Contact

Mail   PO Box 704 Walkerville, SA 5081 Australia
Email   

Retail Distribution

Submissions

We are always accepting submissions but are not currently looking to expand the roster. You can mail your demo to the address above ATTN:DEMO SUBMISSIONS or email your EPK (web links please, file attachments will be blocked). Thanks!

A Brief History

Funded by the sale of beaten up ’87 Ford Laser and the poorly-paid infrequent work available, a friends obscure solo project became HOB 001 in April 2006. Inspired by Dischord’s 50/50 profit-sharing model, label curator Tom Majerczak offered the same partnership to its bands. But the combination of studying full time, inactive artists and no back catalog meant the wait could be six months or more between affording to release a new record. Hobbledehoy was the textbook bedroom label, fueled by a love of music and too much coffee. From humble beginnings the label slowly grew…

The following year, US based The City On Film’s addition resulted with Hobbledehoy’s first presented national tour. Friendships were developed with some wonderful bands and sales were increasing, retail distribution was shifted from one closing down to another starting up. Shortly after, a 7” single was released from long-time personal favorites Blueline Medic sparking a national press interest. But it wasn’t until later in the year when Brisbane upstarts Arrows took many by surprise with the release of their debut album which flooded onto “Best of 2008” lists here & across the globe. At the time, this was the defining record for Hobbledehoy – the first introduction many had with the tiny bedroom run label.

A newly developed international distribution agreement then enabled far greater exposure for bands, particularly in the US, the label then astounded many with a new revenue model. Partnering with a US startup along with half a dozen other small labels, Hobbledehoy experimented with free full-album downloads, with artists paid by the revenue generated from site advertising. The project attracted feature articles & interviews with major newspapers, online technology websites, etc. Ultimately the model grew unsustainable from advertisers dwindling, but knowing this was only the first step in trialling alternative promotion / revenue streams, the label still continues to investigate new possibilities.

2009 saw the addition of US based Mike Kinsella, aka Owen to the roster. Shortly after the international distributor Lumberjack-Mordam would abruptly close its doors only 9 months into the arrangement. Withholding 1000+ records and plenty more in unpaid sales, it was an all too familiar situation for the still young label. After an extended quite period, Hobbledehoy would follow with long anticipated releases from close-friend Jamie Hay and Arrows in 2010 to great reception.

Hobbledehoy headed West in December 2010 to sleepy Adelaide, SA. After setting up the new space and a few reissues, burgeoning US instrumentalists This Will Destroy You would join the label to release their third album. The next few months saw more of the same momentum, including releases from stateside friends Braid – their first new record in 10 years. Finishing up a very productive first year for Hobbledehoy in a new city.

Now in 2012 the label is eagerly preparing for upcoming releases from Lymbyc Systym, Arrows, The Leap Year, We Set Sail, Jamie Hay and many more. Now more than ever the out of control full-time hobby in which it started.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does ‘Hobbledehoy’ mean?
It’s clever I swear!

I book DIY shows, can a Hobbledehoy artist play?
Sounds wonderful, get in touch.

Where can I get high-res photos, press one-sheets, etc?
Resources such as high-resolution artist photography, release art + one-sheets are available in the Press Resource section.

Can I do work experience at Hobbledehoy?
Unfortunately not. I don’t think your school would appreciate you gaining ‘experience’ within a young male’s bedroom.

Does Hobbledehoy have a street team?
Not exactly, but I am always interested in people promoting Hobbledehoy artists in creative ways. I would love to hear from you about with what you had in mind.

Online Store questions?
Read the Ordering Info and Returns & Exchanges pages first, if that doesn’t answer your question, Contact Us and we’ll quickly get in touch.

What is the connection between Hobbledehoy Records and Hobbledehoy Productions?
Hobbledehoy Productions is the title in which my longtime friend Caleb McKenney banners film projects he has directed. While we may help each other out from time to time, they are both completely separate.