Archive for September, 2008
When we recorded the first few Kowloon Walled City songs late last year, that recording was supposed to be a demo of sorts, to book shows and tide us over until we finished a full-length. But over the next few months, we realized: why record these songs again? They came out great. And why wait to release something until we have 10 songs written and recorded?
Instead, we decided to release an EP, and then another when we finish another batch of songs, and so on. We would put out vinyl, and give mp3’s away for free. This makes great sense: we get to release music more often; we get our music into as many hands as possible; and people can support the band by buying vinyl, which will be in a beautiful package. More releases means more work, but the work is part of the hobby, really. I like making stuff. (We also decided to do some merch, which is also more work, but fun.)
That decision was at the end of June. In the month that followed: I mixed the remaining two songs from that session; we found a designer and he created a fantastic package design; I researched vinyl pressing companies (we chose Pirate’s Press here in SF); we had two good friends master the album (Ben did the vinyl, Greg did the CD/mp3); we designed a new website; Jason wrote a bio and Ian hunted down press and blogs to contact about reviews; I updated my homegrown store software to handle t-shirts and “zoom” images. And we were in business! DIY FOR THE WIN.
After all that, we’ll release Turk Street, a 5-song EP, this month. It’ll be available on 10″ translucent red vinyl, CD (a limited run in a handmade package), and yes, for free on the interweb.
Over at the store, we’re taking preorders on the vinyl and CD. The official release date is Sept 30, but we’ll ship out vinyl as soon as it arrives. Go buy something and tell me if the store is working.