SEP. 28
Wake Up Mordecai plays again this Friday Sep. 30 in Dayton at Blind Bob's. We get to share the night with the great Okay Lindon and the vastly underappreciated Josh Osinkosky, who plays in Place Position.

SEP. 3
The Dayton Music Fest is next weekend. Wake Up Mordecai plays at the legendary Canal Street on Friday September 9. They are going to play a bunch of new songs written for the next album. Kris plays the next night as part of Fathers Day. They play The Trolley Stop on Saturday September 10. Get more details on both shows by clicking here.

JUN. 28
The new album from Kris N. is available now. It's not Supine Sailor, the album we have recorded on and off again over the last two years. Instead it's Heart Scarf, a much more urgent album written in response to happenings in Kris's life over the last year. It's been a tough time lately for Poptekians if you haven't noticed. You can download Heart Scarf freely in the Poptek Shop or if you would like to financially support us, buy it from iTunes, eMusic, Napster, or any of your favorite digital stores.

DEC. 18
I apologize for Poptek being so quiet lately. I, Andy Ingram, have been recovering from what now has been diagnosed as West Nile Virus that I came down with at the end of September. It's gone now but there has been more healing to let take its course. Needless to say my energy and creativity in running the label has been lacking as I still heal. Of course this isn't the first time life has not fit well alongside rock/n/roll and it won't be the last. We are not going away though. Pop songs are too beautiful to give up on so despite some recent show cancellations (one our fault, one another band's van's fault) we still have a lot of songs and ideas to share from the Poptek tribe.

So it's about time for an update. Kris N. is playing a lot of shows as Father's Day, his collaboration with Joe Anderl. They play Dec. 23 at the always fun Holidayton. The next Kris N. recording, Supine Sailor, still has more work to go before Kris is satisfied but it shall be released. Some day. L'Albatros has the songs, now they just need to record their debut album. 2011 is stacking up to be full of releases. Hopefully XL427 and Wake Up Mordecai will be over their writer's block soon. And finally after a needed break, Ruetschle is back mixing and finalizing their next project, Color Theory.

NOV. 9
Kris N. has been invited to play at the wonderful Sunrise Cafe in Yellow Springs/ OH. We play this Friday Nov. 12. Sunrise Cafe is one of our favorite local-centric and organic restaurants around Dayton so it is an honor to be invited for their new music series. The details are over on our Dates page.

NOV. 6
We added some details to the Dates page concerning some upcoming shows at South Park Tavern in Dayton. XL427 and Father's Day play there on Thanksgiving Eve (Nov. 24). Wake Up Mordecai plays there on Dec. 10. The line-ups look to be good and the greatness of South Park is the Pizza Factory food and the all-ages freedom. We hope to see you there.

OCT. 12
Thanks to everyone who came out to the Dayton Music Fest to support local music as well as Wake Up Mordecai and Father's Day. Poptek was stricken with some sickness recently, of which I (Andy) am mostly recovered. To celebrate health and other things, we are giving away the belated and often talked about re-release of the debut Ruetschle record Self-Titled Rock LP . Yes, we are finally holding to our word. Click on the title to go download. The year was 2001 but we think the songs still hold up well.

We also want you to freely take home the debut album from the newest addition to Poptek. Hangover, Ohio is a long-distance collaboration between Dayton's Kris Neises and Milwaukee artist Nick Satinover. Common Measure is the album. Instruments by Nick, vocals by Kris. It's mathy and catchy.

SEP. 18
Wake Up Mordecai and Father's Day have been selected to play the Dayton Music Fest. It's our annual local showcase and will be the first time both will be included. Morti and friends play a free, all-ages, early show before the rest of the Fest kicks off that night. They play at 1 PM. Kris N. and Joe A. (Father's Day) play right after. Come over to the lovely Garden Station on October 2 to take part in the celebration of Dayton-made music. Jesse Remnant + the Trainwrecks also play.

We are helping organize and play a benefit to provide tuition for immigrant children to attend Dominion Academy of Dayton. That's the school Andy Ingram used to teach design at. This benefit will take place on Friday October 22 in Springfield/ OH. Keep an eye on the Dates page for details.

AUG. 22
Thank you, thank you to all of you who came out and made our second edition of Communivale a great day of friendship and pop songs. The music was great, the rainy forecast was wrong, and we met some new fans. If you want more check out Wake Up Mordecai this Friday as they open up for The Wooden Birds (Barsuk Records) and Dan Mangan. The show is August 27 at South Park Tavern in Dayton.

AUG.21
Happy Communivale. Even if it does rain, we'll still be pop rocking the day away. We'll just move the music from the beautiful shade under the tree to the woodshop barn. It will be cozy and punk rock. Sacred Spirits did have to withdraw though, so know that.

JUL. 31
Only three weeks remain until Communivale, our little personal music fest. Space is limited so if you want to join us for our favorite day of the year you need to contact us to get directions. Here's the schedule for Saturday August 21: Seth Benjamin/ 4:00-4:30, Father's Day, The 1984 NFL Draft, Kris N./ 4:50-5:20, Wake Up Mordecai/ 5:30-6:05, My Father was a Wanderin Aramean/ 6:10-6:30, Sacred Spirits/ 6:45-7:15, City of Invention/ 7:35-8:05, L'Albatros/ 8:20-8:50, Said Fantasy/ 9:05-9:45, Jesse Remnant + the Trainwrecks/ 10:00-10:35, XL427/ 10:50-11:20.

