September 4, 2010
We're very happy to announce that we'll be releasing the debut CD from Ames band Strong Like Bear! It's called Seeking Ghosts EP and is available October 26. They're throwing their Des Moines CD release show at El Bait Shop on October 13 so go see them and congratulate them for creating such an amazing album.
August 21, 2010
In case we didn't mention, You Are Home's new release Funzzz is a limited run of only 50 hand made (and hand numbered) CD packages with fold-out poster featuring gorgeous and psychedelic artwork! We've only got a few left so order before they're gone.
August 18, 2010
You Are Home's new release Funzzz dropped yesterday. Order your copy here today!
August 3, 2010
Hear the song "Brown & Ground" from You Are Home's upcoming Funzzz right below.
Brown
& Ground
I thought I posted this a few weeks back but I guess I didn't! It's an interview Crystal City did with the Minneapolis/St. Paul music blog Perfect Porridge:
Interview with Crystal City
Marshalltown, Iowa folk throwback duo Crystal City recently sent me their debut album, and I can’t stop reaching for it.
With retro harmonies and only an acoustic guitar for instrumentation, Crystal City’s debut album tempers ambitious nu-folk songwriting with their midwestern roots. Love it.
RIYL: The Swell Season, The Civil War, Damien Rice.
Here are a couple tracks off the album:
MP3: Crystal City – “Baby Says She Loves Me”
MP3: Crystal City – “I’ll Be Real Nice”
We had the opportunity to chat with Crystal City’s Sam Drella about the group, the album, and the Marshalltown speedway…
Who is Crystal City? How did the band come about?
crystal city is dave helmer and sam drella. i saw dave play a show in the
spring of 2009, and got in touch with him after that to do some singing on
his songs, and here we are now. we started playing shows together in the
fall of 2009, singing some of dave’s older songs and some new ones that he
had written in recent months. so in november of 2009, we recorded our ep
over a weekend and released it in may on sleep on the floor.
What’s it like being a band based in Marshalltown,
Iowa?
there’s a lot of driving involved, as most of the shows we play are out of
town. but we have a good crowd that supports us in Marshalltown. our house
bar, JD’s Pub, treats us really well and the crowd appreciates the music
that we bring in to the bar.
Have you been to the speedway there? I used to
work in the concession stand in high school. ha!
i went once in high school, but i don’t really remember it. maybe i bought
some nachos from you.
You have a very distinctive style. What’s your
songwriting process like?
(dave) i write and record at the same time. i’ll get the guitar progression
together and demo lyrics with it until it fits right. i have a demo-ing
studio in my basement so it’s easy to capture the song right away. As cliche
as it sounds, the ideas just hit you when they hit you, and sometimes you’re
up until 6 a.m. demo-ing a song, and sometimes that’s when it starts. it’s
really rewarding to have a finished song by the end of the night when i
started with nothing.
Is it liberating or prohibitive not to have a
drums or a rhythm section?
both. it is nice to be in control of the tempo, volume, and overall vibe
with just one guitar. plus, we can really lock in our vocals together, and
it’s easier to hear ourselves. Not to mention the easy load-in at shows. but
on the flip side, it’s always nice to have a drummer to accentuate the
music, and a lot of people are used to processing music with a full-band.
The lyrics in your songs are often a tad deep.
What’s the track “The Cleaner Me” about?
‘the cleaner me’ is a poem that sam wrote. i wrote it after being in a few
failed relationships myself and watching all my friends fumble their way
through dating, and at the time i had a really sour view of how to be in a
relationship. it all seemed to become this very calculated formula where you
knew exactly what was going to happen next, and eventually, three years down
the road, you don’t even know who you are anymore. i gave the words to dave
one night and the next morning, he already had the song down and recorded.
the music that he wrote captures the idea of the poem perfectly, to me, and
really accentuates how creepy dating can be.
Are you guys a couple? I have to ask, because I
listen to your album and keep thinking if you’re anything like The Swell
Season, you may need to break up to break out. Thoughts?
yes, we’re a couple. we’ve really gotten to know each other while playing
shows and during recording of the ep, so it’s a pretty unique experience.
it’s nice to perform together and share the stage. we have day jobs, so if
only one of us was performing it might become an added stress to the
relationship. since we’re doing it together, it’s a way for us to bond. but
if we’re anything like The Swell Season, we’ll have to make a movie together
before we break up. we’ll make the sequel, called ‘Twice’.
July 28, 2010
Lots of upcoming shows. Check them out.
July 24, 2010
Listen to the new You Are Home track "Smoldering Torso" from the upcoming Funzzz below. Funzzz is a super limited run of only 50 CDs that are hand-packaged and hand-numbered by Matt Dake himself. Preorder before we run out.
July 7, 2010
New release alert! You Are Home will release Funzzz on August 17. It's their fourth release with us and features 11 psychedelic and avant-garde songs. Listen to the track Funzzz right here.
June 29, 2010
Distant Trains' debut album, Congratulations on Your Suicide, is available today! Stream "Futile" and "62MF" in the player, buy it from our store or from any other digital retailer!
