Suicide Squeeze Records
Encyclopedia
Suicide Squeeze Records is a Seattle, WA - based independent record label
that presses a significant number of 7" vinyl singles in addition to the more prevalent compact discs. The label was started in August 1996
with the release of a 7" single from 764-Hero
. The label quickly grew from owner David Dickenson's fulltime hobby to a cottage industry by the late-90's. Since then, the Suicide Squeeze has released music from bands and songwriters such as This Will Destroy You
, Modest Mouse
, Minus the Bear
, Elliott Smith
, Pedro the Lion
, and Red Stars Theory
.
Enter Suicide Squeeze Records.
A label operated out of a basement - an effort and an adventure - in the mid-nineties (when K and Kill Rock Stars really thrived). This was a prolific period for regional music. Even as the national spotlight burned off elsewhere, inspired sounds rushed from the suburbs and the capitol, and swelled in Seattle. There were countless exciting bands, and near as much noteworthy music - much more, in fact, then, say, indie labels could have hoped to document…
764-HERO’s “Now You’re Swimming” EP was the first release from Suicide Squeeze. The realization of this record marked the beginning of a loose (and still on-going) series of 7-inch EP’s. In some ways, these records (documenting early music from: Modest Mouse, Elliott Smith, Pedro The Lion, etc) remain the hallmark of SSR.
“Ten years after that (764-HERO) 7” single, the label has cultivated a diverse roster of acts that might not have much in common musically, but all preserve a “punk rock soul.” It’s clear that when Suicide Squeeze uses a term like “punk,” it means it in the same way Kurt Cobain did: as an ethos of honesty and authenticity, not a unifying sonic aesthetic.” - Pitchfork
Here, David Dickenson’s new label set its identity, chose its affiliations… His approach to selling records was (and remains) a simple one: Start with an uncompromising value set, a ‘be honest and straightforward in all dealings’ approach to the business-side of the equation, while maintaining mass enthusiasm for the music, and nurturing long-lasting relationships with the artists’ themselves - SSR lives and dies with these relationships - and, yeah, some do die; others thrive. Regardless, Dickenson works like a demon, usually alone, to make whatever next thing happen. And that ‘next thing’ could be tiny, like a detail to alter on a poster design, or as large a decision as supporting a group’s overseas tour. He hungers after collaborations (documented by these recordings and friendships) the way musicians often seek each other out for inspiration. This is real, lifesblood stuff. Here, the attitude has always been ‘bands first’.
This commitment to ‘family’ musicians goes far beyond any single or album project. Support often continues after break-ups and/or member-changes, and many SSR-affiliated artists have multiple projects backed by the label. For example: John Atkins (764-HERO, Magic Magicians), David Bazan (Pedro the Lion, Headphones), Michael Nau & Whitney McGraw (Page France, Cotton Jones), Zach Hill & Spencer Seim (Hella, sBACH, Goon Moon), Brian Cook (These Arms Are Snakes, Russian Circles), Nick Thorburn (The Unicorns, Human Highway), et cetera.
The Suicide Squeeze back catalog confirms no single scene or geographic collective of musicianship; it represents a particular individual’s discerning, and cumulative aesthetic choices - his musical viewpoint, of course - as well as untold hours of creative effort from artists (past and present) such as The Aislers Set, Minus the Bear, Six Parts Seven, Iron & Wine, JEFF the Brotherhood, The Melvins, Les Savy Fav, The Black Keys, Black Mountain, Of Montreal, School of Seven Bells, and HEALTH…
So, maybe the Touch & Go model (of a record label) was an influence - the fifty-fifty (even-money) split between bands and label, have been kept entirely intact… Fuse those idealistic qualities with Dickenson’s own idiosyncratic sensibility as curator, and you have the prime example of a ‘die-hard’ independent.
Since its inception, SSR has released music in hopes of replicating the indiscernible excitement that comes with first discovering your own favorite albums or songs. The label’s current roster of artists - Cotton Jones, The Coathangers, Russian Circles, Past Lives, and This Will Destroy You - demonstrate a continuum, and provide hardworking testament to this fact.
