A look back on MorningStar Records' first year, and outlook for 2024. Read more below.
A note from label founder and flagship artist, Mike Haggith.
Friends,
As we usher in a new year, I'd like to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we've embarked on since our launch in March of 2023. MorningStar Records was born from a simple yet powerful idea: to create a record label where independent artists could thrive, control their own destinies, keep full control of their music rights, and be a part of a supportive and growing community.
Our inaugural year featured the release of my long-awaited album All The Best In All You Do- a labor of love which spoke to seizing the reigns of your life, overcoming obstacles which feel insurmountable, and rising from the ashes to define who you truly are. In this way, I feel this record truly embodies the ethos of MorningStar Records and its collective of talented and determined artists. In many ways, it sets the tone for my vision; taking control of your creative output, and feeling empowered to tell your story- not just as an artist, but as a person. But the story of MorningStar Records isn't just about me- in fact, far from. It's about a collective of talented, diverse artists who have each brought something special to the label.
Tobias H. Reese came on board to launch his sophomore pop-rock record Shock Waves, a true testament to his unique sound, introspective delivery, and innovative melodies. His approach truly adds a level of enrichment to our label I'd have not thought possible. But that's not all! We've also taken the opportunity to list his debut pop-rock album Smoke And Mirrors: Belong To Strange on the label's webstore, allowing everyone the chance to experience the depth of Reese's musical prowess.
G. Michael Peters released a reprint of his debut EP Have I Lived A Good Life with us, and this work is truly something special. Michael's music, with its raw emotion and knack for storytelling, has resonated deeply with listeners, and is a proud addition to the label's catalog of releases. It's artists like Michael who reinforce the value of genuine, heartfelt music and expression. He's the kind of artist we all look to, when deciding how best to tell our individual stories.
As our roster continued to expand, we were more than thrilled to welcome Brian Tremblay into the fold. Best known for his impressive art shows and informative podcast on The Borderline, his upcoming album The Neighborhood is slated for release in the Spring of 2024, promising a fascinating blend of storytelling and classic melodies. Brian's work is a true testament to the vibrant and diverse talent within our ranks, and we're eager to help launch his new record.
Sanity, the New Jersey-based rapper known for his persona as the Dark Overlord Of Rap, and victor of countless international rap battles, brings a fresh energy to our growing collective. His album Postcards From Siberia is scheduled for a fully remastered and expanded release in early 2024, and we couldn't be more excited. Sanity's compelling narratives and hard-hitting beats offer a glimpse into his unique vision and delivery.
Speaking of New Jersey, our newest addition to the MorningStar Collective is the one and only MAEZEND Music Lab! An immensely talented writer and crafter of musical arrangements, the solo project of Jude Capanna refuses to be categorized to a single genre. We're eagerly working on his long-awaited debut record on the label, slated for release in early 2024. His intricate soundscapes showcase the eclectic nature of our community of artists.
Our roster also welcomed in two more Sault Ste Marie- based projects, namely industrial act Molten Imp and the brass-infused rock group Odd Man Out. Molten Imp's compilation album, released digitally in 2023, is a strong showing of intricacy and hard-hitting beats. Meanwhile, Odd Man Out continues work on their third studio album, targeted for a 2024 release. Their sound, infusing more classic rock vibes with an unmistakably modern twist, promises a third album every bit as strong as its predecessors, for which we're all immensely excited.
As we look to the future, my aim for MorningStar Records is to maintain its trajectory of being a haven for artists who value collective freedom and community support. We've come a long way in the ten months since our launch, and it's the incredible talent of these artists that makes our label what it is- a diverse, vibrant, and artist-centric community. As we celebrate all that we've achieved in our first year, let's look eagerly toward this new year with a renewed sense of purpose, motivation, and love for our craft. Here's to a 2024 full of music, expression, stories, and dreams realized!
We're just getting started,
Founder, MorningStar Records