Secretly Canadian has other bands too...

Working as an intern for Secretly Canadian, I was not only exposed to some of the relationship dynamics between artist and label, but I also became more familiar with the Bloomington label’s renowned roster.

Secretly Canadian, located just off of Second Street, serves as the headquarters for not only Yeasayer, but a few other bands worth noting.

Take Here We Go Magic, for starters. The Brooklyn-based indie rock group began with frontman Luke Temple’s solo effort at creating a psychedelic, yet somehow sparse and minimalist, sound.

The band’s self-titled debut was originally released on the Western Vinyl label and gained the band notoriety for their catchy songs “Fangela” and “Tunnelvision.”

Here We Go Magic signed to Secretly Canadian in September 2009 and released their sophomore album “Pigeons” this past spring.

The new record was an impressive next step with airy compositions and kraut-rock reminiscence, which shine brightest in the tracks “Collector” and “Moon.”

Another interesting band is Magnolia Electric Co. This band also owes its origin to its frontman, Jason Molina.

A native of Lorain, Ohio, Molina began recording with Secretly Canadian in 1997 under his name and the name Songs:Ohia, which consisted of a cast of revolving musicians with Molina as the band’s only permanent member.

In March 2003, Molina renamed the band Magnolia Electric Co. He has stuck with Secretly Canadian to this day.

Both Songs:Ohia and Magnolia Electric Co. have a low-fi, folk sound, but neither can be pinned down by one genre. The diverse sound is best represented by Songs:Ohia’s “Captain Badass,” and Magnolia Electric Co.’s “Hard to Love a Man.”

Damien Jurado is another artist I discovered while running through endless catalog numbers and the vast warehouse aisles of the distribution center. Jurado is a singer-songwriter from Seattle who plays poignant and lyrically moving songs.

He has been produced by David Bazan in the past and also worked with the Sub Pop record label.

Since the beginning of his career, Jurado has released over 10 full-length albums. His most recent album “Saint Bartlett,” issued by Secretly Canadian, is exceptional, with songs “Arkansas” and “Rachel & Cali” as highlights.

Finally, one more band I can thank Secretly Canadian for introducing me to is Throw Me the Statue. The band plays fun, bouncy pop music and has issued two albums full of captivating tracks.

Early 2008 saw the band signing and re-releasing “Moonbeams,” while 2009 was the year of their masterpiece “Creaturesque.” Standout tracks include the danceable “Hi-Fi Goon” and the irresistible “Lolita.”

Interning was a valuable experience, and for just a few hours every week, I worked alongside the label’s staff and learn even more about Bloomington’s music scene and influence. Tons of free promo CDs and early listens didn’t hurt, either.