One of the reasons our founder Sam Means started Hello Merch was his belief that the DIY spirit thrives most when artists can be creative and connect directly with their fans. One of our favorite examples of this approach is TV Girl. Led by Brad Petering, TV Girl specializes in beat-driven sample-heavy pop. On December 2nd, TV Girl dropped a new mini-album out of nowhere: it’s a collaboration with George Clanton called Fauxllennium. Inspired by Manchester dance pop of the late ‘80s, it’s an undeniable collection of hooks—and of course, lots of samples.
Order your vinyl or compact disc copy today!
In other news: On November 29th, William Cullen Hart of Athens, Georgia’s Elephant 6 collective passed away at the age of 53 following a battle with multiple sclerosis.
Hart was a member of The Olivia Tremor Control and Circulatory System, both of which drew from a wellspring of classic Beatles-eque pop and experimental techniques alike. TV Girl and George Clanton cover Hart’s song “Yesterday’s World” on the new album, and while the songwriter passed away before it was released, the duo revealed in a Reddit AMA that Hart heard and liked their cover before his death.
We send our condolences to his friends and collaborators, and urge you to check out the documentary The Elephant 6 Recording Co., which shares the inspiring story of Hart and his compatriots.
Plus: after decades of on-air broadcasting, three radio stations owned by horror author Stephen King have announced they are closing in 2025. The three stations, WZON, WZLO, and WKIT are shuttering after December 31st.
And: the Kilby Block Party music festival in Salt Lake City has announced its 2025 lineup, and it’s really great! Headliners include New Order, Beach House, Weezer, Justice, and Hello Merch artists like Devo, Torres, Geese, and oh yeah, George Clanton. Check out the full lineup here. Which brings us right back to where we started, which is as good a place as any to end.