We're feeling good about our annual migration south of the Canadian border to SXSW. In March, we will be ditching the woolly mittens, packing our sunglasses, slathering on the sunscreen and getting in some quality time with new (and old) friends.

We've got two parties planned this year. The Evaporators, Hot Panda, Immaculate Machine, The Pack A.D., the Handsome Family and our friend Jill Barber will be playing our evening showcase on Saturday, March 21st at Habanna Calle 6.

We’ve stocked up on confetti and are counting down - only seven days until the release day of Hot Panda’s debut, Volcano… Bloody Volcano on February 10th (pre-order your copy now at Maple Music!).

After 10 years, 6 albums and countless tours, The Buttless Chaps have decided to part ways. No hard feelings exist amongst band members, just a feeling that it is time to move on to new musical projects and that the band has creatively run its course. The most recent incarnation of the band featured Dave Gowans on vocals, guitar and banjo, Morgan McDonald on keyboards, Lasse Lutick on guitar and synthesizer, Dan Gaucher on drums, and Ida Nilsen on vocals, accordion, synthesizer and euphonium.

Mint Records' newest signing, Hot Panda, are set to release their debut full length album Volcano... Bloody Volcano on February 10th, 2009. Hailing from Edmonton Alberta, Hot Panda formed during the particularly chilly winter of 2006 and have already become an experienced touring act, playing well over a hundred shows in a very short time (including CMJ and PopMontreal this past October).

This year’s Mint Records Ridiculously Early Xmas party is over and after an action-packed night and tons of great music, we've managed to raise $1765 for the ALS Society of Canada.

The ALS Society of Canada is committed to supporting research towards a cure for ALS, supporting provincial ALS societies in their provision of quality care for persons living with ALS and building public awareness of ALS and its impact.

Hey y'all, just in time for the gift givey season, Mint has teamed up with our pals at eMusic to offer a free seven-song sampler featuring tracks from The Pack A.D., Kellarissa, the Buttless Chaps, the Awkward Stage, Vancougar, Novillero and Hot Panda! All's you need to do is pop on over to this link and claim your sampler! Of course you need to have an eMusic account to access the download, but that's easy enough!

It has been a busy fall for Mint. Lots of bands on the road and lots of music conferences.

The latest issue of our fancy little fanzine, Fresh Breath of Mint is hot off the press. As you've come to expect, it’s filled with all sorts of comics, tour stories and good advice.

Aside from their really cold winters, Winnipeg has some good things going on. Especially when it boils down to their resident bands.