TODAY WE REMEMBER...

At exactly 10:11am, January 8, 2011, life in Tucson changed forever for all of us, but especially for nineteen individuals, six of which lost their lives. This tragic event presented an opportunity for the people of Tucson to pull together and show the world our true colors and how beautiful our community is. It also presented an opportunity for individuals like Congresswoman Gabrielle "Gabby" Giffords to demonstrate her strength and determination to survive in this world. January 8th will always be a day we will remember those that lost their lives and suffered from the Tucson Tragedy, but it will also be a day to remember why we are Tucsonans and what makes Tucson home for all of us.

As you may know, Music Against Violence + Fort Lowell Records partnered together to provide the world an opportunity to help out those affected by the Tucson Tragedy. Luz de Vida is a compilation record that was put together to raise money to help the victims and families.  Thanks to the many sponsors that provided funding to pay for all manufacturing costs, 100% of the money raise from all sales of Luz de Vida goes to the Tucson Together Fund.  In turn, the money will go direct to those in need to help reimburse lost wages, pay for doctor bills, and provide the long term support required for the years to come. 

We are asking for you to donate $20.00 to the cause, and in exchange we will mail you a vinyl copy of Luz de Vida.  You can also show support by purchasing a digital copy of Luz de Vida from iTunes or Amazon for only $10.00.  Either way, the victims and families will receive 100% of your contributions.  In exchange for your support, you will receive an amazing record featuring some of the greatest artists from Tucson, and others that hold a special place for Tucson in their hearts.  You can learn more about Luz de Vida on the Music Against Violence website.

Luz de Vida is available direct from this website, as well as in many stores in Tucson and Phoenix, AZ.  Please review the column on the right side of this page for more information to purchase.

Thank you.
Fort Lowell Records

ANDREW COLLBERG RINGS IN THE NEW YEAR

We are UBERexcited to be releasing Andrew Collberg's follow up record to his amazing 2010 release On The Wreath (Le Pop Musik)! Andrew's 7inch will feature two amazing new tracks...
"Dirty Wind" and "Back On The Shore!"

Check out the A-Side track here as an MP3 webstream...
Andrew Collberg "Dirty Wind" by FortLowellRecords

...and the video for the B-Side track!


The Pre-Order link is up on our website now... over there---> (on the right side). Order your copy now! You do not want to miss out on this awesome 7inch!

TRACY SHEDD | WINTER TOUR: NOV 23 - DEC 23

31 days on the road playing 26 shows in 24 different cities!

It has been seven years since Tracy Shedd has been on a proper US Tour; seven years too long.  Since Tracy Shedd's last days spent on the road, she has released some of her greatest recordings: Cigarettes & Smoke Machines (Teen-Beat Records 2008), EP88 (Eskimo Kiss Records 2010), and her split 7inch with Wet & Reckless (via our very own Fort Lowell Records 2010), as well as her contribution to the Luz de Vida benefit compilation (Fort Lowell Records 2011).  The world is ready to hear these songs live, and that they will!  Armed, this time not with her Avocado Green Microfrets guitar but instead, with what has become her signature Red Fender Telecaster, and now a piano along side, Tracy Shedd will be performing tracks from these recordings, and perhaps a new one or two!

Follow Tracy Shedd on her tour via her Facebook + Twitter posts!

