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Upstairs Recordings was formed in Vancouver, Canada in late 1999. Despite the glut of new 'electronic music' labels rushing to cash in on the tech boom of the late 90s, Upstairs' founding partners, Nick Arbutus, Buzz Rozwell, E.D. Swankz and Don Verbrilli, believed that an opportunity existed to produce and release music that, while electronically based, could defy easy categorization and reward listeners for years and not just weeks, or months. Upstairs has to date released four full length compilation CDs, Deepdown Tempos Vol. 01, Headlands: Deepdown Tempos Vol. 02, Blue Light One, and the brand new Swankz & Verbrilli: Lifesavers CD. Upstairs' first full-length artist album, Telefuzz's 'Sleep', was released early in 2002. Among other accolades, Deepdown Tempos Vol. 01, was chosen as compilation of the month in Muzik magazine's March 2000 issue. Four star reviews were accorded Upstairs' second full length offering, Headlands: Deepdown Tempos Vol. 02, by both Jockey Slut and Seven magazine. Two 12" vinyl EPs have also met with glowing reviews from both critics and DJs alike and tracks by all three artists have been licensed for use on a number of compilations. A promo 12” vinyl, with some remixes by up and coming producers such as American producers Chris J and Cordovan, accompanies the Verbrilli Sound Leisure War release. In April 04 Upstairs released their 6th CD: Swankz & Verbrilli: Lifesavers complete with remixes from UK artists: Alucidnation, Boomclick, Bussetti and guest vocals from Laura B of Big Chill fame. In June of 2005 the label released their 7th and latest CD, a full length debut release by Philadephia's Solus called 'Lights in the Valley'. With an initial focus on what is commonly termed 'downtempo' music, Upstairs has from its inception tried to bring something different and hopefully indefinable to the musical landscape. On the sonic side: musicality, infectiousness and a respect for the intelligence of the listener. Upstairs is presently holding down a monthly residency in Vancouver at Ginger 62 lounge a venue that encourages Upstairs to push their sound and experiment with different formats. Will Sugar, one of the Upstairs' resident DJ deckhands, has shared stages with such musical peers as Thievery Corporation, Dzihan & Kamien, and Desmond Williams. Recent Upstairs Soundsystem live and touring events have included: A swing through Florida by Sugar and Rozwell, an appearance by Telefuzz at Beta Lounge in San Francisco, and a successful west coast mini tour put on independently by Upstairs Recordings with Big Chill creator Pete Lawrence Upstairs DJs Jon O’Neil [POM and Will Sugar]. Upstairs Recordings artists have developed a decent track record of appearances at the ever growing Big Chill festival. These appearances include: Buzz Rozwell - afternoon chill set at the 2002 Big Chill on Naxos Island, Greece. Buzz Rozwell and Jon O’Neil appeared for an afternoon set on the Sanctuary Stage at the Big Chill 2003 - Eastnor Castle, UK. Don Verbrilli played a live set with Laura B on vocals and Buzz Rozwell dropped an eclectic chill DJ set at the Big Chill 2004 - Eastnor Castle, UK. Most recently at the Big Chill 2005, Eastnor Castle, Buzz Rozwell teamed up with Laura B for a 3 hour late night DJ/Live ambient downtempo set. Upstairs is committed to widening its musical offerings further still through future releases and Upstairs Soundsystem events. Upstairs expects to reach a broader audience and new markets for 2005 and beyond. The journey continues… - www.upstairsrecordings.com - Contact UP.R at: inquiries@upstairsrecordings.com |
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