JUL. 15
The line-up for Communivale is set for Saturday Aug. 21. I am sure we are biased but this is going to be the best event of the year. We have Ronnie Martin's (Joy Electric) new band Said Fantasy debuting. We have Sacred Spirits, which contains a former Pomegranate. Poptek bands Kris N., L'Albatros, Wake Up Mordecai, and XL427 are hosting. City of Invention are coming in from Kent. Jesse Remnant + the Trainwrecks are joining us again. There are even more artists beyond that. And it's free, and friendly. This is invite only though (we only have so much space) so hit us up if you want to join us.

We can't fail to mention how wonderful an experience it was to share a show with Love of Everything. They are so great. While there we met Justin who runs The Atlas and the Anchor blog. Go check out his new review of Kris N.'s Lo-Fi Movement.

JUN. 29
Anticipation for the Independence Day weekend has to be high. Don't forget that the Thursday after, July 8, there is a show you just must attend. Love of Everything will be in from Chicago to play Dayton. Kris N. will be playing right before one of his musical heroes. Brandon Hawk and Vox Humana, from Buffalo, will fill out the bill. For a Thursday night, or any night, that will be a good pop show.

JUN. 8
We've confirmed two upcoming shows that involve Kris N. First up, on Friday June 18 in Dayton, Kris N. is joined by the wonderfully dreamy Enlou, our friends The Sexy Accident from Kansas City, and local songsmith Wes Tirey. Then on Thursday July 8 Kris N. gets to share a show with one of Kris's favorites, Love of Everything. Brandon Hawk and Vox Humana are also playing. Love of Everything have a great new record out now on Polyvinyl. Check all the show details here.

MAY 17
Thank you New York for being fine hosts to Kris N. and Wake Up Mordecai.

MAY 12
Some of us from Poptek are on our way to New York. Kris N. and Wake Up Mordecai play Thursday May 13 in Brooklyn with our friend Jimmy Ohio and some others. The details are here. See you there? To celebrate we are giving away exclusive songs from Kris N. and Wake Up Mordecai. Just sign up for the free Poptek Song Club above and those and many other songs will be yours.

Also you can re-watch the debut of L'Albatros as well as Kris N.'s recent performance on WPTK by going there.

MAY 6
Click on our WPTK page tomorrow night (Fri. May 7) to check out two performances we will be broadcasting live from the Poptek house. At 8PM EST you can see our newest addition to the Poptek family, L'Albatros. A little Red House Painters, a little Andrew Bird, and a lot of Greek guilt describe L'Albatros, the songs of Christopher Palassis backed by a couple of Poptek mainstays. Kris N. plays at 9PM EST and may include some new songs that only five people have heard so far.

MAR. 30
Wake Up Mordecai are playing an all-ages weekday show this Thursday April 1 at South Park Tavern in Dayton. Yes it is a tavern and yes it is all-ages. For those of you who have Good Friday off this is practically a weekend show so come on out.

Thanks to everyone who came out last Friday to make the XL427 show so enjoyable.

MAR. 18
More show details are in the Dates page. Wake Up Mordecai is playing a house show in Dayton on Saturday. If you want to come ask us how. In other news, the drum tracks are all finished for the next Kris N. record, Supine Sailor. Next come the guitars, then the vocals, and then the cello. In other other news, it looks like Wake Up Mordecai may be doubling from a duo to a quartet.

MAR. 6
We're coming out of our winter slumber with an ever-increasing amount of opportunities to catch our melodies in person. That basically means we are booking shows and updating our Dates page. Check out some times and come meet us. We really love people. XL427 plas a hometown Dayton show on March 26. For those of you in the Eastern part of the States, Kris N. and Wake Up Mordecai will be coming your way in May.

JAN. 30
For those of you who turned in to WPTK last night, we apologize for the audio problems we were having. As this was only our second broadcast, anytime we try to stream from a new location it does become an experiment. Last night's experiment spilled over the beaker a bit. We learn from our mistakes though and wil make future broadcasts as good of an experience as we hope our live shows are in person.

JAN. 26
Tune in to WPTK on Friday January 29 to watch Kris N., Wake Up Mordecai, and Jill Potter play live. The web broadcast starts at 7:30PM.

JAN. 19
Here is an update on upcoming opportunities for you to check out some of the Poptek bands in person, on-air, or online. Kris N. is playing Wednesday at the Ohio Coffee Co. in Dayton. On that same night you can hear Wake Up Mordecai play solo and in-studio at Bearcast Radio. Listen in at 10PM EST. XL427 plays Friday January 22 in Springfield. Wake Up Mordecai and Kris N. both play a week after that for a show that will be video streamed online at WPTK. Check Dates for more information.

Thanks for everyone who came out to see Ruetschle at Canal Street Tavern last Saturday. It was a fun show with friends and also because of the fact that our first show with Johnny Callon on synth went well. The quartet played a bunch of new songs from the upcoming Color Theory. The album is stuck in the almost done phase but we think it will be worth the wait.

Lastly we wish a cherished farewell to the Dayton Dirt Collective. The DIY venue was the home to our monthly "Poptek presents" showcases but it unfortunately closed this week. It made it almost two years in Dayton and Forbes knows that is an eternity in depressed-small-town-business years. We'll just have to hold on to the memories of some great pop shows that took place on those dusty wood floors and know that there will be more to come in other venues.

