Sunset Alliance Records is an independent record label based in Mesa, Arizona. It is owned and operated by David Jensen.
History After the release of a couple LPs featuring local rock bands, original owner and founder Steve Lefever had plans to let the label die.Garcia, Gilbert. retrieved 01-09-12 Then, in 2000, he approached the then-frontman of Before Braille, Dave Jensen,Yahoo! Music Before Braille Bio retrieved 02-17-12 who had been working for two years to create a compilation album for the benefit of a local Phoenix art house and music venue, Modified Arts, and invited him to join in the management of Sunset Alliance and release that compilation on the label.Sunset Alliance Official Site: Story retrieved 02-17-12 While Dave Jensen's original plans had been to release that record on his own start-up label, Aireshire Drive, he jumped at the opportunity. In 2001, Dave Jensen took full ownership of the label and has managed it since.Dominic, Serene. Before Braille's David Jensen Returns with New Band Loyal Wife, The Phoenix New Times, May, 10, 2012 retrieved 2012-05-12
After a decade of operations, Sunset Alliance remains a small enterprise that focuses on local artists.See Manta.com Sunset Alliance Records Profile retrieved 02-17-12 However, this has not kept the little label from attaining some significant national (and even international) success. During those first ten years, Sunset Alliance put out 46 releases, had three bands appear in the popular Emo Diaries series on Deep Elm Records,The Emo Diaries Chapter 6, featuring Andherson retrieved 12-08-11The Emo Diaries Chapter 4, featuring Fivespeed retrieved 12-08-11The Emo Diaries Chapter 7, featuring Before Braille retrieved 12-08-11 found its bands charting on the CMJ 200,See, e.g.,CMJ New Music Monthly, Issue 135, 2004 retrieved 01-12-12 sent its bands across the U.S. on concert and music festival tours, watched as some of its artists received international praiseSee, e.g., Indiepoprock.com French Review of The Player Piano, May 2004 retrieved 02-17-12 and released their records in foreign markets, and has even applauded as one of its groups moved on to a major label.Ide, Chelsea. Fivespeed Rejoins the Field, The Phoenix New Times, Dec. 23, 2004 retrieved 02-01-12
In January 2010, Sunset Alliance celebrated its ten-year anniversary with a revue show featuring some of its most successful bands, including: Before Braille, Fivespeed, The Player Piano, Novi Split, The Letterpress, and special guests Pinewood Derby.Music Snobs Anonymous Blog Post, Dec. 14, 2009 retrieved 02-17-12Before Braille Official MySpace Blog, Dec.14, 2009 retrieved 02-20-12
Today, Sunset Alliance remains an active record label cooperating with different artists globally and focusing mainly on indie and alternative music. Although the majority of the latest releases are digital, the label keeps selling physical records and merch as well through their online shop.
Bands This list is compiled from information found on the Sunset Alliance website,Sunset Alliance Official Site: Allies retrieved 01-21-12 as well as through the label's discography.
Andherson Art for Starters Awake & Alert Before Braille The Bled Beninem Captain Baby Corrupt Citizen Felix 52nd Street Jazz Band Fivespeed Half Visconte Homeless Radio Icarus Phoenix Jeff Johnrey Last Day Parade The Letterpress Loyal Wife The Manhattan Project Mr. Fantastical The Necronauts Novi Split The Player Piano Rajiv Patel Redfield Roger Over & Out The Retaliation for What They Have Done to Us Signedso Shotstar Stereotyperider Tickertape Parade
Discography