Sub Pop is seeking a Music Licensing Coordinator in our Seattle office. We’re looking for an individual who has great interpersonal skills, is a self-starter, is detail-oriented and has the ability to work in an open group environment. This is an entry-level position that reports directly to the Director of Licensing.

Specific Responsibilities include:

-    Working to place our catalog in advertisements, TV, film, video games, web-videos, social media, podcasts and more by fielding and responding to music searches and licensing requests.

-   Actively pitching our catalog in a manner tailored to the taste and project requirements of individual music supervisors, editors, filmmakers and producers.

-   Listening to and quickly learning a large catalog of material and applying that knowledge to searches/requests for material.

-   Tagging, organizing and maintaining the licensing website and licensing database.

-   Managing outstanding invoices and licenses.

-   Logging all licensing and publishing activity and preparing biannual reports on such activity.

-   Developing and maintaining relationships directly with music supervisors, ad agencies filmmakers and other potential licensing contacts.

-   Organizing and attending artist functions for music supervisors, ad agencies and others when appropriate.

-   Coordinating with the marketing department regarding new releases, attending marketing meetings and related artist-specific planning meetings.

-   Sending out email blasts, playlists, show invites and other forms of promotion around our releases.

-   Assisting in quoting, negotiating and preparing synchronization and master use licenses.

 Qualifications include:

-   Knowledge and passion for music in general is a must, as is familiarity with the Sub Pop and Hardly Art catalogs.

-   Interest in music licensing, film and advertising.

-   Competent computer skills.

-   Ability to work independently and take initiative.

-   Ability to juggle and prioritize multiple projects.

-   Positive attitude, good communication skills and an enthusiastic team spirit.

Please send resume and cover letter to Ruth Kim (ruthk@subpop.com).

Resumes accepted through April 28, 2017

North American tour begins in May, with European dates to follow.

We (Sub Pop Records, that is) are over the moon to announce that NYC-based band Frankie Cosmos has joined the Sub Pop Family in a universe-spanning type of record deal. The band, comprised of Greta Kline (vox & guitars), David Maine (bass guitar), Lauren Martin (keyboards, synthesizers & vox) and Luke Pyenson (drums), have been touring the world extensively in support of their 2016 release Next Thing (Bayonet Records) which received critical praise from the likes of Pitchfork, NY Times, Paste, Rolling Stone, DIY Magazine and many more. 

Watch the band’s in-studio performance of “Sinister” off Next Thing right here, and an intimate ‘Take Away Show’ performance of “Highway and Trees” (Meat cover) + “O Dreaded C Town” over here.

Frankie Cosmos is currently working on new material and will continue to tour throughout the remainder of the year. They kick-off a North American tour on May 5th in Boston, MA, which includes a performance at this year’s Pitchfork Music Festival in Chicago on July 14th. Additionally, the band will visit Europe for a series of shows July 28th-August 8th. (Current dates below.)

If you haven’t yet, now’s the time to start following Frankie Cosmos everywhere in the known, err… cosmos! –> Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | frankiecosmosband.com

About Frankie Cosmos:

Originally the solo project of prolific New York City-based songwriter Greta Kline, Frankie Cosmos has blossomed into a four-piece band including David Maine, Lauren Martin, and Luke Pyenson.

The first studio release as Frankie Cosmos, Zentropy (Double Double Whammy), garnered wide acclaim upon its release, including New York magazine’s #1 Pop Album of 2014 and a Pitchfork Best New Track for “Birthday Song.” Recorded as a two-piece with Aaron Maine on drums, Frankie Cosmos began performing live as a three-piece with Aaron’s brother David on bass, and later as a four-piece with Gabrielle Smith on keyboard. The next studio release, 2015’s Fit Me In EP (Bayonet), combined Kline’s honest, lyrically-driven songwriting with Maine’s affinity for synth-driven production, and earned the project another Best New Track for “Young.” Lauren and Luke joined the group in late 2015 on keyboard and drums, leaving Gabrielle and Aaron to pursue their personal projects—Eskimeaux and Porches—and cementing the band’s current lineup.

