Treeship Records

Hope Volume 1 is (finally!) available for purchase!

2010-07-11T18:57:00.000-07:00

Finally, the release of the first volume of Project Hope is upon us! 15 amazing (and equally diverse) artists from around the world have contributed their music to this endeavor, and we are grateful to have worked with each of them. You can get your own digital copy of Hope Volume 1 at http://projecthope.bandcamp.com for only $10, and every dime that Treeship Records profits from its sale will go directly to the charities that we sponsor. You can easily link from this page directly to the artists who have participated in this, and we encourage you to support the ones that you like best. Tell your friends, your neighbors, your mom, and your boss that music can change the world, and so can they, just by giving this music a chance to inspire them.

<a href="http://projecthope.bandcamp.com/album/hope-volume-1">Proper Son by Project Hope</a>

Pre-order AS-IF's debut EP

2010-03-07T14:11:00.000-08:00

Like, OMG! AS-IF (www.myspace.com/asif80s) is quite possibly the coolest cover band, like, ever. Their pop-punk spin on 80s hits makes all your favorite songs new again, and a hell of a lot more fun. Mia belts out the lyrics you know and love at the top of her lungs, Mackie delivers the goods with face melting guitar shredding, and Chris and Will hold it down with drum and bass rhythms you can't help but dance to. Their rad-ass debut EP "Weekend at Ernie's (Get to the Choppah!)" drops March 23rd, but you don't have to wait until then! Click here to listen to the songs and pre-order your own copy of the CD, and you can download all 5 tracks (plus an exclusive bonus track) immediately. On your iPod today, and on CD later! We're even sending a limited edition vinyl sticker out with each and every pre-order, so like, get on it.

John O'Lalde's "Equilibrium" Out Soon

2010-02-14T13:48:00.000-08:00

Mastering of John O'Lalde's debut full length album "Equilibrium" is underway, and we couldn't be more excited. The follow-up to his EP release "Highway to Anywhere", "Equilibrium" sets the bar for guitar instrumentals to a new high, and we can't wait to share it with you. Until then, you can listen to and download "Highway to Anywhere" at http://johnolalde.bandcamp.com. Rock on!

Agent Moosehead Signs On With Treeship Records

2010-01-18T14:36:00.000-08:00

After hearing their debut release, Treeship Records has teamed up with Agent Moosehead to release "Neil, Throw The Switch!" worldwide. This fantastic album defies description and breaks boundaries; no one genre can encompass the diversity of this band. You can get the music on iTunes and Amazon, or you can buy the CD direct from Treeship Records here and get the digital download version free while you wait for the CD to arrive at your doorstep! There is also a lot of great official merch for Agent Moosehead now available at Treeship Records' online merch booth. All profits from the sale of this album (as with all of our releases) will benefit the charities that we support. To say that these guys are worth a listen is surely the understatement of the decade; you need to go listen to this music NOW.

Kalabi's "Tone Poems" CD Now Available

2010-01-11T12:54:00.000-08:00

Kalabi's debut album with Treeship Records, "Tone Poems", is now available on CD at http://kalabi.bandcamp.com and via the Treeship Records Facebook page! This is an amazing addition to Treeship Records' growing catalogue; ambient sounds and trip-hop beats meld together for a sound that is as unique as it is relaxing. You can stream the album in full on our Facebook page, and even add the music to your profile to share with friends. You can also visit Kalabi's profile on MySpace to hear more music from this amazing artist, and to drop a comment about the album.

Agent Moosehead Donate "Nightmare Land"

2010-01-07T15:23:00.000-08:00

Got your attention? The name got ours, too, but that was just the beginning. If you're thinking you'll have a hard time forgetting their name, their Zappa and Classic NES influenced flavor of instrumental jazz/rock is bound to reinforce that notion. If only one word were allowed in describing their sound, "unpredictable" would be high on the list of possibilities. Stunning musicianship combines with inventive arrangements to create music that is simply indescribable; you simply have to experience it for yourself. Visit www.myspace.com/agentmoosehead to do just that.

