This is the place where you will find up to date news of all things elementary:
.. News
Hello and goodbye
Firstly we here at elementary would like to pass on our heartfelt condolences to Chris Sievey's family, after he died suddenly last week. He has been an influence on everything I have done and it is a sad loss to the world of real artists. Even though he died relatively unknown in the greater scheme of things, those in the know are fully aware of his genius and he will be sadly missed.... goodbye Frank and Little Frank, and thank you.
Secondly, we can positively confirm that our elementary artists are available for download on Amazon. You can search for each artist by name or go to this link:
Caps' new album 'Star to Star' is on there now, and available to buy from 19 July 2010. Make a note in your diaries, or whatever equivalent gadget you young people now use.
Where are we now..? Ah yes, right here, where we always are.
It has been a busy year so far. So busy in fact that some of the pages here have been a little neglected.
We are happy to reveal that Caps is soon to be releasing his second full-length album "Star to Star", which by all accounts is spell-binding.
The Mekano Set is having a slight reshuffle of members and having heard their new track Hahaharem the new Set are stronger than ever.
CRackerdog created there first 8mm movie on a cold wet morning on Beachy Head. It made everything look perfect:
Miss Halliwell and Barry's Attic are gigging around the Midlands constantly, so catch them somewhere.
Boat To Row have severed some ties with us and are choosing to release their next bag of hits with Danger! Lazer! Phaser! Razor , which is fine and he knows he is also welcome back to our fold. We do not hold grudges and remember we don't "want the 2 dollars back, just him".
neilson is trying to set up a collaboration with Ali Shaw.
And we are still hoping Is I Cinema will feel confident enough to hold our hands, because we love them and wish them all the best, even if that cock Ben Calvert can't see how good they are.
Also regarding the Midlands scene that Blue Whale bloggers blab about: you may think there is one, but a scene only works when a) there is a loyal and interested audience that isn't 99% scenesters trying to be seen in the right place rather than enjoying the music and b) just because middle class twats in Kings Heath and Moseley say it is 'happening' doesn't make it so. I much preferred the audience at the GBH gig at the Adam and Eve than the pricks who listened to Malpas at the Rainbow an hour before, but talked all the way through Is I Cinema... have some respect and spend more time on music than hair dye-gel-brushes. And please do get in touch if you disagree: I love a good argument.
New site
elementary recordings is now being hosted by a different company and we are now using web design software to enable music and video to be streamed direct from the site. It is still early days and we are learning, but we hope you are enjoying the ride with us. The Archive is everything written prior to the changeover. There was a lot of hyperlinks on those entries that now will not work, but I think the new site is much easier to navigate round anyway.
But if you need to ask about anything just email us via the contact us box opposite and I will answer all questions.
The Archive
12 January 2010
alan neilson has produced the video for "The Long-term Forecast"
Go to the elementary images site on YooToob and there you will find neilson's video, inspired by the recent snowfall across the UK and the weather presenters that so knowedgeably advise us to stay at home. There are some stunning images of neilson playing guitar in the snow, plus some great shots of Claire Nasir.
Click here to see it.
5 January 2010
Elementary Recordings' now has its own Guestbook
After a week of activity we thought it sensible to have a place where you can leave your thoughts about what we do here. Go to the Guestbook and say whatever your like.
4 January 2010
CrackerDog have now unveiled "Buoy"
The CrackerDog Film Production team have now completed the digitizing of "Buoy" and it is now available to watch on the elementary images site. Go there now... hang on, just read this first... The uploaded version is in 2 parts due to the 10 minute confines of the site.. I actually think it is better in 2 parts. I believe they were looking to do a trilogy but changed their minds as only merchandisers profit from that kind of shit. Okay you can now:
elementary images: Buoy Pt 1 by CrackerDog
Buoy Pt II by CrackerDog
2 January 2010
CrackerDog is alive and well
Well, Happy New Year first of all and welcome to the 2nd decade of the 21st C. We can now say without fear of any bullshit, that we have been around E.REXing for all our worth in 2 decades.
elementary recordings are proud to announce an addition to our family. The CrackerDog Film Production team who are about to embark into the world of 8mm film, are also re-dux-ing their short film "Buoy". Visit their page for more info and visit the links to watch some samples.
