Nathaniel Sutton featured in Beatroute Magazine!

Life remains busy for Edmonton entrepreneur, Nathaniel Sutton. In addition to being married and working a day job, he runs his own record label, Oak Apple Records, plays with Edmonton rockers Taking Medication, and is getting ready to release his third solo record.


“This record is different because it’s the first one that I wrote with just my acoustic guitar,” explains Sutton about his upcoming self-titled record. “My first record [Dramatic Scene] was more of a rock record and my second record [Starlite] was more of an experimental electronic record. Every record I did previously was as if there was a full band present. This record is the first where I recorded like I play live. I’m going back and spilling to the roots of where my music started.”


Sutton began playing music 15 years ago and spent a lot of time in cover bands. When he discovered this wasn’t quite his thing anymore, he moved on to writing solo material that he was eventually able to release through American label Engineer Records. His newest and upcoming album, which Sutton is putting out as a split release between Engineer Records and his own label, is a mix of new and old songs from over the years.


“A lot of the songs on this newest record are from like eight or nine years ago,” Sutton explains. “Songs like ‘Wingtech 3000,’ which is a song about technology keeping people from living life, and ‘In Perfect Time,’ which is a poppier love song, didn’t make it to my first release, but I revised and reworked them to be on my next album.”


Sutton’s newest sonic effort was recorded at Zounds of Sounds studio in Beaumont, Alta. Though Sutton produced the album, studio owner Dan Madee engineered and helped the album production by providing input and, in addition to the many other guest musicians, adding some guitar riffs to the record too.
“It was cool because I got to add new instruments to every song,” Sutton reports about the addition of local talent to the record, such as Francis Levesque on saxophone, Kayla Nickel on cello and Olivia Street on violin. “There’s also xylophone, flute and accordion on the record too. It was an interesting way to create an album.”


The official release date for Sutton’s self-titled release is June 7 and it will be available on the Oak Apple Records website. Sutton has also put together a CD release party on June 11 at Bohemia in Edmonton (10575 114 St.), where he will be giving away free copies of his newest sonic effort at the door. Also on the bill are Oak Apple Records artist Colin Close and fellow acoustic music maker Heard on the Radio.


“[Bohemia] is actually a venue that’s starting to get a name for itself,” Sutton furthers about his choice of venue. “It’s a nice, intimate, small venue, perfect for this kind of [acoustic] music and the parking’s great, too,” he says with a laugh.
Sutton’s busy lifestyle isn’t about to slow him down. He plans on playing more shows as a solo artist after the upcoming CD release, as well as keeping up his commitments with Taking Medication, who released their latest record on May 31 on Oak Apple Records.


“It’s a busy lifestyle, but I’ve managed to keep myself organized,” Sutton concludes. “The label’s starting to build a reputation. I’m not making money, but I’m also not losing money. And I love playing, I love recording. Music is my life and I’ll never stray from it.”
 

SNOBS MUSIC - Nathaniel Sutton Review.

Nathaniel Sutton: "Nathaniel Sutton" album review

Snobs Music

Do it yourself is nothing new music in this day and age.  Edmonton's Nathaniel Sutton takes it to a whole other level though on his forthcoming self-titled album though.  On the record, out June 7th, Sutton is a veritable one-man band, with not only drums, guitar, bass, but mandolin, xylophone, flute, piano, banjo, accordion, and much more.

Sutton isn't shy about his influences, and they come shining through on various songs.  The elegant acoustic opener, for example, radiates a Mark Kozelek aura.  Songs like "Bring It On (Godzilla)", "Groggy Morning", and "Master Disguise" are reminiscent of Lou Barlow, while the vocals on "Perfect Time" could easily be mistaken for Bob Mould.

The catchy "Zombies Are Everywhere", but it's only the penultimate track here.  The standout is the stunning "Nickel Or Dime", which boasts an impressive, almost aboriginal-inspired rhythm.

Sutton's songwriting itself is endearing.  His themes are lovably kooky, while his lyrics are idiosyncratic and delightful.

I had really no idea of what to expect when I first listened to Nathaniel Sutton.  After listening to it though, I have come away a fan.  My only quibble is that "Dirty Old Town" is not a cover.  It's a small thing, but I feel the need to complain about something on this otherwise fantastic record.