Spring, 2011. The Pacific Northwest. What was once known as the ‘music industry’ has dissipated, the big labels and big money are all but gone. In many respects, the world is melting or self-destructing or, in the very least, becoming unrecognizable. Yet, Suicide Squeeze, holding strong, prepares to celebrate its 15th year in existence as a true independent record label.
Independent record label
An independent record label is a record label operating without the funding of or outside the organizations of the major record labels. A great number of bands and musical acts begin on independent labels.-Overview:...
that presses a significant number of 7" vinyl singles in addition to the more prevalent compact discs. The label was started in August 1996
1996 in music
This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1996.-January:* January – At the trial of two American teenagers, Nicholaus McDonald and Brian Bassett, for the murder of Bassett's parents and young brother, defense lawyers attempt to lay the blame for the murders on the fact...
with the release of a 7" single from 764-Hero
764-HERO
764-HERO was an American Indie rock band from Seattle, Washington, signed to Up Records. The band's name, suggested by a friend, is taken from the Washington State Department of Transportation phone number for reporting HOV lane violators ....
. The label quickly grew from owner David Dickenson's fulltime hobby to a cottage industry by the late-90's. Since then, the Suicide Squeeze has released music from bands and songwriters such as This Will Destroy You
This Will Destroy You
This Will Destroy You, often abbreviated to TWDY, is an American post-rock band from San Marcos, Texas, formed in 2005. The band consists of guitarists Jeremy Galindo and Chris King, bass player and keyboardist Donovan Jones and drummer Alex Bhore...
, Modest Mouse
Modest Mouse
Modest Mouse is an American indie rock band formed in 1993 in Issaquah, Washington, by singer/lyricist/guitarist Isaac Brock, drummer Jeremiah Green, and bassist Eric Judy. They are based in Portland, Oregon. Since their 1996 debut album, This Is a Long Drive for Someone with Nothing to Think...
, Minus the Bear
Minus the Bear
Minus the Bear is an American indie rock band from Seattle, Washington. Founded in 2001, the group features current and former members of Botch, Kill Sadie, and Sharks Keep Moving...
, Elliott Smith
Elliott Smith
Steven Paul "Elliott" Smith was an American singer-songwriter and musician. Smith was born in Omaha, Nebraska, raised primarily in Texas, and resided for a significant portion of his life in Portland, Oregon, where he first gained popularity...
, Pedro the Lion
Pedro the Lion
Pedro the Lion was an indie rock band from Seattle, Washington. Singer-songwriter David Bazan formed the band in 1995 and represented its main creative force, backed by a varying rotation of collaborating musicians. T. W. Walsh is considered to be the sole official band member besides Bazan. In...
, and Red Stars Theory
Red Stars Theory
Red Stars Theory is an American rock band from Seattle, Washington. The band was formed in early 1995 when James Bertram was looking for someone to play guitar with and found Tonie Palmasani , Jeremiah Green and Jason Talley...
.
Official Bio
Summer, 1996. The Pacific Northwest. Modest Mouse’s debut album, “This Is a Long Drive for Someone with Nothing to Think About,” is released by Up Records. The underground - still swooning - holds its collective breath as Built to Spill signs a deal with Warner Brothers to record their follow-up to, “There’s Nothing Wrong With Love.” Pivotal times. The Riot Grrrl movement had re-claimed “the personal as the political,” heralding another wave of feminism and burgeoning movement that went beyond musical expression; yet, genres and subcultures still quarantined the conversation… All the while, Elliott Smith had begun to sing, alone on stage, acoustic guitar in hand.Enter Suicide Squeeze Records.
A label operated out of a basement - an effort and an adventure - in the mid-nineties (when K and Kill Rock Stars really thrived). This was a prolific period for regional music. Even as the national spotlight burned off elsewhere, inspired sounds rushed from the suburbs and the capitol, and swelled in Seattle. There were countless exciting bands, and near as much noteworthy music - much more, in fact, then, say, indie labels could have hoped to document…
764-HERO’s “Now You’re Swimming” EP was the first release from Suicide Squeeze. The realization of this record marked the beginning of a loose (and still on-going) series of 7-inch EP’s. In some ways, these records (documenting early music from: Modest Mouse, Elliott Smith, Pedro The Lion, etc) remain the hallmark of SSR.