JAN. 1
If you need anything more to do this New Year's weekend, Poptek presents another show in Dayton/ OH at the Dayton Dirt Collective. Wake Up Mordecai, the drummer from Enlou (Bear (The Ghost)) his friends from CO- Paean and Sour Boy Bitter Girl, and The Capital all play Sunday night Jan. 3. The show starts early at 7:30PM and is all-ages. Check out the Dates page for details.

DEC. 22
We are pleased that so many of our Poptek Recs were chosen by the Dayton Daily News as some of the best local albums to be released in 2009. We obviously agree. Wake Up Mordecai's Too Young for the Disco was ranked the #8 full-length. Yesterdays Forever by XL427 was the #1 EP. Kris N.'s Lo-Fi Movement even got a special mention but was left out of the rankings. Read the article for yourself at the Dayton Daily's web site.

If you are around Dayton this Christmas do come by HoliDayton happening at Blind Bob's on Saturday Dec. 26. Curated by Mark and Joe from The Story Changes and The 1984 NFL Draft respectively, this show is always one of the best of the year. Ten bands are playing. Kris N. plays at 9:15PM.

We also updated the Dates page of poptek.com. Peruse and plan to check out our bands in person.

DEC. 8
"Hey God", here's another "Kris N. Song of the Week". And for those of you who are not omnipresent and missed the Wake Up Mordecai show on WPTK, rewatch on our experimental video channel.

NOV. 28
Tune in tonight as we run a little Poptek experiment on WPTK. Wake Up Mordecai will be playing live and video streaming online at 6:30 PM EST.

NOV. 17
Today we release another "Kris N. Song of the Week" to the legal downloading few. Enjoy "Half Full and Refilling".

NOV. 12
The first two drums tracks for the re-recording of Supine Sailor are done. We are already excited for how it's going to turn out. You can follow the recording process at the Poptek Twitter. We are also going to video stream some of the upcoming sessions over at WPTK. Stay tuned for that. We also unveil another "Kris N. Song of the Week", the young and brash "Marlon Brando". We hope to have some big news to announce soon as well as a lot of new features at poptek.com. How's that for a cliffhanger?

OCT. 22
I know we have been quiet recently. There are just some times when there's nothing to be said. Silence can be wonderful but that time has passed and so we return with another "Kris N. Song of the Week" and some news. "3-D Glasses" is a brand new song from Kris N. which you can download here for nothing. Speaking of Kris N. the frequent duo have started to re-record their next release, Supine Sailor. There is a version of this album that has been finished for over a year that will someday be released. There is such a difference in how the duo sound live compared to the usual solo kitchen recordings that Kris wants an album to reflect that. For any of you who are lo-fi purists, don't worry, it will still sound like a wind tunnel. The recordings are just moving from the kitchen to the living room with more drums, synths, and vocals. You can follow the recording progress on the Poptek Twitter.

Kris N. played live, in-studio a few weeks ago during "Kaleidoscope" which airs every Wednesday night on WYSO. You can re-listen to it here.

We haven't had much news concerning Ruetschle recently yet that should change as the band near towards the completion and release of their fourth full-length album, Color Theory. Drums, guitars, bass, and percussion are done on most of the songs. Vocals still need to be added as well as one other song.

OCT. 7
Listen in to WYSO tonight around 9PM as Kris N. plays some songs, we talk about all things Poptek, and the staion offers some special Poptek CD packages as part of their pledge drive. You can tune in locally to 91.3 FM or online at wyso.org.

Poptek presents another show at the Dayton Dirt Collective this Saturday October 10. Wake Up Mordecai, Enlou, and The Tiger and the Duke are playing as well as a rare U.S. appearance from Poptek's newest artist, Las Golondrinas, from Barcelona, Cataluna, Espana. These shows are all-ages.

Finally for today, many of the posters designed and printed by magneticFLUX over the last year are on display as part of Poster-Tastic 2. This rock show poster show is happening during October at DeRailed Hair Salon in Dayton/ OH.

SEP. 26
poptek.com has been relatively silent the last couple of weeks as we planned for and then basked in the beauty of Communivale. The music was spectacular, the people were gracious and friendly, and the food was delicious so we are going to do it again net year. Thanks to everyone who shared in the joy with us.

Next up is the Dayton Music Fest on October 3 (XL427 and Kris N. play), the re-recording of Kris N.'s Supine Sailor, the release of Ruetschle's Color Theory, and more and more shows.

SEP. 12
We would like to say "boo" to the Dayton Daily News for cancelling Kris N.'s local music blog. That is all we will say about that. Rumors are floating around that Kris may re-open his Dayton music blog at poptek.com. We'll figure it out and keep you posted. With that bit of sadness, we counter with a joyful "Kris N. Song of the Week". "The Wake Up Mordecai Show" is an envious celebration of the loyal and ridiculous fans who attend every Wake Up Mordecai show. Show up this Saturday at the Dayton Dirt Collective or next Saturday for Communivale and you can witness the spectacle yourself.

