Isaac Brock Launches Label, Signs Mason Jennings

But wait a second-- doesn't that conflict with Brock's position as an A&R; guy for Sub Pop? Well, yes. Sub Pop tells Pitchfork that Brock is no longer working with them, and hasn't been for months. Oh well, at least they got Wolf Parade out of him.

As for Glacial Pace, Brock's first signing is Minnesota singer-songwriter Mason Jennings. Why him? In a press release, Brock recalled how Naheed Simjee (who runs Glacial Pace alongside Brock) turned him on to Jennings: "She had described Mason's music to me as best as possible, but descriptions aren't easy and fall short when it comes to music (this is one of the reasons I've long since abandoned reading reviews to make decisions on buying records)." Ooh, diss!

"We downloaded some of the songs, and before I get any shit for it, don't worry, I paid for the songs I downloaded. I was completely blown away with Mason's unashamed and incredibly sincere voice and lyrics. I can be a real shit head critic when it comes to music so I have to tell you how nice it felt to instantly want to compliment instead of criticize the music." Hey Isaac, we're always looking for more shit heads here at the Fork, come on over!

Jennings, who has put out four records through the independent Bar/None label, explained why he chose to go corporate thusly: "Isaac was the first person associated with a major label who I felt could relate to me as an artist and continue to let me make my music. No one understands better than Modest Mouse how to make the jump to a major without losing any artistic integrity."

Jennings is currently recording with producer Noah Georgeson (Joanna Newsom, Devendra Banhart) in Minnesota, with eyes on an early 2006 release date. Said Brock, "I just heard some of the new songs Mason is recording and am thinking that even if this was the only thing that Glacial Pace released, how I am just so goddamned proud to play a part in the release of this record. I hope that every time a record comes out on Glacial Pace I feel this good about it." Jennings has one upcoming show in hometown Minneapolis, but his website promises more dates soon.

Date:

12-10 Minneapolis, MN - First Avenue

It's measly, but at least it's more than Modest Mouse can say for themselves. Speaking of which, did Brock name his label after his band's recording process?

* Pitchfork Review: Modest Mouse: Good News for People Who Love Bad News
* Pitchfork Review: Mason Jennings: Mason Jennings/Birds Flying Away

Modest Mouse: http://www.modestmousemusic.com/
Mason Jennings: http://www.masonjennings.com/