TRK Tape Sale! Cassette tapes for cheap.

Its time to dust off the old Walkman, remove the tape adapter from your car, and put new batteries in the boombox. That's right, its time to listen to some tapes. We're having a cassette tape sale over in the Trekky Records Online Store, and you can pick up these analog wonders for mere dollars now. In addition to Trekky Records' Amalgam mixtape compilation, check out the newly available Phil Cook & His Feat split cassette and Midtown Dickens' Home, now available on tape. Happy spinning!

Lost in the Trees & Midtown Dickens announce Fall tour

Labelmates Lost in the Trees and Midtown Dickens have just announced a full US tour for the Fall. Both bands released stunning records this year, and will be bringing those records to life in a town near you. The tour includes a stop at the City Arts Festival in Seattle, and the West Coast shows will also include Dana Buoy, the new solo project from Dana Janssen of Akron/Family. Check the dates below, and mark your calendars!

10-09 Knoxville, TN - Pilot Light
10-10 Bloomington, IN - The Bishop
10-11 St. Louis, MO - The Duck Room
10-12 Madison, WI - Der Rathskeller
10-13 Chicago, IL - Lincoln Hall
10-14 Minneapolis, MN - First Ave. 7th Street Entry
10-16 Omaha, NE - Slowdown
10-17 Denver, CO - Hi-Dive
10-18 Salt Lake City, UT - The State Room
10-19 Boise, ID - Neurolux
10-20 Seattle, WA - Crocodile (City Arts Festival)*
10-21 Portland, OR - Doug Fir Lounge*
10-23 Arcata, CA - Arcata Playhouse*
10-24 San Francisco, CA - Bottom of the Hill*
10-26 Los Angeles, CA - First Unitarian Church*
10-27 San Diego, CA - Soda Bar
10-28 Tucson, AZ - Club Congress
10-30 Austin, TX - Mohawk
11-01 Baton Rouge, LA - Spanish Moon
11-02 New Orleans, LA - One Eyed Jacks
11-03 Atlanta, GA - The Earl
11-05 Washington DC - Black Cat
11-06 Ithaca, NY - The Haunt
11-07 Boston, MA - Brighton Music Hall
11-08 Stony Brook, NY - University Cafe
11-09 York, PA - Strand-Capitol Performing Arts Center

* with Dana Buoy

Video: Midtown Dickens - "Only Brother" (KEXP Session)

Midtown Dickens just played the excellent Pickathon Festival in Portland, OR. They took a break from the hot sun to record this stripped down, acoustic version of "Only Brother" in the Bunny Glade on the grounds of Pendarvis Farm. The good folks at KEXP were good enough to catch the moment, and you can watch it above.

Midtown Dickens & The Mountain Goats record Weeds them song

John Darnielle of The Mountain Goats was asked to cover Malvina Reynolds' "Little Boxes" for the opening titles of Showtime's Weeds. In turn, he invited Midtown Dickens to help him interpret the song. The result airs on tonight's episode of Weeds. If you want to just hear the song, you can stream it here.

Praise for Joe Norkus EP from Shuffle Magazine

EP, the new release from Embarrassing Fruits frontman Joe Norkus, is out now.  The excellent new collection of Norkus solo material just received a glowing review from Shuffle Magazine.  We could agree more:

Joe Norkus — EP (Trekky)
Every once in a while, a record comes along that redefines an artist by simply refining and highlighting the things that made them great. The debut solo effort from Embarrassing Fruits guitarist Joe Norkus is such an album. Norkus has always written catchy indie rock songs replete with clever wordplay and ironic detachment. But EP strips back the thick-as-Pavement distortion, allowing Norkus’ words and melodies to shine through. Guitars tangle and unravel with remarkable nuance as Norkus drops his typically mumbling delivery for a warmingly dry croon. “I’m tired of writing songs that no one will hear,” Norkus sings on the Buddy Holly-esque “Last Night.” With the right exposure, EP may well allay his concerns. (JL)

Order your copy of the limited-edition CD here
Or download the album via Joe's bandcamp

Joe Norkus Live:
6/29 - Chapel Hill, NC @ The Cave

Lost in the Trees begin Summer Tour

Lost in the Trees are hitting the Southeast with our old friends Daytona and then the Northeast and Midwest with new friends The Head and the Heart! Come hang in a town near you:

