Light Organ Records

Vancouver-based, Canadian label Light Organ Records is a beautiful experiment. It’s what happens when vision is multiplied by applied effort, forward thought, and risk. Summed up perfectly by its founder, Jonathan Simkin, “It’s a great time to be an indie label right now. I walk into the office every day, it’s like the Wild Wild West now. There’s no rules anymore.”

Nor should there be. You don’t need to abide by any rules when you’re sitting on a roster brimming with more talent than a dinner party at Johnny Carson’s. From the dreamy chords of Louise Burns, to the electrifying musical instincts of Adaline, or the warm songs of Sun Wizard, Light Organ (although comparatively and admittedly fresh) hasn’t missed yet and doesn’t look like it’s about to. The label is appropriately youthful, from the staff to the artists, because that’s who records have traditionally belonged to, and since 2010 Light Organ has stayed true to its original ideals of signing and presenting the best in raw, west coast pop. Beginning with its flagship release of the Our First Christmas compilation, the label has worked with the growing roster of artists to create a watermark for burgeoning success, and this year with new releases expected from The Zolas, We Need Surgery, Mode Moderne and others, Light Organ Records appears set to find an even higher water level.