Hello friends. It’s been a year full of surprises as well as a fun and interesting first year of existence for Invertebrata Records. We learned a lot through trial and error, put out two 10″ EPs by our dear friends in Photo-Curio and Vamplifier and we relocated to new digs. I’m excited about 2017 and have a few updates to share with you regarding recent goings-on and what we’ll be up to in the coming year.
First off, Vamplifier are currently working on a second 10″ EP follow up to Rogue Moon. The record doesn’t have a name yet but so far it’s taking the band into new musical
territory and, if everything goes well, we’ll be sharing it with you sometime in the first half of 2017. Vamplifier is also rounding out 2016 with a couple of Chicago shows at Quenchers and the Empty Bottle. Come out, show Scott, Jane and Chris some love and give 2016 the big kick in the ass that it deserves.
Second, I’m excited to announce that IR will be releasing the new solo record from Nathaniel Braddock entitled Quadrille & Collapse early in 2017. 
Nathaniel is currently based out of Boston (after a couple years spent in Sydney, Australia) but many of you will know him from his time as a fixture in the Chicago music scene both as a performer and as a teacher at the Old Town School of Folk Music. We’re super excited to be partnering with Nathaniel on this release, which will also be the first full length 12″ vinyl release on Invertebrata. Don’t worry, we’re not abandoning the 10″ format…sometimes you just have too much music and have to give yourself more room to stretch out.
Third, we’re happy to announce that we’re also going to be releasing an as-yet-untitled 10″ EP with Chicago-based band 
Phantom Works. Phantom Works has been around since 2008 and their last release at the end of 2015 was a great record called Stunrise. Guitarist Kris Poulin was invaluable in mastering the first two IR releases so you can imagine how thrilled we are to have a chance to return the favor and put out their next EP. Look for it in the early spring.
Lastly, IR has recently been involved in opening a new rehearsal space/recording studio in Chicago. Salt Lamp Studios 
is now the permanent home of Photo-Curio and a handful of other bands as well as a place to record small and medium-sized DIY projects on ridiculously thin budgets. We’re still hard at work getting everything set up and there will be more details after the first of the year but we’re looking forward to a productive and creative 2017 in the new space.
Well, that about covers it. We know 2016 was a challenging year for many people and in many ways but we’re going to put it behind us and look to future. In closing, we want to wish you, your friends and your family the happiest of holidays.
Rob