Independent Record Label | Est. 2009
Wilmington, North Carolina

 
 

EVENT CALENDAR

Tuesday, October 28, 2025

BBgail & Weston Smith Premiere Their Heavenly Track “if you let it”

[Repost from V13; by Aaron Willschick, October 20, 2025]

BBgail and Weston Smith, two DIY artists from Phoenix, Arizona, premiere their heavenly new track “if you let it.”

Devotion is a special, sometimes underrated quality in a musician, and BBgail has all kinds of it. Today, we are helping to debut her latest track, “if you let it,” a collaboration between her and Weston Smith, due via Fort Lowell Records on November 14th as a digital single. Soothing and original, the song ingeniously joins together many different sounds and musical styles. BBgail’s vocals feel calming and reassuring as you experience the soaring electronics of the song.

Despite her incredible talent, music is not BBgail’s only job. But it is her most important. She balances working two jobs while writing and producing her own music in the evenings, on the weekends, or whenever she gets a free slot of time. It’s the type of love that you need to really succeed at any art form, especially music. Despite her busy schedule, she is assembling an impressive collection of tracks that illustrate her amazing imagination for songwriting.

Commenting on “if you let it.” BBgail states:

“I wrote this song as a reminder to myself that life is out there waiting for me. I’m starting to realize the only thing that can hold me back from being where I want to be is myself. This song is a celebration of letting that go.”

Those are wise words that we should all be mindful of. The saxophone you hear in the song is courtesy of Smith, an artist with a special expertise in both the saxophone and synths. Both Smith and BBGail are exceptional young artists living in Phoenix, Arizona.

In “if you let it,” they find a perfect balance between Smith’s soulful sax playing and BBGail’s ethereal vocals. There’s a hypnotic element to the song that feels very positive. BBGail prides herself as an artist who is authentic and expansive. She is a true artist committed to her craft, no matter what it takes.

Monday, October 27, 2025

REVIEW: Blase 'Somewhere Out There'

[Repost from Here Comes the Flood; by Hans Werksman, October 19, 2025]

Wilmington, NC based multi-instrumentalist Blase plays the kind of dreampop that is able listeners to an alternate reality where things are quite beautiful and, as an added bonus, age is not a number, but has come to a standstill. His Somewhere Out There album flows gently and might be mistaken for a long lost record from the golden age of psychedelic pop, when echo and reverb smoothed over the rough edges of real life.

Using the upper regions of his vocal range, Blase acts as the guide of his own world, pointing out places where it is OK to be on your own (Middle of Nowhere) or in good company (Finding Myself in You, Where Only We Know). Somewhere Out There is a collection of songs that deserves to be enjoyed with undivided attention, so turn off your phone and drop the needle on this gem of indie pop.

Somewhere Out There is released via Fort Lowell Records (translucent blue vinyl, digital). Release date: October 24.

Tracks:
  1. Middle of Nowhere
  2. Finding Myself in You
  3. Under the Same Stars
  4. Directions
  5. Dirt Into Gold
  6. My Mind Set On You
  7. Where Only We Know
  8. No Other Place
  9. Only With You
  10. Don't Want This to End
  11. Reflecting Time

Friday, October 24, 2025

OUT NOW: Blase 'Somewhere Out There' [Sophomore LP]

Chicago-born and Wilmington-based multi-instrumentalist Blase unveils his most expansive and heartfelt project yet with Somewhere Out There, released through Fort Lowell Records. Known for merging shimmering synth layers with warm indie pop foundations, Blase has evolved from his early days as a Chicago drummer into a solo artist who transforms fleeting feelings into vivid musical worlds. Inspired by a transformative journey traveling across the entire United States, the album captures the essence of wide-open landscapes and the quiet revelations found on the road.  With Somewhere Out There, he invites listeners on a journey that feels both personal and universal — an exploration of solitude, connection, and the unexpected places where we find meaning. The record balances quiet vulnerability with uplifting energy, making it his most immersive and captivating work to date.

