News

We're super excited to announce that on Friday, February 26, Vancouver campus radio station CiTR 101.9FM and Mint Records will team up once again to release the fourth installment of the Pop Alliance series!! Showcasing the city’s dynamic local music scene, 11 Vancouver bands, including Mourning Coup, Stefana Fratila, Poor Form, and more have been enlisted to fill the album’s waxy grooves. This compilation arrives just in time to raise funds for local campus/community radio station CiTR, as part of their annual Fundrive, which runs from February 25 to March 4.

For this occasion, Duncan McHugh of Duncan’s Donuts enlisted a team of CiTR DJs—Andy Resto (The Burrow), Eleanor Wearing (Femconcept), Erik Coates (A Face for Radio), Nellie Stark (The Cat’s Pajams), and Nicholas Wang-Tretiak (Muzak for the Observant)—to collect the newest highlights of Vancouver’s independent music community. He even called this his dream team of CiTR DJs!

Only 500 of these vinyl LPs will be pressed. Copies will be available by donating to CiTR’s annual Fundrive, as an LP pre-order from our website, or in record stores. The album includes exclusive tracks from Genderdog, Jerk Jails, Cult Babies, Ace Martens, and minimalviolence and don’t skip on the physical copy because it includes songs from The Shilohs and Ora Cogan that are not available with the digital download. The album was mastered by our good pal Jay Arner and adorned with inimitable album art by Robert Ondzik.

The Pop Alliance LP release party will double as CiTR’s Fundrive Finale on Friday, March 4 at the Hindenburg (23 W Cordova St) in Vancouver with performances by bands that contributed to the compilation.

But who are all these bands on CiTR Pop Alliance, Vol. 4?

Ora Cogan – “Move”

“Big feelings.... All sorts of them. All at the same time.” – Ora Cogan

The Shilohs – “Do the Modern”

Just a rock song about being out of it at a party. Recorded in a shed behind the Lido with Malcom Jack. Matt Krysko on the organ solo, Mike Komaszczuk on the guitar solo. This one could have—should have??—gone on for twenty minutes.

Genderdog – “Aquarium Apartment”

R.I.P. Genderdog...

Jerk Jails – “Extra Flesh”

THEE new band that everybody needs to pay attention to, Jerk Jails are a heavier reincarnation of the Neo Boys. “Extra Flesh” is a Pop Alliance exclusive, and grinds below yer flesh straight to the bone.

Poor Form – “July”

Call it pop-punk or power-pop as you will, bottom line is this is excellently harmonized rage. Poor Form captures the kind of rage and disgust that embraces life in its nastiness. If you aren’t hearing it in July, it could take you back to those idle scorchers. Nothing to do but yell and think.

Cult Babies – “Sister XIII”

Groovy psych from some of Vancouver’s best. Let the haze pummel and/or engulf you, and give in to whatever visions you wish. Written about Tough Age bassist Lauren Smith.

Mourning Coup – “Burn One for the Saints”

Mourning Coup’s music exists in an ethereal realm. Where pop music is distorted in a funhouse mirror and made to matter. You’re dancing by yourself, but all the skeletons of your past are invited.

Stefana Fratila – “Heartland”

“I intended "Heartland" to be listened to on a road-trip or a train ride, it's a song to listen to while in motion, brimming with an intoxicating nostalgia of missing home, or the "Heartland", which for me has always been split between two places, Canada and Romania.” – Stefana Fratila

Late Spring – “Drink You”

Late Spring is an art rock band from Vancouver, Canada. They frankenstein together psych/surf, grunge, and noise influences. “Drink You” is off their debut self-titled Late Spring EP (self-released April 2015).

Ace Martens – “Hiding”

Silky smooth and sticky sweet, “Hiding” is the first song laid to tape since the man became the group: Ace Martens. Recorded in a dimly lit room by Ace himself, the track features Shyla Seller’s tender keyboard and Sarah Cordingley’s chime-laden drums. This song is an extra special exclusive that can only be found on this compilation. It was taken as an early outtake from recording sessions for the forthcoming Palm Springs EP.

minimalviolence – “Body as Landscape”

minimalviolence is one of the top-notch representatives of Vancouver’s thriving underground dance/house scene. Turn the lights off, make sure the room is ice cold, and wallow as you warm up with this gothic pulse.

