the kora records news

FREE DONNY HUE B-SIDES

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 13:15:03 -0400

Heat.Wave.July.16

LA is enjoying weather in the 90's and DC just shook from an earthquake. The move west all makes sense now. TKR is officially reppin' from Brooklyn and Los Angeles and getting ready to bring you some new sounds and soon a new look to our site. Without further ado, check out a sleuth of FREE B-SIDES from Donny Hue including one of our favorite DHTC songs, "I'll Be on My Way".

KORA at SXSW, FREDRIK TOUR DATES

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 10:15:52 -0500

Just announced kora's showcase at SXSW will feature Meredith Bragg, Pree and Stricken City. Our showcase is with our friends The Mylene Sheath, and we plan on taking over The Aqauirum on E 6th Street the night of March 20th. We'll also have a bunch of day parties with tkr artists, those details to be announced soon. Stricken City was just reviewed in Pitchfork, Check it out and other high praise here. PLUS expect a teaser from Meredith's next album before we go to Austin.

Before we get to the warmth of Texas, we have our snow loving friends from Fredrik landing in the states later this week for their first US tour of 2010. Trilogi has been getting lots of critical acclaim and their live show is not to be missed if you're on the east coast, go see them and if you're in DC, you can see Meredith, Pree and Fredrik all at once on February 22 at the Black Cat.

NEW VIDEOS by FREDRIK, STRICKEN CITY

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 20:14:36 -0500

New videos from Fredrik, from the forthcoming Trilogi it's the official video for "Vinterbarn", the album is up on pre-sale now, out officiall on January 26. And below that is the wonderful Super 8 film by Stricken City capturing their recent tour including highlights in NYC. PLUS, an early x-mas present, here's a remix of SC's "Pull the House Down" by Skellington.

http://vimeo.com/7954183

http://vimeo.com/7768322

Stricken City CMJ Shows Announced!

Fri, 9 Oct 2009 07:43:30 -0400

Less than two weeks before Stricken City make their US debut(!) at CMJ. Shows have been announced with more in the works. The press keeps gushing too, one of our fave features is this photo spread and interview in Dummy Magazine.

Premieres.9.September.09

Wed, 9 Sep 2009 10:45:25 -0400

An early buzz is brewing for Stricken City and Fredrik. Both are now in the kora shop for pre-sale. Stricken City comes both in CD and vinyl formats and includes two bonus tracks. The limited 180 gram color vinyl includes a digital download coupon. The CD is a beautiful gatefold edition using deluxe recycled paper stock.

Fredrik is available pre-sale as beautiful gatefold CD package which also uses deluxe recycled paper stock.

Love Struck Stricken.10.August.09

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 16:44:46 -0400

As promised the big international news is here. TKR is proud to bring aboard Stricken City to our happy little family. The London four piece quickly won us over earlier this summer and we are beyond ecstatic to present their debut release, Songs About People I Know, stateside.

The Guardian hails the SC as "insanely catchy, ramshackle post-punk-pop" and we couldn't agree more. Get your Stricken City 101 syllabus viaMySpace and see why we became so love struck with Rebekah, Iain, Kit and Mike. The album will be out this fall in CD and vinyl formats. We'll post full details on how to get it later this month.

*AND* in the internatianal que - details on the upcoming Fredrik full length, Trilogi, are also just around the bend!

New Donny Hue Album and Free EP

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 15:06:41 -0400

Letter Day.23.June.09

Letter from New Virginia is out now on limited edition CD as well as digitally , stop by the kora shop to pick up your hand numbered copy. As an extra bonus, Donny Hue and TKR are giving away a free digital EP of free-sides from the recording session.

Kora Spring Sale on NOW

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 11:36:32 -0400

The Cherry Blossoms are out and making us giddy, so we're celebrating with a Spring Sale. Check out the store for details. Catch up on some of your favorite kora titles for 20% off or more.

Gregor Samsa's Over Air is Out Today + Pree and Fredrik News

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 11:51:13 -0400

Gregor Samsa's Over Air is Out Today!

Over Air features a live radio performance by Gregor Samsa at Amsterdam’s VPRO radio station recorded in May 2008.  The live appearance shows off the richness of their micro-orchestra live set up in never before heard ways, along with the breathtaking vocals of Nikki King Bennett and Champ Bennett. The live set includes songs from three previous recordings, Rest, 55:12, and their EP 27:36.

In addition to the newly mastered live session, Over Air also includes never before released music; an alternate mix of Du Meine Leise, XXX, a song featuring a smaller version of the band, and from the album 55:12, a remix of We’ll Lean that Way Forever, by Bobby Donne (of Labradford) who is also joining them on stage as part of the GS lineup. In addition to the previously unavailable music, there’s an HD quality video of the band performing live in Paris and the stunning video for Jeroen Van Aken.  All told, an hour of music and over 30 minutes of video.

