Wow, what a great alliteration. Anyway, Southern Records, home to Karate, Sweep The Leg Johnny, Ten Grand, and many more, just added three new acts to their label. New York City's Darediablo, Iowa City's William Elliott Whitmore, and Brighton, UK's Cat On Form have all inked with the label. To find out more about any of the groups, click READ MORE to read the label's press release.
- NYC's Darediablo has officially joined the SOUTHERN roster!
This 3-piece employs drums, Hammond Organ and alternating guitar and bass in such a why, they call to mind the threatening crunch of AC/DC, the spring-coil tightness and groove of the Meters and the atmospherics of Deep Purple (!)
Darediablo just recorded their SOUTHERN debut earlier this month. We're working towards a late summer '03 release. In the meantime, if you'd like to get a sense of what they're all about - go to www.darediablo.com and treat yourself to "Bedtime Stories", their most recent release. Once ya do - you'll be achin' for more, guaranteed!
Keep an eye out for Darediablo this summer - they'll be making their way through your city!
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- We are extremely excited to introduce you to William Elliott Whitmore.
You may already be familiar with William, as he's opened many many shows for Ten Grand. For those who aren't and hold an acute appreciation for performers who deliver an emotionally captivating and intensely spiritual set, you are in for quite a treat.
William hails from a small town that rests along the banks of the Mississippi River. He was born and raised on a horse farm, where he developed a deep love for the land. Often referred to as "Hillbilly Ray Charles" his songs reflect these important pieces of his life, along with influences as disparate as Ralph Stanley, The Louvin Brothers, Minor Threat and Captain Beefheart.
William just recorded with the incredible Mike Lust last week in Chicago. We're shooting for a Fall '03 release.
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- Cat On Form will also be making their SOUTHERN debut this year!
This new signing from the UK (Brighton, specifically) are exceptionally passionate and opinionated. They see their music as a form of catharsis from a restrictive world of compromises, but instead of producing an empathetic brand of miserablism, their songs are full of hope: a desire to change what's broken rather than moan about it.
Musically they draw influences from the hardcore and riot grrrrl scenes in which they formed, but combine them with far more ambitious arrangements and a superb ear for a pop hook. Their guitars interlock and chime with a maturity far beyond their years, but they retain the enthusiasm of teenagers. Cat On Form are a very special band and we're honored to work with them.
They've also just recorded their debut and we're looking at a summer release for North America. They'll also be touring the US in support of the album early this fall! More details soon.