Hello! We’ve been trying to contain our excitement and omigosh it’s finally time to announce the latest addition to the Mint roster: Fake Tears!

Even before joining as Fake Tears, Larissa Loyva and Elisha May Rembold were already established singers and songwriters in their own right. You’ll probably remember Larissa from her work in P:ano and the Choir Practice, or Elisha from Lost Lover’s Brigade and Shimmering Stars. Or maybe you recognize them both as vocalists for the funked-up Adrian Teacher/Amanda Pezzutto/Shawn Mrazek combo COOL TV? Either way, we’re super excited to have them on board!

The duo’s full-length debut, Nightshifting, is nine songs that send shivers while teeming with beauty. The duelling microKORGs of Loyva and Rembold create a mysterious wonderland and although their masterful label-mate producer Jay Arner’s name is in the credits, these songs show little sign of alteration.

Earnest and unadulterated, Nightshifting explores themes of love and loss but always keeps its playful side in the mirror as these remarkably talented singers let their vocals soar over haunting synths.

Don’t miss your chance to grab this one on vinyl because not only is the sound awesome but so is Sian Hislop’s stunning artwork. LP and digitals versions will be available August 7, but you can pre-order it here now!

For Renny Wilson, whose personality is equal parts avant-disco and infectious snotty punk, he’s made a go of overcoming his angst by crafting pop-driven ditties informed by both Giorgio Moroder and Crass alike. Of course, when he told us that some of his early work was resurfacing, we had to have a look at what exactly that manifesto of teenage turmoil looked like, and the unlikely result was Punk Explosion/Extension.

Available on July 10^th, the Renny Wilson Punk Explosion/Extension is the soundtrack to your summer. Whether your friends are urging you to stay out all night, or you’re passing the time by reading the AK Press catalogue under candlelight, this record is just as ready to dance as it is to give the neighbours a little something to freak out about.

"Seven years in the making, Punk Explosion is an unhinged hodge-podge of punk and garage rock that thrashes like a shark in a kiddy pool" - NOISEY

Oh Hello! We Just wanted to let you know, Tough Age are preparing to unveil their next full-length album. I Get The Feeling Central will be out on June 23! To keep your musical appetite satiated, here is the first single, it's called "Snakes & Ladders" and you can stream it below. NYLON Magazine has already called it, "the coolest rock n' roll song we've heard all year."

If you are the type who likes to pre-order records, we're offering a 10% discount - just use the code "getthefeel" at checkout. AND, don't forget, Tough Age and Energy Slime may be visiting a venue near you! They are calling this the TOUGH SLIME tour and will be venturing throughout the west coast. Go and see them! 

THE TOUGH SLIME TOUR: 

April 18 – The Future, Seattle, WA

April 19 – Rontoms, Portland, OR

April 20 – The Crux, Boise, ID

April 21 – Diabolical Records, Salt Lake City, UT

April 22 – Hellpop, Las Vegas

April 23 – Funzone, Santa Barbara, CA

April 24 - Neon Venus, Los Angeles, CA

April 25 - Eli's Mile High Club, Oakland CA

April 26 – Third Space, Davis

April 28 – El Rio, San Francisco, CA

April 30 – Deadbeat, Olympia, WA

May 1 – Copper Owl, Victoria, BC

May 2 – The Astoria, Vancouver, BC 

* all dates include Tough Age and Energy Slime!!! 

Record Store Day will soon become synonymous with Hot Dog Day thanks to Vancouver/Toronto upstarts Tough Age and their cuddlecore pioneering labelmates, cub. On April 18, the surf-punk quartet will issue a special Record Store Day release of covers from cub's 1993 original via both bands’ hometown label, Mint Records (that’s us)!

Ok, we know the holidays are over but would someone please ship us down a bucket of that holy, holy Edmonton water? The city seems to be on a real creative streak lately and we’re more than a little jealous over at Mint HQ! Not to worry though, because we’re happy to announce our brand new relationship with Edmonton’s Faith Healer!

Led by principal songwriter Jessica Jalbert, we’re excited to be working with this Edmontonian whose melancholic meanderings have helped her carve out a unique sound while lending a hand in local faves Tee-Tahs, Jom Comyn, and the Renny Wilson Punk Explosion. Following the success of 2011’s self-released solo debut, Brother Loyola, the introspective songwriter set to work on penning another collection of inward looking dream pop played with laid back bravado.