June 23, 2010
Jared Curtis from Cityview reviewed the Crystal City show at Vaudeville Mews.
Black Ambient Manifesto, Crystal City
and The Lonesome Heroes
Vaudeville Mews, June 15
A small, but appreciative crowd enjoyed a drummer-less night of music as a solo act and two duos took the stage, engulfing ears in sweet acoustic sounds. Black Ambient Manifesto was first and offered decent songs but struggled to get through them without stopping due to forgotten lyrics. His nerves may have got the best of him, but after taking a few swigs from his glass and some deep breaths, he ended his set error free.
I have been digging Crystal City’s recent self-titled EP (out now on Sleep on the Floor Records) and was eager to see them live. Dave Helmer (vocals, guitar, harmonica) and Sam Drella (vocals and one hell of a whistler) melt together with terrific harmonies and musical precision. Helmer’s guitar skills lead the way, clearing a path for Drella and her rich vocals. The great set included “Baby Says She Loves Me,” “Sleep It Off, Suzie” and the slow burn of “Falling Behind.” They ended with “Bricks,” a folkie/bluesy tune that should convert any listener into a fan.
The Lonesome Heroes, of Austin, Texas, closed the show with a set of alt country ditties. The duo, Rich (vocals, guitar) and the sexy Landry (vocals, dobro, guitar), weaved in and out of songs with entertaining banter. As fans cheered for “Don’t Play to Lose,” I found myself mesmerized with Landry’s husky vocals (or maybe her pigtails and cowboy boots?) on “Canary.” Either way, their twangy tunes stuck with me long after the last note. CV — Jared Curtis
June 21, 2010
New Crystal City review, courtesy of Andy with The Biggest Letdown. Read it!!
Straight outta Marshalltown, IA
is Crystal City - a country/folk rock band ready for your
listening pleasures. I'm usually impressed more with bands
debut albums, rather than what they eventually become. I
think that a debut album really shows what a band is going
for. It's what they're pouring their blood, sweat and tears
into. It's like a first impression. You can make yourself or
break yourself with a debut album. Well, congrats go out to
Crystal City, because I like this album.
Crystal City is a nice, relaxing folky, Country duet between
Dave Helmer and Sam Drella. It's got everything you need to
sit out on a sunny, summer day and enjoy yourself (take that
however you want). Some songs that really stick out here are
BABY SAYS SHE LOVES ME, SLEEP IT OFF SUZIE, BRICKS,
and FALLING BEHIND.
Once again, SLEEP ON THE FLOOR records has discovered
a rare gem that is sure to be around for a while. If you get
a chance to catch them on tour, please feel free to do it.
Crystal City gets my seal of approval.
- Andy
June 15, 2010
Catch Crystal City tonight at Vaudeville Mews. It's a late show and they're playing with The Lonesome Heroes and Black Ambient Manifesto. Info about Distant Trains' debut is up and is officially released in two weeks! Listen to some of the tracks in the player.
June 9, 2010
Crystal City was reviewed in this weeks Cityview! Read on, and catch Crystal City this Thursday night (tomorrow) at Ames Progressive.
Crystal City
“Crystal City”
Sleep On the Floor Records
Formed last summer in Marshalltown, Crystal City is the folk-pop lovechild of Dave Helmer and Sam Drella who cite ’70s singer-songwriters Gram Parsons, Emmylou Harris and Paul Westerberg as influences on their debut, self-titled album recently released by Des Moines-based Sleep On the Floor Records. To an extent, Helmer and Drella have adopted the musically spacious, singer-songwriter format of the ’70s in building the framework of their music. However, lyrically and in chord structures, they seem to be more akin to modern day indie-rock bands. Bouncing tunes like “Baby Says She Loves Me” and “Sleep It Off, Suzie” find the duo’s harmonies at their best, as Helmer and Drella demonstrate musical compatibility. But Drella’s soaring vocal part on the bluesy ballad “Bricks” excels. CV
(Crystal City opens for The Lonesome Heroes on Tuesday, June 15 at 10 p.m. at the Vaudeville Mews. Admission is $5.)
By Michael Swanger
June 6, 2010
Catch Crystal City at Mars Cafe tomorrow night for a Scented Vinyl show. We've also got some info up about the upcoming Distant Trains release later this month.
June 4, 2010
We're in the process of a big ole update. Mainly we're reorganizing
all our directories and files and stuff like that. It's gonna be nice
when we're finished. So we apologize if over the next few days some
parts of the site seem disjointed. But the store has not been touched
so orders will all go through. Also,
Why Make Clocks got a great review in the current Big Takeover!
It's in the news stands now so go buy a copy!
