THE LEAF LABEL
Dec 1, 2004 12:00 PM
Style: Rich, playful, emotional and indefinable music for humans.
Established: In 1995 by 4AD press officer Tony Morley and associate Julian Carrera in London. The two started the label purely to release one 12-inch by Boymerang, but things went well and the releases continued. In February 2004, the label opened a U.S. office in New York.
Artists: A Hawk & A Hacksaw, Asa-Chang & Junray, Caribou (formerly Manitoba), Colleen, Efterklang, Rob Ellis, Icarus, Murcof, Psapp, Triosk
Essential Listening: Asa-Chang & Junray, Jun Ray Song Chang (2002); Colleen, Everyone Alive Wants Answers (2003); Efterklang, Tripper (2004); Faultline, Closer Colder (1999); Manitoba, Up in Flames (2003); Murcof, Martes (2002); Susumu Yokota, Sakura (2000); Various Artists, Classic Plant (1998)
Manifesto: “The music, design and attitude all hold to a similar aesthetic of innovative artistry that maintains a melodic core,” says Ben Goldberg, who heads Leaf's U.S. office. “The music we release is dynamic and exciting and never willfully esoteric for its own sake. We're in it for the long haul — this music is still going to sound good in 10, 20 years' time.”
A&R Philosophy: “We do indeed accept demos,” Goldberg continues. “Anyone familiar with some of our releases will have a good sense of what we look for: something unlike anything we've heard before. We've signed several artists from demos we've received.”
Upcoming: Look out for new releases from Murcof, Colleen, Caribou, A Hawk & A Hacksaw and David Sheppard & Kieron Phelan, among others. Stay tuned for Leaf's 10th-anniversary celebration next year.
Contact: The Leaf Label U.S.; 45 Main St., Brooklyn, NY 11201; (917) 922-9035; contact@theleaflabel.com; www.theleaflabel.com
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