28 December 2009
"Life Gets Tedious?" music video is online.
Minnie Allen's song finally gets the video it deserves, rich with uplifting images of life in all its glory. Visit the elementary films YouTube site to enjoy it:
Life Gets Tedious? Video
9 December 2009
alan neilson's "Harry, Lyn & Me" comes in as a worthy contender in Overplay's musician/song of the year award.
That's like a horse race when, although not placed, neilson was a bloody good runner... you know, he finished the race and didn't fall over. Anyway the song was described like this: "This West Coast concoction ripples with piano, 12-string and tales of lost potential. The vocal bristles with all the best bits of Bob Seger or Don Henley, while the elegantly sun-soaked vibe pulls you deeper into the shimmering ocean."
Never has he been described like that before. An honour to stand shoulder to shoulder with Don Henley, unless like the Dude you "fuckin hate the Eagles" and prefer a bit of Creedence. I love Creedence, but do have a soft spot for Henley (his "End of the Innocence" album is a wonder).
I suppose it is quite funny to have a West Coast sound when you come from the West Midlands, and have a sun-soaked vibe, when it has done nothing but rain for fuckin months. Thanks for that though Overplay, we salute you.
24 November 2009
The film "Tales of a Black Country": post-production begins
After a year away from the documentary that was filmed during the summer of 2008 (due to commitments with the great Miss Halliwell on Die Son Die), editing has now started on the documentary 'Tales of a Black Country'.
It features the music of The Singles Club, Telegramme, Mr Bones & the Dreamers, Caps, Timothy Parkes, Miss Halliwell, Chevron, The Arcadian Kicks and alan neilson. With rare interviews, rehearsals and live performances by the bands.
It will provide an insight into the Black Country, a place without defined borders, where music and art meet with industry and unemployment. An area of Britain too often ignored... but no longer.
Watch this space for updates on how the editing is progressing.
13 November 2009
Advice for young writers:
When you write something and give it to someone else to evaluate, if you are told it is not good enough, write something better.
It is easy to take criticism as a fault of the reader, that they don't 'get' your work. You can end up in a viscious cycle of giving out your work, getting bad reviews, blaming the reviewer, sending out the same work, getting bad reviews, blame the reviewer.
Stop it.
Learn from what you have created and move on; re-read your work. If you can't do any better then chances are, you are really not that good.
If you write more and receive more criticism, keep writing. One day you will have two things: a mass of work, and a plotted history of how you got where you are today. This is very important because it proves that you never gave up, and probably that work number 1 is not as good as work number 1000. You will see your progression and your improvement. This is your life lesson and it is something you taught yourself... if you still are a struggling unknown, consider the lesson you have given yourself your prize. Consider also that you really are a writer.
If you gave up at number 1, you are not a writer and were certainly not good enough.
Success is the point at which you creat something that speaks to someone else, even if that is just one person. Feel happy with what you have made, because no-one in the world could have done it but you. Never judge your own success in terms of who 'makes it', their work is no better than yours, it just landed on the right desk... a desk owned by someone with no real idea of what is good or bad, just what can sell.
If you only write to sell, you are not a writer, you are a salesman. This is fine as long as you are honest with yourself about your true intentions.
Now write something good.
6 November 2009
CAPS album The Avenger NOW OUT ON iTunes
After 2 mini-albums already this year, Caps is back with a full-length album. No sign of tiring, this album is better, brighter and more eclectic. Dub, mixed with pop and electro/indie, this is glorious - it even has a song specially 'written' by Ray Davies (Criminal), Caps is moving with the stars already. Great songs, under produced, are a breath of fresh air in this sterile world we now live in. Get it written, get it recorded, get it out there... this is a diamond in the rough, where everything else on the radio is turds being polished. Don't listen to anything else... this will warm you through the winter.
Buy it now.
