Historical Perspective

The Dept. / Department Records first recordings were made in Vancouver, Canada 2001. Earliest releases were cassettes produced on 4-track recorder sold on consignment at record shops in Vancouver. In 2002 the 4-track recorder was replaced by a Mac based digital recording system. Soon after The Dept.'s Muffin Crystal was re-issued in limited edition, promoted & distributed by TRAPP Records, featuring the duet Where R U Baby? with Holly Ward. Be Your Friend? 2002 (co-produced/recorded by Chad Fryling) received some radio play culminating in a live studio session and interview on CBC Radio Sonic hosted by Grant Lawrence. Be Your Friend? features 1st collaboration with Aaron Carpenter, Rock N Roll Time. In 2004 Propane hit the consignment shelves featuring 2nd A. Carp. collaboration, BOZO. Around 2005 The Dept. went global via myspace and other free web sites like newmusiccanada & lastfm. In spring 2006, The Dept. relocated it's offices to rural Saskatchewan.