While Iowa has not been a hotbed of underground sound on par with Minneapolis to the north, Chicago to the east, and St. Louis to the south, Ames and Des Moines has produced respectable bands. The spry, 12-year-old WMC has done its part to highlight the cowtown capital, as seen again on this punchy third LP. Beginning with one of their ghostly, Neil Young-ish slowcore ticklers, “Self Impressions” (see also “Bitter”), These features anxious, mid-tempo smackers with uniquely restrained pick-riffing, such as “Emotional Audit (Facing the West),” “Boots,” “Pet Project,” and the sneaky standout, “This is Just a Test.” Our Neal Agneta notes a similarity between frontman Dan Hutchison and Lou Barlow’s angst-y, unsatisfied vocals; that too is a conduit to the conflict at the crux of an underrated trio from an underrated state. (sleeponthefloor.com)
- Jack Rabid, The Big Takeover
Subscribe to The Big Takeover at http://bigtakeover.com/issue.
may 24, 2010 andrew potter at the marshalltown times-republican wrote this great article about crystal city. catch them on friday at the java house in iowa city.
The music of Sam Drella and Dave Helmer is gaining notice throughout the state.
A new CD coming out combined with positive response from live shows is helping spread the news.
The Marshalltown residents started the band Crystal City together last year after Drella saw Helmer playing in a show and asked to sing with him sometime. Both of them liked what they sounded like together and decided to form a band.
Helmer sings and plays acoustic guitar with Drella providing vocals. They call their collaboration folk pop music.
"It seems like we are a very unique entity compared to the average rock band or bar band," the 24-year-old Helmer said. "Her singing adds emotion that would not be there otherwise."
Drella, 25, is a graduate of West Marshall High School and Iowa State University and has several years of choir experience. She is blending her harmony with original song written by Helmer.
"People like the duets and hearing both of us sing together," Drella said. "It's something different."
Helmer, a Marshalltown High School graduate, has been in various bands through the years and has been writing and playing his own music for 10 years. The connection has gone beyond just the music for both Drella and Helmer as they also have been dating since last year.
Now their first album is coming out through the independent Des Moines record label Sleep on the Floor. The couple recorded the seven-song EP last November in Cedar Falls.
Austin Semerad, co-owner of the label Sleep on the Floor, said Drella's vocals add more depth and a country folk sound to the music.
"I thought they had a lot of potential as a group and they could possibly have a very big appeal," Semerad said. "Hopefully, they'll keep playing shows and develop a fan base."
Crystal City will perform an album release party show Saturday at JD's Pub in Marshalltown with CDs for sale at $10 each. Two opening acts will play prior to the group beginning at about 9 p.m. for the free over 21 show. Drella and Helmer are expected to hit the stage at about 11 p.m. at the bar.
For more information about the band or to get their new CD, visit www.crystalcitymusic.com.
also, did i mention cassie was featured in juice magazine? well, she was. check it out right here.
may 22, 2010 part one of crystal city's release parties went great at vaudeville mews last night. tonight, marshalltown! also for digital sales of our releases here on the site, we now offer flac as well as mp3.
may 16, 2010 crystal city's cd release party is in less than a week! gabe cordova, derek lambert and the river monks will be playing as well. starts at 5pm on friday, may 21 at vaudeville mews. all ages show.
may 5, 2010 crystal city's debut, self-titled release is available for preorder! reserve your copy right away!
may 3, 2010 crystal city's playing mars cafe on friday with jet w. lee from champaign, illinios. it's free and starts at 7. pink kodiak is playing later that night at vaudeville mews, why make clocks will be at the hole in omaha on saturday and unknown component will be at galvin's public house in chicago on friday and tannins wine bar in elmhurt on saturday. should be a fun weekend!
april 24, 2010 got some shows for crystal city coming up in may along with their debut release! listen to their music in the player and come see them live!
april 2, 2010 big news with sleep on the floor. we'll be working with crystal city, pink kodiak, distant trains and you are home on releases this spring and summer. also, we removed the mailing list because we never sent out emails. instead we have a facebook page that cassie keeps updated on a daily basis so use that as your source for all sleep on the floor news, so seriously become a fan. keep posted for info regarding crystal city. also our mailing address has changed.
march 28, 2010 why make clocks were great at gpd last night! as were blutiger fluss, the seed of something, hanwell, christopher the conquerer, canby, cashes rivers and every other band! lots of news and new releases on the way so stop by often!
march 2, 2010 why make clocks are being features at the gross domestic product event on march 27 which features some of the best bands in iowa! christopher the conquered, cashes rivers, canby, hanwell, and many other amazing bands are playing too!
february 2, 2010 all our releases are now available to be purchased as a digital download from our store. the music is in mp3 format at 320 kbps. read up on the faq in the contact section for more info.
january 30, 2010 read the review why make clocks got in muzik reviews. it was also featured in the chicago sun-times!
Why Make Clocks is the plugged – in folk-rock brainchild of singer/songwriter Dan Hutchinson. The 2009 release These Things Are Ours is the third full – length album from this Des Moines – based artist. The first release was in 1998 and, for better or for worse; the band’s sound is rooted in the rock music of the 90s. The influence of 1990s mainstays REM, Gin Blossoms, and Sonic Youth is easy to hear.
