Q: What's the best way to contact you?
A: You can e-mail us at xtruex@telus.net, send us a message on Myspace, give us a call/text at (780)292-2433, or go the snail mail route.
xTRUEx Records
c/o Nathan Meichel
11216 - 93 St
Edmonton, AB
T5G 1C1
Canada
Q: Are all of the bands on your label edge?
A: Not necessarily. Nathan is straight edge, but makes no claims on whether or not any of the bands are. That's up to them.
Q: What about veganism?
A: Pretty much same as above. Nathan is vegan, but doesn't keep tabs on whether or not all the bands on the label are.
Q: Are you Christian?
A: Me personally? Hell no. If any of the bands are, that's their own business.
(Just to clarify - you're not likely to see me put out records for "typical" Christian bands since I am staunchly pro-choice and gay-positive. Two things that the vast majority of Christians disagree with. But if a band just happens to have Christian members I'm not going to have a hissyfit over it unless they're preaching oppression and intolerance.)
Q: How do I get my band on xTRUEx Records?
A: Send us a demo. If we like it (and have money to put out something for you at the time) we'll get back in touch. If we hate it (or if we're broke... usually the latter) you probably won't hear from us. Contacts are at the top of this page.
Q: I want to book one of your bands for a show! How do I do that?
A: For the most part, all of the bands we deal with do their own booking. Contact them via their Myspace page with all the details and they'll get back to you.
Q: My band is planning on coming through Edmonton soon, will you put us on a show?
A: Possibly. It depends when you're coming. Send us an e-mail with all the details and we'll let you know if it's feasible. Even if we can't help, we'll try and give you the names of some other promoters who might be able to.
Q: Can I get a bunch of copies for my independent store/distro/label?
A: Absolutely! We take pride in doing our own distribution and give special rates on all of our releases to independent retailers. We're also open to trades! (By the way... this only applies to the stuff we release, not our distributed stock... you'll have to contact those labels directly if you want wholesale rates.)
Q: What records do you still have in special colours?
A: As of this update, we should still have colour versions of TRU001, TRU004, TRU007, TRU108, TRU009, TRU010, and TRU012.
Q: Are you ever planning on repressing [insert record here]?
A: Usually once we've sold out of something, we put it to rest. This may vary depending on the wishes of the bands, but so far we've just been putting them OOP and allowing free downloads of the mp3's.
Q: Which artists on your "roster" didn't work out? Are you ever going to plan on working with them again?
A: For one reason or another, the plans we had with the following bands didn't work out: Cowards, E-Town Beatdown, Plus Life, and Thru It All. Under the right circumstances, we'd be willing to work with any of those bands, but as of this update, shit just fell through the cracks for all of them in one way or another. You never know. Things might still work out eventually?
Q: Where else can I get your releases from?
A: You should be able to get our records from the following distros (as well as many more that I just don't have links for):
Q: How come your releases are cheaper on Interpunk and Very than from this site?
A: They're actually not. You'll notice two things: a) Interpunk and Very's prices are all in US dollars and the ones here are all in Canadian, and b) Interpunk/Very's prices don't include shipping whereas the ones on the site here do. So even though it might seem like you'll be getting our releases cheaper from our distributors your best bet is still to order them direct from us.
Q: Why even offer your stuff on Interpunk then?
A: Again, for two reasons: a) Interpunk sees a lot more traffic than this site, so people are more likely to see our releases and pick them up, and b) a lot of people out there don't trust sending money to small labels since so many will start up and then just fold within a year and never make good on their orders. Not to say that we're like that, but we certainly understand how more cautious individuals are wary of being "burned".
Q: Do you have a street team?
A: Not so much anymore. I tried organizing stuff, but the response was limited at best. If you like what we do, feel free to spread the word, but there isn't an "official" street team anymore.
Q: Doesn't having a street team mean you've sold out?
A: Fuck you.
...Okay, but no, seriously... this is not some mega label with a huge advertising budget that brainwashes people into liking our stuff. Our "street team" is some random kids who already like what we're putting out and would probably tell their friends about it anyway.
Q: Why don't you press more CD's or carry more CD titles in your distro?
A: To be totally honest, I just find it way too easy. Any chucklehead can release a compact disc in this day and age. Releasing vinyl is more satisfying for me personally (plus it looks and sounds better).
...And the next part I know is going to make me sound like a crazy elitest: but if you honestly love hardcore and punkrock, you OWE it to yourself to buy a record player. Too much good stuff is released solely on vinyl to ignore it. If you're truly willing to dig deep, I think you'll find that vinyl simply has more substance than a CD and it makes you appreciate the effort that much more.
Q: How can I pay for stuff I want?
A: All of our own releases should have Paypal buttons next to them that you can click. That's probably the simplest way. If you want to pay by any other method, e-mail us first. We do accept payment by money order (MADE OUT TO NATHAN MEICHEL!!! If it's made out to any other name we can't cash it and you won't get your records) or well-concealed cash as well. If you want to combine an order of our releases and some distro stock but still want to pay with Paypal, get in touch and we'll walk you through it. Same if you live outside of North America. Shipping rates are a bit higher, so we have to do each order by individual quote.
Q: Who's that adorable little dude modelling your red and yellow t-shirts?
A: That's my son Jonas. He's cute as a button, but loud as an excavation site. It's only a matter of time until he starts a band of his own... probably singing or drumming. He likes to scream and hit things.