You can also visit a record shop in Wolverhampton too, or order from us here by clicking on contact us and we will do the bizness. Just ask and we will do whatever it takes.
12 October 2009
And where from here?
I have come to a cul-de-sac. Something that doesn't happen very often (even though I do actually live in a cul-de-sac, however, this is a metaphorical cul-de-sac, but you knew that already). I usually do find a way of keeping on, but recently this has been getting more difficult by the day. This has possibly come at the same time as waking daily with a pounding headache I don't know, but things are starting to lack a spark.
This could also be a backlash after seeing The Pixies perform "Doolittle" at Brixton Academy, and knowing that nothing I can do will ever match such a stunning performance.
It could also be due to the gaping (w)hole left in the wake of the death of Mr Stephen Gateley.
If you are a band/musician/artist/mensch who can reignite my spark, please use the contact us button, with a box of matches.
18 September 2009
Abstinence & Sensibility live in London
A rare live gig by our very own Abstinence & Sensibility is like all your Xmouses at once.
And yes they are playing live at The Rag Factory, Brick Lane, London
on Friday 25th September:
check here for all information:
Rag Factory
And now you know, make the effort and support them
16 September 2009
and on and on..
So where are we? I'd like to think we have come far since this began earlier this year, and when you look at the positives we faired better than most businesses. Maybe that's because we never aimed to make money, so it's no surprise we didn't and at least we never made losses.
But let's have a look what we did....
We released some great records, produced a feature length film and had it premiered at an art gallery. Not many other record companies can boast such positive activity.
Okay we were pretty much ignored by the local and national media and still have to fight for every download or sale. We still have to beg for audiences to tear themselves from their houses, but we have to remember that what we do is good: that's the bottom line. We are no different to those press darlings who seem to always grab headlines for doing very little, except they have a platform. Our music is no worse, it is just not endlessly playlisted.
I do believe that it is repetition of music that makes it sell. When heard daily, even the worst song lodges into your subconscious and sooner or later you will hum it, and then because it is recognisable to you, you believe it is part of you somehow, then you feel you need it... then you buy it... then you stop listening... the record company is happy because it made money, the artist is not because the music is actually unlistenable and unsustainable, and worse their audience stops paying attention because there is no real appreciation and no loyalty to the brand. The music business is more like a conveyor belt than ever before (and it always has been one to a certain degree). We will not see writers grow and develop any more, just endless debut albums.
Just remember that the world is more than a radio set, or a TV. They are controlled output and very badly produced at that.
I think I just wanted to make a statement.. and that is: we are still here.
We still are reaching a small audience and we are more focused because of that. Thanks to everyone involved
9 9 2009
DIE SON! DIE! at tHE pUBLIC Art Gallery tomorrow
9-9-09 a day that the UK and USA can agree on means the 9th of September. Maybe this is the reason the beAtles decided to reissue their back catalogue: no confusion over month and date there. Still do we really need another repackaging exercise by the remaining fab two? No.
Luckily we here at elementary recordings are working on new material and brighter more exciting things than dusting off the mop tops.
Tomorrow sees the premier of Miss Halliwell's DIE SON DIE at the Public art gallery in West Bromwich. It starts at 8:15pm. Tickets are still available so contact us to reserve a £3 seat, or just turn up and pay £5 on the door. Lucky attendees will receive a free E.REX sampler, as long as they promise to listen to it all. Those that say they won't listen to it will be charged £20 per copy, so remember your ears are made for listening, not just hearing.
Caps has unveiled that his next album will be called The Avenger - a 10 track spectacular. We are just waiting for clearance from our good friends at KASSNER ASSOCIATED PUBLISHERS LTD, to use the words: "You really got me going, you got me so I don't know what I'm doing" by Ray Davies, before they sue our asses off.
Also our horizons have now broadened to include Brazil with our good friend Marco Stecz of Ultimo Volume Radio in Curitiba, flying the E.REX flag, from below the equator. We will await our invitations to Rio in the forthcoming months I hope.
See you in West Bromwich tomorrow at 8pm. Email us if you need directions, or search t'internet for The Public.