The opening track, "Middle of Nowhere," embodies the heart of the album, born during a reflective moment in Joshua Tree National Park. It celebrates the idea of finding true presence and belonging far from the noise and chaos of everyday life. "Under the Same Stars" leans into the bittersweet ache of distance, capturing the tension between holding on and letting go, and the comforting thought that loved ones are never entirely out of reach. These songs speak to the tension between isolation and connection, suggesting that meaning often emerges in the spaces between what we leave behind and what we hold close. Rather than focusing on external escape alone, they examine the internal journey of coming home to oneself through shared experiences.

"Finding Myself in You" offers a tender exploration of love as a mirror, revealing unexpected depths and a sense of renewal. It channels the excitement and vulnerability of discovering new parts of one’s identity within a relationship. In contrast, "Dirt Into Gold" reflects on resilience and transformation, celebrating the quiet strength it takes to turn life's uncertainties into moments of growth and hope. Written and recorded after returning home from his cross-country travels, these songs capture the album’s essence: turning wandering into understanding, and distance into deeper connection. Each track invites listeners to step inside Blase’s world of subtle revelations and emotional landscapes, encouraging them to see their own journeys with fresh eyes.

With Somewhere Out There, Blase has created an album that feels like a trusted companion during quiet drives or moonlit evenings, a soundtrack for those seeking moments of peace beyond the familiar. This record confirms his place as a musician capable of blending heartfelt storytelling with lush, genre-spanning arrangements. It reminds us that even in life’s most remote and uncertain moments, beauty and connection are always within reach. In this new chapter, Blase invites us to wander alongside him — and perhaps discover new parts of ourselves along the way.

Blase Somewhere Out There is now available everywhere.


Wednesday, October 15, 2025

Fort Lowell Records artists featured on Amazon Prime Series 'The Runarounds'

From the creator of Outer Banks (Netflix), Jonas Pate, comes a new YA series The Runarounds (Amazon Prime), which follows the formation of a band of five boys at the end of their senior year of high school in Wilmington, North Carolina.   

The show features music from three Fort Lowell Records artists:
  • Kicking Bird
  • Summer Set
  • Kim Ware and the Good Graces

 EPISODE 1
What Did You Expect (With Such a Beautiful Wife)” by Kicking Bird



 EPISODE 2
Impermanent Assistant” by Kicking Bird


Comfortable Town” by Summer Set



 EPISODE 4
The Jetty” by Summer Set


Lauren” by Kicking Bird



 EPISODE 5
Names Are Changing” by Kicking Bird



 EPISODE 7
Stopped Making Plans” by Kim Ware and the Good Graces



CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL LIST OF SONGS FOR ALL EPISODES



Sunday, October 12, 2025

Did you know Naïm Amor has a new album out?

He does... with Kid Congo Powers of Gun Club, the Cramps and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds.  It's called Tucson Safari, and it is being released by In The Red Records on October 17, 2025.  Be sure to check it out, and watch the music video below.

Don't forget to grab your copy of Naïm Amor's latest solo record, titled Stories, which was released by your truly here just last year.  There are only a handful of copies left, so don't wait!

^ ^ ^ ^ LEARN MORE HERE ^ ^ ^ ^
^ ^ ^ ^ WATCH MUSIC VIDEO ^ ^ ^ ^
^ ^ ^ ^ ORDER VINYL RECORD ^ ^ ^ ^
^ ^ ^ ^ ORDER VINYL RECORD ^ ^ ^ ^

Tuesday, September 30, 2025

LET'S DANCE at The Underfront Co. in Wilmington NC on Saturday, Oct 4thh

LET'S DANCE is a Vinyl DJ Night hosted by Fort Lowell Records, featuring a variety of music — Pop, Disco, Boogie, Indie, Hip-Hop, R&B, Electronic, etc. — including the latest hits and spanning the past five decades. 

LET'S DANCE is held monthly at The Underfront Co. on the Saturday following every First Friday — AKA: RizzyBeats' Hip-Hop Fridays. Dancing starts at 8:00pm and goes all night. A $5.00 cover charge will be collected at the door upon entry paid via Cash, Credit Card, or Venmo.