Engineered under the masterful watch of whip-smart producer—and fellow Mintie—Renny Wilson, the two bonded over their mutual affection for dreamy ‘60s garage rock and swaggering ‘70s singles while in the studio. Hinting at a slightly spacier sound, Cosmic Troubles will arrive March 31st in LP and digital (apologies to our few remaining cd loving fans).

Faith Healer - Cosmic Troubles 

Out: March 31st, 2015

"Early single 'Again' boasts a swaggering rhythm section, brightly shining Summer Of Love guitar leads, and hypnotic vocals out of an old French pop record. It’s impossible to tell if this song is floating or sauntering, but it’s easy to discern that it’s great." - Stereogum

Track Listing:

Acid
Again
Canonized
Cosmic Troubles
Fools Rush In
Angel Eyes
Infinite Return
No Car
Universe
Was, Is And Is To Come
Until The World Lets Me Go

Inspired by the distinctive floating sandwich artwork of the Big Apple’s bodegas, the desire to create an updated version of the old timey sampler and our grumbling stomachs (it was almost lunchtime), we asked our current Minties—who call Vancouver, Halifax, and anywhere in between home—to share their favourite songs with us. After that, they nominated their friends to contribute tracks. Together they make up the first cassette Mint Records has released since Pansy Division’s Wish I’d Taken Pictures in 1996!

With plenty of flavours from across the country to choose, we let our roster be the tastemakers and picked up some savoury sounds in the process from Tough Age, Renny Wilson, Monomyth, Jay Arner, Kellarissa, Pick A Piper, and more! Many of these songs are previously unreleased and all are delicious! Photographed and coordinated by our transcontinental label manager, Shena Yoshida, and mastered by our very own Jay Arner, Hot Heros is a sonic smorgasbord for your aural appetite.

Although you will be able to stream the digital version of this compilation, only 300 physical copies of these little hotcakes will be manufactured. The first 50 people through the door can pick one up as a free gift at this year’s Ridiculously Early Xmas Party. So, fire up your Sony Sportsman on Saturday, November 29 and head down to the Electric Owl (928 Main St, Vancouver), but be sure to get there early as these will vanish fast!

Now, in case the album art didn’t get your earbuds salivating, you’re probably wondering what these bands are all about!

Renny Wilson – Sometimes mistaken for a slap-dash showman at first sight, this funny-man-gone-disco-gone-punk is about as versatile a performer and talented a engineer/producer as you can find. “Youngsters”, off this year’s Punk Explosion cassette, is no exception.

Other Jesus – Vancouver newcomers comprised of three music vets, Sheik Hardy, Jose & Maria, and Auntie Christ, the full frontal satire of O.J. is neither orange nor juice. Before appearing on Hot Heros, “Couch” was previously released on the sweet, sweet, lo-fi mess of 2014’s Bachelors of Art cassette.

Old & Weird – Halifax is a long ways away from Vancouver, and we don’t get there very often, but thankfully our pals Monomyth introduced us to their pals Old & Weird. Taken from this summer’s What I Saw cassette, “Peachy Beach” delivers exactly what it promises: an irresistible pop ditty that will have you singing along in the sunshine.

Tough Age – Wait. What’s going on here? A previously unreleased version of Tough Age playing cub’s “My Chinchilla”? A Mint band covering another Mint band? Greg Sage was right: there is no generation gap, at least between these two.

Heaven For Real – Warbly experimental pop from a couple of our favourite brothers on the East Coast, Mark and Scott Grundy, “Hard Done By” could hardly be done better by anyone else.

Monomyth – I have no idea what the title “Faces Magazine” is getting at but I really wish I did since everything this Halifax quartet touches to turns to gold, and sometimes even real money. This jam is so new, even the Mint staff haven’t heard it yet but I’m just going to go ahead and say it’s brilliant.

Creaks – Very little is known about Edmonton dream-pop outfit Creaks. They are elusive. They are timeless. They are not here. We do know that Renny Wilson helped record and produce this song.

Pick A Piper – When he’s not performing in Caribou’s live act, Brad Weber makes some pretty great dance music of his own. When we first heard it, we were shocked to discover “Fluency” was an outtake from Pick A Piper’s 2013’s self-titled Mint debut. Good thing it made it onto this comp!