06-14 Jacksonville, FL - Underbelly*
06-15 Orlando, FL - The Social*
06-16 Tampa, FL - Crowbar*
06-18 Atlanta, GA - The Earl*
06-19 Birmingham, AL - The Bottletree*
06-20 Memphis, TN - Hi-Tone Cafe*
06-21 Jackson, MS - Duling Hall*
06-22 Hot Springs, AR - The Art Church*
06-23 Nashville, TN - 12th and Porter*
06-24 Lexington, KY - Cosmic Charlie's*
06-26 Charlottesville, VA - The Southern*
06-27 Asheville, NC - The Grey Eagle*
06-28 Charlotte, NC - Visulite Theatre*
07-27 Brooklyn, NY - Celebrate Brooklyn!#
07-28 Northampton, MA - Calvin Theatre#
07-30 New Haven, CT - Toad's Place#
07-31 Cleveland, OH - House of Blues#
08-01 Millvale, PA - Mr. Small's Theatre#
08-02 Grand Rapids, MI - Meijer Gardens#
08-03 Greensboro, NC - Center City Park

* with Daytona
# with The Head and the Heart

Joe Norkus EP Out Now!

Embarrassing Fruits' Joe Norkus has been quietly assembling an EP of solo tunes in various bedrooms and home studios over the past few months, and the collection is out now on Trekky Records. Long known for his love of guitar-based "slacker rock", Norkus here lets many more influences shine through, harnessing more atmosphere and space to let his songs breathe. Collaborating with Josh Kimbrough and Peter Lewis of Butterflies, Norkus creates biting, sad and dryly hilarious jangle pop anthems that explore the struggles of balancing artistic ambition with the seemingly inescapable weight of "real life". These are feelings that ring true for anyone who punches the clock but doesn't feel defined by their 9-to-5.

Listen to the first track from the EP, "Call You Up" below:

MP3: Joe Norkus - Call You Up [from the EP EP]

Pick up your copy of the limited edition CD from the Trekky Online Store here.
Or, if you're digitally inclined, stream and download the EP here.

Midtown Dickens announce US tour dates

Midtown Dickens just released their new LP, Home and now they're excited to bring it to your doorstep. The band will hit the road this Summer in support of their stunning new record, hitting every corner of the US that they can drive to. Watch their new music video, order your LP+CD+MP3 copy of Home, and check the dates below for your closest show!

05-31 Charleston, SC - Tin Roof
06-01 Columbia, SC - Columbia Museum of Art
06-19 Richmond, VA - The Camel
06-20 Washington DC - Black Cat
06-21 Philadelphia, PA - Johnny Brenda's
06-22 New York, NY - Cake Shop
06-23 Brooklyn, NY - Music Hall of Williamsburg*
06-24 Ithaca, NY - Lot 10
06-25 Thomas, WV - Purple Fiddle
06-26 Columbus, OH - Ace of Cups
06-29 Madison, WI - The Frequency~
06-30 Minneapolis, MN - 1st Ave 7th St Entry
07-01 Milwaukee, WI - Cactus Club~
07-02 Bloomington, IN - The Bishop
07-03 Lexington, KY - Al's Bar%
07-05 Knoxville, TN - The Pilot Light
07-06 Asheville, NC - The Get Down
07-18 Durham, NC - Duke Gardens
07-29 Denver, CO - Hi Dive#
08-04 Portland, OR - Pickathon^
08-05 Portland, OR - Pickathon^
08-07 Arcata, CA - Arcata Playhouse+
08-08 Petrolia, CA - Petrolia Community Center
08-09 Davis, CA - Sophia's Thai Kitchen+
08-12 Los Angeles, CA - Bootleg Theater

* with Bowerbirds, Basia Bulat
~ with The Daredevil Christopher Wright
% with Wooden Wand
# with Southeast Engine
^ with Neko Case, Blitzen Trapper, Bowerbirds, Phosphorescent, etc
+ with Shovels & Rope

TRKfest 2012 date announced!

Trekky Records is proud to announce the return of TRKfest, our annual Summertime blissfest, on Saturday, July 21 at Piedmont Biofuels in Pittsboro, NC. This year's festival will continue its reputation as an essential expression of the North Carolina music scene, as well as include some special, one-time-only performances and collaborations from some of the states finest musicians.

This will be the fifth annual TRKfest. The event began as a one-off fundraiser for the Trekky Records Collective in 2008, but has transformed into an annual event, returning each year by popular demand. As always, the festival will take place at Piedmont Biofuels, a charming industrial biodiesel plant and organic farm nestled into the beautiful Pittsboro countryside. With the help of Piedmont Biofuels and The Abundance Foundation, we will attempt to minimize the ecological impact of the festival, reducing waste and emphasizing local and sustainable foods and drinks.