We're proud to have Agent Moosehead involved with Project Hope, and we hope that find their unique twist on jazz and rock to be as refreshing as we do. Download "Nightmare Land" (a great cover of a Nintendo classic) for free at www.gimmesound.com/hope, as well as browse (and download for free) music from all of the other artists who have contributed to Project Hope so far.

"Army Unicorns" Hits Digital Shelves

2009-12-28T19:15:00.000-08:00

Treeship Records is proud to announce the digital release of "Army Unicorns" exclusively at the Seti Alpha 5 online store, http://setialpha5.bandcamp.com. Seti Alpha 5 has taken a slight (yet notable) change of direction with their second album; their sound is denser and more complex than their debut release, and yet they manage to retain the same "feel" that they established with 2008's "Mountains in the Sun".

Treeship Records: "Was it your intention for 'Army Unicorns' to have a sound different from that of 'Mountains in the Sun'?"

Seti Alpha 5: "It wasn't really an intentional departure from the sound of our first album, but more of a natural progression forward. Rather than thinking too hard about it, we just made the music that felt right, and if anything, 'Army Unicorns' is a statement about where we are right now, not where we've been or where we're going. It's about capturing a moment in time, and giving that moment eternal life through music."

TR: "Did your method for writing songs change from that of your first album?"

SA5: "Yes and no. 90% of "Mountains in the Sun" was written on the same hardware sequencer, and the other 10% on other various hardware. We didn't use a computer until it came time to record the master. It wasn't a pretentious decision; it was really more out of fear. The possibilities in the digital realm are infinite, and truthfully, that scared the crap out of us. With "Army Unicorns" we decided to embrace technology rather than fear it."

TR: "So this album was written entirely in the digital realm, with digital instruments?"

SA5: "Not entirely, no. 'Bad Dream (Part 2)' started off as a solo guitar track, and the rest came later. That's the most exciting part of writing music digitally; you can capture little bits of inspiration as they come, and when you revisit them later, another piece comes. Eventually they all fall into place. We find that this method is really analogous to life; we define ourselves and the world around us in all the little details, each assembling our own version of the big picture. This approach was really more organic and rewarding than we could ever have imagined."

TR: "So what does 'Army Unicorns' mean, anyway?"

SA5: "Not telling."

RadioStar SF Donate "Space Wolf"

2009-12-20T14:38:00.000-08:00

"Space Wolf" is catchy as hell. Shredding leads, a sing-along chorus, and a little mix of punk and metal, and you end up with a great song bound to be stuck in our heads for days! Hop over to www.RadioStarSF.com to learn more about this awesome band. We're really proud to have them on board; their raw punk sound adds a new variety to Project Hope, and is a great addition to our growing family of artists who are doing something great with their music to make a difference.

Taunting the mainstream for fun and profit since 2002, RadioStar SF is proud to unleash their smoking new CD 'Skulls, Stars, and Guitars': a more focused, even harder rocking album than their now classic debut disc 'Greatest Hits Volume 1'.

In case you haven't heard, RadioStar SF is the ultimate turn it up and tear it up, full stacks and Stratocasters, sarcastic and sexy, punk rock tested / metalhead approved, band that jams but is not a sissy funky jam band, hammer of the gods wielding rock and roll adventure. Combining the pick it up and play the hell out of it spirit of 60's San Francisco acid rock with the intensity and defiance of modern punk and metal, they offer a darker, sexier, and more dangerous alternative to the corporate sanitized crap that has dominated rock for the last 30 years.

2008 saw RadioStar SF complete a successful Pacific Northwest tour, headline a major San Francisco Street Fair, and even Commercial radio finally joined the party. Oregon's K Rogue featured their music and live interviews during the coveted 6 o' clock drive time. Of course RadioStar SF has been an underground radio staple for years. But hey, the corporate guys are learning.

