Friday night, fledgling local label Thick Syrup takes a giant step for Arkansas music with the release of its “Arkansas Compilation,” a 24-track collection of some of the state’s most vibrant acts. Sticky Fingerz is hosting the first of three release shows with performances by San Antokyo, The Good Fear, Smoke Up Johnny and The Moving Front. That’s as strong of a rock ‘n ‘ roll line-up as you’ll find. For $7.
The comp also skews towards rock, but there are a few folk-y and experimental tracks, too. Here’s a rundown of those included: The American Princes, Clicking Beetle Bad Omen Band, The Contingencies, Isaac Alexander (of Big Silver and The Easys), Ho-Hum, Tel Aviv, Sugar and the Raw, Smoke Up Johnny, San Antokyo, The Good Fear, Kevin Kerby, Stacey Mackey, Les Attaques, An A+ Setup, Crisco Kids, Pants, Fits and Starts, Two Spines, Ben Nichols, The Moving Front, Sara Thomas, Bryan Frazier, and Justin Carr.
This has been a labor of love Thick Syrup head honcho Travis McElroy for almost a year now. He’s running the label, which also includes releases from Browningham and Fits and Starts, as a non-profit–all money made goes back to the artists. He’s just one of those dudes who genuinely cares about the music.
It ain’t hard to support somebody like that, especially with a compilation this good. Definitely the primer for local indie music.
There’s soon to be a website where you’ll be able to purchase the CD. Check back for that info and more on the forthcoming release parties.