Best tracks: "Nickel Or Dime", "Zombies Are Everywhere"

8.0/10

Fresh Fruit - Volume Two (ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS)

ATTENTION ALL INDIE ARTISTS!


Oak Apple Records is now accepting submissions for Fresh Fruit - Volume Two! If you are an indie artist looking to gain exposure, email your EPK to oakapplerecords@hotmail.com

We accept all genres and consider every submission we receive. For more information you can visit www.oakapplerecords.com

Nathaniel Sutton - Self-titled REVIEW

Hailing from Edmonton Alberta, Canada, singer-songwriter Nathaniel Sutton began his musical life back in high school, followed by stints in cover bands, until he discovered his own poetic style and went solo, three releases ago. This new self-titled 14-song collection, the listener is struck from the get-go by a commanding vocal coming at you instantly, alongside solid acoustic strumming. 

The production values on this recording are high, and they just may cause you to float away like “an old, yet familiar dream”, before you realize there’s a Master of Disguise behind Track 2. You may also feel a slight sense of melancholia from this 27-yr old indie artist. However, there’s also light, and calmness, and air in that Dirty Old Town and for a Nickel or Dime, a kiss. “We can go out in the alley if you insist. I’ve never felt so dirty before, but I’ve never felt so good” 

With Francis Levesque on saxophone, Track 7 strikes a chord that makes this song, with its sense of urgency, a definite standout. Previous musical offerings had Mr Sutton  presenting himself as a one-man-band, but on this outing Kayla Nickel brings the cello to the forefront Like a Bullet, and the electic guitar of Dan Mabee appears on 3 songs, while he plays banjo on another. Olivia Street helps Bring it On with a dreamy violin, just before the atmospheric moodiness is brought to a luscious close. 

For more on Nathaniel Sutton, please visit... 
http://nathanielsutton.com 
http://www.engineerrecords.com 
http://www.oakapplerecords.com

- Lisa McDonald
Live Music Head

Spain Review (Fresh Fruit)

From Oak Apple Records comes a compilation of young and talented bands entitled "Fresh Fruit - Volume One". Much variation in content with bands such as Elevator Music with the anarchy of the early Sebadoh and Pavement. Fools Tongue have an epic air to Bruce Springsteen and The Gaslight Anthem and have a splendid organ. The Sky Life plethoric shown strength and grit and Hotel Of The Laughing Tree have  a progressive and powerful sound.

My Favorites are Taking Medication with their sound reflecting between Ween and Primus. Desert Boys approaches roots similar to Drive By Truckers while Fiction Smiles are a cross between ska and The Cure. Making A Monster is quite close to approaching the 90's era and Nirvana. Other bands include Zero Something, Raptors, The Shakedowns and Iamuse.

- Txema Maneru

The Key to Living a Long Life: "Fresh Fruit - Vol. 1"

For a healthy lifestyle and a long life, doctors encourage regular exercise and eating well. But what they don't tell you is to listen to "Fresh Fruit - Vol. 1". I guarantee (keep in mind that I don't have a medical degree) that you will keep this album spinning, it will keep you dancing and you will enjoy every moment of it! Sorry, but I can't guarantee the extension of life.

This compilation album from Oak Apple Records features multiple bands from Canada, US and Europe. Each song on "Fresh Fruit" has it's own special and unique ring. The album starts off with an incredibly catchy melodic tune called "All Alone On The Weekends" by Desert Boys, and these boys are the perfect band to kick start "Fresh Fruit". You can hear the love for music from these Baltimore boys and their energy and musicianship is undeniable.

Zero Something is another great band with a gem on this album. Their song "Never Will Know" just screams Nirvana and Weezer. The raspy vocals and palm muting are contrasted perfectly with the head banging chorus and overall great song. But the backbone of the record comes from Making a Monster and their song "The Long Road". The song brings back the love of the 90's and does so in a calm and vocally strong manner.

The other great bands featured on the compilation include Elevator Music, Fiction Smiles, Fools Tongue, Hotel of the Laughing Tree, Iamuse, Raptors, The Shakedowns, The Sky Life and Taking Medication.

"Fresh Fruit - Vol. 1" not only puts these very talented bands on the world map of music, it also allows for each band to make a very powerful statement through their very well crafted and catchy tunes. This album, and the bands, do no wrong!

