On Saturday, November 9th, Santa Barbara’s only community-radio station, 91.9 KCSB-FM, will unveil the debut release of its new record label. That night at Del Pueblo Café, local indie-rock group Dante Elephante will celebrate their first-ever vinyl release, on KCSB Bank Burner Records. Timed to coincide with KCSB’s Annual Fund Drive (November 6th-15th, 2013), all proceeds generated at the event by these limited-edition 7-inch records will support the diverse programs of volunteer-run KCSB-FM.
Building on 50+ years of free-form, non-commercial radio, in late 2012 KCSB’s Executive Committee decided to create a label to provide exposure for the local music scene. Inspired by historic local events of the late ’60s and early ’70s – and KCSB’s controversial shutdown during that time – Bank Burner Records refers to the station’s leadership within the University of California (KCSB-FM is the UC’s first radio station) and its legacy of activism within our greater community. The label itself will foster the development of exciting and innovative local artists – linking the past and future of Santa Barbara.
Bank Burner Records expands on KCSB-FM’s commitment to provide outlets for area musicians, independent artists, and other voices looking to access the public airwaves. The label aims to further a spirit of creativity, cooperation, and collaboration within our local scene by releasing limited runs of vinyl pressings. Seed money for KCSB’s new label has come from general public support. Local artists will be provided with an allotment of records for their own use; they will also retain copyright of their recorded work. The remaining units will be available for donations made during KCSB’s yearly fund drive.
According to KCSB Program Director Dylan Chase, “We are pleased to showcase the creativity of Dante Elephante, a band with deep roots in our community.” Along with supporting the area music scene, KCSB’s label also highlights the longevity, quality, artistry, and dynamic range of vinyl recordings. Chase adds, “We are also excited about this project because it symbolically calls attention to KCSB-FM’s own library of records and CDs, as well as our historical archive – one of the largest collections of its kind between Los Angeles and San Francisco.”
Dante Elephante’s energetic performances and quirky surf rock-meets-pop sound have garnered the quartet significant attention. The 7-inch features tracks recorded at Goleta’s Orange Whip Studios: the A-side is “Never Trust a Junkie,” the B-side is called “Kogi.” Frontman Ruben Zarate says his band “is very excited to be the first artist on Bank Burner Records. As someone born and raised in Santa Barbara, and a long-time listener of KCSB, it’s an honor to be involved with this unique project.” The event’s opening acts will include I.V. foursome Sun Daes, who also have a surf-guitar twang, and Santa Rosa’s That Ghost, a band associated with chillwave, lo-fi acoustic pop, and freak-folk music.
Sets by KCSB DJs will keep the night moving, and begin at 830pm. Host to many concerts, art shows, and other performances over the years, Del Pueblo Café (5134 Hollister Avenue in the Magnolia Shopping Center) will provide a colorful and unique setting for this all-ages event.
KCSB Bank Burner Records Release Party/KCSB Fund-Drive Concert with Dante Elephante
Saturday, November 9th, 830pm
Del Pueblo Café (5134 Hollister Ave.)
Free, All-Ages Admission; Donations Encouraged.