24 August 2009
A week of activity
elementary recordings has been busy this week:
1. Miss Halliwell released their debut album DIE SON DIE. It was an official release where all sales counted towards the album chart. The earlist signs are that DIE SON DIE is number one all over the world. However, the votes are still being counted.
2. Caps has recorded a bunch of new songs, which he is sending to E.REX HQ. We are hoping to release a new ep or mini-album in the Autumn (that is fall to people in the Americas)
3. Boat To Row is currently on a national tour to promote his Young and Quirky EP, he has also been in the studio recording new material. We will release this later in the year.
4. The premier of Miss Halliwell's full-length motion picture DIE SON DIE will be at The Public art gallery in West Bromwich on 10 September 2009. Tickets are selling fast, so email us today to reserve your seat.
5. E.REX founder member a.neilson has been seen riding around his Audnam home on a black Triumph Bonneville. He has denied this is a mid-life crisis and is just his way of supporting British industry.
Keep supporting us and we will not let you down.
15 August 2009
Look at our web log
elementary recordings has it's own bee log. It's a place like this, but I have to admit, it is has a B-bonny look.
Have a look, and comment, just because you can:
BEE-LOG FOR EdotREX
14 August 2009
To our fans in Australia we say hello, to Mr Les Paul we say goodbye.
elementary recordings is now global, officially. Orders for our music are now coming from the other side of the world in wonderful Australia. Information from our digital distributors at Routenote also shows sales from Europe and the USA, but this is a first to be making a noise down under. Welcome!
On a more unhappy note, yesterday the inventor of the solid body electric guitar, Les Paul died aged 94. He also pioneered the first multi-track recording studio, without which, the progression in music recording and production would never have happened: he is literally the father of modern music.
I have dreamed of his guitar (Gibson named the guitar he invented after him) since a young boy and it took me until only very recently to be able to own one (well actually two). Originally inspired by guitarists like Mick Ronson and Marc Bolan who used the Les Paul, I have been in love with the instrument ever since.
So goodbye Les, you were one of the true good guys, who had vision and talent in spades. You are already missed.
4 August 2009
"DIE SON! DIE!" by Miss Halliwell is available for pre-order now
If you go here you can pre-order the DVD/CD double disc limited edition version of the film/album.
It has a 10 track CD and a 90 minute DVD full-length film, which also has extra content. It is a vision of beauty.
Buy it now from our sisters at Shabby Records.
On 17-8-09, you can also download it via iTunes, but you knew that already.
It is an official release, so please show your support, it would be a dream come true to get this work of genius into some chart.
It is due its place in history.
DIE SON! DIE! - The motion picture
And don't forget:
The film will receive its official premier at the one and only art gallery in West Bromwich: The Public, on 10-9-09
If you are interested in attending please contact us to reserve a seat. Tickets are £3.00 each, or £5.00 on the night. It will be a sellout as Miss Halliwell will also be performing live during the screening. Tickets are selling fast, so get in touch now to reserve your place.
21 July 2009
The E.REX store is upgraded
A big thank you to Lisa who has pointed out the flaw in the E.REX store. I have now corrected the email message that is sent after an order is made, which clearly defines the transaction. Until now, things were a little vague and I apologise for this.
If anyone has any problems with any aspect of the site please contact me and let me know. We are human beings here afer all.
Thanks again Lisa for getting in touch.
16 July 2009
"DIE SON! DIE!" by Miss Halliwell is finished. Trailer online now.
The feature film is complete and currently being readied for its official release on 17-8-09.
Watch the trailer now by going here DSD Trailer
The film will receive its official premier at the one and only art gallery in West Bromwich: The Public, on 10-9-09
If you are interested in attending please contact us to reserve a seat. Tickets are £3.00 each, or £5.00 on the night. It will be a sellout as Miss Halliwell will also be performing live during the screening.
You will be able to buy a special DVD/CD edition of the album, which includes the film and a separate audio CD. You can also just download the album via a special pre-release from late July/early August, which will include artwork and the video for 'Amblecote'. This will be available from iTunes as well as a host of other sites.
