One of the greatest frustrations for a new band comes in the form of finding a label. In 2004 DATAROCK found ourselves in just such a position. Our ethos had always been a DIY one, so to take our independent strain a bit further and release our music ourselves seamed only logical. Thus Young Aspiring Professionals was born. With the help of independent distro company VME the first YAP release became reality the first quarter of 2005. Our very own EP on our very own imprint!
Apart from obviously releasing our own material, we had a vision of helping out other bands that somehow shared some common ground with DATAROCK. Our first signing was a Bergen-based punk/new wave trio called QUASIMOJO; a trio who combined the raw power of punkrock with the more intricate sides of bands such as DEVO, Talking Heads and B52's. Soon after signing QUASIMOJO, YAP also started working with instrumental hard rock pioneers NOXAGT. DATAROCK's debut album, QUASIMOJO's debut EP 'GETTIN'UP'N'GOIN'OVA' and NOXAGT's self titled third album all recieved critical acclaim, but just as YAP was shaping up, DATAROCK's international touring schedule basically took us out on the road for two solid years. To be honest, we almost forgot the whole label.
Eventually the seven piece punk/noise/impro collective SYNTAX TERRORKESTER redirected our attention, and by now their first full-length album 'FAMILIEN MIN FORSTÅR INGENTING AV DET' is already in stores. And that's just the start of our current master plan. Starting in October 08 YAP is releasing a monthly series of 10 limited edition 7" featuring primarily debuting artists. All the A-sides are gonna be produced by DATAROCK ourselves, but the B-sides will be dedicated to live takes and remixes. Next year the A-sides are compiled for international release (CD/12"/ digital download), but keep your eyes and ears open for those seven inches of pure pleasure. You'll wanna smell 'em while they're fresh out of the oven.
And of course, KARIN PARKS new album "ASHES TO GOLD" was released on YAP in April 09!
But please don't start sending us demos. All these artists are friends of us from back home in Bergen (Norway) and right now we'll need to keep it that way. Eventually we'll expand, but for now we'll have to focus on the already set series as well as finishing up our very own follow up album, released spring 2009!
We're currently working on expanding YAP to also dealing with booking, management, publishing and merchandice. We'll keep you all updated on the progress on the new and improved YAP.