BE BAD
- PRIMER GREY ERECTION from VISION CORRECTION
1. Please introduce Divorce Records.
Divorce is an independent record
label from Halifax, Nova Scotia. It started in '99 as a logo
to put on some DIY releases I was doing, but I started treating
it more
seriously about two years ago. Divorce is modeled after DIY labels
like SST who avoided the usual music industry garbage and practiced
a DIY ethic.
2. How would you describe the "Divorce sound" and how do you
decide who to work with?
For better or for worse, I don't think there is a Divorce sound.
I like all kinds of music and try to represent that on the label
roster. Right now Divorce runs the gamut from bent-folk to punk
to noise.
I like bands that are a bit unusual in their approach. They
have to be great live and have a good work ethic - touring, song
writing, etc.. Besides that, I definitely have to get along with
the artist/s on a personal level.
3. What made you want to start a label? How did you get the
motivation and cash to get it going and keep it going?
Like I said, I started it as a logo for a punk tape of my band
The Dead Roads. I was involved with an indie project at the time
that was spiralling into some weird music industry shit. It was
all pretty normal for the music business, but it made me uncomfortable.
Divorce was kind of a nemesis to that. I guess I felt like
I needed to take back some control of my art - do things my own
way. I try to keep that in mind when I deal with bands on the
label now. I don't want them to ever feel the way I felt in those
days.
As for money, I've invested lots of my own over the years;
I've also pulled out the credit card on occasion. But at this
point the label generates enough cash to go from one album to
the next (for the most part).
4. What are the most rewarding and disappointing aspects of
running a label?
I get completely obsessed with each new release. With every album
I learn more about promo, distro, production, etc. It's very rewarding
to apply what I learn to each new project and see the compounding
results. It feels good to expose people to music that I'm really
into.
Nothing really disappoints me, but it can be a massive amount
of work.
5. What advice can you give to someone starting a new label?
Start small, work will people you like and trust, and work hard.
6. You recently set up the Obey Convention. Tell me a little
bit about the experience.
I haven't done a lot of show promotion, so I was probably a bit
wound-up during the weekend. My friends Sandy(Torso) and Megan
worked with me to put together a three day festival of 'loud'
music. We had everything from punk to harsh noise. Our headliner
Bastard Noise came all the way from LA. Their set blew my mind,
so it was all worth it. We'll do it again next year.
7. Where does Divorce fit in the grand scheme of things?
I'm not sure what you mean. I'd like to position myself as a label
for open-minded music fans that consider music an important part
of life, not just entertainment.
8. What is the most memorable moment in Divorce History and
what is your favourite release?
I don't have a favorite release. Each one has something different
to offer.
The first time I put out a record (vinyl) was pretty exciting.
Also, the first time I sold stuff to someone overseas was quite
exciting.
9. In the years to come, Divorce records will:
A lot of people seem to think record labels and 'the album' are
going to be things of the past. I want to make unique products
that people will want to collect in a tangible form. So I'll continue
to track down music that I think is interesting (I'll keep creating
some too), and I'll try to explore appealing ways to present/package/deliver
it.
In the short term, I plan on starting a distro and releasing
more stuff from people in places outside Halifax.
10. Final thoughts?
Thanks for the interview.
www.divorcerecords.ca