Tracy Shedd | Winter Tour 2011
11.23.11 | Marfa, TX | Padre's
11.24.11 | day off
11.25.11 | Dallas, TX | Good Records In-Store | w/ Graceful Exit at 6:00pm
11.25.11 | Dallas, TX | The Kessler Theater | w/ Carolyn Wonderland and Daphne Willis at 7:00pm
11.26.11 | day off
11.27.11 | Austin, TX | Mohawk | w/ Follow That Bird, She Sir, and Quin Galavis
11.28.11 | Houston, TX | Rudyard's Pub | w/ The Mathletes
11.29.11 | New Orleans, LA | Siberia | w/ Au Ras Au Ras and Whom Do You Work For?
11.30.11 | Jacksonville, FL | Club TSI | w/ Moyamoya, AC Deathstrike, and DJ Cash
12.01.11 | Fernandina Beach, FL | The Green Turtle | w/ The Fornicorns
12.02.11 | Tampa, FL | Micro Groove Records In-Store | w/ Jennifer O'Connor - afternoon
12.02.11 | Tampa, FL | New World Brewery | w/ Rec Center - evening
12.03.11 | Atlanta, GA | 529 | w/ The Good Graces, Virginia Plane, and Book Club
12.04.11 | Raleigh, NC | Slim's | w/ Schooner and Miami Jetski
12.05.11 | Arlington, VA | The Galaxy Hut | w/ Talk It (Teen-Beat Showcase)
12.06.11 | Brooklyn, NY | The Rock Shop | w/ Tristen and Ravens And Chimes
12.07.11 | Pawtucket, RI | The News Cafe | w/ The Invisible Hours and Gertrude Atherton
12.08.11 | Philadelphia, PA | The Fire | w/ Lauryn Peacock
12.09.11 | Cleveland, OH | Cleveland Renaissance Hotel
12.10.11 | Chicago, IL | Red Line Tap | w/ Michael Alexander, Cassandra Henwood, Alejandra Oleary
12.11.11 | day off
12.12.11 | day off
12.13.11 | day off
12.14.11 | Seattle, WA | Columbia City Theater | w/ Howe Gelb, Maggie Bjorklund, and Sweet Secrets
12.15.11 | Portland, OR | Doug Fir Lounge | w/ Howe Gelb and Jesse Sykes & The Sweet Hereafter
12.16.11 | day off
12.17.11 | Oakland, CA | The New Parish | w/ Howe Gelb
12.18.11 | day off
12.19.11 | Sacramento, CA | Bows & Arrows | w/ Desario and Allen Clapp & His Orchestra
12.20.11 | San Francisco, CA | Hemlock Tavern | w/ Desario and Allen Clapp & His Orchestra
12.21.11 | Los Angeles, CA | Bootleg Theater | w/ Flora & Fauna and Harriet
12.22.11 | San Diego, CA | The Tin Can | w/ Skyline Union, Carmen Caserta, and Saba
12.23.11 | Palm Springs, CA | Amigo Room at Ace Hotel | w/ Young Mothers and JP Houston

NEW VIDEO: TRACY SHEDD "ENCOURAGE ME" - LUZ DE VIDA

Tracy Shedd has partnered with Canadian filmmaker Jesse Ewles (who has made videos for Grizzly Bear, Of Montreal, and Tokyo Police Club, to name a few) to make her latest video for her song "Encourage Me" from the Luz de Vida benefit compilation.

Enjoy!
~ Team FLR

HAPPY RELEASE DAY LUZ DE VIDA!

In case you have not been on the up-and-up the past few months, Fort Lowell Records' latest release is a partnership with Music Against Violence, a team of music professionals in Tucson that have come together to release a compilation record made up of local Tucson and national artists that will be sold to benefit those affects by the shootings in Tucson on January 8, 2011, otherwise known as The Tucson Tragedy.  The compilation record is called Luz de Vida and today, Tuesday, October 18, is the official release date for this record.  Luz de Vida is available in two formats: a 12inch vinyl record that features 12 Tucson bands with exclusive tracks to this project, and a 37-track digital download that includes the 12 from the vinyl, additional Tucson artist, as well as many great national artists.  The vinyl record does include the download card with all 37 songs.  This project was funding 100% by local and regional businesses, so all of the money made from Luz de Vida will be given to the Tucson Together Fund to help those in need.

If you would like to help support this project, you can purchase the vinyl record directly from Fort Lowell Records by clicking "Add to Cart" from the right column of this website.  Luz de Vida will also be available from all of the retail outlets in Tucson and Phoenix that carry all of our other releases.  If you do not live in Arizona, you can request your local record store to order a copy from our distributor, StickFigure Distribution.  Otherwise, if you are interested in purchasing the digital download for Luz de Vida, you can do so from sites like iTunes and Amazon, amongst many other digital outlets that will populate very soon.  There is one track that is exclusive the vinyl record, so please note that when purchasing the digital download via websites, there will only be 36 tracks.