Watch out for press and radio announcements as we get closer to the release date. The Black Country is buzzing with excitement.
18 June 2009
Boat To Row now on iTunes
The debut ep "The Young and Quirky" is out now for download, get it here:
BUY Boat To Row ep on iTunes
and beautifully packaged hard copy here:
The E.REX Store
10 June 2009
Barry's Attic now on iTunes
Their debut ep is now available for download from Apple's store.
Go here and open your hearts and wallets.
BUY Voices All Clear Now ep
2 June 2009
elementary recordings release Boat To Row and Barry's Attic on CD
The two eps by our newest artists, Boat To Row and Barry's Attic are now available from here:
Voices All Clear Now by Barry's Attic
The Young and Quirky ep by Boat To Row
They will also shortly be available as a download from iTunes and we will update you when that happens. Please check out the E.REX store for details of getting one in your hand today.
1 June 2009
Miss Halliwell's feature length "DIE SON! DIE!" film is almost with us.
"Die Son! Die!" by Miss Halliwell has a release date of August 17th. The film on DVD and the album on CD will be available from here. If you just want the music, then you will be able to download the album from iTunes. More information will be available nearer the time, but put that date into your diary. It is likely to be a limited pressing and if you miss out your grandchildren will never forgive you, as this will be their inheritence.
Here is a still from the film, which will be used for the iTunes cover:
20 May 2009
The legendary Tom Robinson describes elementary recordings as a "rare, if not unique record label".
High praise indeed from the presenter of the BBC Radio 6 show 'Introducing..'. Thanks for coming down and checking out the site Tom. Maybe you could buy something next time.
14 May 2009
We are proud and excited to announce one of our artists, Caps, will be appearing on national radio.
Tom Robinson's BBC Radio 6 show 'Introducing..' will be playing "Over + Over" by Caps on Sunday night/Monday morning 17/18 May. There is also a faux introduction by yours truly as if I am live on air talking to Tom.. but it is all light and mirrors and recorded well in advance in case I go crazy with excitement.
The lovely production team at Introducing have also agreed to plug elementary recordings to within an inch of its life, so be prepared for the floodgates to open.
13 May 2009
"And Now.." The Mekano Set is now available on iTunes and here. Go listen and buy now:
And Now.. on iTunes
This is what they say about it:
"Seedily attractive, smooth, impressively catchy, seething power..." Mick Mercer.
"The Mekano Set have a talent for creating exciting electronic rock fields with edges, a noisy touch and haunting atmospheres; it's like velvety, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate ice cream with highly crispy candy splinters." Virus Magazine.
"Snaking guitars and synths that make me think of swirling mists and sonic cathedrals. Well, maybe not sonic cathedrals. I gather they're banned under the music journalists' Geneva Convention. Still, if this is shoegazing, you'll find me gladly staring at my laces any time this is playing. Definitely recommended for those long, dark nights or any time you just want to drown in the atmosphere." The Mag
4 May 2009
Music for Miss Halliwell's debut album "Die Son! Die!" is hear/hare/here:
The final mastering of Miss Halliwell's full-length album is now complete and available for you to listen with your ears. Go here now:
Die Son Die music
The album will be available in the summer as download, DVD disc and disc of the compact variety. It will be released simultaneously with the film that accompanies it. It will be the single most memorable event in history; I guarantee it. Don't say I didn't tell you.
1 May 2009
elementary recordings now on e-music
We are now selling music through the subscription download store e-music. If you like to pay up front and get maximum downloads for your rapidly depreciating pound, go here:
emusic superstore
There are a number of our releases on there (j j: caps; minnie; miss h are the ones I happened across whilst buzzing around there), the rest will get there in the end I am sure.
I will take this opportunity to apologise to The Mekano Set and all their worshippers, "And now.." is still not on iTunes. I am chasing it daily and have been told it will be available imminently. It will be worth the wait (in gold).
