing for the past couple of years.
Were gearing up for our busiest time of the year, says Smallmans Rob Krause. We generally do a big tour in the spring, and this year we actually have three going on.
In addition to Winnipeg trio Sixty Stories Eastern Canadian tour, iconic Calgary-based experimental punk outfit Choke will be taking a spin through the United States, and Torontos Moneen and Montreals Selfmademan will be headlining the cross-Canadian Smallman tour.
In addition to heavy road work, Selfmademan and Michigans Small Brown Bike will be releasing new records this summer, Meanwhile, Moneen will be releasing its second album with Smallman, and both the label and the band are thrilled to announce that the Moneen disc will be carried in the U.S., Australia, Japan and Europe by Vagrant Records.
To the band, its instant recognition in the U.S., says Krause of the Vagrant deal. As for Smallman, were hoping that it will increase our international standing as a label and perhaps make Canadian indie bands recognize that a Canadian label can help you achieve your goals.
Smallmans presence at MIDEM is proof alone of that statement. While in Cannes, Krause says, the label was able to network extensively with European and American labels and develop opportunities for future international distribution, including a soon-to-be-announced international record deal for Small Brown Bike. MIDEM was a great experience, says Krause. We were able to make some great connections in the international music community.
With 2003 becoming more and more about Smallmans chance to shine, Krause is quick to give the credit for the labels success directly back to the artists.
Weve been lucky with the bands that weve chosen to work with, and whove chosen to work with us, he says. Not only are they great musicians, but they work hard and appreciate what weve done with them. The success that our bands are seeing now is a direct result of all the work that we and they have been doing for the past couple of years.