Well, winter has set in and Powertool HQ is like living on the inside of a fridge. However, life in the fridge does exist ..... new releases and lots coming up.

First up, this month is the long awaited album from Sparrow. It's called 'The New Pastoral'. You may remember the wonderful first single 'The Quiet Revelation' that we released awhile back. For those of you who are not familiar with Sparrow.... the main man is canadian Jason Zumpano. He's an ex-member and driving force from Sub Pop band Zumpano, that band also spawned AC Newman from the New Pornographers. 'The New Pastoral' is a triumph of beautiful melodies and is out now in a very sexy digipak format.

The second CD Single taken from the upcoming debut Surf Friends album is just out. It's called 'You're On My Mind' and it's their catchest song yet! There are two b-sides 'Feeling Of My Heart' and 'Go'. The b-sides will not be available on the album. So..... I totally recommend picking up a copy today! More release shows around the north island are coming up, so keep an eye on the gigs page for details of where and when.

The other new release just out is from the Bilders. It's called 'Parisian Friday'. The latest incarnation of the Bilders features Bill Direen and Nik Le Killer from France. It was recorded in Paris and includes some live recordings. Bill has just won the Micheal King 'Artist In Residence' and will be back in New Zealand from next month until early next year. A mini tour of Bill playing acoustically is taking shape and there are dates booked from early next month. Check out the gigs page for details. The Bilders have two more albums due for release before the end of the year.

In other news:

Fleet fm is no longer. I am very sad to report that Fleet fm has come to an end. The Powertool Records radio show has been a weekly feature for the past five years. For those of you who listened regularly... thanks for the support. There is talk of Fleet being ressurected sometime in the future, let's hope that happens. I for one, will miss them. If you want to hear some of the old shows, you can download them as a podcast here Fleet radio shows

Kiwi fm. 102.2 on your dial and on the internet at www.kiwifm.co.nz . I have new weekly show on Kiwi called 'Outer Space' It happens at 10pm (NZ Time) every Wednesday night. Each week, I have guests up and we chat about their favourite kiwi tracks and why they love them. This weeks special guest is Brother Love .... so tune in.

Paypal: Also .... whilst updating the website, I've noticed that not all the paypal buttons are working. Im trying to fix the problem but it is provng rather frustrating. Anyway... if there is something you would like to buy and you find that paypal is not co-operating, please email me. We can work something out.

Bandcamp: Powertool offers you 10 Free Downloads ( we have to go with the times...): http://powertool-records.bandcamp.com/

We are in the process of setting up artist pages on bandcamp so you will be able purchase songs digitally from us direct.

Cheers

Andrew

For those of you living in Europe, check out Powertool Records Germany at www.powertoolrecords.de . It's run by the great Thomas Keitsch.

Also if you want an american perspective, check out Powertool Records USA at www.powertoolrecords.com run by Scott Eamer.

Alien is now stocking vinyl, both new and second hand. They have significantly increased their stock over the past month. Alien carries the full Powertool Records catalogue plus music from the New Zealand underground and other stuff we think are cool. If you can't find the latest cd from that band you saw last night at your local record store, there's a good chance Alien have it. Add to that tee-shirts, fashion accessories and jewellery. It is well worth making a special trip to New Lynn. Open every weekend, public holidays or take your chances during the week where it opens whenever im in the office. Alien, 11 Veronica St, New Lynn, Auckland. Ph 09-8277100 or 0274492587

You can also purchase the Powertool catalogue digitally through Itunes or Amplifier. I am gradually adding direct links to both on each release page.

For those of of you that are interested in the backgound and history of Powertool Records, for more information, clic here.... Background.

Take care

Cheers Andrew