UnBarred x Tru Thoughts Records: Liner Notes

UnBarred & Tru Thoughts Records are both Brighton based with a synergy between us. UnBarred started brewing from a shed in Hove while Tru Thoughts started their journey from beneath a staircase.

We have worked hard to find an opportunity to express innovation and creativity together. While we were unable to bring vinyl into this project we were able to make the first tannable album along with the label and artwork (Liner Notes) on a beer can. Enter the unique experience based around beer & music to celebrate the release of ‘Shapes’ label compilations.

‘Shapes: Pyramids' is the latest in Tru Thoughts series of essential label compilations put together by A&R, label founder and renowned DJ Robert Luis. After 22 years of independently releasing music, the ‘Shapes’ LPs continue to encompass the best of the Brighton-based label’s wide-ranging and international roster; including established Tru Thoughts acts such as Anchorsong, The Seshen, Bryony Jarman-Pinto, J-Felix, Rhi and Flowdan newer signings including Hemai, MELONYX, Anushka, Crafty 893 and Tiawa. Featuring the finest of Tru Thoughts’ renowned and recent releases and inspired remixes alongside exclusive unreleased offerings

“The new Shapes compilation is always a reminder to me of where Tru Thoughts is currently as a record label and where we are going in the future. This edition sees a number of newer signings who we are very excited about, alongside artists who are more established. That balance is always something I want to maintain at the label and, of course, the eclectic nature of the music we want to champion. From Jazz to Grime to Drum &Bass to Soul to Broken Beat and plenty more. Artists making music they 100% believe in and music with no borders or boundaries.” – Robert Luis

This collaboration enables you to enjoy the beer whilst listening to the latest compilation.

“We love UnBarred – both from their creativity with different styles of beer, through to them opening their brewery in earshot of the Tru Thoughts offices. It has been a pleasure to watch them grow over the past few years. During lockdown, with live shows and festivals all cancelled, I gave them a shout as thought we could collaborate on something positive to fill that gap. Together we came up with ideas for shows, music, merch items and of course beer. With vinyl plants being so stacked up, we also wanted to come up with a different way of having a physical item to go with our Shapes compilation and the idea for the “Liner Notes” Shapes: Pyramids beer came about. I am really happy with how things turned out and am looking forward to some long-term collaborations with them.” - Paul Jonas, Managing Director Tru Thoughts

“From starting UnBarred it has always been a vision to encapsulate the creative aspects of our town and was honoured when Paul of Tru Thoughts approached us to work together on this project. For me, Tru Thoughts have been a big part of growing up from the alternative nights at Concord 2 and them always bringing range bohemian and creative artist to the scene.” - Jordan Mower, Founder & Head Brewer UnBarred

Simply scan the QR code on the can and enjoy the beer whilst listening to the compilation. We are Made Of Brighton and like to push conventions and create beers that reflect the city we’re made of. Join us on that journey.