This all follows a breakthrough 2007, which included writing the theme song for the opening credits for the Horror Movie 'Puppy ' starring Calico Cooper, daughter of rock legend Alice Cooper . Puppy has been translated in German and has found an international distributor. Be sure to check out the wildly popular (and hysterical) 'Puppy' music video where the band gets massacred by a miniature schnauzer. If all that wasn't enough, they successfully released their Rock 'n' Roll Villain Society line of pro skateboard decks. Now carried by the world largest skate retailer and independent companies alike, they have already turned a profit and paid off all their investors. And they've eaten more San Francisco pavement on them than they might care to admit.

Lead singer and lead guitarist Jay Skyler comes from a long line of musicians and stock car drivers, Skyler was constantly punished as a child for refusing to learn piano from his wicked great Aunt, who was a classical concert pianist. At age 12 he 'rebelled' and picked up an electric guitar. Jay quickly gained notoriety in the central Jersey rock, punk, and metal scenes for his aggressive, cutting edge lead style which fused the over the top psychedelia of Hendrix with the velocity and energy of modern punk and metal. A self-professed Misfits fanatic, Jay's primary vocal influence is Glenn Danzig, although he is also a huge fan of other dark low-voiced singers such as Jim Morrison, Elvis, Nick Cave, and Johnny Cash. A fixture on the San Francisco rock and nightclub scene, Skyler is usually referred to by his nickname "Rock Star Jay" and is notorious for skateboarding the hills of San Francisco at night in faux fur coats and cowboy hats, and dating the most insanely beautiful, (and just outright insane) women in the city.

Drummer Cameron "Shaft" Landers joined RadioStar SF in 2003, replacing Brian McCarthy who had left due to health problems. Cameron was an instant hit with audiences, replacing McCarthy's technical metal style with a rhythmically communicative style reminiscent of the great British drum masters Ginger Baker, Keith Moon, Mitch Mitchell and John Bonham. Cameron joined RadioStar SF after being fired from the tribal goth band "Fontaine's Muse" for playing too heavy. Jay Skyler, after hearing the reason for his firing, invited him to audition and hired him after the very first session.

Bassist Chris Skarkrow, was brought on by Jay Skyler to succeed a long line of half-dead bass players in late 2006.

An endlessly entertaining mix of Gothic fashion police brutality and emotional disfunctionality, his low-end growl and glam-trash antics lend a further level to the growing legend of RadioStar SF.

Seti Alpha 5 to release "Army Unicorns"

2009-12-19T16:14:00.000-08:00

Seti Alpha 5 is releasing their second album "Army Unicorns" on December 28th, and they're giving away a song "in the spirit of the holiday season" via their website, www.seti-alpha5.com! "On a Trampoline" is the name of the song, and while they refuse to tell us what it's about, there is no doubt that they have made a slight change in musical direction for this album. It's hard to decide what genre to put "Army Unicorns" in; at one moment, the percussion builds to a crescendo with organs and synthesizers going full blast, and the next, it's as if the music is from another world altogether. Go check it out for yourself, be sure to grab a copy when it hits digital shelves December 28th.

Dynamo and BadNutBeats Donate Song

2009-12-13T12:22:00.000-08:00

"Taking shape from beyond the shadows, Dynamo & BadNutBeats appear faceless, glowing white atop the black-lit stage. These beings are not quite like us, but rest assured they have our delight solely in mind. As the music begins to build, this ominous introduction will give way to a sonic journey through refined soundscapes and inspired showmanship. Strengthened by a vast performance history and an eclectic collision of influences, the duo offers an experience like no other.

As curiosity draws you into the dimension Dynamo & BadNutBeats create, you will absorb the harmony and wonder of these faceless personalities. Don't get too comfortable, however, as you can always count on the conjurers to challenge as they entertain. Sight and sound will converge into a gloriously unique spectacle, making you hungry for more.

Buy a copy of their debut album, Gonzo, and stay tuned as Dynamo & BadNutBeats prepare to infiltrate live music venues everywhere..."