If you are looking for additional ways to help the families affected from that tragic day last January, please spread the word about Luz de Vida.  It is a very simple, cheap, easy way for anyone in the world to help make a difference.  The added bonus is all of the amazing music one will receive for purchasing Luz de Vida.  It is a simply stunning compilation.  The Arizona Daily Star recently claimed Luz de Vida "one of the finest showcases of Tucson's music community ever presented."

Here are links to many of the great reviews Luz de Vida has received:
- Arizona Daily Star
- Arizona Daily Wildcat
- The Bay Bridged
- Blabber 'N' Smoke
- Blurt Magazine - News
- Blurt Magazine - Review
- The Caliente
- Here Comes The Flood
- Ick Music
- Merge Records
- Phoenix New Times
- 7 I N C H E S
- Tucson Lifestyle Magazine
- Tucson Sentinel
- Tucson Weekly - Cover Story
- Tucson Weekly - The Range
- Turntable Kitchen
- Zocalo Magazine

Thank you in advance for the support!
We, the people of Tucson, truly appreciate it.
~ FLR

PRE-ORDER LUZ DE VIDA NOW

Click the "Add to Cart" link in the right-side column, right over there--->

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22nd, THE RIALTO THEATRE

HOWE GELB + TRACY SHEDD TAKE THE NORTHEAST!

Hot off the press...
Howe Gelb + Tracy Shedd have added three more US dates for this upcoming winter season:

Tuesday, December 6th - Cambridge MA - The Brattle Theater
Wednesday, December 7th - Brooklyn NY - Littlefield w/ Ani Cordero
Saturday, December 10th - Chicago IL - The Volcano Room at The Bottom Lounge

Looks like the holiday season is going to get started early this year!
- Team FLR

OCT 22: LUZ DE VIDA RECORD RELEASE BENEFIT AT RIALTO

It's official folks... the Record Release Benefit for Luz de Vida is going to be held at The Rialto Theatre in Tucson AZ on Saturday, October 22. All proceeds from ticket + record sales for this night will go to the Tucson Together Fund, helping those affected from the Tucson Tragedy (January 8, 2011).

Confirmed Artists to Perform (in no particular order):
- Kiss & The Tells
- Reno del Mar
- Mariachi Luz de Luna
- HAIRSPRAYFIREANDGIRLS
- Tracy Shedd
- La Cerca
- Golden Boots
- Silverbell
- Rich Hopkins
- Tom Walbank
+ more artists to be announced

Ticket / Pricing:
- $5.00 for Entry
- $10.00 Free Entry + Digital Download of Luz de Vida
- $20.00 Free Entry + Digital Download + Limited 12inch Vinyl of Luz de Vida

Mark your calendars now! Times for event and performances are still to be determined, but will be posted soon!

Thank you for all of the support!
See you October 22nd at The Rialto!

~ Fort Lowell Records + Music Against Violence

HOWE GELB + TRACY SHEDD KILL THE WEST COAST

Mr. Howe Gelb and Ms. Tracy Shedd are hitting the West Coast together this coming Winter Season...

Wednesday, December 14th - Seattle WA - Columbia City Theater
Thursday, December 15th - Portland OR - Doug Fir Lounge
Saturday, December 17th - Oakland CA - The Parish

Tracy Shedd will be out on her own full US Winter Tour (more dates to come), while Howe Gelb will be flying in to play these exclusive US dates!

This.
Is.
Going.
To.
Be.
Beautiful.

More to come on a wonderful winter season from Fort Lowell Records!
Enjoy!


~ FLR Executive Committee

HEY MOM!

In just one month, Luz de Vida (FLR007) will be available for everyone to enjoy!  100% of all sales will go to the Tucson Together Fund and will help those affected by the Tucson Tragedy (January 8, 2011).

FLR IN THE UK

Our friend Mary P from Zia Records (here in Arizona) recently went on a trip to the UK and ran across this at Piccadilly Records. Sweet!