- Vandala Concepts

Crunchy, Indie Goodness

Crunchy, Indie Goodness: Oak Apple Records’ Fresh Fruit Vol. 1 Compilation

Filed under: American Band Rock, Garage Rock by Benjamin C. Squires — 1 Comment

January 6, 2011

There’s a great compilation from Oak Apple Records called Fresh Fruit Vol. 1 featuring a swath of rock ‘n’ roll and a chance to check out this set of indie bands. Elevator Music (“The Rocketeer”) comes from skate punk’s pop core. The Shakedowns (“16 Years ‘Til Light”) lays out edgy rock for headnodding. There’s a bit of a jam groove to Fools Tongue’s American Band Rock styling on “Casting Shadows.”

Iamuse (“When She Ran From Me (Yeah)”) lands with 90’s indie rock complete with backbeat, organ, and a chorus that sounds like the Godfathers. The Sky Life (“Roots and Wings”) conjures up the Emo of Jimmy Eat World. Hotel of the Laughing Tree (“Arts ‘N Economics”) also works the 90’s sound, in this case hard rock meeting groove like a more rock version of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

The Raptors (“System”) have garage muscle informed by metal’s pulsations and a blues rock swagger. The Desert Boys (“All Alone on the Weekends”) send up harmonizing twang pop rock like Roger Clyne or the Alarm. Finally, Zero Something sounds as if coming out of P is Panda Records—chiming guitar on top of indie garage where melody and whine come together.

Oak Apple Records
Desert Boys
The Sky Life
Elevator Music
The Shakedowns
Fools Tongue
Iamuse
Hotel of the Laughing Tree
Zero Something

The Freshest Fruit Imaginable

Local musician Nathaniel Sutton started a label to put out his own stuff and now it’s branching out.

Published December 16, 2010  by Robin Schroffel in Music Preview

With two shows this weekend and a pair of new releases to go with them, fledgling local label Oak Apple Records has a lot on its plate.
“Every Oak Apple artist is going to be performing,” label founder Nathaniel Sutton says with pride.
Friday night, it’ll be Fear of Crime’s full-length in the spotlight, while on Saturday Oak Apple is unveiling the first in what Sutton envisions as a long series of compilations.
Titled Fresh Fruit Volume 1, the album features contributions from both local and international artists, meticulously curated by Sutton to cure genre-induced boredom.
“I just wanted to do something different,” he explains of his choice to include a broad spectrum of styles on the comp.  “I wanted a diverse compilation so we have some rock on there, we have some jazz aspects from Fools Tongue, and there’s some quirky rock happening with Taking Medication and there’s grunge with Making A Monster and ’90s revival-type band Zero Something. If you kind of spice it up a bit and add these different genres into the mix, it leaves you guessing what’s going to happen next on the album.”
It’s an esthetic that has also wormed its way into Sutton’s ultimate vision for his record label.
“My overall plan is, just as I did with the Fresh Fruit compilation, to try to get a roster full of different genres of bands. I would like to make each genre different, each band different and stand out,” he says.
For a project that started in early 2009 as a way to release his own sophomore album, Oak Apple Records has certainly grown: first, it stuck close to home, taking on Sutton’s other musical projects including Taking Medication and Making A Monster, along with Sutton’s sister, singer-songwriter Bailey Sutton. With the recent additions of Fear of Crime and The Shakedowns, and the compilation which includes groups from as far afield as Sweden, Oak Apple is finally beginning to ripen.
Not that an oak apple would ever actually ripen; it’s not even a fruit, just a disgusting oak-leaf mutation filled with a gooey wasp larvae centre.  But, grossness aside, the name does have a certain ring to it, which was what attracted Sutton to the term while browsing the Internet early in the label’s life.
“I was looking at different insects and one came up that said ‘oak apple gall wasp.’ I don’t know why but that name just stuck to me. Oak Apple Records, it just clicked with me,” he says.
So what’s in store for Oak Apple Records in the future? More Fresh Fruit, for one thing, but Sutton has even bigger ambitions.
“I want to make sure this stands out in history. I want to keep this series going. Right away I’ll start looking for new bands and start getting Volume 2 going in the next year, hopefully,” says Sutton. “I’m just an independent record label trying to make it. Right now I feel like I’m just a stepping stone for these bands but I want to be much more.”