We're quite fond of Dead Broke Rekerds and the work they do. We opted to reach out and ask a few questions and head honcho, Mike Bruno, was kind enough to oblige via email--answering questions that tell us a little more about the inner workings of the label and a smidge about Bruno himself.
Scene Point Blank: Why did you decide to go with that spelling for “records”?
Mike Bruno: Nothing really meaningful. It was 12 years ago, I was young. Originally it was "Rekkerdz," but that's even more stupid. There's an inactive rap "label" that goes under Dead Broke too. They don't actually release anything, but yo, R-E-S-P-E-C.
Scene Point Blank: Do you actively search for bands to put their music out or do you mostly just stumble across bands (that aren't friends)?
Mike Bruno: Nah, we don't really search out bands. We put out bands that we love to listen to -- and yes, usually 75% of the time, those are our friends' bands. It's become quite the addiction because our friends make amazing music.
Scene Point Blank: Since you're not accepting demos, do people ever find you at shows and hand your their demos personally?
Mike Bruno: No, that doesn't really happen. Although, that would be much cooler than the email press kits. Our email is always solicited with press kits and download links. Very unappealing. Bands: This doesn't work! Write us a letter.
Scene Point Blank: Which is your favorite color of vinyl to press?
Mike Bruno:We like opaque colors.
Scene Point Blank: Is there a color you refuse to press on?
Mike Bruno: Personally, I'm not into translucent colors or white vinyl. Never liked clear or white vinyl much, but we like to mix it up. We have done a little of everything.
Scene Point Blank: What's the highest price you've seen one of your labels' records "flipped" at?
Mike Bruno:That's a weird one. Test pressings for a few hundred. I've seen colored copies of Iron Chic's Not Like This go for the high range of $50-$100. Shit's wild.
Scene Point Blank: Will you ever re-press the Iron Chic 2008 Demo on vinyl?
Mike Bruno: Probably not, but it might be collected into an Iron Chic collection down the road sometime. Who knows? Ya never know, ya dingus.
Scene Point Blank: Do you prefer pressing records/running a label or being in a band writing music and touring? Which can be more stressful (if at all)?
Mike Bruno: It's all pretty awesome and stressful at times, but running the label by far is the most stressful. Especially when you're churning out 20-30 releases a year like us. I've become quite the maniac. It's a labor of love though. And time. Lots of time.
Scene Point Blank: Are you a vinyl collector? If so, which record in your collection is most special?
Mike Bruno: Yes, I am an avid collector. Probably Hickey's self-titled 12" LP, my Bent Outta Shape LPs, of course all the Dead Broke releases, and my own bands' records.
Scene Point Blank: Are there any bands you wish you could have signed that went to different labels?
Mike Bruno: Eh, probably, but we do a pretty good job of releasing most of our favorite DIY bands in some shape or form. It's hard for me to like a band these days and not want to release something by them. Haha. I'm trying to break myself of that habit.
Scene Point Blank: If you could hang out with any character played by Bill Murray, who would it be and why?
Mike Bruno: That's the best question I've had. Probably Phil in Groundhogs Day. He's hilarious, crazy, and the epitome of why Bill Murray is god. Although I may say Venkman if you catch me on most any other day.
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Thanks to Mike Bruno for taking the time to answer our questions! To the readers that live under a rock and are oblivious to the great music the label has put out, we encourage you to head over to their Bandcamp!
