Less than a month after the release of “sugar splint,” Bleary announces the release of “bug” – now available everywhere. The track is the second single from Little Brain, the band’s debut album available in May (details soon).
Pick up the track on Bandcamp or Ampwall, stream it on Apple Music, Spotify and everywhere else you listen to music.
The Major Label Debut podcast started out as a conversation with artists who had traversed the tricky, and often difficult, journey of releasing an album with a major label. Their first episode is with Rob Schnapf – producer of Elliott Smith’s XO, his Dreamworks debut. They also speak with Dave Pirner of Soul Asylum, Mark Arm and Steve Turner of Mudhoney and so many more.
As the show progressed, they opened their conversations to a slightly wider variety of people but always kept the chat squarely at the intersection of art and commerce. There’s an episode with Brendan Bourke of PR firm The Syndicate, Lisa Fancher of Frontier Records, and music lawyer Randy Ojeda – all of which are equally as fascinating chats as musicians you recognize!
All that to say, I was quite flattered when they invited me to come on the show and chat about Independent Label Life. We cover the history of YK, the importance of community and remembering that The Internet and Social Media are not synonyms.
I’m grateful for the invite and hope you give it a listen. Find it streaming everywhere.
“A Duchenne Smile” began with an unexpected collaboration – a melody kicked out on a Fisher Price piano by Jill Townsend’s own four-month-old daughter. The unconventional chord progression inspired an equally uncharacteristically upbeat composition for Fetching Pails, one that is undeniably bright and happy (and ended up as a sample in the final recording). The title refers to a neurological distinction in smiling; a Duchenne smile is a genuine one, signaling authentic positive emotion. Fitting for the new direction.
Here’s Jill Townsend revealing a bit of insight about the track:
This demo is the first I shared with Andrew to see if he’d like to be my drummer. It has a more overt 80s sensibility to it than my previous stuff at the time. This is me starting to put down the guitar (or pass it along to guitarist Dillon, rather) and write more songs on a synthesizer. During mixing, I added some samples of dialogue from old horror/sci-fi films, a theme I’ve been threading through many of our newer songs.
The paper mache heads in the artwork and accompanying videos were created by my friend (and former member of Peachy), Leah Miller. I wanted to make a stop animation video teaser for the song and at the last minute I decided to put my 4 year old daughter in it, which made it a sort of full circle moment, since it was her keyboard kicks that inspired the song.
The track also happens to be a real standout when you see Fetching Pails live. All and all, an excellent addition to the new era of songs emerging from the trio.
Watch the video on YouTube, support the song on Bandcamp or Ampwall and add it to your favorite streamer. Delights for your eyes and ears.
Oh! And just what IS a “Duchenne Smile“? A Duchenne smile, named after the 19th-century French neurologist, is a smile signaling authentic positive emotion, a genuine smile. Unlike a fake smile that only uses the mouth, the Duchenne smile also uses muscles around the eyes, lighting up the whole face. The smiles we have as newborns are often reflexive. Duchenne smiling happens with frequency around 4 months old.
Way back in 2019, Nashville band Bleary released an EP entitled Gates. I listened to it in heavy rotation; it had just the right balances of familiar influences, striking arrangements and harmonies.
Today, I’m happy to announce that Bleary is joining the YK Records roster and will be releasing their debut full-length record in May. We won’t give away all the details of it yet but, rest assured, everything that I loved about Gates has evolved into a creation somehow greater than its predecessor.
This is “sugar splint,” the first single from that forthcoming album. It’s an excellent example of the kind of infectious harmonies mixed with optimistic melancholy you can look forward to.
Follow Bleary on all the things – Instagram, Bandcamp, Ampwall, Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, et al!
Here we are in the “dead zone” of 2025; that one week between Christmas and New Year’s that, quite frankly, should be a national holiday. I hope you’re getting some rest and relaxation and recharging for 2026. I like to take this time to button up any projects that have been lingering and reflect a little bit on the previous year.
Before I get into that reflection, let me start with a hearty THANK YOU. If you’re reading this, I can’t begin to express my gratitude. I’ve been running yk Records for 16 years as a labor of love and it continuously blows my mind that people are following along and enjoying the fruits of that labor. Don’t get me wrong, I know the music is good – I just know there are a lot of choices out there. In a world where small indie record labels have a lot to contend with, I sincerely thank you for tuning in.
