heartbeat in the brain
just a disclaimer - I dunno where I’m going with this. but I saw the recent update from topshelf records and just wanted to write something. topshelf is a formative label for me and i’m sure for many many others. I would advise that you take the time to read what’s on the label’s website and then donate whatever you can to their kickstarter campaign.
“okay, cool drew but why write a newsletter when that could just be a simple tweet?”
ah yes, that’s a great question. I love Topshelf Records. I love the people who work there. I love the bands - current and alumni - that’ve released incredible records throughout the labels near two decade existence. I remember all the fun little messages they wrote on the vinyl mailers that contained a soon-to-be classic record. so I guess where I’m going with this please help the label out. you’re not just helping out the people who run the label. you are also helping their employees. you are also helping their incredible current roster - artists on tour that may not have any merch to sell (and you know how important merch sales are to artists during this volatile time in the industry). there are some cool rewards when you pledge. The best one is donating 40 bucks or more you will get a random Topshelf vinyl from their archives. And i’m here to tell you not to be scared by the word “random” because every release from this label fucking whips. what started out more around the emo/screamo realm has majestically and gracefully expanded to release music from all kinds of genres and styles. that’s one of the many reasons I love this goddamn label - they don’t care about labels or what’s trendy - they release the best music possible from artists they 100000% believe in. if you pledge 40 bucks you could get one of my favorite albums of all time. You Blew It! released Grow Up Dude and Keep Doing What You’re Doing. Old Pride and The Lack Long After Pianos Become The Teeth! plus an amazing split with The Saddest Landscape - who also put out insanely underrated records like After The Lights and Darkness Forgives. Then of course you have all the stone cold classics from The World Is A Beautiful Place! Wherever, if Ever came out on this label! They released the iconic 4-way 7” that featured The World Is, Code Orange, Tigers Jaw, and holy shit Self Defense Family! Get outta here! Defeater put out Travels! Into It Over It released Twelve Towns! Prawn! Caravels! Wrestling Moves by Native! Cut Teeth! Slingshot Dakota! Duck, Little Brother Duck! Crash of fucking Rhinos! the first Have Mercy record! Loom by Frameworks! Field Mouse! toe! Batboys! A Great Big Pile of Leaves! Del Paxton! Gulfer!!!! Moving goddamn Mountains put out Pneuma! Special Explosion! Queen of Jeans! Bellows! Record Setter’s modern classic I Owe You Nothing! New releases from great new bands like Sweet Pill and Knifeplay! there is a lot more! It’s worth dropping 40 dollars a bunch of times so you can get a bunch of these fucking sick records.
“wow drew, shill much?”
first off, fuck you fake person I made up. Topshelf legitimately means the fucking world to me. but ultimately it’s what their released music has done to connect other people. The music can honestly save lives. This is something I found on my car many years and I think about it a lot. It’s this connection why Topshelf Records is so important. They’ve helped us out through our best and worst times. It’s time for us to help them. Thanks.
one last time - here’s the kickstarter.
The world is a beautiful place but we have to make it that way.
Whenever you find home we'll make it more than just a shelter.
And if everyone belongs there it will hold us all together.
If you're afraid to die, then so am I.