Lighten Up Sounds

06/04/2025

Hey friends, sorry for the quiet spell.

For those just tuning in: Lighten Up Sounds has been a one-person labor of love since 2008. What started as weird noise tapes for basement show merch tables has grown into 16+ years of championing music that feels crucial, even when the world wasn’t totally ready to listen.

I’ll be honest, I’ve stepped back from the endless scroll to focus on what actually matters. The label keeps evolving, but it’s still just me () working to get this music into your hands. I’ve cut down the distro side (now mostly the amazing catalog) to stay hyper-focused on releasing new music that feels important.

I’ve been deep in making my own music as Hiram, but there are some very special label releases taking shape. Can’t share details yet, but it’s been worth the silence.

The current catalog speaks for itself: Andreas Brandal’s haunting soundscapes, Thomas Boettner’s explosive compositions, and Günter Schlienz’s gauzy electronics. All three cassettes are marked down to $8 each at the Bandcamp shop while supplies last.

If you’re still here after this radio silence, thank you. There’s a real human behind this account who genuinely appreciates you sticking around.

Stay tuned. More wild new sounds coming soon. 📼

11/22/2024

Thanks to James Toth for listing "Kurpark" in his 2024 favorites. We're in great company here, check the list! 😎

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11/08/2024

We’re so happy and thankful to be featured on the new Tape Label Report! Thanks to Jude Noel for making it happen. They asked a few interesting questions about the early history and process of the label, which is fun looking back on.

Lighten Up Sounds doesn’t usually connect the dots to the person behind the curtain, so to speak, but the label has always been a personal one-man operation.

Check out the full article at the link upstairs, with insights into some of the early influences and evolution of the label. It’s a great acknowledgement, and we’re in prime company alongside the amazing +++ Feeling grateful for this light shown onto our weird little corner of the universe. 🙏🩵

10/23/2024

Thanks to Reviler.org for the kind words! 🙏🧡🩷

"...seems to transcend time and place, bringing technicolor warmth and joy"

In my experience local label Lighten Up Sounds creates music on the more dark and ominous side of the spectrum, but their latest release couldn’t be more sunny and joyous. The tape, Kurpark b…