Sparta Philharmonic- (Trans)Migratory Birds Release 10/19

Tomorrow (Tuesday October 19th) marks the release of the album (Trans)Migratory Birds by Sparta Philharmonic. This is the first official release from Atlas Records since the label's inception in January of this year. Sparta Philharmonic is made of brothers Greg and Alex Bortnichak who originally hail from Sparta, NJ but are now based in both NJ, and Philadelphia, PA. This release comes in the band's 12 year of existence and follows extensive touring, performing and a previous album (Paper-mache mountains 2006). Their entire career has been completely DIY. Most notably impressive are the self booked tours, and hand built analog home studio in which this album was recorded.

You can hear, in every song, that (Trans)Migratory Birds is intricately and carefully crafted. The two members both have background in classical music (citing Romantic composers such as Wagner and Mahler), which certainly comes through in the texture and arrangement of the songs. However, by no means does Sparta Philharmonic play classical music. The best I can do to describe it would be: classically influenced, intellectual, post-rock with plenty of passion and just enough enough grit. Lyrically the themes cover growth, change, past, transition, life and death. I have not gotten the chance to really digest the lyrics yet, but I certainly look forward to doing so.

I have had the opportunity to meet and talk with Greg and Alex on a number of occasions. Their attitude and dedication is impressive. They always show up on time, are prepared and play a great set. They seem to have mastered the technique of combining congeniality with professionalism. They are highly approachable and always seem to be willing to have a good conversation. Combine that with the quality of their music, and you can see why they will be successful if they so choose.




Find more on Sparta Philharmonic here:

Riot Act Bio

Interview from Mixtape Muse

Myspace


Don't forget to check out the website tomorrow to find all the information about Atlas Records first release: (Trans)Migratory Birds by Sparta Philharmonic.

Website Launch Preview and Compilation Release 11/16

The long awaited launch of the official Atlas Records website finally has a date attached to it.  On November 16th the first stage of the website will go into effect.  The site will include news feed section with a weekly update and important information as needed, a bands section which will eventually have a page for each artist on the label,  a release schedule, a show schedule, and in the future, an online store.

The most exciting part of the site is the attached Atlas Records Compilation release.  The comp contains one track form each band currently signed to the label as well tracks contributed from other artists we have been working with in the past months such as Prawn, The Sparta Philharmonic, and Tiny People.  It will be streaming from the music player on the site and available for free download.   Donations will be graciously accepted.

Lastly, as of right now, the Official Atlas Records Facebook page has been created.  This will be your most real-time source for information, contests and free content.

In the meantime I will be posting to this blog with information about each individual band and the events  Until the site is launched, and while it is developed the rest of this year, remember to check back here and on the Facebook page for all your Atlas Records shows, updates, and free content.



Oh, here is the preview:

Welcome

Atlas Records is a record label and music collective.  It is a collaborative effort between musicians, music industry professionals, and highly motivated individuals to help these musicians to realize their goals.  Atlas Records provides management services to artists including but not limited to: booking, promotion, artist development, product engineering, sales, fiscal management,  and general management.  And to music lovers it provides a reliable place to find new, high quality music.

Whether the artists' goals are to be signed to a larger label, reach certain demographics or geographic areas, sell their music, or simply play shows, it is Atlas' mission to facilitate the achievement of those goals.