We are proud to include "Meditation III" amongst all of the great music that has been donated to Project Hope to date. Visit our profile on GimmeSound to download this track for free, and visit Dynamo & BadNutBeats on CDBaby to get a copy of their fantastic debut, Gonzo!

The most refreshing thing about this duo is their live performance...check this out!

Alexipharmic Joins Project Hope

2009-12-10T19:21:00.000-08:00

Alexipharmic, hip-hop artist from the west coast, has donated a wonderful track called "Life" to Project Hope. He describes himself as "a zen buddhist rapping triumphantly over majestic instrumentals about forgotten societal issues, the triumph of humanity, and the beautiful struggle of life" but that can't begin to describe the amazing artistry present in his music. Alexipharmic's record label, Elephant Memories, works closely with Mercy Corps, and donates 50% of net proceeds from album sales to support them on their mission. We are humbled that they have joined Project Hope, and are excited to see what we can do to make the world a better place. Visit Project Hope's profile on GimmeSound to download "Life" for free (and benefit charity at the same time), and then visit Alexipharmic on CDBaby to buy the full album! Here is a bit about the music, from the artist:

"Much of Alexipharmic’s label debut, American Beauty, was written while on a 30 state, 10,000-mile road trip. Throughout the trek he carried a digital voice recorder, which he used to interview countless men, women, and children of all walks of life at each stop. Throughout the album’s 14 tracks, Alexipharmic weaves the broad spectrum of the stories he recorded on the road with his own, uniquely personal experiences. In addition, topics that are uncomfortable or taboo are constantly addressed, simply in an effort to encourage a more open dialogue. The result is an album that breathes with energy and ambition, and reflects the hopes, broken dreams, unity, division, optimism and voice of our current society through the eyes of the 24 year-old Pacific Northwest native.

Born and raised in Port Angeles, WA, before moving to Los Angeles, Alexipharmic immersed himself in the world of hip hop via YO! MTV Raps and cassettes of 2Pac, Nas, and Biggie, before picking up the pen at 13 and working to forge his own path. That journey has led him to slam poetry showcases at the famous Project Blowed, performances with musical icons Jurassic 5, Visionaries, One.Be.Lo, Sleep, Sweatshop Union, C-Rayz Walz, Vakill, and Grayskull, among others, and spearheading the national Save Darfur Tour. Behind all of the musical aspirations is a compulsion to use the music as something greater: to give back to the interwoven human condition. To that end, Alexipharmic has donated 50% of his musical proceeds to charity. To date, thousands have been raised for many worthy causes.

American Beauty marks the beginning of a movement. The album includes guest features from P.O.S. of Rhymesayers & Doomtree, Braille, Grynch, and Cas One, as well as immaculate production from MGI, Budo, Elliot B, DJ Figure, and Infekt. The album’s cover is a mosaic of indelible black and white pictures of homeless men and women from all across the country, joining together to make the face of America. Underlying this is the constant charitable center of Alexipharmic’s work, as the album’s Fall American Beauty Tour has partnered with Feed the Children and will donate 100% of the tour’s net proceeds to combat child hunger and homelessness in America."

We are proud to join this amazing artist on our mission to change the world, and we hope that you enjoy his music as much as we have!

Alcopop!

2009-12-09T18:09:00.000-08:00

"Alcopop! Records" is a record label from the UK with a ton of really great bands, and they have graciously donated 2 songs from their catalog to Project Hope. "Typewriters" is from My First Tooth, a wonderfully refreshing country/folk 4 piece that just makes you wish for a warm breeze and a front porch, while "Break" by Stagecoach is a great piece of power-pop that you can't help but get up and dance to. You can visit www.gimmesound.com/hope and download each of these songs for free, all while generating donations to the charities that Treeship Records supports! I have a feeling that this is just the beginning of a long relationship with "Alcopop! Records" and we are honored to be working with them for such a great cause. Check out all of their current releases at www.ilovealcopop.co.uk, and pre-order releases from both My First Tooth and Stagecoach!