The group’s most recent release is the critically-lauded Next Thing (2016, Bayonet), which has been praised for memorable lyrics that are both clever and concise, deeply personal and widely relatable; beautiful three-part vocal harmonies that enhance catchy pop melodies; and increasingly sophisticated instrumental arrangements that reflect a rapidly maturing band continuing to grow. The album received a coveted Best New Music designation from Pitchfork as well as exceptional reviews from the New York Times, Rolling Stone, and others. The band’s live show, honed during extensive touring of North America, Europe, Oceania and Japan, has also received glowing feedback for its mix of energy, intimacy and levity.

In their off-time, the bandmates of Frankie Cosmos practice a variety of other jobs and hobbies including textile design, food journalism, massage therapy, cooking, mixed martial arts, reading, painting, and petting dogs.

It’s that magical time of the year. You can smell the hot grease of overworked vinyl presses in the air. The cooling fans of online auction servers are humming in your ear. The seasonal change of record colors is upon us. Standard black vinyl disappears and the neon, splatters, and picture discs appear in full splendor. Friends: Record Store Day is here.

April 22, 2017 marks the 10th anniversary of the indie record store holiday. We’ve come a long way since the original ten Record Store Day releases hit the shelves back in 2007. And, it’s hard to believe it’s now been a decade of grown men and women trampling each other for limited-edition releases without any major arrests. This year, y’all should come on down to Sea-Tac and avoid any of that trampling nonsense. Trust us, TSA doesn’t take very kindly to pushing and shoving. Once again, the Sub Pop Airport Store will be carrying a selection of this year’s Record Store Day releases. We have met all the requirements. We double-checked with this year’s ambassador: St. Vincent. Judging by this video, she’s taking the role very seriously.

Sure, yes, you have to buy a plane ticket to get to our store. Do yourself a favor and get that ticket to see your grandmother in Milwaukee. We won’t tell her that the only reason you finally broke down and and sprung for a visit was to have first dibs on a sweet seven-inch single. Or better yet, pack your shades and book a flight to Hawaii. You can hit up our store when we open the gates at 6 AM (we open earlier than any other participating store, so far as we are aware) and then quickly hop on a jetliner to Honolulu. If you manage to arrive around 10-10:30 AM island time, you might even have enough time to get to your favorite Hawaiian record store before it has been picked through.

While neither Sub Pop nor Hardly Art are putting out any exclusive Record Store Day releases this year, please consider an alternative: Father John Misty’s eagerly anticipated new album Pure Comedy comes out mere weeks before, on April 7th! And, if you’re lucky, we may have some remaining copies of the Deluxe 2xLP editions left at the airport on Record Store Day.

This truly DELUXE 2xLP version of Pure Comedy arrives on two pieces of colored vinyl, one of which is referred to as “aluminum,” the other “copper” (as evidenced by this not-to-be-missed Pure Unboxing video). These two opulent record albums are housed in a die-cut, customize-able jacket, with 4 interactive “backgrounds” on the 2 full-color dust sleeves within (four different sky color schemes to choose from!) all sheathed in an outer plastic slip-cover. Also included are a tri-fold poster and holographic HA card. If that doesn’t scratch your collectible itch, I don’t know what will. You can also order Pure Comedy on the Sub Pop Mega Mart right G-D now.

The Sub Pop Airport Store will (most likely*) be carrying the below-referenced Record Store Day exclusive titles. 