I’m going to include a list of all of our releases from 2025 with a little blurb for each below. If you’d like to listen along, check out this YK 2025 Sampler.* I’m hosting it on Ampwall because
1) it was easy to make (untrue of Bandcamp playlists)!
2) it puts you on a platform that encourages supporting the artist (untrue of any streaming platform).
3) Okay fine, it’s also on Bandcamp, Spotify and YouTube. Convenience wins
Along with the playlist, you can also just jump into the deep end with a playlist of everything from 2025. That’s on Ampwall, Bandcamp, Spotify and YouTube as well. Dive in. Enjoy.
*Note that the Spotify playlists do not include everything because we do not put everything on Spotify!
** Did you notice Dave Paulson on that sampler and think – “hey, that record came out in 2018!” That’s true! But it only came out on vinyl this year. So it gets included. 😉
The Robe
MMXXIV + MRYUCK (2024 BEEZ)
Throughout 2024, The Robe released a mind boggling amount of music; two new songs every month and sometimes more. I’m honestly unsure how he did it.
To commemorate that, we kicked off 2025 with two compilations of all of those songs. MMXXIV is all of the A-sides from the releases, with MRYUCK (2025 BEEZ) containing all of the b-sides.
Listening back to both compilations, they’re both fantastic. Clearly I’m biased but Rollum’s songwriting and arrangements never fail to captivate and immerse me. Technically these songs are from 2024 but if you missed them then, be sure to get them into your ears in 2025. There’s still time.
General Trust
“Apologia”
We only got one official release from General Trust in 2025 and it’s a damn good one. That said, accomplishments should not be measured simply by digital output! General Trust went out on a mini-tour with More Is Not Enough, played Spooky Ghoul Fest, played Fascination Street and worked on plenty of new music.
I’d also like to note that in the 2025 Grimey’s Staff Picks, “Apologia” made it to Bekah’s Singles I Replayed An Alarming Amount of Times list. That’s a huge win imo.
I’m told new music is being prepared for 2026. I’ll let you know as soon as I know more.
phiz
“i lost my fkn mind” b/w “If I Had Known”
Tristen and Cortney Tidwell are incredibly talented in their own solo endeavors. If you’re unfamiliar with either you’ve got some homework. Finding out that they had recordings together was a shock and delight. I jumped at the opportunity to be involved.
These two songs were revived from an old hard drive. They capture a very unique time and place, physically, emotionally and otherwise. Regardless of the context, the songs and performance are downright moving.
Be sure to watch the video for the lead track and then consider picking up a Flexi.
Fetching Pails
“Ruiner”
Another YK artist with just one song released in 2025 but also another YK artist with a stellar offering regardless of the volume. If you haven’t been paying attention, “Ruiner” is actually one of three new singles over the past two years. Make sure you hear “The Witching Hour” and “Shattery” as well!
Prepare yourself for more new music in 2025. Being prepared now!
Matt & The Watt Gives
Matt & The Watt Gives
One theme you’ll see emerge throughout these blurbs is astonishment. I’m astonished that I get to work with all of these artists. I’m astonished by the work that they create.
Matt Pelham’s project Matt & The Watt Gives falls right into that category. I’m dumbfounded that I get to work with an artist that I’ve been a fan of for nearly 30 years but moreso I’m blown away by the work itself. This record is both a fire-y rock record and a vulnerable introspection.
We got some very nice press on this one from the Nashville Scene (even a Best of Nashville!), WNXP, WRLT, Ampwall and many others. Write-ups and coverage are not why we do this but they certainly feel good.
It’s a fantastic record with wonderful artwork, two very fun videos and a live show that can’t be beat.
Talking with Hands
The Coin
Matthew Smith is Talking with Hands – a pseudonym for his solo work that he’s been using since 2013 (with the debut on YK). His work is layered, thoughtful and intentional. I love hearing him talk about his process because he is always actively exploring new sounds and techniques.
Part of that exploration is listening to the feelings that he can not be quiet about happenings in the world around him. Our turbulent political times call for commentary. The Coin is that commentary; a brief and compelling EP exploring frustration and revolution. It’s also pretty damn poppy with a outrageous music video.
Cody Uhler
Gluggle Jug
If you don’t know, Cody Uhler was one half of Kindercastle – a band that made ELO style pop in Nashville and played a large part in YK Records existing in the first place. He’s released several albums under the name Nahnee Bori and many under his own name; all exploring sound techniques and blending of styles. I’m biased but he’s brilliant.
