Yes it’s no mean feat but it’s true, Spooky Records has survived 10 years in what has probably been the fastest evolving time ever in the music business. So to celebrate we’re taking over the infamous Tote, Saturday 28^th November and putting on a huge bash with most of the current Spooky bands getting up and doing a set. On the bill, SixFtHick, The Bakelite Age, The Stabs, Hugo Race and True Spirit, Kretch, Digger & the Pussycats, Sailors & Swine, and a rare performance from Gentle Ben & his Sensitive Side. To keep it fair we’ve messed with the playing times so you’ll have to get there early cause it might just be your favorite opening the proceedings. But if not, to keep you all entertained we’ll put on a free BBQ and don’t forget to check out the merch stand cause there’ll be some wicked specials from the Spooky catalogue. Doors and BBQ are at ..7pm.. sharp and definitely no presales so come early.

I’m sickened by the response to the devastation of the fires that have ravaged our beautiful state. Not the people that have fought so hard to save their homes, not the CFA Police Ambos etc, not the people that have lost everything but the people that want to feed on this tragedy. I’m still wondering if people I know still have houses left. But here’s what I’m pissed about. My phone and email (and my partners) have been inundated with requests to get involved in benefits to support this tragedy. I think this is misguided and revolts me and Jas somewhat. Not that we aren’t willing to give, far from it. It’s that so called promoters are rearing their ugly heads at a time of crisis and putting out the call for people like us to go out and play, perform, or work under their banner of supporting this tragedy. After so many requests via text, Facebook, email etc I’m cynical of their motives. If there was a venue that would donate all alcohol sales for the night, well I could be wrong and if so I would be prepared to put in a few hours. But this is what irks me most. Promoters and venues owners really giving very little to put on these events but they say it’s all in the name of social conscience. It smacks of self promotion. I get the feeling that they will get that warm fuzzy feeling when they count the cash that they’ve made over the bar, from the bands playing for nothing, the costs they incurred in the name of ‘costs’ and then a crappy amount off the door going to bushfire relief.

I’m gonna go through my closet and give the Salvo’s a whole lot of rock and roll T-Shirts and jeans that I don’t wear (cause they don’t fit) and donate real money and real material. Bands I know and bands I don’t please don’t take a night off work to do a gig for someone that tells you this is a good cause and you should be a part of it. Stay at work and drop a few coins into a tin at your local bank (I’m sure this will happen) or Google how to donate and give.

.. ..

PS. Jasmine and I have donated via The Age website

On Wednesday 22^nd Oct Hugo was riding his pushbike when an unthinking driver opened their car door in front of him. As a result he has a broken arm and dislocated shoulder and might not be able to perform for some months. This happened 2 days before Hugo was to launch his latest album, "53^rd State" and forthcoming November Wreckery reunion shows

Spooky Records & Ding Dong Lounge will continue with their planned program except for Hugo's absence. Spooky Record's latest signing, Sailor's & Swine will step into the middle slot while The Spoils will play their first show in 5 months after returning from Europe in September. Black Pony Express will open the night's proceedings as planned.  Copies of 53^rd State which will still be available on sale.

Ding Dong Lounge

Doors 8:00pm

The Spoils – 11:00pm

Sailors & Swine – 10:00pm

Black Pony Express- 9:00pm

Ok, this is the first blog from Spooky.

It's a bit weird writing this stuff and in my head I'm thinking, shit!! Are there any c**ts that even subscribe to this, or are they in my imagination? Well f**k it. We've been around 9 years now, we put out music, that what we do. It might be a long time before I can be bothered even doing this again. But now I'm going to talk about what keeps me going, it ain't money, it's passion. Every time I think the label is a waste of time something comes up and bites me so hard I have to keep it going, so that's what I have to do, keep it going.

Hell, it's a ride. A ride I respect, and it's the musicians that keep me alive. Do you think they are saturated with glory? Money? No it's passion!!! And I don't wanna let any of them down. I guess that's why this label is my life. It's a label that only deals with musicians of passion, it don't matter if it's hard or soft, (but i gotta like it) but it's really about the music and the musician.

Spooky has had highs and lows, but I'm not going to go into the lows. If you know us, you'll know. If you study our catalogue, you'll know. If you can't be bothered then look at what goes on. Here's some of my highlights. Putting out 5 albums for Spencer P. Jones, unreal!!! Six Ft Hick. Well I wanted them when I first met them, took a long time, some say to long. The fabulous Digger & the Pussycats, helping to take them from young c**ts to high up in the eschelon of the European Garage Rock heap. I respect them. Hugo Race, the most underrated musical talent from Melbourne / Europe. (What's up with the press on this guy). Hugo, if I ever had the gut's I WOULD KILL for the beautiful music you bring to the world. I read a comment on one of your youtube clips tonight which said something like 'why the hell doesn't David Lynch use your music in his movies' I agree!!! Same goes for Gentle Ben and his Sensitive Side. You can't get more emotive songs, Lynch, get with the program. Speaking of Sensitive Side, yes please, more. another band that to me is beautiful. I don't care if you think the word beautiful sucks, that what I think. If it wasn't for beauty the world would be all (        ). Anyway. Blacklist, Rock.....some of you don't get it but I do. Same for Jape Squad in a different way, another random release. This only brings me to Tri-State Lovers, now this was an album of passion for me. Band breaks up, I wannn kill them. Only cause they make one hell of a record I put it out, about 100 people are glad I did, there should be at least a thousand. Drones, well most people know the Drones story but it's one the Spooks are proud of. That's one thing about the internet, if you don't know, go google. Same goes for Devastations, another fine release (their first album showed up on Spooky). We've also tried our hand with the Japanese, Electiric Eel Shock came to town and made an appearence.

Anyway, let's look forward. Spooky are pleased to announce Sailors & Swine, first album 'All Hail the Drunken Liar' it's ...Gold (and black), Next one I'm sure will be Black and (*****). The Wallbangers EP (Mick Harvey feat Tex Perkins) awesome and  The Bakelite Age are heading back to the studio to start work on their follow up album, I'm excited. Check it out all out.

In closing on my first blog I'd like to thank the C**T's on the label, without you nothing would happen.

And You the listener......remember this.............

Myspace is a tool. Buying an album  is part of a collection..........(and you get real artwork)

Don't cry to me when you lose your iPod!