Howdy out there! Welcome to the introduction for a new interview series I’ll be helming.
Thanks to SPB for having me. My interviews are going to revolve around “music biz” kinds of things. Before I keep going, I need to tell you something…I am not actually in the music business. However, I am involved in music. As a musician, label owner, producer, engineer etc…I never approached any of those monikers from a business standpoint. I’m a fan above all else and the rest has occurred as a direct result of that. As such, the interviewees will all be drawn from various corners of the music world.
It’s important to realize that there are financial implications in various fields of music, but that will unfold over the course of the interviews I conduct. For anyone doing a band, label, blog, etc., I’d like you, the reader, to ask yourself: “Am I in the music business, or just involved in music?” If you’re reading this as a music fan, the question for you changes slightly: “Do I support the music business, or just support music?” These are not trick questions and there are no wrong answers. It’s not the '90s anymore, where if you’re in a punk band and admit you’d rather make money than lose money you’ll be ostracized. If you’re a fan that wants to work at a record label or manage a band, you won’t get any sideways glances by people who are suspicious of your motives. What this all really comes down to is, “Do you love music?” I’m pretty sure that anyone reading this would answer “yes!”, and an enthusiastic one at that.
I am not actually in the music business. However, I am involved in music.
Many will feel like they’re “just” involved in music. That’s not “just” anything, especially if it’s punk music. Be proud of it. Honor it. It’s a choice (or compulsion) of expression and a way to connect with a local community and larger communities throughout the world. It can give you a sense of identity and a sense of belonging. People will argue about what punk rock means but doing things yourself and going against the grain are common themes no matter what your larger view of punk rock is. With that in mind, understanding and/or participating in the music business will have a particular slant towards your punk rock leanings. What’s important to note is that the two can coexist, but from there the relationship becomes more complicated.
Alternately, you can just keep it simple and be a music fan. The forthcoming interviews will reflect all of that from a variety of sources and perspectives. Early interviewees will include Martin Winch of Green Noise Records, Lauren Beecher and Corey Fruin of Power Goth Recordings/Broken Record, and Jordan Stamm of Drunk Dial Records.
Thanks for reading and I’m excited to bring some great voices to the site!