All ten tracks share a disaffected tone, but they range from despairing to up-tempo dissatisfaction. My favorite song “Circles” moves at a pretty good clip and is arranged with the most variety of all the tunes. The opener “Self Impressions” is a slow, melancholy song with a wavy rhythmic pulse. It reminds me of folk-rock icon Nick Drake a bit, especially his 1970 album Five Leaves Left. The band has a good, albeit conventional sound. Hutchinson and (on two tracks) Eric Kennedy contribute a lot of well – conceived guitar work. The album is dotted with crisp, melodic solos. Electric keyboards on some tracks add a layer of color and variety. Hutchinson wrote all ten tunes, including weighty, poetic lyrics. His words range from opaque poetry to ruminating self-analysis. The writing is all just fine but it’s pretty much standard. There aren’t any real surprises on the musical side, although lyric – mavens may appreciate the songs more than me. On “Distant Sea” Hutchinson takes a stab at a rock song with a Caribbean tinge. It reminds me of The Kinks and it adds a little variety. The song also lightens the mood for a bit.
These Things Are Ours is a pretty good album but it’s nothing special. When I listen to it I feel like I’ve heard it before. Another problem is the banal melodies. Even derivative music has to have an original melody (otherwise is called plagiarized music) and these melodies aren’t very memorable. Overall the album was decent but not really noteworthy. There’s nothing that bad about it so I still recommend checking it out, especially to those listeners who are heavy into lyrics.- Nathaniel Rolnick – MuzikReviews.com Staff
january 6, 2010 i'm going to be reworking this site a little bit, and making small changes, so be patient with me. also, i'm not going to post that often. if you want to know what's happening in des moines and the music world, read marc hogan's des noise blog for some seriously good writing.
december 15, 2009 why make clocks played their last show of the year at vaudeville mews on sunday along with ely falls, flashbulb fires and wind & sail. great show.
december 6, 2009 we are no longer carrying download cards in our store. but we're offering holiday pricing and all our cds are marked down $1 or $2!
december 5, 2009 some more reviews have come in! here's what michael swanger with cityview said about austin may's song viii:
"This three-song EP by singer-songwriter-multi-instrumentalist Austin May of Des Moines’ newest indie-rock label Sleep On the Floor offers fans a glimpse of May’s full-length album, “Dreamlike.” The appropriately titled EP barely moves faster than a crawl when it comes to rhythm and tempo, but the sparse, multiple layers of keyboards and processed guitars, sad bastard lyrics, ambient instrumentation and experimental production are more than enough to keep the listener’s mind abuzz. It’s the kind of music you might imagine plays over and over again in the mind of your little hyper brother just after the Ritalin kicks in — high speed, but low drag. If you like art rock, you’ll enjoy “Song VIII,” “Song V (Full)” and “Song IX (Full),” all of which were recorded in bedrooms, basements and apartments. They are a good indication of things to come."
and this is what jimmy rae with skope said about you are home's phoneyhome:
"You Are Home is solely made up of Matthew Dake as bassist, multi-instrumentalist & songwriter and Phoneyhome is his baby. The creation of this band though goes back to the brain work of Dake and a drummer by the name of Breighton Engeman. Engeman eventually left the band and in return left it all up to Matthew to bring it all home. Dake has done just that by inventing a piece of work that is far from phony. This record is quite the opposite as it produces a highly original taste of music. There was extra help in the studio to make this audio art display come to life.
You Are Home’s sound is definitely unconventional with the bass and drums being at the core. Dake then adds in a progressive rock feel to go along with moments of psychedelic, electronic grooves. The entire project is instrumental and it comes off as extremely mind-bending & creative-to-the-bone. Matthew Dake will take you on a journey through sound by way of five songs of complexion. He will take you on a trip where you will not feel like you’re home; you will feel like you’ve entered another world.
What I picked up on was some impressive use of sound here by way of instrumentation & electronics. It appeared, to me, to be an eruption of audio to make way for a musical explosion. The tracks were all very cool, hip and lively but also distinctly different, tribal & trippy at times. I would even combine hypnotic and trippy to say a lot of this material was tripnotic. Wildly intriguing music to go along with some true rocked out moments thanks in big part to the bass ‘n’ drums combo. There was even a warped out effect throughout most of Phoneyhome that was immensely noticeable.
The last number, “bodyhome (for Merrill)”, is so out-of-the-ordinary with its magical rainbow imagery. Here you are hearing a wonderful array of sounds/sound effects coming from all directions. You get spacey notes with a very inter-dimensional aura. Enter the galactic as you travel into far reaches of the universe. Join Matthew Dake as you proceed to blast off into another realm of music making. For more on You Are Home and the new release, Phoneyhome, SKOPE out www.myspace.com/emoherauoy."
and here's what andy with the biggest letdown said about why make clocks' these things are ours:
"WHY MAKE CLOCKS
is a band hailing from Des Moines. They made this album,
and they think you will like it.
This album is described as the bands' best, most
ambitious effort to date. It's their third full album.
The songs are honest. They help give a glimpse into the
band members themselves. Do yourself a favor and
purchase this album.