Gluggle Jug is somewhat of an extension of his previous release Darbo’s Island. Where the latter felt like an unreleased SNES soundtrack, Gluggle Jug expands that sonic palette into a layered dance party. It’s a delightful listen; buoyant, gummy and visceral. We said in the press you can “feel it in your jaw and mouth” and I think that’s an absolutely apt way of putting it.
Alex Caress
i’m always here (2005)
What happens when you post a song to the Internet in 2005, someone puts that song on a mix CD with no credit and then tries to find you 15+ years later? That’s the story of Alex Caress and the song “Don’t Get Over Me.”
The Lostwave community spent years looking for him and was actually successful in 2025! That’s the impetus behind putting out this record that Caress made way back when. It’s a wild ride.
Read more about it here on WPLN and then listen to Alex speak in detail about it on this podcast episode. There’s an incredibly uplifting lesson to having your music discovered decades after you made it; it does matter and does reach people. Keep making it.
Back in January of 2025, I started a podcast! I am using this as a place to talk about new releases, have more in-depth conversations and generally talk about literally whatever seems worth talking about.
I’ll note that I have zero metrics on this thing so I have no idea how many people are listening but despite that, go subscribe. 😉
Tower Defense
“Fit for Purpose”
This may be the first time we’ve released a single exclusively to YouTube. It’s a full blown new Tower Defense song AND full blown video but you won’t find it on streaming or download, only YouTube.
This is the first taste of lots more Tower Defense coming our way in 2026. I’ve heard the demos and can confirm you should be excited.
Chris Crofton
I’m Your Man
To most, Chris Crofton is a comedian and satirist. His writings as The Advice King are hysterical and always poignant. While humor is the primary draw, there’s always a significant amount of self-reflection and introspection.
Crofton’s musical endeavors embrace that self-reflection and introspection with just a dash of the comedy. In the liner notes for I’m Your Man, he remarks that for 20-years he’d been battling a prescription induced brain fog. Remedying that balance unlocked a wave of creativity (listen to “Side Effects”) and prolific abundance.
For me, I’m Your Man is a melancholy record. It’s heart heavy at times, it’s wry at others. It’s lovingly sweet and it’s self-critical. Crofton’s delivery is sincere, vulnerable and uniquely his own.
I implore you to watch all three music videos; each their own perfect short film.
sugar sk*-*lls + Coupler
The Great Oxidation Event
This 30-minute EP was inspired by the techniques of Miles Davis and his producer Teo Macero. sugar sk–lls performed an improvised set and then handed it off to Coupler to with the instructions of No Overdubs. Edits and mutations are encouraged but don’t add instrumentation.
The final result is 3 movements of sound that evoke a primordial event. The title of the record is a nod to exactly that – a time when our planet mutated into being oxygenated; destroying nearing everything in its wake.
sugar sk–lls and Coupler always create with great intention. This EP is fascinating in how it came together and the events that it evokes. Watch the video for “Part 1” and really let that concept sink in. Then be sure to listen to both artists speak on the creation and that intention behind it all.
Trash Man
Cool Until It’s Not
The second EP from Alex Mojaverian’s Trash Man is kind of a perfect sophomore offering. His songwriting continues to get stronger – it’s pop/rock but it’s existential pondering. The recordings are stronger – done his hometown buddy Dave Lawson. The two videos are even a step up.
These songs always hit me just right. They’re loud and unbelievably catchy while still capturing real concerns about yourself and the world.
We got some honorable coverage from a lot of outlets, including Bandcamp Daily. Again, getting press is not the goal but it does feel good. Speaking of that, be sure to listen to Alex talk about the record on this YK World episode.
Jessica Breanne
Electric Heart
Right here at the top let me express my delighted fascination with Jessica Breanne’s voice. It has a cadence and a quality to it that no other human has. This may be true for all of our voices but Breanne is able to use it in a way that is heart heavy, melancholy and bursting with boiling strength all at once. If you’ve ever heard any traditional country artist that could sound both broken and defiant, you are in the right ballpark.
Electric Heart is Breanne’s second full-length album under her own name and it serves to expand her sonic palette from her previous (wonderful) debut, Rosebud Queen. Where that record has a more country-induced flavor, Electric Heart weaves together the psychedelic, Southern rock and even a touch of roots.
Through it all, Breanne’s voice carries the songs. Her songwriting is deeply personal and often downright Southern gothic in the stories she shares. The record has three fantastic videos – start there and then immerse into the rest.
