Halfcut Records signs Belle Haven

Shock Records imprint Halfcut has announced its first signing since Sydney band Caulfield last September.

Melbourne post-hardcore band Belle Haven join fellow Halfcut acts Caulfield, Crossfaith, Thy Art Is Murder, Gallows and While She Sleeps for the release of single Hunt For Health, which they’ll release next week and debut album Everything Ablaze, set for release next March.

The LP, recorded in the US with producer Matt Goldman (Underoath, The Chariot, Vanna), follows the band’s 2012 EP Onus.

Last year Belle Haven supported California post-hardcore band Dance Gavin Dance on a national tour and in May this year were the local support in Melbourne for American-Canadian metalcore band Misery Signals. Next month Belle Haven will headline a four-date run of shows to support Hunt For Health.

It’s been a big week for the Melbourne-based independent; on Monday Shock signed Seattle rap duo Ricky & Mark, the label’s first signing since Melbourne’s Wunder Wunder back in March.

We chat to Shock’s Label Director Mick Tarbuk about the new signing.

Belle Haven are Halfcut’s first signing since Caulfield, how did you come across the band?
I have heard the name around plenty of times but it was when I was sent the album from a colleague overseas that really changed the ball game for me. Great song writing, really well recorded, and then meeting the guys sealed it for me.

What do you think the band will bring to the label?
Like any new act on a label, they’ll bring a freshness and a completely unique vibe.

Do you think picking up their LP Everything Ablaze will result in an increase in revenue for the Halfcut imprint?
As much as we work in a revenue-based business and the fact I have to be in tune with that, I’m more interested in working with creative people that live and breathe music. In my early meetings with the band we were already discussing future albums and the willingness to work hard which is exciting to hear from a young band. Revenue will take care of itself with the right attitude.

Belle Haven don’t have a huge social media following – but then again, neither does Melbourne’s Iron Mind. Does Halfcut take a band’s social media presence into account when considering signing a band?
They currently have close to 5K fans on Facebook which is decent enough but it’s more about how engaged their fans are rather than how many ‘Likes’ they have. Music is king.

Will you put Belle Haven on tour with fellow Halfcut acts Caulfield and Thy Art Is Murder?
Would love to the see the Caulfield and Belle Haven boys on tour together – hopefully soon!