Apr 28, 2021

Theo Vandenhoff Music Video Premiere

Theo Vandenhoff has just released the debut music video for post-punk single, Heartache Is An Empty Room. It is premiering now exclusively via Toronto Guardian... watch it here!

The track is taken from Theo's debut EP of the same name, which was released via Safe Sounds earlier this month and is available digitally and on strictly limited cassette, so grab one while you still can!

The reception for the EP has been incredible, so thank you to everyone for streaming the tracks and showing Theo the love and support his music deserves.

A few highlights from the month so far include this wonderful EP review by Soft Sound Press, Xposed Polaroid's in-depth interview with Theo, iNDiE MACHiNE's writeup of the debut single, and ULTRA mag's feature — Toronto's best independent scene zine — which is available to read digitally or you can purchase a physical copy from their website.

Also, a big thank you to Toronto Guardian for premiering the music video and providing a place to showcase independent artists and musicians in Toronto. With the world as it is, we finally want to thank you, the listeners, for supporting this release and making it such an epic time.

More news soon. X

Apr 02, 2021

Heartache Is An Empty Room

Today is the day for Theo Vandenhoff, as the debut 5-track EP 'Heartache Is An Empty Room' arrives to digital platforms worldwide and strictly limited, not to mention beautiful, transparent yellow cassette! Listen now on your preferred thingamyjig.

So what more can we say?! Well, Theo Vandenhoff is a synthpop romantic from Toronto who creates pop music for the painfully lonely. Alienated by soccer culture, Theo's dad is largely responsible for his appreciation of melodramatic 80s music with catchy hooks.

“Heartache Is An Empty Room” was recorded with producer/teacher-turned-collaborator Jay Merrow (Twin Rains). In contrast to their close working relationship, themes of uncertainty and isolation circulate through the record.

“On the nose, wrought with emotion and romantic.” – Theo muses, when asked to describe himself in just three words. “I’m the kind of guy that talks through movies with one-liners.”

The literal college drop-out has a ton of ambition celebrating the beauty of the moments in between. Despite grim circumstances, there is an overbearing sense of optimism - realistic yet absurd.

For his inauguration, we’ll be celebrating with a very special ‘live, live’ session from the bank vault on April 28. Before then, keep your eyes peeled for an industrial, minimalist yet maximalist music video and give the EP a spin!

Art and design for album is by Isabel Glasgow (@hauntedyachtclub).

Mar 18, 2021

Theo Vandenhoff Joins Safe Sounds Collective

With music bleeding in our ears, we're delighted to announce that your favourite new music-being, Theo Vandenhoff, has joined the Safe Sounds roster.

Theo is a synthpop artist from Toronto who creates infectious pop songs for the painfully lonely. The lead single, Heartache Is An Empty Room, will arrive across the interweb in one week on March 25th 2021.

The single is taken from the debut EP of the same name (SS111), which is currently being hard-pressed to cassette tape, but will also be clickable on Bandcamp and streaming services.

Theo is a young chap with a vision as strong as your knees. When we first listened we were drowning, but immediately found ourselves floating in a sea of bliss and melodrama. Imagine dystopian skylines set to heavy synths and drum machines.

With a driving post-punk attitude, you'll want to shelve this one alongside the likes of Joy Division, Preoccupations and Atlas Sound.

Oh, and what the hell, seeing as you've read this far, here's a little tidbit for you... we've got our first Safe Sounds "live, live" stream of the year in the works. When we say "live, live" we mean it's gonna be performed live, and broadcast live. So keep your eyes peeled and join us to see what happens when the rec light turns red.

More details soon. Stay safe out there - wake up and smell the coffee.