Erik Scott Joins Project Hope

2009-12-04T22:27:00.000-08:00

We are thrilled to announce that Erik Scott has donated a song from his recent solo release "Other Planets" to Project Hope. Best known for his work with Sonia Dada, Alice Cooper, and Flo & Eddie, Erik has also recorded with dozens of other artists, including Carl Palmer, Kim Carnes, and Pops and Mavis Staples. He co-wrote and played on the title track "Father Father" from Pops' Grammy winning album (1994), and played on Mavis' title song "Have A Little Faith" which was awarded Best Gospel Blues Song by the WC Handy Foundation for awards year 2004.

"When my band of some 16 years (Sonia Dada) took a break awhile back, I found myself alone in the studio with an active imagination, some basses, and a keyboard. With no band, no singers, and no pre-dispositions, I could pretty much wander wherever the musical muse took me.

So when I was haunted by this suggestively spanish-sounding trumpet melody, I played it, in the upper registers of the bass. And when I heard a banjo type rhythmic chordal picking in my head, I played it...on the bass. And it worked well. So when I thought a great piano performance would work in verse two...

...I went and got a great piano player to play it. What do you think, I'm nuts?

While it could certainly be said that I have partaken in, and incited, my fair share of musical mayhem, raising a ruckus in many venues...I have taken a break from the chaos on this CD, and some musical segments have even been described as...well, (gasp) tranquil...serene. Well, there you go...I did find the blend of steel guitar, interstellar strings, and melodic bass to be a bit seductive. Maybe you, too."

Maybe? Absolutely. Here is what John Diliberto, host and senior producer of Echoes, a nightly music soundscape on Public Radio International, says about the album:

"Haunting moods and heartbreaking melodies...a powerful, cinematic release. It's an album that's more Pink Floyd than Jaco Pastorius. Scott is a composer of sensuous melodies and atmospheric moods."

We are honored by Erik's eagerness to be involved with Project Hope, and appreciate his support more than words can say. To show your support, visit www.gimmesound.com/hope and download the song Erik donated, "Proper Son", for free. You can also listen to and download music from all the other great artists that have donated music to Project Hope. All of the songs here have been arranged in alphabetical order, so you'll find Erik's song in between Ed Askew (poet/folk singer from NYC) and Ray Perez (indie rock artist from Texas). Once you've downloaded the song, browse over to www.erikscottbass.com to say thanks, and then gear up you digital shopping cart and visit CDBaby to buy the full album.

peace
Justin Mackie
Founder

Project Hope

2009-11-30T13:06:00.000-08:00

So here we are. There is so much to talk about, I don't even know where to begin. We're already working with a lot of great artists and there are a lot of new things on the horizon. Jazz fans are in for a treat in the upcoming weeks, as are Zappa lovers. You know who you are.

We've recently launched "Project Hope" to much fanfare, and there are already some fantastic musicians getting involved. How this works (in a nutshell ["Look at me! I'm trapped in this incredibly large nutshell!"]) is artists from across the globe donate one song, a few songs, or a lot of songs to the project. We make them available for free download on GimmeSound, and periodically will release the best of what is donated on a compilation CD. How do we define best? I suppose that it depends on how you define best. The songs that get downloaded most often on GimmeSound will certainly be chosen for the first volume, so if you feel an artists deserves to be included, go download their music to show your support! The best part is, all profits from "Project Hope" are donated to the charities that we support.

I'll confess. Treeship Records is new to the blogging world. If any of you out there are reading this, leave comments on what you would like to see included in this blog. We are pretty much making this up as we go along, only with two very clear goals in mind. The first is that we want to provide you with great music from great artists hailing from all corners of the globe. Second, we want to genuinely make a positive impact on the world we live in by donating all profits from the sale of that music to charities that are working so hard to make that a reality.

peace
Justin Mackie
Founder