26 April 2009
Barry's Attic and Boat to Row sign to elementary recordings (that's us)
elementary recordings announce that their family has grown to accommodate a further two incredible Midlands-based bands.
Boat To Row based in Nuneaton have agreed terms and we are just waiting on a late fitness test (that's E.REX's fitness, not Mike's)
and
Barry's Attic from the heart of the Black Country have signed and are currently recording new material for a May release.
I have to say this label has the best talent of any others in the world, indie or major, we wipe the floor with the competition.
18 April 2009
Miss Halliwell Tour announced
Miss Halliwell will be embarking on a spring/summer tour in 2009. The dates are as follows:
8 May 2009 The Victoria - Birmingham, Midlands
24 Jul 2009 Katie Fitzgerald’s - Stourbridge, Midlands
31 Jul 2009 The Railway - Evesham
5 Sep 2009 The Go! Club (Old Wharf) - Digbeth, Birmingham, Midlands
60 minute MISS HALLIWELL Show to launch their full-length feature film
"Die Son! Die!"
+ support: The Mekano Set and Visual Audio Replicant
15 April 2009
neilson on iTunes
alan_neilson's full length album "bear_bare" is released on iTunes. Of course it was always available right here at the E.REX store, but if you like your music in ones and zeros go to the Roster for the links necessary to give you download capability.
The release, coming as it does on the 20th anniversary of those that lost their lives at Hillsborough, leaves neilson wishing to add his support to the Justice campaign. The root of the problem that caused the tradegy has to be the decade of Thatcherism that preceded it. Under that Government the working class had been demonised to a point where the police and officials treated paying spectators like criminals: the football fans who were crushed to death that day in 1989 were seen as troublemakers who needing containing... they were seen as ticket receipts and profits... they are now seen as an embarrassment because they are an indication of what happens when human beings stop looking on each other as human beings.
elementary recordings is not a political label, but each and everyone of us is a mensch of the highest order. There needs to be more of us about I think.
9 April 2009
caps now released on iTunes
Navigate to the Roster to find caps' links to iTunes. His two mini-albums, Radiator and Kerplunk are there in all their beauty.
8 April 2009
more elementary artists released on iTunes
Please check the artist's details via the Roster to find links to iTunes. We have released another 3 great pieces of work:
Miss Halliwell - Predateoralbumlaunchparty
Jo Staples - Playing Up
The Mallory Heart - Selected Tales From the Sanitorium
_____________________________________________
The Mekano Set's "And Now..."; alan neilson's "bear_bare"; and caps' "Radiator" and "Kerplunk" are due to be released after Easter... like some kind of elementary resurrection.
So go and visit the iTunes store now and listen. Don't be shy, buy something; we don't bite.. we are your friends. Remember we are trying to save you from the vacuum that is contemporary life. And when you have had a good listen come back here and tell us what you think: there is a link on the home page for you to contact us. It is easy.
And now you're feeling whole, go back and buy some more, and then tell your friends, and then make sure your friends tell their friends.. I want someone I don't know to tell me about these albums... only then will I know you have done your job correctly.
7 April 2009
elementary artists tour date for your diary
Miss Halliwell and The Mekano Set to play The Old Wharf, Digbeth, Birmingham on 5th September 2009.
27 March 2009
elementary artists are released on iTunes.
Check the roster for links to new releases by:
Miss Halliwell
Abstinence & Sensibility
j j brierley
caps is also up there, but in the wrong place. Bear with us while we get him in his rightful position. I will upload the link when he has found his spot.
More releases are imminent, please check back often and support the artists here.
6 March 2009
Miss Halliwell complete the filming for their full-length feature film "Die Son! Die!". Editing now begins at elementary films HQ, with a release date for the film in the summer of 2009.
Check Die Son Die taste it for a taster of what is to come.
4 March 2009
Minnie Allen's ep "Life Gets Tedious?" is released on iTunes. See artist page in The Roster for link.
Charles Allen's full length album "The Life and Times of Charles A Allen" is released on iTunes. See artist page in The Roster for link.
1 March 2009
Elementary Productions and Elementary Recordings goes dot co dot uk