“Ten years after that (764-HERO) 7” single, the label has cultivated a diverse roster of acts that might not have much in common musically, but all preserve a “punk rock soul.” It’s clear that when Suicide Squeeze uses a term like “punk,” it means it in the same way Kurt Cobain did: as an ethos of honesty and authenticity, not a unifying sonic aesthetic.” - Pitchfork
Here, David Dickenson’s new label set its identity, chose its affiliations… His approach to selling records was (and remains) a simple one: Start with an uncompromising value set, a ‘be honest and straightforward in all dealings’ approach to the business-side of the equation, while maintaining mass enthusiasm for the music, and nurturing long-lasting relationships with the artists’ themselves - SSR lives and dies with these relationships - and, yeah, some do die; others thrive. Regardless, Dickenson works like a demon, usually alone, to make whatever next thing happen. And that ‘next thing’ could be tiny, like a detail to alter on a poster design, or as large a decision as supporting a group’s overseas tour. He hungers after collaborations (documented by these recordings and friendships) the way musicians often seek each other out for inspiration. This is real, lifesblood stuff. Here, the attitude has always been ‘bands first’.
This commitment to ‘family’ musicians goes far beyond any single or album project. Support often continues after break-ups and/or member-changes, and many SSR-affiliated artists have multiple projects backed by the label. For example: John Atkins (764-HERO, Magic Magicians), David Bazan (Pedro the Lion, Headphones), Michael Nau & Whitney McGraw (Page France, Cotton Jones), Zach Hill & Spencer Seim (Hella, sBACH, Goon Moon), Brian Cook (These Arms Are Snakes, Russian Circles), Nick Thorburn (The Unicorns, Human Highway), et cetera.
The Suicide Squeeze back catalog confirms no single scene or geographic collective of musicianship; it represents a particular individual’s discerning, and cumulative aesthetic choices - his musical viewpoint, of course - as well as untold hours of creative effort from artists (past and present) such as The Aislers Set, Minus the Bear, Six Parts Seven, Iron & Wine, JEFF the Brotherhood, The Melvins, Les Savy Fav, The Black Keys, Black Mountain, Of Montreal, School of Seven Bells, and HEALTH…
So, maybe the Touch & Go model (of a record label) was an influence - the fifty-fifty (even-money) split between bands and label, have been kept entirely intact… Fuse those idealistic qualities with Dickenson’s own idiosyncratic sensibility as curator, and you have the prime example of a ‘die-hard’ independent.
Since its inception, SSR has released music in hopes of replicating the indiscernible excitement that comes with first discovering your own favorite albums or songs. The label’s current roster of artists - Cotton Jones, The Coathangers, Russian Circles, Past Lives, and This Will Destroy You - demonstrate a continuum, and provide hardworking testament to this fact.
Spring, 2011. The Pacific Northwest. What was once known as the ‘music industry’ has dissipated, the big labels and big money are all but gone. In many respects, the world is melting or self-destructing or, in the very least, becoming unrecognizable. Yet, Suicide Squeeze, holding strong, prepares to celebrate its 15th year in existence as a true independent record label.
Artists who have worked with Suicide Squeeze Records
- 764-HERO764-HERO764-HERO was an American Indie rock band from Seattle, Washington, signed to Up Records. The band's name, suggested by a friend, is taken from the Washington State Department of Transportation phone number for reporting HOV lane violators ....
- The Aislers SetThe Aislers SetThe Aislers Set is an indie pop band that formed in San Francisco in 1997 after the breakup of chief songwriter Amy Linton’s former band Henry's Dress...
- AsperaAspera (band)Aspera were an American indie rock band from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.-History:Aspera formed in 1996 under the name Aspera ad Astra in Philadelphia, and released a 7" split with Haelah before issuing their debut full-length in 1998...
- The Black Heart ProcessionThe Black Heart ProcessionThe Black Heart Procession is an indie rock band from San Diego, California. The band was formed in 1997 by Pall Jenkins and Tobias Nathaniel...
- The Black KeysThe Black KeysThe Black Keys are an American rock duo consisting of vocalist/guitarist Dan Auerbach and drummer/producer Patrick Carney. The band was formed in Akron, Ohio, in 2001. As of October 2011, the band has sold over 2 million albums in the U.S....
