Sean O Donnel
(Youngblood)
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SPB: What was your favorite release of your label in 2006 (including anything that will be released by the end of the year)? Why?
That's a toss up between Lion of Judah's Universal Peace and Iron Ages Constant Struggle. Both LPs take the tried and true hardcore formula and add new dimensions. Some would argue that Iron Age are a metal band and I never thought we'd release something even remotely metal. I love both records for very different reasons.
SPB: How will you remember 2006? (in terms of music)
2006 was a year where a lot of hardcore labels and bands were weeded out. I think a lot of people have realized that the pseudo-professionalism that the Internet has afforded over the last 3-4 years is a bit of an illusion.
For the label, I'll remember it as the year we were fortunate enough to release two near perfect full-lengths. Not to mention a discography that I'm proud of plus a great 7"/MCD from Fired Up. It's been a good year and I'm grateful for the support we've gotten.
SPB: What do you see as the role of labels in 2007 and beyond?
That's an interesting question because I'm finally getting it through my thick skull just how popular iTunes and all other means digital of distribution is. CDs are on the way out. We're trying to (sort of) keep with the times so half of the Youngblood catalog is now up on iTunes and the rest of the back catalog will be up shortly.
I would find it strange to run a label and not produce any physical product. Luckily vinyl will never die. I think CDs will be released on a more limited basis similar to how vinyl is released.
Tower Records is gone which is a sign of the times. The upside is that I've seen a few Mom & Pop record stores open in 2006 so that's encouraging.
SPB: Top five releases of 2006? (Not on your label)
- Bitter End - Mind In Chains EP
- Cloak/Dagger - Pinata
- Dry-Rot - Permission 7"
- Mind Eraser - Glacial Reign LP
- Police & Thieves - S/T 7"
You'll notice that there is no indie rock, metal, rock, etc. on my list and that's not for lack of interest. In my opinion nothing happened of note outside of punk/hardcore this year. Pretty sad.
SPB: Any previews/hints/facts of what you will be releasing in 2007?
Look for some power violence from Boston, some melodic stuff straight out of DC, some rock-ish hardcore from overseas. Also keep your eyes peeled for the next releases from bands currently on the Youngblood roster! The Set To Explode 7"/MCD should finally be happening in 2007 as well.
SPB: Whats your main goal of 2007 (labelwise)?
The main focus is to just keep releasing solid records and to never release something just for the hell of it. We try to put a lot of thought into every release and treat the label as a body of work. We think about how every potential release will fit into the grand scheme of things and what it will mean aesthetically for the label. We over-think this shit way too much.
The other goal is to make the 3.31.07 show a great one. 3.31.07 is the date of the Youngblood ten year anniversary show at Champion Ship Records in Lemoyne, PA. Striking Distance will be reuniting for the show! All of the current bands on the label will be playing as well: Lights Out, Iron Age, Lion of Judah, Fired Up, Set To Explode, My Luck plus a few more surprises.
SPB: Predictions of trends in 2007 (music related (and more if you want))?
I predict that Integrity will reform with the original line up plus Mike Jochum on second guitar. I also predict that they will take Iron Age out on a world tour. (Unlikely, but it doesn't hurt to dream.)
Youngblood releases of 2006
- Knockdown - Discography CD
- Iron Age - Constant Struggle LP/CD
- Lion of Judah - Universal Peace LP/CD
- Fired Up - When The Lights Go Out 7"/MCD