In addition to the music, the day will be bursting with other activities. Attendees will be able to play games, cool off under the sprinklers, vibe out in the Bliss Tent, purchase local clothing and crafts, tour the biodiesel facility and dance til they collapse, all while listening to some of the finest music North Carolina has to offer.

Admission will be a $10 suggested donation. No person will be turned away. This is a family friendly event! In the event of rain, the festival will be moved indoors to the Haw River Ballroom. Performers to be announced in the coming weeks!

Joe Norkus of Embarrassing Fruits to release solo EP

Embarrassing Fruits' Joe Norkus has been quietly assembling an EP of solo tunes in various bedrooms and home studios over the past few months, and the collection will be released on Trekky Records on May 22, 2012. Long known for his love of guitar-based "slacker rock", Norkus here lets many more influences shine through, harnessing more atmosphere and space to let his songs breathe. Collaborating with Josh Kimbrough and Peter Lewis of Butterflies, Norkus creates biting, sad and dryly hilarious jangle pop anthems that explore the struggles of balancing artistic ambition with the seemingly inescapable weight of "real life". These are feelings that ring true for anyone who punches the clock but doesn't feel defined by their 9-to-5. You can listen to the EP, simply titled EP, now and limited edition CD copies will be available on May 22. Joe Norkus will also appear live, with a full band featuring members of Midtown Dickens, Butterflies and Jenny Besetzt, this Sunday at Nightlight in Chapel Hill. You can ALSO download the first single from the EP, "Call You Up" below:

MP3: Joe Norkus - Call You Up [from the EP EP]

Lost in the Trees announce Summer tour dates

Lost in the Trees has just announced more tour dates in support of their acclaimed new album A Church That Fits Our Needs. The band will first tour the Southeast with Daytona, the new project from Hunter Simpson (member of now defunct Trekky bands The Beauregards and Participation Award). Then they'll hit the Northeast and Midwest with The Head and the Heart. Also included is a very special benefit performance in support of The Jed Foundation, the nation’s leading organization working to reduce emotional distress and prevent suicide among America’s 20 million college students. The show will be on June 7 at Gotham Hall in New York City.

Suicide is an issue that hits very close too home for Ari Picker. Regarding the show, he offered these words on his connection to the cause:

"Mental illness has been a tall hurdle in my life, and I've needed a lot of help to get to a healthy place. Having the support from an organization like the Jed Foundation can make all the difference. I'm so thankful to all who helped me along the way, and I admire all the people who are making the steps towards a healthier place in their own lives."

06-07 New York, NY - Gotham Hall
06-13 Charleston, SC - The Pourhouse*
06-14 Jacksonville, FL - Underbelly*
06-15 Orlando, FL - The Social*
06-16 Tampa, FL - Crowbar*
06-18 Atlanta, GA - The Earl*
06-19 Birmingham, AL - The Bottletree*
06-20 Memphis, TN - Hi-Tone Cafe*
06-21 Jackson, MS - Duling Hall*
06-22 Hot Springs, AR - Low Key Arts*
06-23 Nashville, TN - 12th and Porter*
06-24 Lexington, KY - Cosmic Charlie's*
06-26 Charlottesville, VA - The Southern*
06-27 Asheville, NC - The Grey Eagle*
06-28 Charlotte, NC - Visulite Theatre*
07-28 Northampton, MA - Calvin Theatre#
07-30 New Haven, CT - Toad's Place#
07-31 Cleveland, OH - House of Blues#
08-01 Millvale, PA - Mr. Small's Theatre#
08-02 Grand Rapids, MI - Meijer Gardens#
08-03 Greensboro, NC - Center City Park

* with Daytona
# with The Head and the Heart

Noisevox premieres new Midtown Dickens music video

Noisevox just premiered the new music video for "Walk, Don't You Run", a song from the band's new album, Home. Created by Hueism Pictures and filmed in Durham, North Carolina, the video features the band and a couple dozen friends jumping into a pristine swimming pool in super slow-motion. Slowed down 11 times, you can see every detail of joy and anticipation as each costumed swimmer descends into the pool. Watch the video above (we suggest full-screen), download the free MP3, and order the album now.