*No guarantees we’ll get them all, but here is what we ordered:

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit-Live from Welcome To 1979

Pink Floyd- London 1966-1967

R.L. Burnside-Long Distance Call: Europe Recordings, 1982

The Districts-Ordinary day/Lover,Lover,Lover

The Pretty Things-The French EP’s 1964-69

V/A-Stories For Ways & Means

V/A-We’re Gonna Have A Party! The Sound Of Wand Records

Pearl Jam-“State Of Love and Trust” B/W “Breath” (7”)

Alice In Chains-What The Hell Have I/Get Born Again (Double 7” Single)

Dave Matthews Band-Live at Red Rocks 9.15.95 (4LP Silver vinyl set)

Moondog-Moondog

Dennis Wilson- Bambu The Caribou Sessions (2LP green vinyl set)

Santana-Woodstock Saturday August 16, 1969

Curtis Knight featuring Jimi Hendrix-Live at George’s Club 20

Robert Johnson- The Centennial Collection: The Complete Recordings (3LP)

David Bowie-Cracked Actor Live in Los Angeles, ’74 (3LP set)

David Bowie-BOWPROMO (GEM Promo LP)

The Cure-Greatest Hits Acoustic (2LP Picture Disc)

The Cure-Greatest Hits (2LP Picture Disc)

The Grateful Dead- P.N.E. Garden Auditorium, Vancouver, British Columbia, 7/29/66 (2LP)

The Doors- Live At The Matrix ‘67

Flaming Lips-The Flaming Lips Onboard the International Space Station Concert For Peace (Yellow Vinyl)

The Head and the Heart-Stinson Beach Sessions

Notorious B.I.G.-Born Again (2LP Gold Vinyl)

Prince-Batdance (12” Single)

Prince-I Could Never Take The Place Of Your Man (12” Single)

Prince-I Wish U Heaven (12” Single)

Prince-Little Red Corvette/1999 (7” Picture Disc)

Prince-Partyman (12” Single)

Prince-Pop Life (12” Single)

Prince- Sign O’ The Times (12” Single)

Vangelis-Blade Runner Original Soundtrack (Picture Disc)

V/A-Nuggets: Come To The Sunshine (2LP Orange/Yellow Marble Vinyl)

Neil Young-Decade (3LP)

Hawkwind-Best of the United Artist Years 1971-1974 (Swirl Color Vinyl)

Black Angels- Death Song RSD Exclusive (2LP Set)

Sun Ra-Janus (Yellow & Black Swirl Vinyl)

Balkans-Pedro Four-Way ft. Mike Watt (Green Vinyl)

Motörhead-Clean Your Clock (2LP Picture Disc)

Iron and Wine-Archives Series Volume No. 3 (Translucent Blue Vinyl)

Patti Smith-Hey Joe (Version)/Piss Factory (7” Single)

The Smiths- The Boy With The Thorn In His Side (7” Single)

Spoon-Hot Thoughts

Lumineers-Song Seeds

Animal Collective- Meeting The Waters

Blondie-Long Time

Big Thief-Mythological Beauty

Noise Addict-10,000 Kids With Guitars (2LP)

Blitzen Trapper-Waking Bullets At Breakneck Speed (Recorded Circa 2006)

Wipers-Better Off Dead (7” EP)

Pickin’ On Series- Pickin’ On Nirvana: The Bluegrass Tribute (ft. Iron Horse)

Pete Krebs-Western Electric (Produced by Elliot Smith)

Julian Cope-Drunken Songs

The Raincoats-Fairytale in the Supermarket EP (7”)

The Stooges-Heavy Liquid/The Album (2LP)

T. Rex-Rock N Roll (7” EP)

Sun Ra-Discipline 27-11

Danny Brown-Ain’t It Funny (10” Picture Disc)\

Black Lips- Black Lips (4xCS Box)

Policia-Lipstick Stains/Still Counts (7” Single)

Evan Dando-Baby I’m Bored (2LP+book)

Stay safe out there. If you are crazy enough to listen to me and end up going to Hawaii, say hello to our old co-worker Josh.

Check out the official Record Store Day website (and this complete list of releases) for participating stores near you.

