about

Ache is an independent record label based out of Vancouver, Canada. It is a vehicle for unrestricted creativity, specializing in new forms of music and the organized attack on pop culture. It is a space detached from the laws of commercial music and a voice which has manifested from those searching for a greater creative outlet. The artists at Ache create through self imposed standards and rules, never adhering to the popular idea of genre. Each artist is an individual functioning under their own conceptual stratagem but as a whole they become a forum of new ideas and discussions.

Ache strives to be completely independent, meaning we try our hardest to keep under the radar of "the music business". We don't rely on major labels for our distribution, and we sell mostly to underground music shops (For those of you who are in towns too small to have a reliable means of purchasing such music, we have set up our shop here, and would be more then happy to mail you records.).

I have never made a single penny off of Ache. I jump for joy when a release sells enough copies to break even - but that is quickly swallowed up by other releases. Ache is my hobby; I do it because I love music and I love being involved in a community where so many wonderful ideas are born and discussed.

I believe that all forms of underground music share the same energy, and I am attempting to make that connection by releasing music which might seem unrelated at first listen, but have a bonding unrestricted spirit; Music written for the love of music, not as a commodity.

Ache is an amalgamation of our collective efforts towards the reconsideration of punk ideals and the trivial restrictions it has developed. How can one brand the sound of non-conformity with one specific tone, beat, or style? Who's right is it to say the collective 'fuck you' to pop culture is played with a certain instrument? We believe it's no ones right, and Ache is our proof.

Down with big business mixing with artistic expression. Up with more community.

What's in the "Ache Office" (aka: my apartment) stereo:

Beirut - Gulag Orkestar (Ba Da Bing!)
Stephan Mathieu - On Tape (Häpna)
The Winks - Birthday Party (Ache)