One of the few remaining truly independent, privately owned record labels in existence today, L.A.-based Cleopatra Records has been championing underground music and outsider artists since its inception in 1992. Now, the label has teamed up with the biggest music festival dedicated to discovering and promoting new talent, SXSW, to announce the first ever official Cleopatra Records showcase. Headlining this special event is legendary songwriter/producer/guitarist, Todd Rundgren, an artist well known for pushing the boundaries of rock and pop with his distinctive flair for the eccentric and unusual. Todd’s newest album, White Knight, was released by Cleopatra Records in May of last year and features guest performances by Trent Reznor, Robyn, Joe Satriani & more.
In addition to Rundgren, the showcase will also bring together some of the label’s newest acts including dreamwave artist Pastel Ghost, whose first album Abyss has been reissued by Cleopatra and will also see their forthcoming album released later this year on the label. Alternative metal cabaret act from Mexico, Descartes A Kant, partnered with Cleopatra for their newest album Victims Of Love Propaganda in May of last year while L.A.’s own death rock architects, Egrets On Ergot, released Surfeit Of Germütlich last October. Electronic duo United Ghosts will issue their Cleopatra debut later this year while local Texas band Nite, consisting of twin brothers Kyle and Myles Mendez, saw their newest release Reborn launched in July of 2016. Each of these bands demonstrates the label’s fondness for uniquely creative acts and a commitment to supporting truly artist-driven music.
The official SXSW showcase for Cleopatra Records will be held at Elysium in downtown Austin, TX on March 15th. The first band will start at 8pm.