Next Up from TKR -->

A Chopping Block, the debut release by Pree. The five song EP is out officially on March 24th, available digitally on March 17th and pre-orders at http://www.thekorarecords.com/store.html

Pree, led by May Tabol (formerly of Le Loup) emerged onto the DC music scene with a string of compelling and intimate shows during the summer of 2008. Pree's musical prowess evokes seductive and shadowy moods that call to mind Regina Spektor's imaginative narratives as well as Modest Mouse frontman Isaac Brock's rhythmic vocal stylings-- mixing haunting folk elements, unmistakable vocals, and a remarkable command of words to elicit a fare as delicate as it is powerful.

Washington Post - A Chopping Block is "a cross between Joanna Newsom and Modest Mouse -- full of that warm, intimate twang perfect for this time of year."

In the Parlor performed live - http://vimeo.com/2434991
Pree on Tour

3.19.09 - DC - Black Cat - CD Release show with Meredith Bragg
3.29.09 - Fredericksburg - The Loft
4.11.09 - Brooklyn - Union Hall with Donny Hue and the Colors
4.12.09 - Brooklyn - Permanent Records (3pm)
4.12.09 - NYC - Pianos with Donny Hue and the Colors
4.13.09 - Harrisonburg - Clementine's with Meredith Bragg
4.15.09 - Chapel Hill - Nightlight with Meredith Bragg
4.16.09 - Atlanta - Drunken Unicorn with Meredith Bragg
more dates TBA

Bonus Content  -->

Live Fredrik performances from their debut album, Na Na Ni, recorded for Brightest Young Things Live Sessions Series in Washington, DC last November. Fredrik's follow up to Na Na Ni is due out on Kora in July, 2009.

Alina's Place

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjI8z__Gcwg

Angora Sleepwalking

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AnQu1dW1f4

Pree and Gregor Samsa Pre-Orders up and away!

Tue, 3 Mar 2009 11:32:38 -0500

Pree orders are up for Gregor Samsa and Pree right now, come and get 'em. The Pree spring tour is coming together as well, check for updates here - note some shows with Donny Hue and some with Meredith Bragg. Speaking of those fine gents - Donny Hue and the Colors are wrapping up the follow up to Folkmote this week while Meredith Bragg is hunkered down in the outskirts of DC recording away.

Gregor Samsa Pre-Order

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 08:09:07 -0500

The special tour packs for Gregor Samsa's Over Air have sold out, thanks to everyone who ordered. You can now pre-order the album in the store. Coming in a few weeks you can also pre-order the debut EP by Pree, out officially on March 24th. Pree will hit the east coast in April, but those in DC can celebrate the release of A Chopping Block on March 19th, along with Meredith Bragg, at Black Cat. Pree's ever growing live set up should not be missed.

Gregor Samsa Over Air Tour Pack on Sale!

Sat, 17 Jan 2009 19:24:46 -0500

TKR is hitting the ground running in 2k9 as we get ready for our biggest year ever. Gregor Samsa are on another European adventure and have advance copies of their latest kora release Over Air. The album, 60 minutes of music to plus over 30 minutes of video, is out officially on March 10th, pre-sale is going on right now available as a tour pack along with a limited edition tour poster (only 100 posters made, limited quantity on sale on line thru TKR).

And quickly following Over Air, Pree is prepping for their first tour for their EP, A Chopping Block, which is due out March 24th. Pree pre-orers coming in about a month.

TKR Holiday Hi-5 Sale

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 12:54:38 -0500

To celebrate we want to send some of our closest friends your way for the holidays as we host a special Holiday Hi-5 sale in the kora store. Now through December 31st, pick up a kora 5 pack of CDs from The Fairline Parkway, The Great Northwest, The Piano Creeps, The LK and Meredith Bragg. All orders ship within 24 hours of purchase. $45 US/$50 Intl.

Fredrik Tour ~ New Gregor Samsa Record

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:54:22 -0500

Now that Donny Hue and the Colors and Fredrik have finished touring the states for their new albums, it's time for some shows across the pond. Gregor Samsa head to Europe for an entire month of shows starting in early January. We'll have tour dates for you soon, plus information on how to get Over Air, a new release which includes a mastered version of the band's session recorded in Amsterdam for VPRO. The disc will also feature several HD quality videos and unreleased music.

Since we went along for the ride, we can't forget about the Fredrik tour so quickly. Catch members of the band perform 1986 and 11 Years live from the House of Sweden for TV4. More live performances here.

Donny Hue/Fredrik... on tour/new videos

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 14:52:57 -0400

It's tour time! Donny Hue and the Colors are on a 3 week tour to the west coast and Fredrik arrive next week for 2 weeks on the east coast. Both have made beautiful stop-motion videos that fit both songs perfectly... Na Na Ni is on sale on vinyl and CD. Donny Hue is out on 11/11 via your favorite digital store.

6 days til the election, exercise your right to vote.

