POST DIY HOLIDAY FAIR PARTY AT HOLLOW EARTH RADIO, with:

La Luz is one of my favorite new bands in town. On my top ten list of musical experiences of 2012 I ascribe to number 5: " Doing that dance where you plug your nose and jump into a pool while listening to Shana Cleveland’s new surf band La Luz at Cafe Racer. " Listen to their EP here:

Also playing: The Hive Dwellers starring Calvin Johnson!!

And Hollow Earth Radio budz STICKERS:

!!!UPDATE!!!! The Stranger featured the show this week in the paper:

"(Hollow Earth) The mesmerizing sounds of La Luz remind me of hula-hooping on a yellow beach while slightly buzzed on piña coladas. Maybe after a breakup, but with a new make-out partner already in mind. A Seattle four-piece comprising Shana Cleveland and Marian Li Pino (the Curious Mystery) with Katie Jacobson and Abbey Blackwell, La Luz expertly float haunted Shangri-Las harmonies over spring-reverby surf and Farfisa-flavored organ melodies. It's catchy heartache music to keep you warm and dreaming all winter long. With the Hive Dwellers (the latest project from Olympia's favorite son, Calvin Johnson) and Stickers (top-notch no wave—a longtime Seattle favorite). EMILY NOKES"

FACEBOOK INVITE: The Hive Dwellers, La Luz, Stickers

Hey, it's another DIY Holiday Fair vendor spotlight! We're super excited to introduce CTPAK, a label new to us who recently got into touch and told us about the shows they were throwing in the Bryant community of Seattle. We're thrilled to start working with them and sharing the cool stuff they create!

What is the history behind CTPAK?

During the summer of 2011, in the north suburbs of Chicago, Richie Nelson, Madison Levine, and Madeline Franks came together—under the name Children of Kids—to discover a deep resonance in their creative minds. A summer of intensive recording yielded, not only their first full-length album, Prism, but a vision of moving west and creating the full-spectrum of CTPAK Records. Since August 2011, the trio has embarked to create a platform for a growing community of dedicated artists.

In your own words, what are you all about?

CTPAK Records strives to promote forward-thinking music, that which re-interprets existing aesthetic conventions and actively engages and opens the mind of the listener. Currently, CTPAK throws about 4 shows a month, all of which include works by local visual artists. The label is financially supported by donations at events, through offering recording and booking services as well as album distribution. CTPAK is both entrepreneurial and community oriented and genuinely strives to bridge the space between these oft-conflicting spheres (even if it is made out of cats). The CTPAK team has recently expanded to 6 active members, all of whom are dedicated to invigorating cultural appreciation of art and the bolstering of a local DIY scene.

What do you want to do in the future?

CTPAK’s future plans involve, opening a commercial space in Seattle and expanding our collective and presence in the northwest.

Can you mention some catalog highlights..anything you are currently pushing?

CTPAK Record’s catalog highlights include Pony Tales an EP by Children of Kids ($4) and Ravendah Dream an LP by The Blueness ($7).

We’re also offering a year-long subscription for $45 that includes newsletters, music, art and other merchandise in digital and physical format -first 25 subscribers get limited edition artwork by Madeline Franks. You can purchase the subscription and other CTPAK merchandise here: http://ctpak.storenvy.com

CTPAK Records will soon be releasing online a Mix-Tape showcasing CTPAK artists. Find it here:

Also, The Bedroom Sessions, live-performances by CTPAK Records artists in their bedrooms will be released this month.

Please direct press, production and booking inquiries to: press@ctpak.org production@ctpak.org booking@ctpak.org

CTPAK Records 4757 35th Avenue N.E. Seattle, WA 98105 (847) 644-6860

I recently sat down with Samuel Melancon, lead proprietor at local Seattle experimental record label Debacle to discuss the ins and outs of the operation.

Garrett: In your own words, "what are you all about?"

Samuel: There is very little direction to the label other than I chose to release music I enjoy. I tend to work with a lot of local Seattle artists as well. My releases this year alone have ranged from harsh noise to Appalachian folk to pop punk to damaged hip hop. My goal with the label is to support artists who are making music I enjoy. Not a lot more complicated than that. I have started flirting with the idea of a more focused sub imprint called MOTOR based around releasing 12” singles for damaged mutant techno/dance sounds. I realize that my diverse catalog can be hard for some people to dive into, maybe having a focus area will help some of my fans out.

Garrett: What are some of your catalog highlights / AKA What Are You Currently Pushing?

Sam: This year has been about learning the ropes of pressing vinyl. I have released two LPs so far Dull Knife in July, and Zac Nelson just recently. Other highlights have been the recent Black Hat EP, getting to work with Deep Magic, and working with the boys in Zephyrs.

Very stoked for the new year. I will be finally releasing an LP from Total Life which is the new primary project from Kevin Doria of Growing fame. Also focusing on a local club night called MOTOR that just wrapped up the year with a fantastic fourth edition. Looking to expand MOTOR next year and start putting out those singles.

Garrett:Any special promotions you plan on having for the DIY Holiday Fair this year?

Sam I am going to have some heavy discounts this weekend. LPs which are normally $15 will be $12, CDs normally $8 will be $5. Plus some major deals if you pick up a stack of stuff. I always try to bring a media player loaded with everything I have for sale for people to listen at the show.

MORE INFO www.debaclerecords.com

debaclerecords.bandcamp.com