SEP. 7
Some of us just got back from a great weekend camping out, conversing, and playing at Gratis Fest. So if you have been wondering why poptek.com has been static, that is the reason we are sticking with. We are back now and gearing up for Communivale in less than two weeks. We have updated the Dates section of the site. Wake Up Mordecai has been added to the release party for The Tiger and the Duke. The Kris N. show at The Southgate House has been cancelled. Both Kris N. and XL427 are playing the Dayton Music Fest. Getting back to Communivale, we are about to release the schedule of great bands. If you want to join us for our musical picnic on September 19, email us. We are intentionally being secretive with the location as we are trying to keep this small and intimate.

AUG. 28
"Overeasy and Facing Winter" is the new "Kris N. Song of the Week".

Also, XL427 has landed in Los Angeles ahead of the show Saturday. It will be a solo set so only one member made the flight. Do come out to Welcome Cafe on the PCH in Redondo Beach on August 29 if you are one of the millions in the LA area.

AUG. 22
The "Kris N. Song of the Week" keeps going, this time with "Pop Song" as the free, exclusive download.

AUG. 13
"Butter Rum Goodbye" is the next weird little ditty to make it as the "Kris N. Song of the Week". The duo play tomorrow in Dayton if you want to hear the songs in a totally new way.

If you missed Wake Up Mordecai playing in-studio on WYSO, the performance has been recorded and posted at WYSO.org Listen or re-listen to it and enjoy the memories. Thanks Juiet for having us on "Kaleidoscope". Click on WYSO to find the stream.

AUG. 11
We added some new shows to the Dates page. Those include the upcoming "Poptek presents" showcase on Friday August 14 at the Dayton Dirt Collective. Kris N., Lima Research Society, Me & Mountains, and Justin Satinover will take part. The day after that Wake Up Mordecai plays with Enlou, also at the Dayton Dirt Collective. Wake Up Mordecai has been invited to play at Gratis Fest. Kris N. is playing the historical Southgate House. XL427 is playing LA this month and has also been invited to play the Dayton Music Fest.

AUG. 7
There's so much to talk about today. "Music Journalism" is the new "Kris N. Song of the Week". It's a live favorite. Wake Up Mordecai has been invited to play in-studio at WYSO. That happens Wednesday August 12 sometime during"Kaleidoscope" which runs 8-11PM. You can listen in Dayton at 91.3 FM on your radio or online at wyso.org. Both Kris N. (Friday August 14) and Wake Up Mordecai (Saturday August 15) play shows next weekend at the Dayton Dirt Collective.

Most exciting is that the details for Communivale are coming together. This will be our somewhat secret, friendly and intimate musical picnic taking place in Yellow Springs/ OH. The date is Saturday September 19. The cost is free. So far the line-up includes the necessary Poptek bands XL427, Kris N., and Wake Up Mordecai as well as our friends Enlou, Jesse Remnant + the Trainwrecks, The 1984 NFL Draft, William the Accountant and more. Space will be limited so if you want to come you must ask one of the bands for directions or contact us here at Poptek. It's going to be wonderful fun.

JUL. 28
We have a lot of news to mention briefly. "Note to Self" is the next "Kris N. Song of the Week". Wake Up Mordecai plays a special solo library show tomorrow in Vandalia/ OH. XL427 is playing LA in a few weeks. And plans for Communivale are coming together. This is going to be our friendly musical picnic taking place in Yellow Springs/ OH on September 19. More details will come later though this is going to be rather small and private so if you are longing to come, keep track of our announcements and then contact us.

JUL. 22
"Mt. Olympus" is the new "Kris N. Song of the Week". Download it by clicking on the song title.

JUL. 15
The "Kris N. Song fo the Week" is back. Download "Broken Heart Caulking Gun" now and again expect free, exclusive songs each Tuesday.

JUL. 8
"Poptek presents" is our monthly showcase being held at the Dayton Dirt Collective. Another one happens Friday July 10 featuring Wake Up Mordecai and XL427. Okay Lindon (from Middletown/ OH) and Jose Diaz (moving from Philadelphia to Seattle) join the line-up. Check Dates for more info. Wake Up Mordecai also plays Saturday July 11 in Cincinnati.

JUN. 23
The two latest releases from Poptek, Wake Up Mordecai's Too Young for the Disco and Lo-Fi Movement by Kris N. are now available from iTunes if that is your prefered way to buy music.

Also, the Wake Up Mordecai boys are touring around Germany. Unfortunately they aren't playing any shows, just visiting friends and family. If you want to keep up with the fun, follow along at Wake Up Mordecai's blog and at Poptek's Twitter.

JUN. 11
We would like to declare this weekend an official "Poptek Weekend" as most all our bands are playing at some point. On Saturday, Ruetschle comes out of their recording-induced hibernation to play at the Independent Music & Arts Festival in Indianapolis. The fest starts at 11AM, is free, and runs all day. Ruetschle plays at 1:55PM. Later on, back in Dayton, Wake Up Mordecai will play a show with his friends Funk the Police. That's at 7 or 8. Then Kris N. plays the "Not Much More than Awesome Fest" in downtown Dayton. They play at 8 or 9. Finally on Sunday night, XL427 will play a solo set in Springfield at the Springfield Vineyard. That's at 8:30. Check the Poptek Dates for all the information.

JUN. 4
Wake Up Mordecai is playing a somewhat secretive house show/ cookout in Dayton on June 5 with a wonderful trio who goes by the name of State School. Email us if you want some info and we'll see what we can do.