At last, winter is finally nearing its conclusion! After what feels like an eternity (can you believe the Summer Olympic Games were less than a year ago? Me neither…), spring is finally close enough to talk about without sobbing. While reasonable people may know spring as the time when temperatures rise, plants bloom, and insects reemerge from Hell where they belong, we here in the bowels of the music industry know it exclusively as the beginning of “festival season.” During this time, seemingly every city around the world sets aside a weekend or two for great gaggles of wide-eyed music fans to gather to watch and listen to as much music as possible, and also pay too much for bottled water. In addition to all that music and predatorily-priced potable water, there’s the eating, the drinking, the art appreciating and, of course, so many sunburns.

“This is all too much,” you might hypothetically say, “there are just too many festivals.” If you are inexperienced with the full wonder of music festivals, you might even say, “I don’t know if I’ll survive even one of these.” And though, clearly, that is hyperbolic, I am not here to judge you. No, instead, I am here to help. And, to that end, I’ve prepared a pseudo-survival guide for your trek to one (or all!) of the very cool festivals listed below, complete with a brief summary of each, a list of cool bands to see, other things to do in the area, and some optional, recommended items to make your festival experience a truly luxurious, Sub Pop-approved one.

Happy (almost) Festival Season!

BUKU

New Orleans, Louisiana

March 10-11

Bands to see: Washed Out, Clams Casino, Run the Jewels, Young Thug

Situated between the Mississippi river and some railroad tracks, BUKU is an intimate music and arts festival with plenty of great electronic and hip-hop music. One of the stages is located inside a warehouse used to build Mardi Gras floats, and it’s only a short walk from the French Quarter, ensuring that there’s plenty to do while you’re in town. I’d highly recommend some sunglasses, however. Protecting your eyes is important - not only from the sun, but also from the flying cockroaches I’ve been told exist in the southern parts of the United States.

SXSW

Austin, Texas

March 10-19

Bands to see: LVL UP, Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever, Downtown Boys, Chastity Belt, IAN SWEET, Dude York, Colleen Green

A yearly tradition during which downtown Austin, Texas is overrun for 9 (nine!) whole days, SXSW is a smorgasbord of music and pop culture, where you can take in practically innumerable performances by bands, plus art, informational panels, comedy, and just about anything else you might want to see. You will almost certainly need a very attractive bag to carry all the swag you acquire.

Ceremonia

Toluca, Mexico

April 1st

Bands to see: Beach House, Bjork, James Blake, M.I.A.

Is there a better way to welcome spring back into your life than by going to Mexico? I’ve yet to hear a compelling opposing argument, and set for only one day in the beautiful city of Toluca, the Ceremonia Festival boasts an impressive lineup full of heavy-hitters. Fun fact: Toluca is the region from which Chorizo originates. so I’d suggest something to keep your drink cold while you’re busy stuffing your face.

Coachella

Indio, California

April 14-16/21-23

Bands to see: Father John Misty, Tacocat, Beyonce, Radiohead, Downtown Boys, Shannon & the Clams

Coachella is a huge festival, occupying two weekends in an otherwise scarcely populated valley in central California. There isn’t a whole lot to do in Indio, but the organizers of this festival have you covered, as every year they seem to try to go even bigger than they did the prior year. More bands than you can name, food, art, and interactive exhibits abound at this staple of the festival scene. You’re probably going to be camping if you go. Please bring soap.

Fortress

Fort Worth, Texas

April 29-30

Bands to see: Wolf Parade, Slowdive, Alvvays

Fortress is a brand spankin’ new festival marking its inaugural edition. Presented by the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, it also includes a boatload of art by multidisciplinary artists across several venues. I’d recommend that you bring a water bottle that won’t let you down, as you’ll need to stay hydrated for all three days. Fort Worth is also home to the renowned Kimbell Art Museum and the world’s first and largest indoor rodeo, if such things tickle your fancy.