- Black Moth Super RainbowBlack Moth Super RainbowBlack Moth Super Rainbow is an American experimental band from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Their music contains elements of psychedelia, folk, electronica, and pop...
- Black MountainBlack Mountain (band)Black Mountain is a Canadian rock band from Vancouver, British Columbia. The band is composed of Stephen McBean, Amber Webber, Matt Camirand, Jeremy Schmidt and Joshua Wells.-Overview:...
- Bleached
- Alison ChesleyAlison ChesleyAlison Chesley , known also by her stage name as Helen Money, is a Chicago based cellist and composer.Chesley was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She moved to Chicago to attend Northwestern University, where she received a Master's degree in Cello Performance in 1994. While at...
- Chin Up Chin UpChin Up Chin UpChin Up Chin Up was an American indie pop band formed in Chicago in 2001.-Members:Jeremy Bolen, formerly of Punjab and The Hertzsprung Gap, sang and played guitar. Nathan Snydacker, formerly of Nymb, played guitar. Chris Saathoff played bass and, after his death in 2004, was replaced by Jesse Woghin...
- The CoathangersThe CoathangersThe Coathangers are an all female punk group from Atlanta. They have recently released their third album, Larceny and Old Lace for Suicide Squeeze Records, to generally positive reviews.-Discography:Full Lengths:*The Coathangers...
- The ConstantinesThe Constantines-History:The band was formed by Steve Lambke, Bryan Webb, Doug MacGregor, and Dallas Wehrle in 1999, following the break-up of Webb and MacGregor's emotional hardcore band Shoulder...
- Cotton Jones
- Crystal Skulls
- Earlimart
- Page FrancePage FrancePage France was an American indie folk-pop music band that played melodic and emotional music. Their last record deal was with Suicide Squeeze Records, before the disbandment in 2008, because of band leader Michael Nau wanting to focus his full attention on Cotton Jones.The band was started as a...
- Goon MoonGoon MoonGoon Moon is an American rock band composed of Jeordie White and Chris Goss. The band released a mini-LP called I Got a Brand New Egg-Layin' Machine and have since recorded a full-length album Licker's Last Leg, which was released on May 8, 2007...
- HeadphonesHeadphones (band)Headphones was an American indie rock-synth band with members David Bazan , Frank Lenz of Starflyer 59, and T. W. Walsh...
- HEALTHHealthHealth is the level of functional or metabolic efficiency of a living being. In humans, it is the general condition of a person's mind, body and spirit, usually meaning to be free from illness, injury or pain...
- HellaHella (band)Hella is an American band from Sacramento, California. They play a technical blend of math rock, noise rock, and experimental rock. The primary members of the band are Spencer Seim on electric guitar and Zach Hill on drums...
- Zach HillZach HillZach Hill is a musician residing in Sacramento, California. Primarily known for his drumming, he performs/has performed in numerous Pacific Coast based groups, including his primary group, Hella, as well as Holy Smokes, Nervous Cop, and a diverse range of others including El Grupo Nuevo de Omar...
- Hint Hint
- Holy Other
- Human HighwayHuman Highway (band)Human Highway is a Canadian indie rock band formed in 2008 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The band's name is a reference to the Neil Young song "Human Highway" as suggested by founding member Nicholas Thorburn after attending a Neil Young concert.-History:...
- JEFF the BrotherhoodJEFF the BrotherhoodJEFF the Brotherhood is a two-piece rock band consisting of brothers Jake and Jamin Orrall, hailing form Nashville, Tennessee. Their style has been described by music writers as containing elements of psychedelic rock, garage rock, punk and pop...
- The Magic MagiciansThe Magic MagiciansThe Magic Magicians is an indie rock duo from Seattle, Washington formed in 2000. The group is composed of John Atkins and Joe Plummer , and is heavily influenced by '70s rock and pop music...
- Melvins
- Metal Hearts
- MemoryhouseMemoryhouseMemoryhouse is a dream pop group from Toronto, Ontario, signed to Sub Pop. Memoryhouse consists of Evan Abeele and Denise Nouvion . Their sound has been described as similar to that of Beach House.- Reception :...
