Song, by Toad is an independent record label and music blog based in Edinburgh, Scotland. It was founded in 2008 by Matthew Young, and has released several critically acclaimed albums by acts including Meursault, Rob St John and Sparrow and the Workshop. The label takes its name from a passage in The Wind in the Willows.[1]

Song, by Toad Records
Founded2008
FounderMatthew Young
GenreIndie, Folk
Country of originScotland
LocationEdinburgh, Scotland
Official websitehttp://www.songbytoad.com, http://www.songbytoadrecords.com

History

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Song, by Toad, began in 2004 as a music blog by Matthew Young, a design engineer in Edinburgh.[2] The label was founded in 2008 after a drunken discussion with the band Broken Records, whereby Young promised to release the band's first album if they weren't signed by another record label. Although Broken Records eventually signed to 4AD, Young decided to found the label anyway.[3]

Following low-key releases by Uhersky Brod and Nightjar, the label's first major release was Pissing on Bonfires/Kissing with Tongues by the Edinburgh-based Meursault in 2009, the success of which Young credits with forcing him 'to set up a proper record label'.[3] The album was rated by cultural magazine The Skinny as the 16th best Scottish album of the 2000-2010 decade.[4]

Toad Sessions

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Alongside the record label and the blog, Song, by Toad has also recorded and published a number of live 'Toad Sessions',[5] mostly recorded in Matthew Young's home. The Toad sessions have featured international artists including Mumford & Sons,[6] Josh T. Pearson,[7] Sam Amidon[8] and Lach,[9] as well as artists from the label including Meursault, Adam Stafford and Rob St John.[10]

Artists

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These artist have all released music on the Song, by Toad label.[11][12]

References

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  1. ^ "Song, by Toad - About". Song, by Toad. Retrieved 13 May 2014.
  2. ^ "Incredible Mr Toad!". Leither Magazine. Retrieved 27 May 2014.
  3. ^ a b "Interview: Matthew Young". The Scotsman. 12 October 2010. Retrieved 13 May 2014.
  4. ^ "Scottish albums of the decade #16 - Pissing on Bonfires / Kissing with Tongues". The Skinny. Retrieved 27 May 2014.
  5. ^ "Toad Sessions". Toad Sessions. Retrieved 3 June 2014.
  6. ^ "Mumford & Sons Toad Session". YouTube. Retrieved 3 May 2020.
  7. ^ "Josh T. Pearson Toad Session". Song, by Toad. Retrieved 13 May 2014.
  8. ^ "Sam Amidon Toad Session". Song, by Toad. Retrieved 13 May 2014.
  9. ^ "Lach Toad Session". Song, by Toad. Retrieved 13 May 2014.
  10. ^ "Rob St John Toad Session". Song, by Toad. Retrieved 13 May 2014.
  11. ^ "Artists". Song, by Toad Records. Retrieved 13 May 2014.
  12. ^ "Song, by Toad Records". Song, by Toad Records. Retrieved 5 July 2020.
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