Divorce Records by Matt Dixon, April '07

Photos by Paul Hammond (Except Above)

Primer Grey Erection (Be Bad) 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

Check Out Divorce Records:
divorcerecords.ca

DIVORCE RECORDS ARE CHANGING EVERYTHING IN HALIFAX
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