Songs such as THIS IS JUST A TEST, BOOTS, CHECKMATE, and
DISTANT SEA really stick with you. When they come to
town, you all really need to see them. Also, you need to
tell 'em that I said hello. I think they will appreciate
it.
Check out their website while you're at it!"
november 18, 2009 dreamlike is out so check it out. also you are home has a live dvd for sale for only $3 at their facebook page! and become a fan while you're there. why make clocks are playing in waterloo on friday so if you're in the area go to spicoli's to see them.
november 4, 2009 very excited for the upcoming why make clocks show on sunday at vaudeville mews, playing with meat puppets and squidboy! tickets are available at iowatix or at the door. and on the 21st they'll be playing at spicoli's in waterloo with the teddy boys, dead larry and give away the plot.
october 24, 2009 read the amazing review why make clocks got for these things are ours from darren hushak with the des moines music coalition:
Being well-seasoned veterans of the Des Moines music scene, Why Make Clocks is still going strong with their third full-length release, "These Things are Ours" (Sleep on the Floor 2009). The album is both a continuation and growth from prior Clock's releases.
For those unfamiliar
with the unique sound, it's akin to an acoustic singer/songwriter
who stumbled across an electric guitar, turned up the volume, and
morphed his music into his own distinct version of rock and roll.
This time around, though, Dan Hutchinson (the aforementioned
singer/songwriter) has stepped it up a notch and acquired drummer
Will Tarbox and bassist Chuck Hoffman to fill out the Clock's sound.
"These Things are Ours" is definitely more produced than past
material, but it still has that raw quality that makes the band what
it is. While experimenting with overdubs, Dan shows a lot of his
guitar work on the album, and the occasional keyboards are a nice
touch. Vocal effects, doubling, and harmonies are also tastefully
prevalent.
As for the music itself, it's catchy but different, hard but
delicate, and dark but still uplifting. The drumming is fairly
straightforward, but not without plenty of rhythmic quirks
("Emotional Audit," "Circles"), and tonal curveballs (the use of a
trash-can lid on "Distant Sea"). Throughout the entire album, the
drums provide incredibly solid support for the rest of the band. The
rhythm guitar and bass flesh out the bottom end together quite
nicely, with almost-but-not-quite pop chord progressions. The lead
guitar lines are what will get stuck in your head across all ten
tracks, sitting nicely in between the vocals and the rhythm section.
Some of the solos are headbanging, and some are heart-wrenching,
most notably the final minutes of the album on the introspective
"Sometimes." The guitar tone itself is something that's always been
a noteworthy part of Why Make Clocks, and it ranges from a deep
overdriven amp sound to an almost jangly tonality.
Lyrically, Dan continues his poetic studies in human behavior and
emotion. As previously mentioned, the album is very introspective,
dealing mainly with oneself, and the situations one can create. The
album's text is a very good interrogation of why people do or think
things without any real explanation. It seems that the first nine
tracks are a sort of stream-of-consciousness, with different
ups-and-downs of life and situations, and then they are all summed
up in the final, incredibly moving "Sometimes," most notably the
opening lyrics:
"Sometimes this feels right
Sometimes it feels like I’m falling apart"
Because of the emotional ambiguity that all humans eventually face,
this album is always fitting to listen to, whether or not you feel
right, or if you're falling apart.
october 22, 2009 austin may's new single song viii comes out tuesday! preorder your copy from the store.
september 30, 2009 why make clocks and you are home have new reviews up for their respective albums these things are ours and phoneyhome. also, big news, why make clocks will be playing at vaudeville mews in des moines on sunday, november 8 with meat puppets! also, austin may will be at mars cafe for scented vinyl perfomance on monday, october 5.
september 23, 2009 why make clocks have a busy week ahead of them with shows in lawrence, springfield and des moines. and we've got info posted about our next release, a single called song viii, from austin may. listen to the new song in the player. it's also available for pre-order in our store.
september 19, 2009 new why make clocks shows have been added. they're playing in dubuque on october 9 and st. paul on october 18. also we've got some great reviews in! here's what brandon whitehead (for ekc online) said of these things are ours:
"Des Moines musician Dan Hutchison has been making his own brand of indie music under the Why Make Clocks name since 1998, with a variety of other band mates to back him up. His latest album, these things are ours, makes excellent use of his current lineup, with Will Tarbox on drums, Eric Kennedy on guitar and Luke Tweedy on “additional noise” — whatever that is.
It should come as no surprise to compare Why Make Clocks with other indie bands like R.E.M, since Dan’s strong, melodic voice could easily double for Michael Stipe’s, not to mention that same powerful melancholy that runs through songs like the opener, “Self Impressions”. While it would be easy to call this music laid back, the fact is that this is folk music that transcends it’s own label into some remarkable and haunting music. The production value is excellent, courtesy of “additional noise” courtesy the Flat Black Studio in Iowa City, IA.
