Feature / Music
Pass The Mic: Record Labels and 2006

Posted pre-2010

Jihad Rabah

(12 Gauge)

Quick Links: Bridge 9 | Chunksaah | Deathwish | Deranged | Escapist | Iron Pier | Lifeline | Magic Bullet | Painkiller | Profound Lore | Revelation | Rivalry | Southern Lord | This Blessing, This Curse | 12 Gauge | Young Blood

SPB: What was your favorite release of your label in 2006 (including anything that will be released by the end of the year)? Why?

Id say the Molotov Solution/War From A Harlots Mouth Split CD not just because both bands are two of my favorite bands but because I wasnt sure how people would react to such a step away from the other records Ive released. Overall its been a pleasant release and its allowed me to expand more into the metal genre which is what Ive always wanted to do.

SPB: How will you remember 2006? (in terms of music)

2006 was an amazing year for me as it opened my eyes so much further into the music industry in both positive and negative ways. Its been a super educational year and Ive been able to expand my label to reach some of the goals Ive set for it. Ive been able to make a lot of great relationships with other independent record labels who have been very supportive and helpful.

SPB: What do you see as the role of labels in 2007 and beyond?

I will continue to hope that record labels receive a little more cred than they do now since they do indeed play a large role but are never really appreciated. Personally Im just as interested in record labels as I am in new bands! Its really cool to see what labels want to put their name on and the different releases theyve put out.

SPB: Top five releases of 2006? (not on your label)

  1. Heavy Heavy Low Low - Everythings Watched, Everyones Watching
  2. Converge - No Heroes
  3. From A Second Story Window - Delenda
  4. Guns Up - Outlive!
  5. Nights Like These - Faithless

SPB: Any previews/hints/facts of what you will be releasing in 2007?

Not very much is set in stone, but Im hoping to work with two new bay area hardcore bands for new releases and as far as what is set in stone; Molotov Solution full-length CD and a Misericordiam EP.

SPB: Whats your main goal of 2007 (labelwise)?

I want to continue putting out releases that I feel confident about and am one hundred percent a fan of and most importantly, maintain and continue to make relationships with other bands and record labels in new areas.

SPB: Predictions of trends in 2007 (music related (and more if you want))?

Who knows where 2007 will end up. I just hope theres less grills and 5XL tall tees and more meaningful music instead.

12 Gauge releases of 2006

— words by the SPB team

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