JUN. 2
We are hosting our third "Poptek presents" monthly showcase. This Saturday June 6, Kris N. is playing at the Dayton Dirt Collective. We are excited to also welcome in The Tiger and the Duke as well as the wonderful Matthew Shelton. Check Poptek Dates for more information.

MAY 29
The second album and first full-length from Wake Up Mordecai is out now. A great crowd witnessed the new songs played live during the record release show and now Too Young for the Disco is available in the Poptek Shop for everyone else. The disc + digital combo is just $5 while we are giving away the digital version for absolutely nothing. We are very proud of the childish melodies Johnny Callon has crafted and we hope everyone else will enjoy them as well.

In other news, XL427 has been invited at the last moment to open up for Shrug in Dayton. This will be a solo set and takes place tonight at the Trolley Stop.

MAY 20
We have a little labelmate on labelmate action for everyone. Kris N. writes a massive amount of songs and he also writes a massive amount of words. Kris runs the local music blog at daytondailynews.com and so he got together with Wake Up Mordecai to talk about Too Young for the Disco. Read about it here.

MAY 19
Too Young for the Disco, the new full-length from Wake Up Mordecai releases on Saturday. The Buddha Den has posted a little preview of the show and album. We are also pleased to post two songs for you to preview. Feel free to download "Disco = Crack" and "Cowboys and Indians".

MAY 16
The May Poptek Song Club newsletter went out today. If you are interested in up-to-date news and even more free songs then sign up at the form above.

MAY 9
Some of you may be wondering where this week's "Kris N. Song of the Week" is. It's supposed to come out on Tuesdays, sometimes Wednesdays, with a few Fridays thrown in. Well, we have decided to take a break from the "Song of the Week" until June. Kris N. has a new record out and we want to direct attention towards that. Lo-Fi Movement is a really good and consistently sloppy and poppy album. Those of us who make up Poptek are very proud of it. Additionally the new Wake Up Mordecai album releases in two weeks. Again, we think these new recordings are good and deserve our time right now. The "Kris N. Song of the Week" will return in June to lead into the quick release of his next album Supine Sailor. In the meantime, please pick up one of Kris' records, the new one or his debut The Burning Down Belmont EP. If you are broke, take one of the many previously posted "Kris N. Songs of the Week". There are surely more good and free songs to come though.

MAY 1
The new "Kris N. Song of the Week" is a cover of our friend Joe Anderl. Joe was voted the second nicest person in Dayton by the staff of our beloved Gem City Records. We aren't bragging but the one they voted as the nicest happens to run a certain record label that you just might happen to be reading about right now. Joe Anderl, whether solo or with his band, The 1984 NFL Draft, has released album after album of good introspective folk rock. He really knows how to turn a phrase and put words to the human experience. "Moons Over Miller Lite" is from the album I Love Joe Anderl and is Kris's ode to Joe. It is free and available now.

APR. 26
The second album from Kris N., entitled Lo-Fi Movement, is now available for sale in the Poptek Shop. The digital version as well as the disc + digital combo are available at very affordable prices. We are very proud to unveil what we think is a great and thorough pop record. It may not sound like the typical radio ditty but the songs are there and are catchier than anything Clear Channel pushes on its listeners. For those of you who have not heard Kris N. before, feel free to grab one of the previews from Kris's two albums. And of course we offer the many free "Songs of the Week" too.

APR. 22
There is just one more day before Kris N.'s Lo-Fi Movement is released. We will celebrate with another "Kris N. Song of the Week". "Bear" has nothing to do with the upcoming album but it is a brand new song that is not slated to go on any record. Like usual, that means it is free and exclusive from Kris and Poptek Recs. Enjoy.

APR. 17
There is a slew of press for Kris N. hitting right now. With just one week to go before the release, Kris N. is streaming his second album over at MySpace. Listen to the glory of Lo-Fi Movement in its entirety.

Also, DonThrasher wrote a great article about Kris N. and his new record for the Dayton Daily News. Read it in print by picking up the April 17 edition or read it online at Active Dayton.

Last but not whatever, we released a cool little song to the Poptek Song Club in March. It was Kris N. covering the new single from Animal Collective, "My Girls". While the "Song of the Month" is exclusive to the Poptek SC mailing list subscribers, The Buddha Den liked it so much they asked if they could spread it around a little more. Kris, Poptek and Animal Collective's management all gave it our blessing so everyone now can go get it from The Buddha Den. Or you can sign up with the Poptek Song Club at the link above for that and many more free songs.

APR. 14
It is time for another "Kris N. Song of the Week". We predicted that Kris would be ashamed of the old song we posted last week. We were right and so Kris recorded a brand new song to make up for it. This song is called "Something" and is available for everyone to share now.

APR. 7
This week's "Kris N. Song of the Week" is an old and obviously unreleased track from when Kris was all "emo". Kris will undoubtedly be embarrassed that this song became public but he is embarrassed by everything so we don't really care anymore. It is a nice chorus and that is why Poptek is sharing it now. "Sailboat" is another song from the Best Kisser days and is free to be downloaded.

APR. 4
Poptek would like to belatedly say "hello, eh" to our fans and customers in Canada and the U.K. We love your superior and cutting sense of humor. If you happen to be coming to us from Deutschland, then we admire your stoicism instead. Thank you for searching out American music despite your horrifying experience with David Hasselhoff.

