It’s the end of 2024 and the creation of Moon Ska Records occurred now over 41 years ago. It will soon by 25 years since its closure in 2000. Two year later (2002), founder Robert Hingley conspired with Jeremy Patton, a graphic designer based in Oklahoma, to launch a brand new record label, Megalith Records.
Since that time, most the focus has been on continuing to release new and repressings of The Toasters catalog of material, as well as releasing albums by various ska bands from around the world. Along the way, there were random moments when Moon Ska Records appeared in conversation or within the scene. These moments offered chances to provide bands with historic files or documents. They were also chances shared photos, press releases, and even some actual sourced audio material at times. Unfortunately there is NOT an archived treasure trove of ‘master tapes’ or really ANY multi-track original audio material. This is also the case with The Toasters specifically. There are only a handful of ‘original tapes’ currently in the archives.
Buck (Robert Hingley) moved out of the NY/NJ area after the closure of Moon Ska Records. This marked the moment when all remaining items from the Moon Ska Records storefront were packed up. They were then relocated to Oklahoma in the care of Jeremy. Since that time, efforts have slowly been taken to organize and digitize everything. Along the way though, more and more items and artifacts have continued to accumulate. The archives have grown beyond a diaper box filled with papers. They now include multiple filing cabinets, flat files, and upwards of 2,000+ media formats, i.e. cds, tapes, records, videos, etc.
The ultimate goal would be to have a physical space for all to come and view the archives. The hopeful goal would be to produce a high quality large format visual history book. The most realistic goal would be to develop the most comprehensive history web site possible.
The site is currently being built slowly. The aim is to add more details and imagery to each release. Additionally, there is a focus on developing a page for each individual band on the rosters.
If you have ANY materials in ANY format, please contact me. You can submit them to the archives. All submissions are greatly appreciated, credit will be given and something free will be sent back in return.
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