First off, Congratulations to Andy and his wife Amy on the birth of their daughter Mira! At barely a month old she’s already learned all her chords and scales, majors and minors!
It has been a few months since KtS has last played, coincidentally along with the closing of the Southgate House. We are anxiously awaiting the announcement for the opening of their new venue, a new name has not yet been released but is undoubtedly in the works.
So, along with Spring comes new life and KtS is ready to get things rolling again. We have a few shows lined up this spring. Future road travels seem to be mapped out for the end of Summer. But in the meantime, keep an eye for a new recording we did back in November at Million Yen Studios, Chicago, with Jeff Dean(The Bomb, Noise by Numbers, Dead Ending) behind the board.

Here are some upcoming shows:

3/24 The Comet-Cincinnati, Oh
w/ New Third Worlds & The Newport Secret Six

5/18 The Chestnut House-Louisville, Ky
w/ Alcohol Party & Straight A’s, tba

5/19 The Avenue-Covington, Ky
w/ Alcohol Party & Straight A’s, tba

As always we’ll keep you posted on any new developments with shows and releases along with any news about our fellow label mates and friends.

Phratry Records is down to the last TWO copies of our “Dead Tongues” LP on vinyl. If you would like one, now’s the time to order. It is doubtful that there will be a repressing anytime soon.

Dead Tongues LP Vinyl Phratry Catalog

The Historic Southgate House-circa 2011

Earlier this week, The Historic Southgate House in Newport, Ky. announced it will be closing its doors and handing over the ownership at the end of the year. This was a shock to everyone in the music community as it played a huge roll for all music fans alike. Some of us got our start there, some of us have worked there but almost everyone has at least one fond memory that occurred there. Mine are to many to count, even the ridiculous load-ins up and down the stairs to the parlor had some funny moments. I think what makes this difficult is the abruptness of the closing. Some places just fade away, change owners, staff, even music styles. This place, though, for the past 30 years, is what I would consider the CBGB’s of our town. They accepted all kinds of music and gave everyone chance. From the sound guys, the bartenders and the staff(past and present), they have endured countless hours of artists perfecting their craft, night after night. That is what separates the SG house from any other venue. They didn’t cater to a particular crowd, scene or style of music which often is the death of so many venues. to me that is why it has stood the test of time.

Of course, a building is just a building unless its occupants invite you in and make you feel at home. Which, to me, is what the SG house did so well. There are places that make you feel like you walked in on a private social gathering or just threw vibes that you just didn’t belong. The people over the past 30 years(past and present employees alike) have made what it had become. Even it was made out of straw, had dirt floors and a single light bulb, it would still receive the recognition that it does. Not because its a 200 year old building but how the business model ran for so many years.

To The Jockey Club, Shorty’s, Sudsy’s, Ripley’s, Top Cat’s, The Madhatter and the Southgate House(the latter two being the most recent)just to name a few….your time and effort to bring people together and give musicians a chance to perfect their craft is always truly appreciated. The time it takes to run a business, manage a staff and maintain a building goes beyond just practicing one or two days a week to prepare for a 35 minute set. That is what I thank you for the most. Best of luck and we’ll see you soon!