Product Overview
Welcome to the wild world of the Smugglers. Whether it be playing smoky clubs around the world, releasing countless slabs of hot wax on only the finest international indie labels, or churning out hilarity in their infamous on-line tour diaries, the Smugglers have but one goal: TO ENTERTAIN.
From Vancouver, BC Canada, The Smugglers are one of the longest lasting, most energized and entertaining bands to ever burst from their beloved frozen north. Forming back in 1988, Canadas greatest ambassadors of rock'n'roll music weren't supposed to make it out of their parents' basement, let alone into the twenty first century, but here they are, ready to rock and never stop. The Smugglers formed at Hillside Secondary School in West Vancouver, BC, Canada. Heavily under the influence of Black Label beer, hashish, and the raw rock'n'roll sounds of the Sonics, the Cramps and the Stones, the five teenagers were dubbed "The Smugglers" by their high school buddy Nardwuar The Human Serviette.
From their ugly beginnings in church basements, malls and warehouses opening for heroes like the Gruesomes and NoMeansNo, the band slowly grew up to weld their influences of great punk and rock'n'roll into a wildly energetic show all their own. The Smugglers took their sweat, suits and boots on the road and, a decade and a half later, continue to tour to every pocket of North America, as well as sojourns into the uncharted wilds of Japan, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and beyond.
The Smugglers live show is a legendary tour de force of energy and charisma, involving wild antics and audience participation with such now-beloved stunts as the dance contest (complete with a trophy to the winner - over 500 given out in more than twenty different countries), kissing contests, and Smugglers "dream dates". Over their adventurous career, The Smugglers have bounced from label to label, always independent, including Vancouvers Nardwuar Records, Seattles PopLlama Products, and Vancouvers Mint Records. From Mint, the Smugglers have licensed records around the world to such labels as Berkeley, Californias Lookout Records, Tokyos 1+2 Records, Australias Corduroy Records and Spains Imposible Records.
All tolled, the Smugglers have amassed a mighty eight full length albums and several singles, EPs and compilation tracks worth of loud and snotty vinyl and CDs. The Smugglers have always been lucky enough to work with great producers including Conrad Uno ("At Marineland" 1991, "Atlanta Whiskey Flats" 1992, "In The Hall Of Fame" 1993, "Wet Pants Club" 1994), Mass Giorgini ("Selling The Sizzle" 1996) and Kurt Bloch ("Buddy Holly Convention" 1997, "Growing Up Smuggler" 1998, "Rosie" 2000). Mutiny In Stereo, The Smugglers latest record, is self-produced and is their best yet! It's the return of ambassadors of love, the uncrowned canadian party kings and one of the very best live bands on this planet. Hallelujah! Good time music for the whole family. Enjoy!
