Smash Music Announces Domestic Division

Young Australian music company Smash Music have followed on from the establishment of its International Label Division and International Touring company by now announcing the launch of its Domestic Artist Division with the newly appointed Domestic Label Manager Jonathan Wilson.

Smash have most recently released albums from international artists such as The Soledad Brothers, Immortal Lee County Killers, Dozer, Fiery Furnaces, The Veils, The Von Bondies and the Revs and are now ready to make a commitment to launching the careers of domestic artists utilizing its resources and unique infrastructure by offering the bands a career path both locally and internationally.

What makes this announcement more significant than just the start of another domestic label is the fact that Smash will ensure that its local artists will work closely with the labels and international artists and therefore begin sharing opportunities such as touring and recording. All Smash Artists will be offered to international labels such as UK's Rough Trade and Sweet Nothing Records/Cargo, which will have a first right of refusal on the Smash Domestic roster to secure the artists for the European territory.

John Denison Managing Director of Smash states: "The domestic division is being set up to sign the cream of talent that exists in this country - where Smash differs from other indie labels is that it has its own Touring Division and offers very clear career paths to international territories with direct contact with respected labels and agencies".

The first signings to the Smash Domestic Roster are: Giants of Science from Brisbane The Kamikaze Trio from Melbourne The Follow from Brisbane The Giants of Science are one of the countries more promising rock bands and most recently toured with A Perfect Circle and Radio Birdman - the band will release a unique split 7" vinyl single, 'Cold and Dead', with visiting Swedish Rockers and Smash stable mates Dozer in early June - the band then heads into the studio to record its second album.

The album will be produced by legendary MC5 guitarist Wayne Kramer and will be ready for release in early 2005. The Giants are also special guests on the upcoming Dozer Australian Tour commencing in June. The Kamikaze Trio from Melbourne are a brilliant live band - borne out of the Melbourne indie rock scene they will also release a split 7" vinyl single, 'The Hit' with recent Australian visitors and Smash stable mates The Immortal Lee County Killers, this will be released in early June.

And finally Sydney art rockers The Follow have just had their debut album produced by Lee Ranaldo ready for release in June and will see the band take in a national tour that culminates with a support with Sonic Youth in Sydney on June 18.