New Zealand hardcore/punk label Action Man Records has announced its closing today. A statement from founder Rhydian Thomas is as follows:
Today I regretfully inform you that I have decided to abort the beast of AMR for the last time. The label has been active in releasing non-commercial music for five years now, and has had its share of successes and failures. Unfortunately, I will today put an indefinite ending to the label’s activities. Time constraints, a lack of interest and the financial void of the NZ music world are all factors – but primarily I feel unable to provide some of the would-be upcoming releases with the dedication and time merited to such musicians.
I may be sucking at clichés, but I gracefully acknowledge that I’ve had the pleasure of working with some truly devoted and passionate artists over the course of these years, as well as the displeasure of fitting into a numbingly fickle New Zealand music media and serving the so-called ‘consumers’ of this area. The only thing that had kept the label invigorated was the prospect of releasing records by those committed to creating truly interesting new works – and with the aforementioned factors in mind, I know that new signings like Rifles, Neon Bastard and Sex & Fear will continue to fulfill this need – albeit without the AMR banner behind them. I will continue to work with these bands to ensure that the releases see the light of day in their intended forms.
