Flameshovel Records was born on the streets of Chicago, IL in the early portion of 2001, with the simple idea of helping some friends get their music heard. Founded by Jesse Woghin and long time buddy Noah Mewborn, the duo were soon joined by James Kenler. Mewborn left for Philadelphia the following year to finish grad school and the remaining partners forged ahead.
The label has since put out over 30 releases, not least of which includes the entire Make Believe catalog (featuring the newest ramblings of indie-avant hero Tim Kinsella), Low Skies, Sybris, Lying In States and many more. In the last year alone the label has seen its stock rise considerably garnering glowing praise with tastemakers such as Pitchfork with the release of The Narrator and Chin Up Chin Up's debut full-lengths. As 2006 unfolds the label quickly finds itself continuing to branch out scoring both the latest release from post-Promise Ring popsters Maritime, avant-instrumental heart throbs Russian Circles and Chicago buzz band Bound Stems.
So what's left for the duo? After being called out by the Chicago Tribune as one of the 10 local labels that still matter and with bands playing both Lollapalooza (Sybris) and Pitchfork Fest (Chin Up Chin Up) this summer, both James & Jesse have their eyes on the prize, looking squarely at the future with the singular goal of following through with the same high ideals that launched them 5 years ago: the impassioned release of the finest new music flying under the radar in Chicago and beyond. Flameshovel has carved themselves a rare niche as a label with both vision and heart.
while we accept demos at our mailing address or in person, bear in mind that we've never signed a band from a demo and prefer to scout live shows before we talk to a band.
buy our records, see our shows. we've got love to give.
Band Members
Russian Circles, Make Believe, Chin Up Chin Up, Maritime, The Narrator, The End of the World, Lying in States, Sybris, Bound Stems, Voltage, Low Skies, The Race, Che Arthur, Judah Johnson, Ancient Greeks, Viza-Noir, The Dudley Corporation, Joan of Arse, The Joggers, The Natural History
Website
www.flameshovel.com
