Kanine Records

Kanine Records are one of those labels out of Brooklyn, run by a pair of enthusiasts and their pair of dogs. They started at the end of 2002 with a compilation of New York's best emerging, upcoming and downright fashionable bands. "There was a lot of interest in what was going on in NYC and Brooklyn at the time"says Kanine's founders Kay and Lio, explaining their decision to open their label with a 'best of' the area rather than concentrating on one or two acts. "Yet all the attention seemed to be on a small handful of bands. We wanted to show that there was a ton of other great bands". So far so hip indie-rom com. Not that it started out of some uber cool penthouse; sometimes NYC isn't like the films. "We were in a small 600sq feet studio" they laugh "with 2 dogs, 2 people and a ton of boxes that were towering way over our heads",

Since then things have expanded, slightly. They've released records by Grizzly Bear - whose sold out shows at The Roundhouse demonstrate just how big-time they've become - and are currently working with CMJ favourites Surfer Blood. So would they think about compiling all their artists again? "No" they admit "We always think of good ideas bit it's a lot to organise and so it always gets pushed down to the bottom of the to do list".

One thing that's definitely at the top is hunting down new bands. "We tend to find artists just starting out" they say, "it feels like they are making something new and exciting. When we meet with them, it's like a first date!" But it sounds like Kanine are already in love by that time. "First it's based on a love of the music, yes. If we hit it off we date some more and if get serious we get into a relationship". They sound so smitten that it's unsurprising they feel that it's the band that has to choose them. "It's got to work both ways" they add.

Surfer Blood were the last band to really get their hearts pounding. "Simply put, it's amazing" they say. "It's such a thrill to see an artist take off and gain so much attention - it's sort of surreal to watch unfold. It was definitely exciting and there were a LOT of Brooklyn Lagers". Not that they can "date" the band in quite the same way as usual. "If they were old enough we would have taken them to Daddy's like we promised them. But for now our kitchen table worked just as well as the party spot".

They're aware that Surfer Blood can't cuddle up at home for too long. They're going to have a lot to do next year, joining the rest of Kanine's roster on the road. After all, absence makes the heart grow fonder. "We tell the bands that touring is everything. It's essential to building any new or established artist. Fans need to make a personal connection". They've seen enough of their shows to know. When they aren't working on the label they try to get to as many as possible. They - obviously - held a party at CMJ. "Our showcase was great" they say "We ended up having almost all our new bands play. Plus it was at Cake Shop - our favourite NYC venue. Andy Bodor is careful and really smart about what he books - he has great taste and that makes it a special venue." They'll hopefully be returning with new artists i the new year. "Plus they sell vegan sweets!"

What do you have coming up?

new releases from:

Blind Man's Colour "Wooden Blankets" EP (Feb 2010)
Dinowalrus "%" LP (Jan 2010)
Surfer Blood "Astro Coast" LP (Jan 2010)
The Depreciation Guild "TBA" LP (spring 2010)

What other labels inspire you and why?

Some of our favorite labels were ones that were true pioneers of the indie world.

Number 1 being Creation Records (Alan McGee released some of the all time best indie bands that we still listen to. From Ride, Primal Scream, Oasis, My Bloody Valentine, Boo Radleys, etc. His resume speaks for itself. And we never get sick of listening to any Ride records).

Some of our other favorite indie labels are:
K Records
Sarah Records
Heavenly Records
Factory Records
Rough Trade

Got Your Eye on Anyone?

There are tons of rad bands. Brooklyn has a great musical culture and it keeps getting better. Bands that we are loving besides Kanine Records bands include:
The Drums, Knight School, Grooms, Sleigh Bells, Lemonade, The Pains of Being Pure At Heart, Real Estate, and many more. Go to Cake Shop or Bruar Falls and see some rad bands.