TOP: Broken Social Scene (photo: Norman Wong); RIGHT MIDDLE: Apostle of Hustle (photo: Aaron Mckenzie Fraser); RIGHT BOTTOM: Los Campesinos! (photo: Chris La Putt); LEFT MIDDLE: Timber Timbre (photo: Justin Lee); MIDDLE: Feist (photo: Jackie Roman); MIDDLE TOP: Constantines (photo: Jeremy R. Jensen)

"‘You forgot it in people.” Small little adage, a positive proclamation, trying to keep us all in mind. Broken Social Scene, the flagship band and starters of Arts&Crafts, launched their business on this phrase, in addition to their album. In 2002, with help from the head of promotions of Virgin Records, Jeff Remedios, Kevin Drew and crew started this label, artist management, distribution, merchandizing, fan ticketing and publishing company. Based out of Toronto, Canada, they also highly regard their 50/50 artist and musician profit-sharing, ensuring the people they love get the cut they deserve. The trickle down effect, flood the top and the bottom receives the kick back. Reganomics in action across the border, Broken Social Scene was comprised of many talented artists, and many of the follow up breakthough artists have now emerged to great success. Emily Haines and Metric made some waves, steping out from under the BSS umbrella. Feist did the same, to critical and commercial success, to strengthen the roster and A&C is now home to many, many acts. Stars, Gonzales, The Dears, Apostle of Hustle, Jason Collett, Amy Millan, Phoenix, The American Analog Set, Los Campesinos!, Timber Timbre, New Buffalo, The Most Serene Republic, The Hidden Cameras, The Stills, Constantines, Gentleman Reg, Charles Spearin, Bell Orchestre, Zeus, Still Life Still, and Valley of the Giants all rest their weary heads on Arts&Crafts‘s waiting shoulder.

Recently launched, their Mexico City office opened in ‘08. Arts & Crafts Mexico represents some other groups for distribution beneath the states. Under the border, A&C is making records available for Mexican kids by acts like Jay Retard, M Ward, and Yo La Tengo, tightening up the vice and getting us ready for what comes next.

  • Read more about the label on the Arts & Crafts website
  • Watch/listen to videos of Arts & Crafts artists




Reviews of A&C albums/artists found on groovemine.com are below. Find sample MP3s to stream and download for each:

Eat Darkness by Apostle of Hustle
Whether Andrew Whiteman was looking to make something so incredibly fun to listen to may be a question for the ages, but Apostle of the Hustle continues to be enjoyable music... [continue reading]

Girls Come Too by Still Life Still
From the very first track, the Toronto-based Still Life Still don't leave many questions about what you are going to get. A rich multi-level sound, with amazing texture from... [continue reading]

...And The Ever Expanding Universe
by The Most Serene Republic
Usually when a band tries to incorporate different styles into a single album, it comes out gimmicky and... [continue reading]

Timber Timbre by Timber Timbre
Timber Timbre's self-titled album is eerily beautiful—a frighteningly dark take on American folk and blues. The tracks tend to start rather simply, perhaps with just a bass... [continue reading]


Notable albums to be released on A&C in the very near future include music from Amy Millan and Hidden Cameras. Look for reviews of these albums here on groovemine.com soon.



Preview & purchase A&C albums from eMusic (subscribe and get 35 FREE downloads)