TUCSON HIP-HOP DON'T STOP UNTIL THE BREAK OF DAWN

I'm just curious if there is anyone else out there other than my friends Jonny and Wax, and the whole New Tribe crew (obviously), that realize how much seriously great hip-hop is coming out of Tucson AZ right now.  I freakin' woke up this morning singing (do you sign rap?) my friend Manny's (Black Sai) tunes, from Stone Ninjaz.  Local DJ and PR-guru Carl Hanni was quite intrigued himself to hear about what's going on with this scene in the Old Barrio.  After sending him a few links to sample, he agreed about the quality and slickness.  That led me to posting this article for all of you to read.  Here is a track from each of my favorite Tucson hip-hop groups that I've been listening to recently...

STONE NINJAZ:
No Way by STONE NINJAZ

JIVIN SCIENTISTS:
15 Style by Jivin Scientists

Enjoy!
FLR

FUCK CANCER!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SAVELAB – 10 Bands, two stages, one cause!

As part of Congress’ commitment to the SAVELAB cause, we are hosting the first part of our two pronged charity program this night. Tonight is the giant local event then, the giant national event During HoCofest the next week. 

Coordinated with the Tucson Artist And Musicians Healthcare Alliance we’ve arranged to have 100% of the proceeds go to our friend Craig Schumacher who’s battlin’ the big C. We’ll  have  indoor and outdoor stages  featuring a  little something for everyone. Don’t miss out on great music for an even better cause! Doors open at 7pm!

Outdoor Acts:
Determined Luddites
Stefan George
Tracy Shedd
Ferrodyne

Indoor Acts:
Wayback Machine
Last Call Girls
Carnivaleros
Funky Bones
Sunday Afternoon

DEATH KIT HEADLINES BOOTLEG + FREE NEW SINGLE

Hey there. After a bit of a break to write and re-vamp the lineup, Death Kit returns to the light of day to headline on Sept. 5 at Bootleg Theater, with the excellent Young Hunting and Paper Angels. It's a free show, DK at 9:30.  

As penance for waiting so long, here's the new single "Draw Blood." Post it elsewhere as you see fit.

DEATH KIT -- "DRAW BLOOD": http://yousend.it/otiuwo 

More fall shows coming soon. Thanks.

-DK

One Thirty BPM -- “Success in catchy tunes and high energy. The sound comes across as being very similar to The Rapture, especially when the singer busted out his cowbell-on-a-stick.I’m not a dancer, but Death Kit provided the kind of music that it was hard not to move your body to.”

Beatcrave.com -- “Forlorn yet effective lyrics paired with firm, romantic guitar chords and earth shattering synth lines in songs such as  “Devadasi” and “I Can Make You Love Me” made melancholy shockingly danceable.”

Turntable Kitchen -- “The a-side “Devadasi” is sure to be one of the year’s strongest synth-pop gems and alone is worth the price of the record.  It features brightly-lit synths, glass-smooth vocals, and purposeful percussion that alternates between stumbling and steady. Sporting an ambiance that calls to mind 80′s Cure singles, but a grooving electro-disco rhythm that transform this cut into a contemporary synth-anthem."

...MUSIC VIDEO? HIT THE ROAD

Good things come in threes, and in this case it's Tucson's electro-pop trio ...music video?, who will be hitting to road in September!  Check it out West Coast peeps, and stay tuned for possible additional shows:

Sept 1 - Silverlake Lounge - Los Angeles CA
Sept 3 - Freakin Frog - Las Vegas NV
Sept 4 - Audie's Olympic - Fresno CA
Sept 6 - Grant & Green - San Francisco CA
Sept 7 - The Ruby Room - San Diego CA

Also, check out ...music video?'s Facebook page for event details:
http://www.facebook.com/musicvideo

Rock on!
~ FLR

LUZ DE VIDA [LIGHT OF LIFE]

Fort Lowell Records is extremely excited to announce our partnership with Music Against Violence, a coalition of Tucson writers, recording engineers, and venue operators, for our next record release and what will be our very first full length 12inch vinyl... Luz de Vida: A Compilation to Benefit the Victims of the Tucson Tragedy.