If you did not know, Rogers Wireless and iTunes Europe are two of the many digital stores from which you can purchase our releases. Here's a complete list of our digital retailers if you need to know where to shop: iTunes U.S., Amazon MP3, LaLa, eMusic, Audio Lunchbox, last.fm, Rhapsody, Napster, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless, Zune, 7digital, Bell Mobile, Beon, Groove Mobile, GroupieTunes, Hot Topic, Goombah, iMeem, iSound, Limewire, Mbop Megastore, MediaMet Digital, Mix and Burn, MOD Systems, mTracks, Music IP, Navio, GBox, Pure Tracks, SecuryCast, Slacker, Snocap, Starzik and of course the Poptek Shop.

MAR. 29
Track listings for the upcoming albums from Kris N. and Wake Up Mordecai have been unveiled. Click over to their respective pages to see which songs will be your new favorites.

MAR. 26
We have updated the Poptek Live section of the site and there will be many chances in April to catch our related artists play in person. Kris N. plays Friday April 3 and then releases his next album, Lo-Fi Movement, at a show on April 23. Wake Up Mordecai plays two Saturdays in a row. First, April 11 in Dayton and then April 18 in Kent. The 23 of May is then when Wake Up Mordecai will release their next album, Too Young for the Disco. As always you can check Poptek Live for all our show information.

MAR. 25
"Heads Up" is another good song being left off the upcoming release of Lo-Fi Movement. This is actually the second song Kris has written which contains an ode to a certain infuential radio station out of Oxford, Ohio. The repetition is part of the reason it was left off. It is now the "Kris N. Song of the Week".

MAR. 19
The record release for Lo-Fi Movement is now slated for April 23 in Dayton. The show will take place at Canal Street Tavern with Dayton native and Nashville resident Wil Cope.

MAR. 10
The new "Kris N. Song of the Week" is really, really new, freshly recorded and available to you now. "Book Club" literally arrived from Kris just minutes ago. Enjoy.

In other news, Poptek now has joined the craze of Twitter. Also XL427, Wake Up Mordecai, and Ruetschle have Facebook fan pages. Oh, and while all the artists have had MySpace pages for years, the label itself just never had enough time to get too excited about social networking, especially the dysfunctional programming that is MySpace. We held out until a few months ago. The we forgot to say anything about it. Join us if you like that kind of thing. At least until all these sites get replaced by something newer.

MAR. 8
We have confirmed new shows in the last few days with more to come. Ruetschle will be playing a rare show in June at the Independent Music & Arts Fest in Indianapolis. The date is set for the Dayton record release party for Wake Up Mordecai. Too Young for the Disco will be ready for that show on May 23. There will also be a release party in Springfield of which we will reveal later. As always there will be more to come.

While we at Poptek can be obsessive and opinionated about music and our attempts at creativity, some of us have a contrasting background or obsession with something as uncool as sports. Really, only one of us does but that one person is an avid fan of baseball and soccer. If anyone wants to join Andy in the geeky and time consuming act of running a fantasy Major League Baseball team or a Major League Soccer team, do get in contact. It's alright. Don't be afraid. There are no jocks around to beat us up.

MAR. 4
We have another cover. The new "Kris N. Song of the Week" is his take on "Young Shields" by Casiotone for the Painfully Alone.

FEB. 24
Happy Champions League Tuesday to you all. Back around Christmas we offered Kris N.'s contribution to the Scribble Christmas '08 compliation as an exclusive download for the Poptek Song Club. That is the free newsletter we send out each month. The new "Kris N. Song of the Week" is not a Christmas song at all but does mention the holiday multiple times. We at Poptek like to celebrate Christmas all year round, so here is "Christmas Mix Tape Song".

Getting back to the brilliant and possibly obscure soccer teaser, Poptek is predicting the winners of the UEFA Round of 16. Arsenal, Manchester United, Juve, Real Madrid, Bayern, Villareal, and Porto will all move on. The shocker is going to be that Lyon is going to upset the powerful Barcelona. In the North American version, Poptek picks Houston, Cruz Azul, Santos Laguna, and Marathon. If things don't turn out this way just remember that we are musicians, not jocks.

FEB. 23
Wake Up Mordecai is playing a quickly-put-together show in the wonderful town of Bloomington, Indiana this Sunday. Damien Jurado once played a very memorable show in the same town right before "I Break Chairs" came out. It was upstairs from the Subby's in some sort of warehouse/ skate park with nothing more than amps and two cheap speakers for the vocals. If you are fan of Jurado then you may remember that the chaos of "I Break Chairs" surprised some fans of his gentler, folky reputation. In that sparse room, the music of Jurado and his band fit perfectly and some of us at Poptek were there to witness it. Check out Poptek Live for information, about the Wake Up Mordecai show that is.

In other news, Francis and Morti re-recorded the drum tracks for "xoxo". It is much faster now and quite a sweet, danceable drum line. This song is sure to be a single from the next album. Really, every song is shaping up to be a good single and that is just the way Poptek likes it.

FEB. 17
"Working Class Hero" is the story of Kris N.'s life and is the new "Song of the Week". Dowload it for free at kris-n.com.