Jay Arner – Does this man really need an explanation? If you’ve heard of Mint Records, you’ve probably come across this genius of pop songcrafting in some way or another. If you haven’t, this is a great place to start since he mastered every track on Hot Heros. Thanks, Jay!

Cult Babies – The first time I ever heard Cult Babies was at a little hole-in-the-wall sushi joint in Vancouver and so the fact that this previously unreleased track called “On A Roll” made it onto this comp only adds to my theory that Hasan is a wizard or possibly a secret agent. Also, if you’re planning on opening a restaurant, make sure there’s miso fries on the menu. They’re delish.

Energy Slime – Another gem from the Vancouver micro-pop outfit fronted by Jay Arner and Jessica Delisle, “After Tonight (It Will Never Be Night)” continues on the short and spacey trail of this year’s New Dimensional, which, if you haven’t heard, you probably should.

Watermelon – The slowly oozing lo-fi goodness of “Silver Surfer” from this Vancouver trio sticks in your mind the same way that a comic book character riding a surf board across the stratosphere does: with pure toes-on-the-nose chilllllll. Surf's up!

Supermoon – Previously known as Movieland, this power-pop band has been at it for a while now and definitely deserves the landslide of praise they’ve been getting. “Burnout of my Dreams” is the first recording to be released under their Supermoon moniker, but you will probably recognize their sound from the Movieland track on Mint/CITR Pop Alliance, Vol. 3.

Weird Candle – As their name implies, the dark ambient synth project from Vancouverites Kilroy Katerwol and Caleb Blagdon is an odd and dimly lit one. We still love it though.

Kellarissa – Larissa Loyva (aka Kellarissa) has been on the road a lot recently, singing in front of stadium crowds and making new friends around the world as a backup singer/keyboard player in How To Dress Well’s touring band. She can also be seen in her other project, Fake Tears. “Ships in the Night”, features Larissa's soaring voice and is a synthy, previously unreleased dream. 

It is that time of year again! We're carving pumpkins, bringing out our warmest sweaters and preparing to depart for a few more music festivals before the snow flies. For those of you heading to CMJ, we will be there with Monomyth! Please pop by one of these shows to say hello. 

MONOMYTH at CMJ 2014

10/21 - Pete's Candy Store, Riot Act Happy Hour (7:45pm)

10/24 - The Cake Shop, Break Thru Radio Party (1pm)

10/24 - Pianos, Planetary Group Party (4:30pm) 

Mr. Renny Wilson is also flying into Halifax for a Pop Explosion performance. Go and see this magical man! 

RENNY WILSON at HPX 2014

10/23 - Marquee Ballroom (9:30pm) 

That’s right, you heard us: we’re proud to be working with Energy Slime, the latest venture from Jay Arner and his bandmate/partner-in-crime, Jessica Delisle! Seamlessly slipping between diverse, even psychoactive, moods, this is a lighthearted and—dare we say—free-flowing outfit for the Vancouver mainstay. And we’re not talking the kind of goop you’d expect from Slimer or Powder Puff here, this is pure aural ectoplasm. Look for Energy Slime's New Dimensional in a record shop near you (or order it from us) on November 11th, 2014! 

Yep, it's that time of year again where we pile the Mint family into a van (or two if we're lucky) and swap coastal for cattle. Why on earth would we do that? For none other than the eighth edition of Calgary's Sled Island, of course!!

It's not like we're just bringing along a band or two either. This year we're having a whole freakin' showcase, and we've teamed up with our friends Super Moon (formerly Movieland) for good measure!

THE MINT RECORDS SLED ISLAND DAY PARTY!

Friday, June 20^th, 2014 at Commonwealth Bar & Stage (731 10 Ave SW) from 12:30 - 5:30 PM! FREE!

FEATURING:

Jay Arner 4:30pm (Vancouver, BC - Mint Records)

Tough Age 3:30pm (Vancouver, BC - Mint Records)

Renny Wilson 2:30pm (Edmonton, AB - Mint Records)

Super Moon 1:30pm (Vancouver, BC)

Doors at 12:30pm

But wait! That's not all! Each of the bands will also have an official Sled Island evening showcase as well. Stay tuned to the facebook event for those details as they unfold, and don't forget to RSVP while you're there!

SEE YOU THERE!