Even their lyrics are far more than just three lines repeated over and over (not that there’s anything wrong with that), but read on the liner notes as complete poems, as in this line from “Circles”:
You’ve got me running in circles,
trying to find the start,
to find what holds
it together
and remove what could split us
apart.
You can check these guys out at www.WhyMakeClocks.net where a few downloads of their songs are available; or better yet you can check them out live this Thursday, Sept. 24, at the Replay Lounge in Lawrence — but you should probably use a clock to make sure you’re on time."
and here's what chris spector (of midwest record) said of phoneyhome:
"Instrumental, minimalist shoe gaze for those who think words just get in the way. Trippy music for college kids that want to take slacking to a new level, it is what it is, left field division."
september 10, 2009 artstop is tomorrow! there's cool stuff going on all over des moines, and why make clocks and blutiger fluss are playing at the fitch studios (304 15th street) gallery showing featuring artists debbie bauer, linda dainty, catherine dreiss, kim hutchison, larassa kabel, mindy meinders, abra pulley, dawn parizek, rachel simms, jeffery thompson, and patricia van cleave. it starts at 5pm and is sure to be great.
september 2, 2009 kent williams wrote a very flattering review for little village (of iowa city) about the why make clocks album these things are ours. also there are some updates in upcoming shows for why make clocks at the end of the month. they're playing at replay lounge in lawrence on the 24th and lemmons in st. louis on the 25th.
august 30, 2009 why make clocks will be playing at artstop in des moines on september 11, not to mention plenty of other shows in the upcoming months. more details about the artstop performance coming soon.
august 25, 2009 some good news and bad news. the bad news: we no longer offer free shipping in our store. read the contact section about shipping costs. but trust me, it's really cheap and barely covers postage. the good news: we lowered the prices of our download cards to hopefully invite some more sales from the store so check out the bargains. new shows added and updated from austin may, crokane, unknown component and why make clocks. phoneyhome got a bomb review from andy at the biggest letdown. check it out.
august 23, 2009 the why make clocks these things are ours shows have been going great! they're taking a small break before their next show in des moines on september 15, but we couldn't be happier with how things are going so far. unknown component is keeping busy as always and is playing at the vaudeville mews tonight and many, many other venues over the next few months.
august 19, 2009 we've been blow away by all the kind and positive words people have given us about why make clocks new release these things are ours. shows have been amazing so far. come see them tonight at the des moines social club at 8:30. these things are ours got a very favorable review in cityview of des moines this week.
august 14, 2009 album release party tonight! why make clocks at the vaudeville mews with gabe cordova, ely falls, and american restless!
august 13, 2009 why make clocks are playing at the mill in iowa city tonight. check out their "meet the band" feature in this week's copy of juice magazine in des moines. or read it at their album page for these things are ours.
august 8, 2009 lots of exciting news! the why make clocks album these things are ours will be out in less than a week! everything's coming together very nicely for the release party shows at the mill in iowa city on thursday, vaudeville mews in des moines (21+) on friday, the 49'r lounge in omaha on saturday, and des moines social club next wednesday (all ages). the main one will be at the mews and is free admission. why make clocks will be sharing the stage with american restless, ely falls, and gabe cordova. the song "pet project" from these things are ours is available for free streaming now on our player and on our myspace page. if you like what you hear you should order a copy from our store so you can get it before everyone else. also, we received some pretty good press for phoneyhome in cityview this week and hopefully they'll be some more coming in soon.
july 31, 2009 these things are ours will be available in two weeks! preorder your copy from our store to make sure you receive it before the official release. the song "distant sea" can now be streamed in the player and on our myspace page so have a listen.
july 25, 2009 why make clocks are playing the north vs. south music festival in kansas city, missouri this year! all shows are taking place at davey's uptown. the festival starts on thursday, august 20 and goes until saturday, august 22. why make clocks will be playing at 8:50 pm on saturday (arguably the best time slot). also an austin may scented vinyl show is set for october 5.
july 24, 2009 the why make clocks album is only three weeks away. preorder your copy from our store today. also, the song "boots" from these things are ours is up in the player so give it a listen. we are adding one new song a week up until the release. also there are more shows listed for crokane and unknown component. and finally we've got two austin may videos up on our youtube page.
july 17, 2009 big news. the why make clocks album these things are ours is all set to be released on august 14. it's already set up to order/preorder through the store. and if you preorder you'll be guaranteed a copy and get it before street date. and if that wasn't enough, we're offering free shipping for all domestic orders. make sure you listen to "emotional audit (facing the west)" on the player or on the main page. total rock song. and catch some why make clocks shows in omaha tonight and in lincoln tomorrow.
july 6, 2009 why make clocks will be playing in ames at the ames progressive on friday.
june 22, 2009 some new links were added in the about section.
june 21, 2009 the why make clocks album these things are ours has been pushed back a little further and the release date is now august 14. we've run into some snags along the way but once it's released no one will be disappointed by the wait. also, i've had the change the format a little here and there. the new version of internet explorer does some strange things to the layout that i don't like.