FEB. 10
Poptek Records is throwing our first showcase next week featuring XL427 and Kris N. It is free and will take place February 18 at Oregon Express in Dayton. Active Dayton has a new article talking to XL427 in advance of the showcase. The article is slated to run again in Friday's edition of the Dayton Daily News. As always, we appreciate the support Don Thrasher always throws our way.

As we get closer to the release of Kris's next album, Lo-Fi Movement, a couple of tracks are being jockeyed around and replaced. The new "Kris N. Song of the Week" is a track that no longer will be included on Lo-Fi so now "Sugarcreek Reserve" is available for free for anyone who cares to download it. This song happens to be the autobiography of the life of Kris Neises.

FEB. 3
Another "Kris N. Song of the Week" has been posted at kris-n.com.

JAN. 27
We are making some design changes here at poptek.com. Check out kris-n.com for a preview. While you are there take home the new "Kris N. Song of the Week". The whole site will be getting a matching renovation in the week or weeks to come.

XL427 will be playing a solo show in Dayton on Sunday February 1. The set is a part of the monthly acoustic showcase at Gem City Records. It's free, all-ages, and will be over before the Super Bowl kick-off. Showtime is at 2PM.

JAN. 20
On this day of political milestones, the new "Kris N. Song of the Week" is an appropriate cover. Feel free to donwload Kris N.'s take on the song "To a Husband at War" by I Hate Myself.

JAN. 14
The new "Kris N. Song of the Week" has been posted and it's a cover. Listen to "Shine on Me", first written by Ruetschle and then re-interpreted by Kris N.

JAN. 6
"Alexander" is the most recent installment of the "Kris N. Song of the Week" series. it keeps going and going and going.

JAN. 1
Poptek welcomes 2009 with some nice news. Dayton legend Don Thrasher selected North to the Nth Degree from Wake Up Mordecai as one of the top debuts to come out of Dayton in 2008. You can read his article in print or online from Active Dayton.

As for what is to come from Poptek this year, expect the full-length debut from Wake Up Mordecai to be released before June graduation. Tentative titles include The Brightest Pastels are Neutrals or Too Young for the Disco. Also be prepared for two new releases from Kris N., Lo-Fi Movement and Supine Sailor. Color Theory from Ruetschle should also be done this year. Maybe XL427 and Graham Travis will get a new batch of songs out this year as well. Maybe some friends of ours will join Poptek and release some albums. Maybe not. There are also plans to release a compilation entitled Three Minutes of Perfection to benefit refugees in Ghana and Liberia. The excitement is that we just don't know what the future will bring. Whatever it is, we pledge to make it melodic.

DEC. 30
This week's "Kris N. Song of the Week" rhymes with a recent movie put out by a rather humorless alum of Saturday Night Live who in turn was trying to get in on the success of a British chap who made a previous movie about a character with a funny sounding two-syllable foreign name whose mannerisms were nothing more than a crude Peter Sellers knock-off. It also bares similarity to a legendary action flick from the 80's acted out by the current muscle-bound governor of California. This older but freshly available Kris N. song is entitled nothing more than "Cohan".

DEC. 23
For those signed up for the Poptek Song Club, we offer an exclusive "Song of the Month". We previously offered a nice little Christmas tune by Kris N. that appears on a benefit project put out by Scribbles Cafe. While we intend for those songs to remain exclusive for the mailing list subscribers, there really is no better song to offer as a "Kris N. Song of the Week" for the Tuesday before Christmas. So we share again with all of you the simple but charming "Christmas Song". We really hope you can enjoy Christmas despite all the busyness, business, and dysfunction the holiday has become. Merry Christmas.

DEC. 22
Yesterdays Forever took six years of procrastination, trashing of songs, re-doing of songs, and new songs but the debut from XL427 is now done. The album is now available in the Poptek Shop and for a limited time the digital version can be had for free.

DEC. 16
None of us who are a part of Poptek could ever be called a rockstar or diva. We take a small bit of pride in that we try to make super melodic music while also trying to be compassionate to those around us or those we meet. "Love" is a lofty word but it is a pure goal. The new "Kris N. Song of the Week" has nothing to do with the previously stated intention but does have "love" in the title. "I-L-O-V-E-U" can be freely downloaded now.

DEC. 9
Kris N. has written an ode to one of his musical favorites, Tim Kinsella, mastermind from the bands Joan of Arc, Owls, Cap'n Jazz, Make Believe, and many others. Maybe it's actually a curse. Anyway "GDYou" is the most recent "Kris N. Song of the Week". As always you can download this exclusive song freely on Kris N.'s page and from Poptek Media.

Don't forget the first in a string of XL427 record release shows is happening this Thursday December 11 in Seattle. The debut record, Yesterdays Forever, is back from the printer and these shows will be the first chance to get it yourself. Official release details will be announced soon. Thursday should be a good night of music as Other Desert Cities and Husbands, Love Your Wives are also playing. If you are in the Puget Sound area, consider yourself invited to Cafe Venus and the MarsBar for this beautiful and long-awaited event.

DEC. 6
Scribbles Cafe has released a Christmas compilation featuring songs by Kris N., Wake Up Mordecai, XL427, and seven other artists local to Ohio. All proceeds go to Safer Futures who help women and children fleeing from domestic abuse. The disc can be purchased in-store or online from Scribbles Cafe.

DEC. 2
The "Kris N. Song of the Week" series has just hit its first month of existance. The fourth installment is entitled "Crossword".

