Hello from Brassland
Hello from Brassland
In 2001 I began a music label with two members of The National. Devoted to collaboration and community rather than a focus on making hits, some have called it an "island of misfit toys."
# of Tracks: about 66 tracks
Length: over 4 hours
Themes: recordings from the artist-operated label started in 2001 by twin brothers/musicians Aaron Dessner and Bryce Dessner…and me! ~ collaborations from an evolving assortment of community-minded artists ~ musicians who possess that elusive tonic of personality
Link: spoti.fi (Spotify) — apple.co (Apple Music) — youtube.com (YouTube)
“Brassland is like an island of misfit toys.”
That was the judgement of a four-time Grammy-winning record producer (and friendly acquaintance)1 about the label I co-founded and have operated for over 20 years.
And yep, that’s us!
Of course, Brassland is also more than that.
On our 10th anniversary, The Guardian ran a profile in which they called us “the record label at the centre of New York’s other music scene” and “a focus for some of the city's most intriguing and creative musicians.”2 Our first signing was The National, who have grown into one of the 21st century’s most significant independent rock bands.3 A member of that band, Aaron Dessner—also an original partner in Brassland—has gone on to even greater renown producing records with megastars like Ed Sheeran, Mumford & Sons, and Taylor Swift.4
Anyway, while I’ll occasionally include one or two Brassland recordings on my AHB’s Goodies mixtapes, this is generally a promo-free zone. I’m bending your ear about the label right now for two reasons.
First, there have been hundreds of new sign-ups since Margaret Atwood shined a spotlight on my summer 2023 post about Sinéad O’Connor's last playlist. I don’t know who you are, and presumably, you don’t know me. Brassland is a big part of me.
Second, if you are one of those rare individuals who still buys music, today is a Bandcamp Friday.5 That website has been a vital way for Brassland (and many other indie labels) to forge a direct connection with our listeners. Today through Sunday, you can use discount code “february25” (no quotes) for 25% off anything we sell there: vinyl, cassettes & compact discs! downloads! cycling caps!
This playlists in this post or this free downloadable sampler are a great place to start.
Spotify version
Apple version
YouTube version
The playlist includes artists & songs such as…
^ Justin Vernon, Aaron & Bryce Dessner, and yMusic: “Love More” [Sharon Van Etten cover]
^ Fusilier: “Upstream,”
^ isomonstrosity: “i used to” (feat. Kacy Hill & International Contemporary Ensemble)
^ This Is The Kit: “Bashed Out”
^ People Get Ready: “Middle Name”
^ Baby Dayliner: “You Push I’ll Go” (feat. Alex Sanchez)
^ Bryce Dessner: “Music for Wood & Strings” (feat. So Percussion)
^ Carriers: “Patience”
Extra credit:
• This Is The Kit are touring North America this month: One of the sweetest bands I’ve ever had the privilege of working with are wrapping up a British tour this weekend, then crossing the Atlantic in mid-February. The flyer for their upcoming run of Canadian and American dates is right here. Another friend, Sam Amidon, will be with them performing an opening set.6 There are additional gigs listed on TITK’s website, including a pair (?!) of Canadian dates in Alberta and a number of British summer festival appearances organized by The National.
• A (chosen) family album: When I say “Brassland is a big part of me” I mean it. While we don’t always communicate this publicly, part of our ethos is that every artist on the label has to break bread with a few of their labelmates. In many cases, members of our community are the best of friends and/or the deepest of collaborators. Frankly, when art-making is happening properly the line between art and life, friendship and collaboration, breaks down a little. That’s what makes it special.
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