- Minus the BearMinus the BearMinus the Bear is an American indie rock band from Seattle, Washington. Founded in 2001, the group features current and former members of Botch, Kill Sadie, and Sharks Keep Moving...
- Eugene MirmanEugene MirmanEugene Boris Mirman is a Russian-born American comedian, writer, and filmmaker. Mirman currently plays Yvgeny Mirminsky on Delocated, and voices Gene Belcher for the animated comedy Bob's Burgers.-Early life:Mirman was born in Russia to Jewish parents...
- Modest MouseModest MouseModest Mouse is an American indie rock band formed in 1993 in Issaquah, Washington, by singer/lyricist/guitarist Isaac Brock, drummer Jeremiah Green, and bassist Eric Judy. They are based in Portland, Oregon. Since their 1996 debut album, This Is a Long Drive for Someone with Nothing to Think...
- Nü Sensae
- The Numerators
- Of MontrealOf MontrealOf Montreal is an American rock band from Athens, Georgia. It was founded by frontman Kevin Barnes in 1996, named after a failed romance with a woman "of Montreal." The band is one of the bands of the Elephant 6 collective...
- Past LivesPast Lives (band)Past Lives is a band from Seattle, Washington. The band formed out of the breakup of The Blood Brothers in late 2007.-History:The band got their start in late 2007 after the breakup of The Blood Brothers...
- Pedro the LionPedro the LionPedro the Lion was an indie rock band from Seattle, Washington. Singer-songwriter David Bazan formed the band in 1995 and represented its main creative force, backed by a varying rotation of collaborating musicians. T. W. Walsh is considered to be the sole official band member besides Bazan. In...
- Pennsy's Electric Workhorses Songs
- Red Stars TheoryRed Stars TheoryRed Stars Theory is an American rock band from Seattle, Washington. The band was formed in early 1995 when James Bertram was looking for someone to play guitar with and found Tonie Palmasani , Jeremiah Green and Jason Talley...
- Russian CirclesRussian CirclesRussian Circles is a three piece instrumental rock/metal band from Chicago. Russian Circles play instrumental, sprawling music which runs the gamut of heavy discordant metal, to soft delicate passages...
- S
- sBACHSBACHsBACH is an American band from Nevada City, California, led by Spencer Seim of the band Hella and drummer of The Advantage. Although Seim plays all instruments on recorded material, he plays drums live, and has a live band which includes Ben Milner , Justin Hunt, and Keith Dailey all playing guitar...
- The Scenic Vermont
- School of Seven BellsSchool of Seven BellsSchool of Seven Bells is a band formed by Benjamin Curtis of Secret Machines, together with identical twins Alejandra and Claudia Deheza, formerly of On!Air!Library!. The band is named after the School of the Seven Bells, a mythical South American pickpocket training academy.-History:Curtis and...
- The Six Parts SevenThe Six Parts SevenThe Six Parts Seven was an American post-rock band formerly based in Kent, Ohio. The band was founded in 1995 by brothers Allen and Jay Karpinski , who had earlier played with Old Hearts Club, a band of similar style...
- Elliott SmithElliott SmithSteven Paul "Elliott" Smith was an American singer-songwriter and musician. Smith was born in Omaha, Nebraska, raised primarily in Texas, and resided for a significant portion of his life in Portland, Oregon, where he first gained popularity...
- Tammar
- These Arms are SnakesThese Arms Are SnakesThese Arms Are Snakes was an American post-hardcore band that formed in 2002 and featured former members of Botch and Kill Sadie. The band was known for their intense live shows, which often feature vocalist Steve Snere crowd surfing and spending a large portion of the live performance in the...
- This Will Destroy YouThis Will Destroy YouThis Will Destroy You, often abbreviated to TWDY, is an American post-rock band from San Marcos, Texas, formed in 2005. The band consists of guitarists Jeremy Galindo and Chris King, bass player and keyboardist Donovan Jones and drummer Alex Bhore...
- Track Star
- The UnicornsThe UnicornsThe Unicorns were a Lo-Fi/Indie Pop band from Montreal, Canada formed in December 2000 by Nicholas Thorburn and Alden Penner , who were later joined by Jamie Thompson in December 2003.-History:...
- We Ragazzi