NOV. 27
Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Eat well and remember the rest of the poverty stricken world as you do.

NOV. 25
Kris N. can be a bit of a bookworm. That part of his personality comes out in this week's exclusive "Kris N. Song of the Week". Entitled "Great Gatsby", you can download it for free on Kris N.'s page or at the Poptek Media page. Enjoy.

NOV. 18
It is Tuesday again which means we shall make available another exclusive "Kris N. Song of the Week". This time it is the spacey and catchy "Background". Click over to the Poptek Media page or Kris N.'s page to download the song for free.

NOV. 11
Poptek is pleased to announce a beautiful new feature. It's going to be called the "Kris N. Song of the Week." Kris just passed along about 40 unreleased but amazingly good songs he had laying around. The kid's prolific. We are going to post one new song a week to the Poptek Media page in anticipation of his next two releases Lo-Fi Movement and Supine Sailor. The first one is my current favorite "Turning 31". There are so many though. We can't wait to get them all out there. Enjoy.

OCT. 29
We keep updating and tweaking stuff here at poptek.com. The latest change is the addition of digital albums to the Poptek Shop. Poptek albums are still available from you favorite digital retailers like iTunes, eMusic, Rhapsody, Lala, and Napster. Maybe now your favorite digital retailer will become us. Releases are insanely affordable, everything directly supports each artist, and there are even a couple of free suprises.

OCT. 17
Wake Up Mordecai's debut album, North to the Nth Degree, is still fresh and available from the Poptek Shop and digital retailers everywhere. That isn't stopping Johnny Callon from writing more songs. You can hear demos of three new songs "Cowboys and Indians", "That's What She Said", and "xoxo" on his MySpace page. The talk is that the next album will be recorded during winter break. Remember, he's got homework and science projects to balance until then.

OCT. 3
The magneticFLUX portion of poptek.com has been updated. A bunch of MFD's handmade and silkscreened mini-masterpieces have been added. Don't forget that if you want to see any of these in person, you can at Poster-Tastic happening Saturday along with the Dayton Music Fest. More details are below in the post from SEP 28.

SEP. 30
After many years of work, re-recording, and procrastination, the debut album from XL427 is now done. Yesterdays Forever is the title. You can preview the grand conclusion over at the official Rupert Murdoch sanctioned XL427 music page. Yesterdays Forever will be released in November from Poptek Recs.

SEP. 28
Since some of us have been or are still very involved in the Dayton Music Fest, we at Poptek are always glad when it rolls around. This year we are involved in three ways when it occurs on Saturday October 4. Ruetschle will be coming out of their hibernation to play at Therapy Cafe. Shawn Johnson will be back again after his move to Denver/ CO to restore his melodies to the Ruetschle sound. The fellow Ruetschle members are always glad to have him around.

Kris N. will also be playing at The Trolley Stop. Finally, magneticFLUX will be displaying many of his silk screened show posters as part of the Poster-Tastic Show hosted by Glad Girl. Dayton Music Fest happens in downtown Dayton/ OH. A $10 pass lets you wander around to all the participating venues to see any of the 20+ artists performing. Check out Bob Pollard’s new project, Boston Spaceships, when they play at Gilly’s. Poster-Tastic takes place at DErailed Hair Salon in the Oregon District. The poster show is free and all-ages.

SEP 27.
Even though we are still promoting The Burning Down Belmont EP, Kris N. has a bunch of new stuff coming your way. His next two albums are already done so we are offering some free songs as a very early preview. Lo-Fi Movement will be the next project to be released. Supine Sailor will follow after that. Wander on over to the Media section to download. You can also find some unreleased and exclusive tracks from the prolific Kris N. And if you are a fan and user of last.fm, both Lo-Fi Movement and Supine Sailor have been posted in their entirety to be enjoyed.

SEP. 17
So after a long while of inactivity here, poptek.com is finally being completely updated. If you are wondering what took so long, well let me explain. The delay had something to do with loose bears, canceled flights, the mortgage crisis, and a case of espionage. Really, due to Poptek being a fully independent label run by artists, sometimes life gets in the way. The last few months has been one of those times. A good amount of procrastination and Dreamweaver frustration had something to do with the delay as well. Do not doubt though. We are back with a slew of songs, albums, and ideas to back the artists and friends we believe deserve to be heard. We really hope you enjoy the pop we continue to offer.

SEP. 15
The debut from Wake Up Mordecai, North to the Nth Degree, is now available in the Poptek Shop as well as online from your favorite digital retailer. We are giving away two free songs from the album, just because we try to be generous. Pick them up from Poptek Media along with three exclusive live tracks. How can you resist a hit like “Girls Don’t Ride in Viking Ships”?

JUL. 25
We are really excited to bring Wake Up Mordecai into the Poptek family. The young, dapper Johnny Callon has only been writing songs for a short while yet he has proven to have a very mature pop sensibility and a wonderfully juvenile wit. Wake Up Mordecai is true high school pop. The debut EP is now done, hand made, and will available at tonight’s record release show in Springfield/ OH. We’ll have them for everyone else soon.

APR. 11
Ruetschle will be coming out of the studio to try some of their new songs out live. Their first show of the year will happen April 11 at Canal Street Tavern. The lads have been working on writing their fourth full-length record, Color Theory.