Kora signs Pree, announce anniversary show

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 18:16:11 -0400

Happy AnniversaPree.22.Oct.08

November is around the corner which means it's time to celebrate the anniversary of our first release. This year we invite you to party with Fredrik (at their first ever american show), Meredith Bragg and newly signed kora act Pree! Pree features the hauntingly beautiful vocals of May Tabol. May (formerly of Le Loup) quickly won us over with a string of intimate solo shows and we can't wait to bring you Pree's debut in early '09.

The 4th year jamboree takes place November 5th at DC9. For the history buffs out there, this marks Meredith's 3rd appearance at a kora anniversary show.

So much more coming up next week, Fredrik in stores, (have you seen the press Na Na Ni is getting?!) on CD, vinyl and digitally, plus new music videos and more.

The Piano Creeps out Today!

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 07:43:36 -0400

The Piano Creeps did a string of shows last weekend in support of their kora debut, Future Blues (for me and you), which is receiving lots of great press, and, is out TODAY. Pick it up digitally or in fine letterpress packaging in the store. Only 500 made! TPC also played our Band Together for Obama benefit which was a huge success, bringing in over $1,000 in donations for our favorite senator running for president. A feature on the event will be posted soon via our friends at All Our Noise. Don't forget, October 24th is the debut by Fredrik. Their tour dates are coming in fast and furious these days...

11.5.08 - DC - DC9
11.6.08 - Baltimore - Metro Gallery
11.7.08 - New York - Cake Shop
11.8.08 - Brooklyn - Union Hall
11.9.08 - Pittsburgh - Brillobox
11.12.08 - Boston - TT the Bear's
11.13.08 - Portland, ME - Space 538
11.15.08 - New York - Piano's
more to be announced shortly

Gregor Samsa Collectors Edition on sale

Mon, 1 Sep 2008 12:03:19 -0400

Gregor Samsa's new album on vinyl and the Collectors Edition are on sale in the kora store. Vinyl - Rest is a 140 gram double LP enclosed in a two piece heavy card stock double folio design featuring the same die cut and artwork from the CD release. The packaging is an original design produced for the first time by TKR and are a limited edition of 500. Read more about the Collectors Edition of Rest.

Thank you to everyone who ordered the LTD Edition CD, it was a huge success. TKR and Gregor Samsa loved the way it turned out and are honored to report it is now sold out. Stay tuned for more Gregor Samsa news this fall as well as new releases in October by Fredrik and The Piano Creeps plus a new full length in November by Donny Hue!

Gregor Samsa Vinyl and Coll Edition on-sale details

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:07:36 -0400

Details for Gregor Samsa's new album on vinyl and the Collectors Edition are in! Both will go on sale in the kora store on September 1st. Vinyl -Rest is being pressed as a 140 gram double LP that will be enclosed in a two piece heavy card stock double folio design featuring the same die cut and artwork from the CD release. The packaging is an original design produced for the first time by TKR and will be a limited edition of 500. Read more about the Collectors Edition of Rest.

Thank you to everyone who ordered the LTD Edition CD, it was a huge success. TKR and Gregor Samsa loved the way it turned out and are honored to report it is now sold out. Those who are still waiting for their orders will see them shortly just as soon as the last few can be assembled at TKR HQ. Stay tuned for more Gregor Samsa news this fall as well as new releases by Fredrik, The Piano Creeps and Donny Hue!

The Widespread Reign of The Great Northwest

Mon, 7 Jul 2008 08:22:03 -0400

The Widespread Reign of the Great Northwest, the debut by The Great Northwest is in the kora office in NW, DC and up in the store for pre-order (comes with free TKR sampler CD)! The letterpressing job by Stumptown may be one of our finest offerings yet and the music inside is even better, it's getting quite the blog buzz. The first single "Chief John" is currently #1 on the Elbows Hot Tracks list.

The official release date is July 29th and gets "digital" on July 15th.

The Great Northwest is a neo-psychedelic project created by studio engineer and producer Brian James "Coatsie" Coates (The Dandy Warhols, Dead Meadow). The group is based around a collective philosophy in which "every one is welcome to participate". Their debut album was recorded in Fresno and Portland in 2006, mixed at The Odditorium in 2007 and is due out later this month. The record features Brian Coates, Randall Crush, Josh Kalberg, Joe Kaczmarek (formerly of Rick Bain), Caleb Spiegel (My Regrets, The Out Crowd), Peter Holmstrom (The Dandy Warhols), Brent Fellows, Jeff Baldwin, Mike Faith, and Marty Smith (Swoon 23) among others.

Gregor Samsa video for Jeroen Van Aken

Tue, 13 May 2008 12:28:08 -0400

Gregor Samsa just started their first tour for Rest, this one in Europe. To get everyone in the mood they've made one breath-taking video for Jeroen Van Aken, directed by Rick Alverson from Spokane. It's viewable on Pitchork TV and last week was in their Forkcast and featured on Stereogum. Not to be outdone, The LK performed Tamagotchi Freestyle live on Swedish tv and Meredith's song My Absent Will is on MTV's The Real World, Weds, May 14th at 10pm eastern time.