On the Joyzine Advent Calendar we’re giving away free downloads of tracks by artists that we love (including plenty of exclusives and a fair few festive favourites) every day until Christmas Eve on what, as far as we’re aware (and we’re always happy to be corrected), is the longest running such calendar on the web.
As always, the tracks are completely free to download and there’s no need to sign up to any mailing lists to access the songs (though if you’d like to you can join ours here), but if you’re enjoying the tunes we’d love you to make a donation to the wonderful charity Child Poverty Action Group, who work on behalf of the more than one in four children currently growing up in poverty in the UK by providing support to families navigating the social security system, taking legal action to challenge unjust decisions and campaigning for change. You can make a donation on this link.
Despite being relative newcomers, formed little over two years ago, Brace Yourself Records have been quietly hoovering up a stellar roster of some of our favourite bands, from the furious post-hardcare of JOHN, to Nuha Ruby Ra’s artful avant-punk and the providers of today’s downloadable delight from politically engaged South London post-punk four-piece Italia 90, whose debut LP Living Human Treasure is due out on the label in January (pre-order here).
We caught up with Xenia Owens from the label to find out more.
What have you been up to in 2022?
The label has grown hugely over the past year and we have our brilliant artists to thank. It really felt like we moved the label from outside the office into the real world. For example, we had a stall at the Independent Label Market this year and it was great to sell vinyl to fans of our artists in real life.
What do you have planned for next year?
We’ve got so much exciting stuff planned for next year. Italia 90 is dropping their debut album in January and we have Nuha Ruby Ra releasing her new EP in March. Lots more exciting stuff for the rest of the year, stay tuned.
What can you tell us about today’s tracks?
The new Italia 90 tune a part of their debut album, Living Human Treasure, arriving in January.
What makes the perfect Christmas song?
Something that goes against the grain of a traditional Christmas song. Chubby and The Gang are a good example, they just released a track called ‘Violent Night (a Christmas Tale)‘, which finds them channeling both Shane McGowan and WHAM.
*This download was time limited and has now expired, but there are plenty of free tracks still available on the links below*
Find out more about Brace Yourself Records on their official website
Follow Italia 90 on Facebook / Twitter / Instagram
If you enjoy the tracks, we’d love you to consider making a donation to Child Poverty Action Group
Check back every day until Christmas Eve for more free music – if you’ve missed a day, you’ll find all of this year’s tracks so far on the links below. Merry Christmas everyone!
Day One: Piney Gir – Do Good For Goodness Sake
Day Two: Lost Map Records present Firestations – Swim Under The Winter
Day Three: LOUD WOMEN present Killdren – Expect a Crimewave
Day Four: Scratchy Records present The Rocks, Jonny Cola & The A-Grades, Bromide + Coach Hop
Day Five: Deux Furieuses – Bring Down The Government Home Demo
Day Six: Extradition Order – Bold
Day Seven: Blang Records present Thomas Truax + Faux Fibbers
Day Eight: Alcopop! Records present Dream Nails + Helen Love
Day Nine: MiKey & The SkEletons – On and On
Day Ten: Ben Fox Smith – Human Rights
Day Eleven: Nini Bong + The Fades
Day Twelve: The May + Xqui
Day Thirteen: Hey You Guys! – Onward Christian Soldiers (live)
Day Fourteen: Chemtrails – Gee Whizz Billy Base
Day Fifteen: Hot Sauce Pony – Just Like Christmas
Day Sixteen: Reckless Yes Records present Breakup Haircut, Nervous Twitch, Feral Five, Electric Pets + The Incomprehensible Static
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