Monday, September 29, 2025

Best Of Phoenix 2025 | BEST ALBUM: JPW & Dad Weed Amassed Like a Rat King

[Repost from Phoenix New Times; September 25, 2025]

BEST ALBUMJPW & Dad Weed Amassed Like a Rat King

Like chocolate and peanut butter cozying up in a candy bar, the union of musicians JPW (Jason Patrick Woodbury) and Dad Weed (Zachary Toporek), who created this fantastic offering, also results in a sweet treat. Released in April on Fort Lowell Records, the 11-song "Amassed Like a Rat King" sounds and feels like the intersection of several pertinent moments in music: the breezy spirit of '70s light rock, gritty '80s radio rock a la Tom Petty, and those jangly moments of R.E.M. before they emerged from the shadows. We felt like pulling out some Posies records after the first listen. Instead, we simply took "Amassed Like a Rat King" for another few spins. It may be loaded with a variety of inspirational influences, but don't try pinning it to any one style. These expert music-makers crafted a group of tracks brimming with great melodies and catchy riffs and topped them with JPW's rich, earnest vocals. At times, you catch a laugh or feel a spark that underlines the pair's chemistry. We hope a sophomore effort is in the works.

Sunday, September 28, 2025

New EP: Kim Ware and the Good Graces || Grand Epiphanies

[Repost from Add to Wantlist; by Dennis, September 24, 2025]

Gifted songwriter bares her heart once again

Nearly twenty years after Kim Ware first picked up a beat-up guitar and started writing songs, the Good Graces return with the Grand Epiphanies EP, their tenth studio release—five folky indie pop tracks that wrestle with regret, resilience, and connection. We already knew the only cover, of Jeff Fortgang’s Some Guys Have All the Luck, from the 2023 Homely LP, but it returns here in a different version.

As always, the storytelling of the self-penned tracks is unsurpassed: “There’s a red bird just outside the door // I can’t say what he was sent here for // Maybe he is checking in on me // Bringing me a sense of freedom and serenity” (from Old/New). All those beautiful lines—sung heartfeltly—are framed in warm, full-band arrangements of guitar and piano. A fertile ground to emerge some unexpected truths.

The Grand Epiphanies EP, produced by Steven Fiore and Justin Faircloth, is out now digitally via Fort Lowell Records; a CD version is available through the band itself.

Add to wantlist: Bandcamp (Fort Lowell) || Bandcamp (The Good Graces)

Thursday, September 25, 2025

REVIEW: Kim Ware and the Good Graces – Grand Epiphanies

[Repost from The Shrieking Fox; by Ms. Fox, September 18, 2025]

Coming out on 9/23/2025 digitally, it’s the newest EP, “Grand Epiphanies.” And, yeah, holy shit, I’m in love. Take the best of jangle pop, add a twang, a dash of nostalgia, indie rock, and a smidgen of country, and you get this absolute dream of an EP. Like, yeah, it’s that good (like HELL YES!). There’s something so soothing about the vocals, and the lyrics are superbly crafted and straightforward. Need I mention that the cover of, “Some Guys Have All the Luck,” is hands down the best I’ve ever heard? Where has this record been all of my life? Where has this band been all of my life? They’ve been around since 2008, so I’ve got a back catalog to explore! Get into them!

Wednesday, September 24, 2025

REVIEW: Blase – Somewhere Out There

[Repost from The Shrieking Fox; by Ms. Fox, September 18, 2025]

Releasing on 10/24/2025 on vinyl and digital, it’s the new LP, “Somewhere Out There,” by Blase. Fort Lowell Records again delivers us a killer artist that excels at creating a rich, unique sound. Indie pop, dream pop, psychedelic, electro rock, synth chill, jangle and so many other genres get blended up, resulting in a dreamy sound, somewhere between the Flaming Lips, a mellower MGMT, M83 and REM. This is intoxicating. Hazy, mellow, and dreamy, the tracks elevate the listener to a surreal headspace. The lyrics are catchy, and I’ve found myself singing along after just two listens. I’ve no doubt you will find yourself doing the same. This album was a real treat. Personal, heartfelt, catchy, and cosmic, it’s a release you won’t want to skip.

