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Sink and Stove
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Sink and Stove
Working in a variety of ways, with strong DIY principles, the label has provided a platform for numerous bands and artists. Initially the label established itself by working closely with local bands to Bristol. Successes include Chikinki (who signed to Island Universal then Kitty-Yo), first spotted by Ben in the backroom of a Bristol boozer, Gravenhurst (now signed to Warp Records) who’s 2003 album ‘Flashlight Seasons’ was a critics wet-dream, and The Playwrights; who anticipated the current art-rock/post-punk renaissance, but set themselves apart by having top-quality songs with lyrical zeal and musical depth whilst keeping their experimental edge. Many of these early releases are now out of stock and very collectable; having since been re-released in different forms by larger labels.
Other early highlights include Mooz’s ‘Mixing It’ concert broadcast live on BBC Radio 3, a label showcase at the ICA in London in conjunction with Careless Talk Costs Lives magazine (now Plan B), Sink and Stove band members joining John Parish on tour and his Thrill Jockey released album, and a reputation that has seen much larger labels and taste-makers turning to Sink and Stove for tips and information on the new bands scene.
2004 saw Sink and Stove broaden it’s scope by working with artists from further afield. The second volume of ‘The Hospital Radio Request List’ compilation series saw contributions from The National (Brooklyn, USA), Deloris (Victoria, Australia), Chris Brokaw (Boston, USA), Lomax (London, UK), 31 Knots (Portland, USA) and Billy Mahonie (London, UK). Connections with the USA and Canada set the agenda for spring 2005, with debut releases from New York's The Vibration ('Ear To The Ground' EP), Vancouver's The Organ ('Sinking Hearts' EP) and Toronto's Controller.Controller ('History' mini-album). London 3-piece Querelle provided a noisy soundtrack to the summer with their self-titled mini-lp and autumn 2005 saw debut releases from two new bands back home in Bristol, with a 7" single and an EP from You & The Atom Bomb and Leave Land For Water respectively.
2006 started with a label sampler called 'A Flash In The Pan', featuring 8 songs from the label's roster and retailing at £1.00 per CD, and the year saw a number of high-profile releases; a mini-album 'English Self Storage' from The Playwrights (March), The Vibration's full-length lp 'Amarilla' (May), a mini-album from You & The Atom Bomb (July) and a 7" single 'You Did It' from You Say Party! We Say Die! (September). 2007 saw a clutch of limited edition and download-only releases, including new material from Leave Land For Water and a BBC 6 Music ’Album Of The Week’ from You & The Atom Bomb in March and September ’07 respectively.
Spring 2008 sees the label return after a short hiatus with a number of suitably fresh projects including a compilation album from The Playwrights and some new signings.
Sink and Stove is still primarily run by Benjamin coupled with invaluable input from collaborators and friends who get the records to the right people, illustrate and design sleeves and posters, maintain the website and mailing list, assist at live events, sound engineer, intern and generally spread the word and give up their sofas.
The label has it's own online store courtesy of Resonance stocking digital downloads and physical releases. CDs and vinyl are distributed to shops by Cargo Records UK whilst our digital partners at State 51 make downloads available via iTunes, eMusic, 7Digital, Amazon, Napster, Rhapsody, HMVdigital, MTV Urge and Yahoo Music Unlimited. Sink & Stove often blogs and makes special releases available via its Myspace page. There is also a Facebook Group to join and a regular mailing list sign up for. Please visit the contacts or distribution page for further information.