Independent labels fascinate me. I’m always curiously investigating how they operate differently from one another and why some artists tirelessly endeavor to be associated with a particular one (or few). There are some charming stories with many indie labels, particularly those run by a single person or very small groups. I’m going to spend the holiday period celebrating some of these tiny labels from around the world, those I consider with great taste & integrity, where a love of music radiates through everything they’re doing.

#2 – Poison City

What started as a small hobby label by Andrew Hayden soon became a successful full-time label, distributor & record / skateboard store. I have close ties with Andrew at Poison City, they’ve been Hobbledehoy’s Australian / New Zealand retail distributor since 2007, I’m currently handling some of their online development and even spent a year working in the retail store.

Releasing records from Lungs, The Gifthorse, Like Alaska & A Death In The Family (whom Andrew also plays bass in – now signed to Resist Records), it’s downright amazing how he manages it all above band duties. The distribution division began not long after the label began, quickly securing exclusive distribution locally for international labels No Idea, Plan-It-X, People Like You and many more. Then in early 2008, the retail store was opened in Melbourne; specialising in music & skateboarding wares.

Poison City have just completed their second annual “weekender” festival. 3 individual shows over a Friday / Saturday / Sunday period, which has seen many non-Poison City bands also appearing such as Samiam, Bodyjar & Hobbledehoy’s own Blueline Medic. Over the years PCR has earned the well-deserved reputation as one of Australia’s finest punk-rock labels, (and arguably one of the countries hardest working labels) showing no sign of slowing down.

Visit Poison City on the web:
poisoncityrecords.com
myspace.com/poisoncityrecords
twitter.com/poisoncity

OTHER INDIE LABEL FEATURES:
- Asian Man
- Second Nature
- Big Scary Monsters