Tuesday, September 23, 2025

OUT NOW: Kim Ware and the Good Graces 'Grand Epiphanies' [Digital EP]

Kim Ware and the Good Graceswho have shared the stage with artists such as Indigo Girls, Sierra Ferrell, and The Love Language — have released their tenth studio offering titled Grand Epiphanies [Digital EP] and it is available today everywhere and anywhere!

LISTEN NOW


Friday, September 19, 2025

OUT NOW: Blase "Dirt Into Gold" [Digital Single]

Chicago-born and Wilmington-based multi-instrumentalist Blase unveils his most expansive and heartfelt project yet with Somewhere Out There, released through Fort Lowell Records. Known for merging shimmering synth layers with warm indie pop foundations, Blase has evolved from his early days as a Chicago drummer into a solo artist who transforms fleeting feelings into vivid musical worlds. Inspired by a transformative journey traveling across the entire United States, the album captures the essence of wide-open landscapes and the quiet revelations found on the road.  With Somewhere Out There, he invites listeners on a journey that feels both personal and universal — an exploration of solitude, connection, and the unexpected places where we find meaning. The record balances quiet vulnerability with uplifting energy, making it his most immersive and captivating work to date.

"Dirt Into Gold" the fourth and final single from Somewhere Out There by Blase is out now on all platforms.


Wednesday, September 17, 2025

REVIEW: Kim Ware and the Good Graces "Missed the Mark"

[Repost from If It's Too Loud; by Ken Sears, September 12, 2025]

Kim Ware started off as a punk drummer, and started the Good Graces after purchasing a beat up acoustic guitar in 2006. Her latest single, "Missed the Mark," is a laid back singer-songwriter track with a gentle country lilt. It has some of that 90's mainstream alt-rock sound from artists like Liz Phair and Lisa Loeb, and doesn't shy away from its country side at all. It's also the perfect song for this time of year, where summer isn't quite ready to die and fall is slowly asserting itself. "Missed the Mark" is also the kind of song that you end up loving more with every listen, as a simple song starts revealing more of itself to you with repeated listens.

You can watch the video for "Missed the Mark" below. Grand Epiphanies is due out September 23 on Fort Lowell Records, and is available for pre-order through Bandcamp. For more on Kim Ware and the Good Graces, check out the artist's website.

Sunday, August 31, 2025

LET'S DANCE at The Underfront Co. in Wilmington NC on Saturday, Sept 6th

LET'S DANCE is a Vinyl DJ Night hosted by Fort Lowell Records, featuring a variety of music — Pop, Disco, Boogie, Indie, Hip-Hop, R&B, Electronic, etc. — including the latest hits and spanning the past five decades. 

LET'S DANCE is held monthly at The Underfront Co. on the Saturday following every First Friday — AKA: RizzyBeats' Hip-Hop Fridays. Dancing starts at 8:00pm and goes all night. A $5.00 cover charge will be collected at the door upon entry paid via Cash, Credit Card, or Venmo.

Saturday, August 30, 2025

Blase: Your new favorite Dream Pop artist!

Are you a fan of any of these artists: Beach FossilsCigarettes After SexColor TemperatureDay WaveMac DeMarcoDucktailsThe Flaming LipsGoth BabeHoopsLaudsMen I TrustNo VacationThe Radio Dept.Stray FossaSurf Rock Is DeadSwimming TapesTame ImpalaTV Girl, or Wild Nothing?

If so, check out Blase, and be sure to reserve your copy of his new album Somewhere Out There, which is due out on October 24th.


Monday, August 25, 2025

Tracy Shedd live concert videos from Bourgie Nights in Wilmington NC; Friday, August 22, 2025

Tracy Shedd performed live in concert at Bourgie Nights in Wilmington, North Carolina on Friday, August 22, 2025 as part of their 'Good Vibrations: A Songwriter Showcase honoring the music of Brian Wilson' event.  Here are the video recordings of those three songs that Tracy Shedd played that evening in order of how they were performed.  Enjoy! 

