Q : Is 12XU devoted to any particular musical style?

A : As tempting as it is to paraphrase a memorable line from John Landis' "Blues Brothers" (you know, the movie of his where no one was decapitated by a helicopter) - "we like punk and rock", that just wouldn't be true. The label's inaugural releases from Joel RL Phelps and Spoon show an obvious affinity for songwriters doing-their-own-thing, though both of those examples have little in common besides their determined approach and tenure on the nebulous U.S. independent circuit. Rather than pander to weak minds who insist on new subgenres and prefabricated, PR-driven fantasy, we will insist that you figure this out for yourself.

The music biz' love of labels and 'movements' fails to acknowledge the ties that bind Bob Dylan, Television, Ut, The Wipers, Suicide, Can, Radio Birdman, Moving Targets, Arcwelder, the Kinks, Barbara Manning, Mission Of Burma, the Clean, ESG. 100 Flowers, V;, The Schramms, Teardrop Explodes, Richard Buckner, Antietam...we could go on all day. And no, post-punk does not actually exist. Some of the ties are more obvious than others, some are just within your own head. If a few of the above names aren't familiar, that's precisely the point - the way things are going, most artists of this caliber (obvious -generation-defining icons excepted) are likely to remain unknown/unsung/unpaid, with their sole hope of consolation being whatever association can be fashioned with a bogus scene or pathetic attempt at retro-ism. Let's nail ourselves to the most obvious historical precedents and hope the blood doesn't drip all over the place. Either that, or y'know, get Geoff Travis to manage the bands.

"Americana", anyone? Is there any coincidence that this can be turned into an anagram of "I MACE IRAN"?

"CREATIVE EXPRESSION IS A-OK"

This might all sound a bit rich coming from a label named after a Wire song (!), but that song and what it represents to us is more about a launching pad than any kind of musical definition. We could've just as easily cited a painter (the person who did our front lounge is very talented). So yeah, we like rhythm and blues. Urban and contemporary. Death and metal. And hip fucking hooray for that, but tying any artist (even 2 as brilliant as Spoon and Mr. Phelps) up in this mess does both them and the audience a massive disservice. Spoon and Joel/Downer Trio are coming from different corners of the rock universe. You are invited to explore those corners on your own.

Q: What's the deal with a London label releasing records by veteran U.S. independent acts?

A: There's no particularly affinity to nation or region - though one of the label's financial backers once lost his luggage in Austin, and spent a couple of years in Seattle one weekend. There's no real Montana connection, aside from the universal respect accorded to U.S. gridiron legend Joe Montana (who was in fact, from somewhere else). Aside from that sentimental crap, just a coincidence. Locally based artists are not excluded from consideration - if the Desperate Bicycles are looking to get back together, please have them get in touch.

Late '04 addendum : the label is now based in Austin, Texas. So never mind all of the above. Locally based artists are now excluded from consideration.

Q : Who owns 12XU?

A: 12XU is owned and managed by Gerard Cosloy.

Q : Is 12XU affiliated with another large, fearsome record label?

A: Yes. 12XU shares corporate offices, warehousing and production facilities with Parallelism (http://www.parallelism.com) another Austin-based independent devoted to confusing music without vocals (there is an actual section for this fast growing genre at HMV, believe it or not).

Q : How can my publication, radio station website or sewing circle obtain promotional copies of 12XU releases?

A: You can ask politely, but sending a sample of your work is the best thing to do. For example, journalists can send copies of their published efforts. Broadcasters can send us their most recent playlist. Sewing enthusiasts can send us jpegs of themselves naked (save for mittens they have knitted themselves). Be advised that we have a limited quantity of free stuff to throw around, as we prefer to sell records than give them away. So don't take it personally.

Q: I'm an unsigned artist. What's the best way of getting 12XU's mysterious owners to check out my material?

A : In the words of Dave Edmunds, I hear you knockin', but you can't come in. You are welcome to send whatever unsolicited materials you want to our Austin address, but we are under no obligation to review or respond. Persistent nagging via e-mail will result in an aerial attack on your homeland. Bombs away!

Q: What does "unsolicited" mean?

Is there an emoticon that looks kind of like a mushroom cloud?

Q : Is there any useful advice you can give to aspiring members of your artist roster? Is there some special musical criteria?

A : Ah, the age-old puzzler, "how can I be down?" Sorry to be so difficult about things, but giving out answers like that isn't very fair to the creative geniuses who have worked so hard to become part of 12XU's extended family. It isn't fair to our shareholders, either. It would be analogous to you walking into Kentucky Fried Chicken and demanding to see the Colonel's Secret Recipe. The Colonel isn't going to show you his Secret Recipe. Britt Daniel isn't sharing his Secret Recipe. Joel RL Phelps isn't gonna xerox his Secret Recipe. And if you ask us for the Secret Recipe, you'll get a drumstick right in the eye socket.

Q: is 12XU affiliated with Wire in some capacity?

A: No, unless you mean the time-honored relationship between visionary artists and sleazy entrepreneurs without an original idea to save their lives. Wire are the visionary artists, by the way.

The label name 12XU, is stolen without permission from Wire's composition of the same name, which can be found on their Pink Flag album. For more information about Wire, please visit Pink Flag.com (http://www.pinkflag.com).

Q : When did 12XU begin?

A: The autumn of 2000.

Q : Is the label looking for staff?

A: That depends. How much can you bench press?

Q : Why are most of your titles unavailable for sale to persons residing in the U.S. or Canada?

A : Most titles in our catalog are available from other labels in those countries; Chris Brokaw via Atavistic and Kimchee, Silkworm on Touch & Go, Spoon via Merge. Joel RL Phelps via Money Shot and Pacifico. If you are dying to own an identical pressing with an 12XU logo and the words "Made In England" on the back cover, it is time for you to address some serious issues in your life.

Q : Who distributes 12XU?

A: In the United Kingdom, 12XU is exclusively distributed by Vital. In Germany, our records can be obtained via Zomba GmbH (go Britney!), and in the Benelux, distributors don't get more deluxe than Konkurrent. 12XU's Spanish distributor is Popstock.
The wonderful company known as Tuba have seen fit to distribute 12XU music in Norway.

Most of our titles are not available for export to the United States due to existing contracts with US labels. For the few titles this does not apply to, US retailers can contact Revolver or Matador Direct. 12XU's Spoon titles that are unreleased in the US can also be purchased via Merge.

If you are interested in carrying our titles in a territory not listed above, please e-mail us at info@12xu.net.