Wiretone Records is a new, local, music label hailing from the traditional territory of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, commonly known as Owen Sound. Long known to locals as a hotbed of talent, the thriving Grey-Bruce music scene is a much-loved part of local life which the label seeks to bring to Canada and the world.

Wiretone Records’ first release -- expected to drop on vinyl, video and digital November 2019 through www.wiretonerecords.com -- is now pressed, with 3 more releases are expected within the year.

Wiretone Records is on a quest to develop local and indigenous talent to the Canadian and world markets with an equitable, nurturing framework. Founder and Producer, David Chevalier says, “Musicians have long experienced unfair deals, and sadly, digital and streaming services are making a bad situation worse. It doesn’t pay to be a musician unless you are in an elite category and can afford to mount extensive tours. Wiretone is turning that model upside-down.”

Talent signed so far span genres of folk rock, metal, psycho-surf and punk. Wiretone is challenging the status quo of the inequitable talent deal to create a fair framework. “Artists need to be championed, to have access to a range of revenue streams and to be supported by a solid partner in promotion. Artists need to be free to focus to deliver their best work,” says David.

Wiretone’s premiere album, BUFFALO, is the work of late Anishinaabe musician, Jacob (“Jake”) Chegahno. With influences ranging from Neil Young, Pink Floyd, Velvet Underground to Iron Maiden, Jake has crafted a raw opus independently, writing, performing and mixing virtually all songs completely alone. David discovered many of his close friend and former WOE bandmate’s tracks by hacking Jake’s laptop after his sudden death in February 2017.

“In spite of all Jake has stared down, he was a prolific musician and poet who gave generously to his extensive community… it is an honour that Wiretone’s first release is BUFFALO, and we are grateful to Carol Chegahno Stevens (Jake’s Mom) for collaborating in its release.” says David.

At 21, Jake had a promising future in Forestry but had to give it up when painful, immobilizing symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis took hold. After a long hospitalization, hard work in physio and overcoming cascading personal challenges, Jake found his way out of a wheelchair and onto the stage many years later. “I picked up a guitar and it hurt my hands to play, but it was a good hurt, like when I first picked it up when I was 15. Inspiration hit me, I felt a spark...something odd happened to me. I woke up one morning and said “thank you”, not sure to whom, but it felt good to say it. Over time I started to add things, and I say it everyday including this morning. “thank you for letting me see today”, Jake wrote several months before his death in a blog post on The Faces Of Ankylosing Spondylitis.

Recorded between 2015 and 2017, BUFFALO unwinds the big issues of our time, from the appropriation and commoditization of indigenous culture, to the vast fissures of understanding self as nature. Soft-spoken, intimate vocals reminiscent of J.J. Cale weave together truths, desires and wonder. Above all, the album is accessible with catchy riffs, brave descents and humour shining through when you least expect it.

Other releases in 2019 include new metal band KILLING CLARENCE, energetic rock and roots WOODWORKER, pop-rock G.R.I.N.D. and surfpunk STINKHORN.

Stay tuned for the Wiretone Launch Party slated for December 4th, at Heartwood Hall 2019 starting at 8:00 PM. If you'd like to come RSVP to [email protected]

source: media release