LOOP Recordings Aot(ear)oa: A New Beginning

Champions of creative New Zealand culture through 14 print issues and nine CD compilations of original Aotearoa music, LOOP Magazine closed its doors earlier in 2001. Buoyed by the acclaim and success of LOOP's cover CD series, and the opportunities the venture had presented to independent local musicians, a new record label, LOOP RECORDINGS AOT(EAR)OA, has been established to fill the void left by the magazine's untimely closure. The new independently owned and operated label will continue the musical vision of LOOP - to boost Aotearoa's underground music scene by offering support, advise and release assistance to independent local recording artists. We're pleased to present the first two such releases - debut albums by Rhian Sheehan and The Black Seeds.

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LP001: RHIAN SHEEHAN - PARADIGM SHIFT RELEASE DATE: 29 June 2001

A formerly Christchurch-based musician who now calls Wellington home, Rhian Sheehan was unearthed by LOOP Magazine's cover CD series, presenting a pair of well received home recordings which layered organic instruments over computer-based beats and beds. With the Paradigm Shift, Rhian unveils a broader view of his unique sound - acoustic melancholy meets synthesised soundscapes in an electronic mind meld, highlighted by guest appearances from vocalist Lotus, Christchurch all female hip-hop crew Sheelahroc, and a cast of guest musicians including Shapeshifter's Devon Abrams and TrinityRoots' Darren Mathiassen. An emotive downbeat treat, the album is lushly arranged and exquisitely produced. No more than an assembly of simple sonic elements, no less than an ultimately unique and personal musical vision - this is the Paradigm Shift.

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LP002: THE BLACK SEEDS - KEEP ON PUSHING RELEASE DATE: 29 June 2001

Long-time live favourites in their home town of Wellington and in dancehalls around the country, capital city skankers The Black Seeds at long last deliver their much anticipated debut album, Keep On Pushing. A simmering selection of original roots rock reggae, Keep On Pushing collects live favourites and deep dubs from the group's well worn-in repertoire. Rich instrumentation and a full sound (fleshed out by a multitude of added musicians) ride a positive vibe throughout, bringing out the best of The Black Seeds' sing-along hits and adding texture to dubwise version excursions. A winter warmer of good vibes guaranteed to get the country smiling.

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Both titles available through Border Distribution

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