june 17, 2009 i've been working a lot on the site lately. album descriptions are up for just about all releases. phoneyhome promotion is in full effect. these things are ours is being pushed back a few weeks. i'll post the exact release date as soon as it's known. there are tons of new shows for unknown component listed. also, you may have noticed the main page has changed some and the faq section includes a detailed explanation of how to use your download cards if you have some.
june 8, 2009 it's great to be back in des moines. all orders will be shipped in standard time now. i'm working on a bunch of new stuff so keep checking back for updates. why make clocks is playing at the mews tomorrow night. i'll def be there.
may 28, 2009 i will be out of town for the next week and a half so all orders between now and then will not be shipped until june 8. but i'll still be able to email your download card access code shortly after you place your order. thanks!
may 22, 2009 cds for austin may's in theory and chemistry have been pressed so if you haven't heard or downloaded either release, they are available for sale in cd format from the store.
may 21, 2009 everything is going quite swimmingly. i was at the mews last night checking out some very prominent upcoming bands. woodsmen (denver), statocyst (des moines), dot coma (ames) and the ross nervig (des moines). hopefully we'll get to know some of those bands more as time progresses. also, matt set up a forum for sleep on the floor. check it out from the about section for now.
may 13, 2009 the show at elephungeon in boone with why make clocks, you are home, ely falls and katchmare was great. it was my first time there but definitely not my last. there's some shows added. the contact section is updated with a much more detailed faq. so please check that out to answer any questions you may have. also, we've added to the store a cd version of phoneyhome and the download card version for austin may's self titled release. every cd purchase comes with a free download card so take advantage of that offer.
may 3, 2009 shows for crokane and unknown component have been added and updated. and there are lots so give some support!
may 2, 2009 the first phoneyhome release show was great! thanks to everyone who came out and gave their support. we'll do it again in ames on tuesday and boone on saturday. also there's a ton of shows lined up for why make clocks including saturday at the elephungeon in boone.
april 28, 2009 phoneyhome is officially released. order from the store or come to one of the three album release listening parties going on in the next two weeks. thursday at mars cafe in des moines is going to be the first party! see you there.
april 23, 2009 i'd say the site is done its makeover. i've spent many a hours working all night so i hope everyone likes the new look. the shows section is back and i'm gonna do my best to keep it up to date, but right now it's empty. keep checking back often because updating this site is pretty much my top priority. phoneyhome is available to preorder so reserve your copy today.
april 22, 2009 still working on the site. it's slowly getting there...
april 21, 2009 be patient with this website. links and forms may not work for the next two or three days but once it's finished it'll be way pro. getting excited for the release of phoneyhome. listen to "she has the fakest loudest laugh" and "damascus (slow)" in the player.
april 10, 2009 still slowly working on updating the site. the first two you are home releases are no longer free. twine ep is $4.00 and you are home is $8.00. they are both very fair prices so buy them if you never took the time to download them. matthew is working on remixing and re-mastering both of those releases so if you do buy them we will email you another download code so you can get the updated version for free! it's hardly a deal to pass up. we're working on getting some release/listening parties set up for you are home, but in the mean time, great show at the mews on april 18 featuring why make clocks, roman candle, the deep vibration and dave helmer. $5 for 4 amazing acts is not something i'm gonna miss. see everyone there. also, songs with an * mean they are in the sleep on the floor radio playlist.
april 4, 2009 working on a new layout and design. everything here still works, just be patient and in about two months you'll see a much cooler better website. i promise. also, more importantly, we're super extremely excited to be working with the des moines natives why make clocks on their upcoming, third full length release. more info to come. shows for phoneyhome coming real soon. album release/listening parties. matthew's keeping us all in dark on the final mixes.
april 2, 2009 the you are home release phoneyhome has been delayed one week and will be available on april 28. there's some more info added about it so check it out. also, i'm still trying to revamp this site and make it much cooler.
march 5, 2009 everything's up and running. our first six releases are no longer free and can be bought here at the store. some of our newer releases are still free but may not stay that way forever so download them while you can.
february 27, 2009 this site is under some serious renovation. within the next week everything, including the store, should be fully operational. all details and information regarding our new approach will be explained so be patient!
december 17, 2008 i just finished the updates. the site's got a slightly new look. also, big change, we're shifting our focus to not specializing in free music. yes, all of our previously free releases are still free, but we added an earlier release from austin may that is not. and we got rid of the shows section. it was too much trouble keeping it current so visit the artists own websites for shows and touring info.
december 12, 2008 i'm the the process of a major overhaul of this website. bare with me over the next couple days if you encounter any broken links, etc.
december 11, 2008 long time since an update. i finally got our first release, aaron fuedo's some things will never be in 128, 192, 256 and 320 kbps mp3 to match the rest of them. it took an 18 hour trip each way to get the master cd but i think it's worth it. download it if you haven't yet. also, over the next few weeks/months we'll be going through some major updates and such. so stay posted!
september 8, 2008 you are home's self-titled full length album is available today. it's an excellent follow up to their twine ep and is worth downloading in 320 kbps mp3s to maximize listening pleasure. it was mastered using dolby prologic ii, so if you have a surround sound system it's even better!