Shaky Knees

Atlanta, Georgia

May 12-14

Bands to see: The Shins, Wolf Parade, Fruit Bats, The xx, Warpaint

Some festivals seek to find a location off the beaten trail, removed from the city and the hustle and bustle. Shaky Knees is not that festival, as it takes place smack-dab in the middle of Atlanta’s Centennial Olympic Park. Food is a big draw at this festival (it’s in the South, so this is to be expected). And, should you seek respite from the sun beyond that provided by this hat that I dutifully recommend as a source of shade, the excellent Center for Civil and Human Rights is a short walk away (as is the World of Coca-Cola museum and the Georgia Aquarium).

Hangout

Gulf Shores, Alabama

May 19-21

Bands to see: Band of Horses, The Head and The Heart, Frank Ocean, White Reaper

Is there anything more picture-perfect than a white sand beach? This is a question asked by many Washingtonians (mostly out of ignorance, as our beaches feature no sand, only rocks, driftwood, and disappointment), and attending Hangout Festival, located directly on the beaches of Gulf Shores, would provide the obvious answer. What could possibly be better than listening to your favorite bands WITH the ability to jump straight into the ocean at any time you choose? Bring a towel, no one likes being wet once they’re done swimming. 

Sasquatch!

George, Washington

May 26–29

Bands to see: Kyle Craft, Porter Ray, Thee Oh Sees, Kaytranada

And so we arrive at the end of spring, the beginning of June and the barrier I have arbitrarily decided on for this survival guide. Sasquatch takes places at a venue called The Gorge, and it is hands-down the most beautiful place to see live music in Washington. There’s a breathtaking view behind the main stage, it’s a not-too-long drive from Seattle, and there are plenty of lakes to swim in before you hit the festival. Room for camping is ample and comfortable; just make sure to bring a blanket, because it cools off pretty quickly at night and you don’t want to be the chump freezing your ass off on the lawn.

[Photo Credit: Jay Scroggins]

Seattle rapper (and the first Sub Pop signee of Shabazz Palaces Ishmael Butler), Porter Ray has shared another stellar new track “Lightro [Looking For The Light]” (feat. Stas Thee Boss)” taken from his forthcoming debut album, Watercolor, out March 10th. “Lightro…” also features fellow Seattleite, Stas Thee Boss of THEESatisfaction, and premiered today via Uproxx.

Uproxx says of “Lightro…” and Watercolor, “Over a wafting cloud of synthy production Ray tackles the grimness of death and the fleeting nature of life, before the track bleeds into Stas’ starlit harmonies....When he starts spitting, you know it’s him immediately. He runs through various cadences and countless rhythms like it’s nothing to change up, but never loses a sense of cohesion in his rapping…In many ways, Watercolor is a distillation of Northwest rap told through the region’s most promising newcomer (see premiere February 21st).”

Porter Ray’s current live dates include a hometown release show on March 8th at Barboza (with guests Jarv Dee, Cam the Mac, and Bruce Leroy), multiple appearances at SXSW March 15th-19th, and Sasquatch Music Festival on May 26th. More live dates coming soon.

Tour Dates + Ticket Links
Feb. 26 - Seattle, WA – Crocodile (w/ Pickwick for ACLU Benefit)
Mar. 08 - Seattle, WA – Barboza (Watercolor Release Party)
Mar. 15-19 - Austin, TX - SXSW
May 26 - Quincy, WA - Sasquatch Music Festival

“Lightro…,” and the forthcoming Watercolor, find Ray blending thoughtful portraits of Seattle streets with cathartic biographical accounts of an eventful adolescence and early adulthood, during which his father passed away, his brother was shot and killed, he became a father, and saw his son’s mother go to jail.  Possessing insight beyond his years, Ray’s laid back yet captivating style, vivid lyrical vignettes and powerful storytelling are built around a vulnerability and unflinching honesty.

Watercolor is available for preorder in all your favorite formats.  LP pre-orders through the Sub Pop Mega Mart and independent retailers will receive the limited Loser Edition on translucent vinyl with magenta swirl in North America & Translucent vinyl in Europe, while supplies last.  