Just yesterday, as our group Music Against Violence were walking into the offices of the Rialto Theatre to begin planning for our promotional launch, the world was celebrating Gabby Giffords' return to Congress in Washington DC to vote on the debt ceiling.  The six of us, along with Joey Burns of Calexico and Charlie Levy from Stateside Presents, stopped in our tracks and cheered at the C-SPAN web stream that we had raced to display on Ryan's large design-friendly monitor.  It could not have been better timing, as Gabby's determination to vote yesterday was a great motivator for our team to continue pushing more ideas to make Luz de Vida bigger and more impactful than any of us had ever imagined.

Luz de Vida will be released on 12inch yellow vinyl featuring 12 Tucson artists, as well as a digital release made up of 37 artists, including John Vanderslice, Rachel Flotard & Jon Rauhouse, Chuck Prophet, Robyn Hitchcock, Ozomatli, Meat Puppets, Jimmy Eat World, Spoon, Neko Case, and DeVotchKa.  The 12inch vinyl will be available regionally in stores that carry other Fort Lowell Records releases, plus directly here on our website and through out distributor, StickFigure.  The digital download of 37 tracks will be included inside the vinyl record, and also available through all major online music outlets such as iTunes, Amazon, and eMusic (basically anywhere IODA makes available).  We will also have download cards for sale at all local events promoting Luz de Vida, such as our record release party at the Rialto Theatre on Saturday, October 15th.

You can read much more about this record and the track listings for both the vinyl and digital versions on the Music Against Violence website.

Luz de Vida is brought to you 100% by businesses that have sponsored this project by donating money and/or services to make this Luz de Vida possible.  Because of their sponsorship, we are able to guarantee that all proceeds generated from Luz de Vida will go to the Tucson Together Fund, the only officially sanctioned fund established to assist victims, families, and witnesses of the January 8th tragedy.

As of today, the jackets are being printed, we have approved the liner notes, which are now off to print  The vinyl test pressing has arrived and sounds absolutely great!  All in all, Luz de Vida is coming along nicely.  Promotional work will begin in September, so if you are in radio or with the press... stay tuned!  You will be hearing from us shortly with more information (and music to listen to).

Okay, that's all we have for now...
but stay tuned for more information to come!

Enjoy!
Fort Lowell Records & Music Against Violence

SO TRUE (AND HILARIOUS)!

I can not take any credit for writing this. In fact, I think it is one of those spam-story-telling emails that your Aunt Judith sends to your work email addy. But this one was sent to me from my buddy Skid, and it is so-damn-freakin'-hilarious, I couldn't resist... Read on!

IF PETS WROTE DIARIES

Excerpts from a Dog's Diary...... 

8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 pm - Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm - Milk Bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!


Excerpts from a Cat's Daily Diary...

Day 983 of my captivity...

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets.

Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.

The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a 'good little hunter' I am.

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of 'allergies.' I must learn what this means and how to use it to my advantage...

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously clueless.

The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now.................

WET & RECKLESS HIT THE ROAD

The fabulous four femme fatales, otherwise known as Wet & Reckless, are hitting the East Coast once again, this time with their latest 7inch release from Fort Lowell Records featuring their smash hit "New Guy!" Check it:

July 16, Cyclops, Baltimore, MD
July 17, the Galaxy Hut, Arlington, VA
July 18, The Velvet Lounge, Washington D.C.
July 19, Pianos, NY, NY
July 20, the Knitting Factory, Brooklyn, NY
July 22, Girl’s Rock Camp, Boston, MA (during the day)
July 22, O’Brien’s, Allston, MA (at night)
July 23, Nectar’s, Martha’s Vineyard

SUCCESS?

When we started this record label thingy, we said to ourselves "Wouldn't it be cool if one of our 7inches ended up on eBay selling for more money than it was really worth?" Well, that day has come...

Howe Gelb - 'Sno Angel + Melted Wires - $29.89

Just in case you were interested... look to your right.
You can order the same record directly from us for $5.00.

Happy shopping!
Team FLR