Sockets Records is an independent record label based in Washington, DC. Sockets primarily focuses on DC artists, releasing experimental pop music. The label began in 2004 and currently releases music on vinyl, CD, tape, and digital formats.

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We Were Pirates is the musical brainchild of Mike Boggs, a multi-instrumentalist who writes and records songs in his home studio in the DC area. Boggs has released three albums, an EP, and a film score for ‘Dear Mr. Watterson.’

Boggs’ 2009 debut album, Cutting Ties, features a version of ‘The Three of Us,’ a cover song that Boggs recorded which was featured on the public radio show, This American Life. Greg Kot, Chicago Tribune rock critic and co-host of Sound Opinions described the cover as, “Pure pop.” And said, “This should be the next Fountains of Wayne single; genius.”

Wired magazine featured We Were Pirates following the release of the second album, Change. The feature said, “You heard this band’s public radio-friendly pop on This American Life...So don’t miss ‘Better Off Without You’ from the new album. Catchy synths will have your crew dancing a jig.”

In 2013, Boggs wrote and recorded an original film score for ‘Dear Mr. Watterson.’ The film is a documentary about the impact of the comic strip, Calvin & Hobbes. This American Life featured We Were Pirates again, when they played ‘A Strange Experience’ from the film score on Episode 512. We Were Pirates performed songs from ‘Dear Mr. Watterson’ live at screenings of the film.

On 2016’s Matter, Boggs explores a mellow, electronic aesthetic. Following the release, NPR’s Morning Edition interviewed Boggs and We Were Pirates bassist, Kate Rears Burgman. The band also played a string of live shows, including one at The Kennedy Center in DC.

We Were Pirates is starting out 2019 by releasing a new EP that finds Boggs returning to a more organic sound. Gone features five new songs about the pursuit of love, pain, and peace of mind. TW Walsh (Pedro the Lion) mastered the album.

We Were Pirates live shows feature Burgman on bass, Pat Frank on drums, and Scott Greenberg playing guitar.

4twenty4 is the crew comprised of Carlo, DJ Hope, and Edan. Based in Washington DC, the members of 4twenty4 started spinning in the early 90's, playing at parties, raves, clubs and one-offs in the DC and Baltimore area as the east-coast underground club scene was peaking. 4twenty4 played such classic DC/Baltimore events as Fever, Buzz, Trax, and others. 4twenty4 quickly made a name for themselves as innovators of the underground sound in three significant genres: house, techno, and drum&bass. In particular, 4twenty4 started the "Clear" parties that were held in various locations in DC for several years featuring the best in cutting-edge dj's and producers. As the DC/Baltimore scene waned in the early 2000's, 4twenty4 was focusing on production. Taking advantage of Carlo's early production experience, the 4twenty4 studio has released a variety of drum&bass and tech-house tracks on several labels. Look out for more 4twenty4-produced tracks and keep an ear for the underground sound, which is still alive, you just need to know where to look. ;-)

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