Zook
Evaporating
I have been a fan of Zook since I first stumbled on his work back in 2018. Every album, standalone single and experimental EP was a rewarding listen for a variety of reasons.
Evaporating does not sound like what I first heard in 2018 as the project has evolved and changed with each release (as it should). Fortunately, the pleasure and reward remains. This is an album that finds an absolutely perfect blend of power pop, shoegaze, synth explorations and just a hint of the off-kilter experimental. All that while being introspective and catchy.
This is not the last time you’ll hear me sing Zook’s praises. This is a record that I am incapable of turning off once it’s started. I think you’ll feel the same. Watch this video for “Disappear” and you’ll be hooked too.
Once again, THANK YOU to everyone who purchased, favorited, streamed or paid any morsel of attention to the label in 2025. It truly means a lot to everyone involved and there’s plenty more on the horizon.
WPLN is Nashville’s Public Radio station and NPR affiliate. They’re responsible for birthing one of our finest music stations (WNXP), bringing the city important national news stories and covering local stories – specifically with their ongoing series This Is Nashville.
YK Records and Tower Defense were invited to appear on the show for a segment discussing alternative holiday music traditions. Specifically, the YK Records Holiday Sampler 2024. We had a pleasant chat with host Blake Farmer about how the sampler originally came together and some trivia about the specific tracks.
Big thanks to producer Mary Mancini for having us on and for helping to spread the word about the sampler.
New episode of our companion podcast YK WORLD just dropped. This one is an enjoyable chat with Trash Man himself, aka Alex Mojaverian aka @mojobeats.
Despite what the title may insinuate, it’s not an overly dark or gloomy conversation. Trash Man’s music tends to be a bombastic burst of memorable pop-rock that contemplates the existential crisis we all face – limited time on Earth. The songs are catchy and fun but the subject matter doesn’t shy away from those hard questions.
That’s basically what this podcast episode is! We had a blast talking about aliens, ghosts, witches, asteroids and also the crushing requirements of capitalism on artistic endeavors. It takes a balance!
The episode is a good time and you can find it over on the YK WORLD site, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast and everywhere else. Enjoy!
For the past few years I’ve been invited to participate in the Nashville Scene Year in Music issue. The 2025 issue is out today and features an insightful Hayley Williams cover story, a rundown of venue events in Nashville from the entire year, a Top 10 Local Releases list and the Annual Music Survey results.
It’s that last survey bit that I get to participate in. The questions are broad, giving the respondents lots of room to answer however they want but the instructions that come with the survey are to please be brief. There are a lot of people participating in the survey and they can’t be giving paragraphs of responses to everyone involved.
Turns out, I am not great at brevity (see above). So, I end up being (understandably) edited down. It’s the right decision but I would like there to be a record of my full responses. So, that’s what this is!
I’ve always struggled that my responses are not 100% laser focused on YK releases but I find the Nashville music scene to be extremely rewarding, so I don’t want my responses to come off as some advertisement. Obviously I’m proud of the YK releases but there’s also more to partake in.
Below you’ll find my full responses to the survey. Enjoy!
(more…)
It’s December! That means it’s time for holiday music and the YK Holiday Sampler! Released in 2024, this compilation features 20 tracks of original and classic holiday music from across the YK Records roster.
You can stream the release anywhere – Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music, et al – but if you purchase it on Bandcamp, Ampwall or the YK Shop all proceeds will be donated to CASA Nashville; a non-profit that benefits foster children.
There’s a whole mini-site for the release over here where you can stream the release, watch the related videos and check out the credits for each track. Everything you need all in one spot.
Speaking of videos.. here’s three from the release!
If you feel so inclined, share the compilation with others and spread the love.
Happy Holidays!
What started as a Cyber Monday sale has now expanded into a full blown Holiday Sale. From now until the end of the year we are giving $5 off select vinyl and $2 off select CDs and cassettes.
You can pick up the latest vinyl from Chris Crofton, Jessica Breanne, Dave Paulson, The Privates, Annie Williams and Zook! I’ve even got forget cassettes O CURSA in there for just $10.
You can snag CDs or cassettes from Jessica Breanne, Alex Caress and Matt & The Watt Gives.. and the first EP from Trash Man.
These items are on sale now in the YK Shop. I’ll ship items ASAP and will even include a little bonus item with each order. Tis the season!
Believe it or not, the mailing list persists as the most effective means of communication for me and for you.
