by alyssa coluccio
Conor Oberst’s brainchild, Jenny Lewis’s introduction as a solo artist, and the coolest library you’ll ever encounter: just a few reasons why Team Love Records should be your new favorite.
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►About the label:
Conor Oberst had a problem: too many bands, not enough influence to get them signed. At the time, Oberst himself was still signed with Saddle Creek, under his Bright Eyes alias. With his brother working as co-founder of the label, Conor had steadily been gaining creative input in developing the label’s artist roster, but there were still far too many bands whose music he wanted heard. The solution: start his own label of course. While it is true (though arguably, I will admit,) that Conor is a genius, a label is a hefty endeavor for one to embark on, and even he needed help. Luckily, his friend Nate Krenkel had 8 years worth of A&R experience with labels such as SONY and EMI, and was eager to take part in the making of an independent label. In the Fall of 2003, the two officially formed Team Love Records, making it clear from day one that their sole purpose was to sign and promote worthwhile, independent artists while defying the newfound illegal downloading craze. So, Team Love entered the world baring gifts: albums free for fan consumption on the label’s website.
With media attention already growing due to Oberst’s persona and the label’s free downloading aesthetic, all Team Love really needed was one good band to secure their future in the world of indie labels. The signing and album releasing of Omaha natives and fellow friends Tilly and the Wall not only secured the label’s continuity, but catapulted it as the go-to label for young, energetic, and creative indie-rock and folk dominated music.
The success continued when, in 2005, Jenny Lewis marked her foray from adored folk/pop group Rilo Kiley, to record a solo album featuring The Watson Twins. The album, Rabbit Fur Coat, served to make Lewis even more of a public icon and brought Team Love even more positive attention.
From that point forward, the talent started piling up and Team Love was spitting out album after album of solid folk-pop. With the free downloading still creating much controversy, the label switched to an alternative method, officially creating The Team Love Library in 2008. The library, open 24/7 and free to all members, is re-stocked monthly with albums, mp3s, re-mixed and re-mastered album versions, and exclusive content of all Team Love material.
Here in 2009, Team Love is going strong with a roster including Gruff Rhys, David Dondero, Flowers Forever, and Nik Freitas. With fresh talent always on the rise and a library that keeps the masses storming back for more, it looks as though Oberst can safely add “start/run label” to his ever-growing list of successful endeavors.
►Known Bands:
Who: The Felice Brothers
Signed Since: 2008
Story: The Felice Brothers have had an unusual career. From early beginnings converting subway stations into venues, to more recent projects converting abandoned farms into recording studios, here is a band that may actually perform better under unique circumstances. This could be one reason why they have adapted so effortlessly to the festival scene, where their performances remain fondly remembered everywhere from All Points West, to Bonaroo, to The Newport Folk Festival (where they played their entire set unplugged due to severe storms knocking out all power.) Since signing to Team Love, they’ve released two albums: 2008’s The Felice Brothers and this past Spring’s Yonder Is The Clock. If you’re looking for folk and roots-rock with just the right amount of twang and a healthy, but not overwhelming resemblance to Dylan, look no further than here.
Who: Tilly and the Wall
Signed Since: 2004
Story: I’ll never forget the first time I heard Tilly and The Wall. It was summer, I was seventeen, and I thought the lyrics to “You and I Misbehaving” were genius. Tilly was like nothing most of us had ever heard. At the time, modern music was controlled by the “emo” regime, and tap dancing folk-poppers didn’t really have a place. But Tilly made one for themselves with their catchy melodies and unapologetic attitude. Soon, fans from all over were tapping along to Wild Like Children, and dancing along to this past year’s electro-heavy, though admittedly weaker effort, O. Still, their addictive spirit and eclectic, daring musical expression will keep you captivated.
►Lesser-Known Bands:
Who: A Weather
Signed Since: 2007-ish
Story: This is a band that has not gained nearly as much attention as they deserve. Last March, they released In Cove, an album that plays like a quiet ocean breeze, combining whispered vocals, layers of haunting harmonies, and a mixture of warm acoustics and percussions. From the strikingly beautiful “Oh My Stars” to the heart-tugging and intimate “One More Night Stand,” every song is a gem, dripping with longing and the secrets that we all suppress. With their second album recently completed, keep an eye out for singles and shows within the year.
Who: Popup
Signed Since: this past year
Story: It’s always fun when you can hear a musician’s accent come through in their singing, and while Popup’s sweet Scottish drawl is enough to make you fall in love, their music will seal the deal. Expect a mixture of sunny guitars, atmospheric beats, and catchy hooks with a touch of earnestness. Their first full-length, A Time & A Place, is available now.
►What’s Next:
While Team Love is lying relatively low as of right now, you can check out Sorry, Thanks which made it’s debut at the BAMcinemaFEST this past June, and features a soundtrack bursting with Team Love talent.
Also, September 15th will see the release of Shudder To Think’s first live album since 1994. The compilation will highlight their best performances from this past Fall’s reunion tour.
