(DALLAS, November 2017, source: CultureHype) – Local artist-centric record label Hand Drawn Records is thrilled to announce two new signees, New Wave/alternative rock group Meach Pango and rock ’n rollers Shadows of Jets. The three-time Dallas Observer Music Award winners for “Best Label” are up for a fourth nomination at this year’s ceremony, taking place this Saturday, Dec. 2. After launching their manufacturing arm focused on vinyl records, Hand Drawn Pressing, the label continues to identify and create new opportunities for North Texas artists such as Cut Throat Finches, Brandon Callies and The American Revival, Screaming Thieves and Henry the Archer.
MEACH PANGO
New Hand Drawn artist, Meach Pango // Photo courtesy Meach Pango
“We are extremely excited about this group of guys;” says label founder, Dustin Blocker, “young and hungry, we think Meach Pango is going to make some waves in North Texas with their fresh take on straight-forward rock.”
Led by lead vocalist Alex Mackenzie, New Wave/alternative rock group Meach Pango consists of four additional band members Tony Coffman (lead guitar/backup vocals), Jorge Marquez (bass guitar), Jared Loftis (rhythm guitar) and Clayton Gaskamp (drums). Hailing from Saginaw, a suburb of Fort Worth, the group brings a new feel to a classic genre. On their debut record “Fresh Fruit,” originally self-released August 2017, they showcase lush classic progressions, aggressive but heart-felt vocals and an alternative edge on twelve indie rock anthems.
“We’ve come a long way from playing covers in our garage,” said Mackenzie. “We’re ecstatic to join Hand Drawn and take Meach to the next level.”
COVER ART: Debut LP, "Fresh Fruit" by Meach Pango
SHADOWS OF JETS
New Hand Drawn artist, Shadows of Jets (singer: Taylor Tastch pictured) // Photo courtesy BandStalkerFW
Shadows of Jets was formed by producer and multi-instrumentalist Taylor Tatsch (Luke Wade/ Maren Morris/Cut Throat Finches) in Colleyville before settling in Dripping Springs. After cutting his teeth at the late Bass Propulsion Laboratories, a local institution that closed its doors in 2012, Tatsch laid his foundation down at his own studio AudioStyles and rock band Shadows of Jets was born. The artist is no stranger to Hand Drawn Records and its artists, working with Fort Worth’s Un Chien and Sean Russell/Cut Throat Finches prior to his signing.
“We’re very excited about being a part of the Hand Drawn Records family,” said Tatsch. “They think about business in a new way and provide opportunities that artists otherwise would not have. Having a local, driven and innovative partner is going to be a very positive development for Shadows of Jets.”
The group released its most recent record “Going Up To Space” this September. Jets’ present lineup includes Taylor Young (The O’s) on drums, Michael Smith (Austin Allsup/Madison King) on guitar, Justin Pate and Kris Luther (Matt Tedder Trio) on bass guitar; however the cast routinely changes and includes Graham Smith, Mike Ratliff, Kenny Hollingsworth, and Brandon Lozano and Jared Shotwell (They Were Stars) on drums. The band’s most recent album lies somewhere “between the power-pop of Fountains of Wayne and grit-pop of Toad the Wet Sprocket, with plenty of chiming guitar chords that remind you of R.E.M.” (Fort Worth Weekly).
“Taylor has been a longtime friend, an excellent guitarist and an amazing record producer,” said Blocker, “and I’ve been a fan of his project Shadows of Jets for a few years, so very excited to officially make him part of the Hand Drawn family!”
COVER ART: New EP, "Going Up to Space" by Shadows of Jets