august 7, 2008 you are home, twine ep is out today! download it already.
august 2, 2008 new shows added! crokane is playing tonight in ames at bali satay. check out the show, or see them later this month in iowa city.
july 23, 2008 we've got some info listed about the band you are home, who are releasing an ep with us in august and then their full length in september. we're totally in love with their music and can't wait for the releases. also unknown component is keeping real busy with a lot of shows. check out the show tomorrow at the yacht club in iowa city if you're in the area.
july 15, 2008 crokane demos is now officially released and available to download!
july 10, 2008 we're excited about our new, upcoming release on july 15. our first release from the band crokane, and their album crokane demos. we'll have all the music here on tuesday. there are also a bunch more shows added for unknown component so check them out.
june 28, 2008 the show on the 26th at mars cafe went great. thanks to everyone for coming out! we've got a new release out in july by the band crokane, so keep checking back for more updates.
june 24, 2008 for now, we're finished updating and re-releasing our music as 128, 192, 256 and 320 kbps mp3s. the only release we were not able to update was our first release, aaron feudo's some things will never be. i have the master disc somewhere in maryland and didn't want to just convert the existing mp3s to higher bit rates. it's going to be re-released sometime, it just depends when i have a chance to get back east. and as i said before, we are considering some other formats as well, so expect to see more options in the days to come. and austin may and unknown component and playing at mars cafe this thursday with post historic. starts at 8 pm.
june 21, 2008 we're doing some upgrading. as it stood, all of our releases were available in one format, 128 kbps mp3. we like to give people choices, so now we're going to have 192, 256 and 320 kbps mp3 versions available for each of our releases. and we're considering some other formats as well. also, we will no longer have the individual songs available for download. it would just take up too much space to do that for each file format. but the player to the right has all our songs available to stream. so please be patient while we go through this upgrade as it will be a few days before all of our releases are back and available for download. thanks for understanding!
june 19, 2008 our newest release, unknown component's unreleased songs volume i is now available through us! it's a fantastic album, so download it.
june 15, 2008 just a few days away from the release of unknown component's unreleased songs volume i on thursday. the song "highly controversial" has been added to the album. we can't wait for its release.
june 13, 2008 we're very pleased to announce we're releasing the latest album from iowa city's unknown component on june 19, called unreleased songs volume i. it's a fantastic collection of songs, and we're pretty sure you'll all agree as well. more info about the album as the release date gets closer.
june 10, 2008 i'd say we're 99 percent done messing with the overall layout of the site. a few things just weren't setting right, and we've got the mailing form completely operational. so definitely sign up! enjoy.
june 5, 2008 it looks like this site is finally done its makeover. everything appears to be operational and set up well, and all the kinks and minor details seem to be worked out. and we're looking forward to releasing some excellent music this year.
june 1, 2008 the updates are coming along. i think we're getting pretty close to finished.
may 26, 2008 the most vital part of this whole operation is donations. without donations it's going to be very difficult to promote and give away all this free music we have. a donation of $10 or more gets you some free promo stuff! so be sure to leave your address when you donate so we know where to send our promo material to.
may 23, 2008 new site design. it's still in the process of a big time makeover, but this is a good start. and the music player on the right is cool too.
may 19, 2008 working on some new updates.
may 13, 2008 some updates were made, but nothing drastic. some austin may shows are listed in the shows section.
march 4, 2008 austin may's 20 something is being released today so make sure you check it out and download it. it's a fantastic album!
august 3, 2007 we have some more info in the contact section about the process of getting some music released on this fine label.
july 7, 2007 the final version of chemistry is posted. so if you downloaded it before today, download it again!
july 5, 2007 chemistry is in the process of being remastered and remixed. it's a process that's been going on for several days now. but the final version will up in a few days. so for now download the updated version if you want. just bear with us until austin gets all the kinks worked out. we promise it will be very soon. and we've decided to make every song capable of being downloaded individually. if you're interested in that.
july 2, 2007 austin may's chemistry is out now. we decided to make it available a day early because we are just that nice. and because it's an amazing album.
may 17, 2007 the west point, new york band an all new low has finished their recording titled goodbye, radio which is now officially released and available! download it from the music section, and for more information about them check out the artists section. and there are some new upcoming shows listed for an all new low and austin may.
april 9, 2007 we're very happy to be working with the talented aaron feudo and have released his first album, some things will never be, which was recorded in 2005. be sure to download it from the music section and hopefully we'll releasing a lot more of his music in the future. also austin may's next album, titled chemistry, is set to be released on july 3rd. more info about it will be posted as it becomes available.
march 13, 2007 welcome to the launch of sleep on the floor's website. it's fairly basic, but we feel it's quite informative and user friendly. take a look around and be sure to download our first release, in theory by austin may. and since we won't be dealing with the expense of pressing cds and distribution contracts we plan on releasing a lot of excellent music from extremely underappreciated artists. over the next couple months we're looking forward to new music from austin may among many others.