For any young dreamer seeking a career in music, it’s worth opening your eyes to a few realities before jumping in head first: 1. be prepared to deal with a lot of cunts a lot of the time 2. be prepared for a lifetime of disappointment and rude emails, and 3. be prepared to work really fucking hard for very little reward. Yep, the music industry aint all Lear Jets and supermodel sex dungeons. Not anymore. You might want to blame a lil’ ol’ thing called P2P. Bad one, internet democracy!
But in amongst the major label apocalypse and indie failures still tight-gripped to Camden like it’s an A&R promised land, there’s a few beacons of hope managing to get things so right so quickly dreams come true like the sun rises – all the time, like once a day. Lefse are one such example, even if they do appear to be named after a Norwegian flatbread…
Starting out less than a year ago, Lefse are already hotter than an Icelandic mountain that fucked everyone’s holiday. You can blame a lil’ ol’ thing called Neon Indian, Lefse’s debut signing. And what a way to announce yourself to the world. But there’s way more to the label than one good band that got Pitchfork wet. Like near all great imprints, there’s an aesthetic consistency to the artists they work with that gives Lefse a clearly defined identity. Perhaps not so much reflected in sound as approach, there’s an affinity between their artists that suggests they’ve built a strong community around the label, all inter-band Come Dine With Me-style BBQs and play dates. That kind of thing. That’s pretty impressive since they admit to having never seen most of their artists play live. Good one, internet democracy!
Below there’s a neat little intro to the label, mixtape and all. You’d also do well to pick up that Neon Indian record if you’ve been dragging your feet about it until now.
Lefse and The Antiques
Who?
Lefse Records is a small operation focusing on bands and artists we find truly interesting. The label is run by two best buddies, me, Matt, and Tyler. We have a small, great staff that helps with the day-to-day operations of the label. Recently one of our staff members, MK, started another label under our ownership, Waaga Records.
Where?
Sacramento, CA. Midtown.
When?
May of 2009
Lefse Past – Neon Indian – “Terminally Chill”
Neon Indian – “Terminally Chill”
Neon Indian
Current Roster
Neon Indian, Dominant Legs, Keepaway, Sunglasses, A Grave With No Name, FUR, Florene, Treasure and loads more…
Why?
Before May 2009, we were managing releasing records from our friend’s bands. One bright, sunny afternoon we discovered Neon Indian on MySpace, and started the label to release their debut full length Psychic Chasms. We had no idea Neon Indian would take off as they did, which led to many more signings….and Lefse was born!
What?
Our motivation as a label is to discover new and exciting music, and make sure as many people hear the artists we so deeply love. There is no real aesthetic to the ‘sound’ of Lefse. We choose the artists we work with based on our personal taste. We release our artists digitally, on vinyl and sometimes CD, too.
Lefse Present – Keepaway – “Yellow Wing”
Keepaway
Heroes?
Artists/bands who make music with nothing but their art in mind.
Villains?
Music snobs who would rather spend their day bashing artists, than celebrating the music they love.
High point so far?
Having a band succeed to the point where having a job to support themselves became unnecessary! Our first artist to play a late night talk show was the high point for our parents.
Low point?
Number crunching, negotiating, and anything that takes away from the excitement of releasing records.
What’s next?
We are very excited about the forthcoming release from Dominant Legs in July. They’ve a sound that’s truly unique and heartfelt.
Lefse Future – Sunglasses – “Whiplash”
Sunglasses
Download: Lefse Mixtape For Platform (Right Click, Save As…)
1. Halo Benders – “Rebel’s Got A Hole In It”
2. Devo – “Gates Of Steel”
3. Talking Heads – “Burning Down The House”
4. Tears For Fears – “Everybody Wants To Rule The World
5. A Tribe Called Quest – “God Lives Through”
6. Sigur Ros – “Olsen Olsen”
7. Devo – “Gut Feeling/Slap Your Mammy”
8. Paul Simon – “Graceland”
9. Black Star – “Respiration”
10. The Antiques – “Down to North County”