"In My Room" (by The Beach Boys)

"How Your Eyes Affect Me"


"God Only Knows" (by The Beach Boys)

Saturday, August 16, 2025

REVIEW: Blase "Finding myself in you"

[Repost from Sloucher; by Orestes P. Xistos, August 13, 2025]

‘Finding myself in you’ is the new single by Blase. Starting with a synth heavy atmosphere, it swirls into a dream pop territory, where it can roam freely. There’s moment, near the 2:27 mark of the song, where the electronic drum swerves the mood into a solemn denouement. Somewhere out there is out on October 24th. Pre-order with Fort Lowell Records.

Friday, August 15, 2025

REVIEW: Blase “Finding Myself in You”

[Repost by The Deli; Jason Behrends, August 11, 2025]

Blase recently released the third single, “Finding Myself in You”, from his forthcoming album, Something Out Therewhich is due out on October 24th via Fort Lowell Records. 

This is the heartfelt bedroom pop of Chicago-born and Wilmington-based multi-instrumentalist Blase Settecase.

Monday, August 11, 2025

REVIEW: Blase "Finding Myself in You"

[Repost from Here Comes the Flood; by Hans Werksman, August 7, 2025]

Wilmington, NC based multi-instrumentalist Blase might have found the cure for aging on his new single Finding Myself in You. As long as he is together with his significant other "the days never grew old", because each day comes with a new way to find himself as part of the equation. Drenched in synths and guitar flourishes he created a dream pop maze for the listener to wander around in.

Finding Myself in You is released via Fort Lowell Records. The Somewhere Out There album is available for pre-order here (translucent blue vinyl, digital). Release date: October 24.

Live date:
  • 10/24 Wilmington, NC @ Satellite Bar & Lounge

» Blase on Facebook

HCTFreview of Under the Same Stars

Sunday, August 10, 2025

Blase Unveils New Single ‘Finding Myself in You’ Ahead of LP

[Repost from PopFiltr; August 5, 2025]

Chicago-born and Wilmington-based multi-instrumentalist Blase unveils his most expansive and heartfelt project yet with Somewhere Out There, released through Fort Lowell Records. Known for merging shimmering synth layers with warm indie pop foundations, Blase has evolved from his early days as a Chicago drummer into a solo artist who transforms fleeting feelings into vivid musical worlds. Inspired by a transformative journey traveling across the entire United States, the album captures the essence of wide-open landscapes and the quiet revelations found on the road.  With Somewhere Out There, he invites listeners on a journey that feels both personal and universal — an exploration of solitude, connection, and the unexpected places where we find meaning. The record balances quiet vulnerability with uplifting energy, making it his most immersive and captivating work to date.

The opening track, "Middle of Nowhere," embodies the heart of the album, born during a reflective moment in Joshua Tree National Park. It celebrates the idea of finding true presence and belonging far from the noise and chaos of everyday life. "Under the Same Stars" leans into the bittersweet ache of distance, capturing the tension between holding on and letting go, and the comforting thought that loved ones are never entirely out of reach. These songs speak to the tension between isolation and connection, suggesting that meaning often emerges in the spaces between what we leave behind and what we hold close. Rather than focusing on external escape alone, they examine the internal journey of coming home to oneself through shared experiences.

"Finding Myself in You" offers a tender exploration of love as a mirror, revealing unexpected depths and a sense of renewal. It channels the excitement and vulnerability of discovering new parts of one’s identity within a relationship. In contrast, "Dirt Into Gold" reflects on resilience and transformation, celebrating the quiet strength it takes to turn life's uncertainties into moments of growth and hope. Written and recorded after returning home from his cross-country travels, these songs capture the album’s essence: turning wandering into understanding, and distance into deeper connection. Each track invites listeners to step inside Blase’s world of subtle revelations and emotional landscapes, encouraging them to see their own journeys with fresh eyes.

With Somewhere Out There, Blase has created an album that feels like a trusted companion during quiet drives or moonlit evenings, a soundtrack for those seeking moments of peace beyond the familiar. This record confirms his place as a musician capable of blending heartfelt storytelling with lush, genre-spanning arrangements. It reminds us that even in life’s most remote and uncertain moments, beauty and connection are always within reach. In this new chapter, Blase invites us to wander alongside him — and perhaps discover new parts of ourselves along the way.