Brooklyn Vegan premieres new Lost in the Trees music video

Brooklyn Vegan just debuted the new Lost in the Trees music video, a completely underwater clip for "Golden Eyelids", a song from the band's new album, A Church That Fits Our Needs. Made by the same team that brought you the music video for "Red", the clip features members of the band suspended in watery darkness in various gorgeous vignettes. Watch the clip above, and you can order the new album now.

More Midtown Dickens tour dates announced

Midtown Dickens has just released their triumph of a new album, Home, and now the band will hit the road to bring Home to your home. Don't miss a show near you, and stay tuned for even more shows to be announced! You can order the new album here and the full tour schedule is below:

04-12 Asheville, NC - The Grey Eagle
04-13 Greensboro, NC - The Green Bean
04-19 Wilmington, NC - The Satellite
04-21 Pittsboro, NC - Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival
04-26 Washington DC - IOTA
04-27 Brooklyn, NY - Union Pool #
04-28 New York, NY - Barnard College
05-10 Raleigh, NC - Tir Na Nog
05-11 Charlottesville, VA - Tom Tom Festival *
05-12 Harrisonburg, VA - Clementine
05-18 New Bern, NC - Broad St Social Club
06-01 Columbia, SC - Columbia Museum of Art
06-19 Richmond, VA - The Camel
06-21 Philadelphia, PA - Johnny Brenda's
06-24 Ithaca, NY - Lot 10
06-25 Thomas, WV - Purple Fiddle
06-30 Minneapolis, MN - 1st Ave 7th St Entry
07-01 Milwaukee, WI - Cactus Club ~
07-02 Bloomington, IN - The Bishop
07-03 Lexington, KY - Al's Bar %
07-05 Knoxville, TN - The Pilot Light
08-03 Portland, OR - Pickathon ^

* with The Walkmen, Here We Go Magic, etc
# with Retribution Gospel Choir
~ with The Daredevil Christopher Wright
% with Wooden Wand
^ with Neko Case, Blitzen Trapper, Bowerbirds, Phosphorescent, etc

New Midtown Dickens album out today, new single released

Midtown Dickens' much anticipated new album, Home, is out today on Trekky Records. To celebrate the release, the album's new single "Walk, Don't You Run" is now available from Trekky Records. The song displays an uncanny unity between songwriters Catherine Edgerton and Kym Register, each strumming together and joining their voices as one, ruminating on the virtues of patience and the power of nostalgia.

"Walk, Don't You Run" is the third glimpse into Midtown Dickens' gorgeous meditations on the themes of home (both literal and abstract), family (blood and chosen) and space (within us and about us), following MTV Hive's debut of "Cross My Heart" and NPR Music's debut of "Only Brother".

Home is Midtown Dickens' third album, which is out now in Trekky Records' signature 3-part package, including an LP, CD and digital download. You can order the album now from the Trekky Records Online Store. NPR has already claimed that Home is "the North Carolina band's most nuanced and beautifully produced album yet", and Shuffle Magazine states that "leaps don’t come any bigger or bolder than the one Durham’s Midtown Dickens makes on Home". The band has also announced a US tour in support of Home, including shows with Retribution Gospel Choir, Wooden Wand, and a stop at Portland's celebrated Pickathon Festival. Dates below:

04-07 Carrboro, NC - Cat's Cradle
04-12 Asheville, NC - The Grey Eagle
04-13 Greensboro, NC - The Green Bean
04-19 Wilmington, NC - The Satellite
04-21 Pittsboro, NC - Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival
04-26 Washington DC - IOTA
04-27 Brooklyn, NY - Union Pool #
04-28 New York, NY - Barnard College
05-11 Charlottesville, VA - Tom Tom Festival *
05-12 Harrisonburg, VA - Clementine
05-19 New Bern, NC - Broad St Social Club
06-01 Columbia, SC - Columbia Museum of Art
06-24 Ithaca, NY - Lot 10
06-25 Thomas, WV - Purple Fiddle
06-30 Minneapolis, MN - 1st Ave 7th St Entry
07-01 Milwaukee, WI - Cactus Club ~
07-02 Bloomington, IN - The Bishop
07-03 Lexington, KY - Al's Bar %
07-05 Knoxville, TN - The Pilot Light
08-03 Portland, OR - Pickathon ^

* with The Walkmen, Here We Go Magic, etc
# with Retribution Gospel Choir
~ with The Daredevil Christopher Wright
% with Wooden Wand
^ with Neko Case, Blitzen Trapper, Bowerbirds, Phosphorescent, etc

MP3: Midtown Dickens - Walk, Don't You Run [from the Home LP]