As I was saying…

They debuted on the DC scene late last spring—but actually, Gypsy Eyes Records only released one recording in 2006. Two-thousand-and-seven was really the making of Gypsy Eyes: It was this year that they really swung into action, putting out splendid discs by Revival (Horses of War), Brandon Butler (Lucky Thumbs), Vandaveer (Grace and Speed), and John Bustine (Waltzes & Pleas). This, along with Federal Reserve Compilation, made five CDs for the year—not bad for a startup indie label, and damned good considering it meant one release for every artist they’d signed.

But then, in the fall, Gypsy Eyes signed another artist: The Apes, those beloved and long-suffering DC punk weirdos. It was undoubtedly the label’s major coup of the year.

Gypsy Eyes never rested on those laurels, though; co-owner and publicist Kalani Tifford was tireless in scheduling and sponsoring events, promotions, showcases (including a series of in-store performances at Olsson’s outlets), and a particularly exciting benefit show in October for the DC Public Libraries. This is one local establishment that insists on making a name for itself…and they’re succeeding.