Watercolor features original production from B-Roc, Dez Anthony, and Kmtk, and was mixed by Erik Blood.  Guest appearances include Cashtro, Stas Thee Boss, Nate Jack, Jus Moni and Black Constellation elders Palaceer Lazaro and Fly Guy Dai of Shabazz Palaces.

Follow all things Porter Ray everywhere in the galaxy via Facebook | Twitter | Instagram.

What are “The People” saying about Porter Ray? Well, since you asked:

“A star in the making.” [Watercolor] - Uncut
 
“A natural storyteller, Ray unleashed a series of vivid mixtape portraits of his locale’s druggy highs and lows that painted him as a new school Nas with the lyrical slickness of Roc Marciano. The street-wise intellect certainly lets his slightly off-pitched voice do most of the heavy lifting over the stuttering spacey synthetics, phased keys and warped Rhodes of B-Roc’s atmospheric production.” [Watercolor, 4/5] - MOJO
 
“As a rapper, Porter’s storytelling skills drive his lyrical content. He tries to paint pictures, never sounding over excited or too energetic, opting for beats which create unique moods….with his effortlessly smooth tone and considered lyricism, Porter carries himself with striking presence and wisdom.” [Watercolor]  - Crack Magazine
 
“Ray is Seattle to the bone, continuing the tradition of Sea-Town rappers with malleable flows and unorthodox sounds that bend along with them....The first taste of his album is a posse cut of sorts featuring Shabazz Palaces,Palaceer, and Castro. They all spit complicated rhyme schemes over a hollowed-out soundscape with dry 808 drums and shimmering, space-age synths reminiscent of THEESatisfaction.” [“Sacred Geometry”] - Stereogum
 
“Seattle rapper Porter Ray shares another hazy and seductive gem from his debut…“Arithmetic” showcases Porter’s golden voice and effortlessly vivid flow over a dreamy, immersively narcotic beat, elevated by spectral siren calls from the great Stas Thee Boss (formerly of THEESatisfaction) and anchored by a crucial assist from revered Seattle MC Infinite.” [“Arithmetic”] - Gorilla vs Bear
 
“On the first track from the Seattle native’s forthcoming Watercolor, Porter leads the song with melodic cadences and descriptive verses. Here, he and his collaborators all highlight the narratives that make up this holy equation.” [“Sacred Geometry”] - The FADER

Hey there!

Sub Pop Records in Seattle, WA is offering a grand total of $15,000 worth of college scholarship money to three eligible high school seniors. There are three scholarships—one for $7,000, one for $5,000 and one for $3,000. As longtime and proud losers ourselves, we’re exceedingly happy to be able, in some small way, to help further the education of art-enthused misfits from the NW.

Applicants must be a resident of Washington or Oregon, and a graduating senior on your way to full-time enrollment at an accredited university or college. We are looking for applicants who are involved and/or interested in music and/or the creative arts in some way. However, you do not need to be pursuing an education in the arts.

To apply you must submit an essay, one page or less, using any combination of the following questions as a guide (or write something completely your own, be inspired and creative!). Please list the school you are graduating from and the school you plan to attend in the fall at the top of your essay along with your contact information.

- What are you doing in the arts/music field in your community?

- What does being a Sub Pop ‘Loser’ mean to you?

- What are your influences and/or who inspired you to become involved in the arts?

- Describe your biggest failure and explain how it has brought you closer to your goal(s).

- Discuss a special attribute or accomplishment that sets you apart.

- How has your family or community background affected the way you see the world?

Applicants are strongly encouraged to send digital links and/or provide hard copies of their artwork along with their essay (we have never had a winner who submitted only an essay). However, please be aware that Sub Pop will not return any of this material, so please don’t send originals. Sub Pop will give equal opportunity to all applicants who fit the criteria outlined above. The deadline for applications is Wednesday, March 22nd.

Please send all submissions and attachments to scholarship@subpop.com by Wednesday, March 22nd. We will announce the scholarship winners on April 3rd.