IT STARTS WITH THE ART: INTRODUCING TWIN FANG RECORDS, QUEER FOCUSED LABEL
LAUNCHED BY SARAH SLEETH OF SIX SHOOTER RECORDS
INAUGURAL RELEASE SOLITAIRE OUT TODAY FROM TORONTO’S FJORD MUSTANG
Twin Fang Records is a new female and queer-owned and operated label, founded by longtime industry whiz Sarah Sleeth. With the get’er-done motto, “Let’s Rip”, the label’s mission is to hold space for women, queer, non-binary, trans folk and allies while nurturing lasting representation in the music and entertainment industry.
“I created Twin Fang Records because I wasn't seeing as many queer artists make their way to the top of playlists, showcases, and charts as I thought there should be,” Sleeth elaborates. “So I decided to do something about it.” With more than 9 years experience in label services and marketing, Sleeth has overseen more than 45 releases, the last 18 of them as Director of Operations with Six Shooter Records, who will act as Twin Fang’s global distributor.
“It all starts with the art,” Sleeth explains. “I didn't wait to nail down the name of the label before looking for talent. It was June 2022 when NXNE returned in full to Toronto when I was a&r'ing for a potential first signing. I think I listened to almost every single artist that was listed on the festival's site and came out of that research with this new Toronto band called Fjord Mustang. I was immediately taken by the track “Health Class Field Trip.” The airy vocals, the queer coming of age storytelling and the guitar melody playing hand-in-hand with the vocals totally knocked me out. It's been almost a year since I heard that song for the first time, and I still listen to it every couple of days.” After seeing their debut performance, Sleeth was spurred into action, signing the band a few months later.
Photo by Carlee Diamond
Evoking comparisons to Big Thief and Warpaint, with honeyed vocals, diaristic lyrics and 90s shoegaze production, Fjord Mustang is vocalist Vick Egan, lead guitarist Devon Pelley and bassist/drummer Nathan Smofsky.
“To have caught the attention of Twin Fang and have them support what we do is extremely validating,” says Pelley. “As an artist you want to have the ability to keep making music, and that feels possible now on an entirely new level.”
“It’s a huge honour to be joining Twin Fang Records,” says Egan. “Queer representation in the music industry is important, so I’m very proud to be backed by a woman-owned label founded by someone in my own community.”
With today’s inaugural release, Fjord Mustang’s debut LP, Solitaire, will now reach a worldwide audience. The byproduct of real-life experiences, Solitaire is tinged with grunge, rock and acoustic tones and speaks to the act of accepting change, our decisions and regrets and how to be present in the moment. Solitaire was produced by Drew Deakin Thomas and remastered by longtime Shout Out Out Out Out collaborator Nik Kozub. Click here to listen to Solitaire.
“Feeling very grateful for this new partnership with Twin Fang,” adds Smofsky. “I’m super excited to grow together and can’t wait to see what the future holds. Let’s Rip!”
Let’s Rip: Twin Fang Records is here. The new independent record label raises its black cat flag as a sign of good things to come. Based in Toronto, Twin Fang Records is ready for a monumental first year of business.
Twin Fang is a place built on know-how, equipped to develop sharp and savvy release strategies and marketing campaigns for its roster with global distribution via Six Shooter Records. Twin Fang offers years of experience, attention to detail and a boundless respect for music and its makers. Female and queer-owned and operated, Twin Fang is a place built for women, queer, non-binary, trans folk and allies, with a mission to create more representation in the industry. Most of all, Twin Fang is a place built for community, a place where fandom lives and thrives, and a place for sharing newest faves with oldest buds.
Fjord Mustang combines lush vocals with intricately designed guitar tones in their most recent record, Solitaire. Hailing from Toronto, Ontario the trio have been in and out of each other’s orbits for the better part of a decade until they decided to lay the groundwork and form Fjord Mustang in 2021. Solitaire is a record about navigating one’s way through the universe whether by chance or force. Inspired by groups such as Big Thief, Andy Shauf, and Deep Sea Diver, Fjord Mustang delivers soft and emotional lyrics that truly pack a punch.
Fjord Mustang Tour Dates
May 19 - Junction City Underground - Toronto, ON
May 20 - Queens Hotel - Barrie, ON
June 10 - Junction City Underground - Toronto, ON
July 1 - Casa Del Popolo - Montreal, QC
July 2 - Avant Garde Bar - Ottawa, ON
July 6 - Atria Bar & Grill - Oshawa, ON
July 13 - The Monarch Tavern - Toronto, ON
July 15 - Collective Arts Brewery - Hamilton, ON