Feature / Music
Pass The Mic: Record Labels and 2006

Posted pre-2010

Bob Shedd and Shane

(Revelation)

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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?

Shane: I have to admit that, although not at first, I am into every release this year. Personally, my favorite is Shook Ones "Facetious Folly Feat". I loved the band before even working here, so it goes without saying.

Bob: Good question.

SPB: How will you remember 2006? (in terms of music)

Shane: 2006 was a great year for music in general. There were a ton of great releases, tours, and reunion shows. Blew 2005 out of the water, unquestionably.

Bob: Ill remember this year in terms of music for the Fucked Up 2xLP, Sound and Fury Festival and a steady flow of good shows throughout the year by CURRENT bands.

SPB: What do you see as the role of labels in 2007 and beyond?

Shane: Spread the good word, hook up great tours, get the bands in print, give that additional support bands need (back rubs, candy...etc.)

Bob: Labels as a whole? Hopefully we will see the good labels rise and succeed and the hangers on disappear and leave us with a less flooded music market. Too bad most of the time "bad music sells as well as good music". Sigh. True story.

SPB: Top five releases of 2006? (not on your label)

Shane:

  1. Mind Eraser - Glacial Reign
  2. Hope Conspiracy - Death Knows Your Name
  3. Genghis Tron - Dead Mountain Mouth
  4. Slayer - Christ Illusion
  5. Ratatat - Classics

Bob:

  1. Fucked Up - Hidden World 2xLP
  2. Step Forward - s/t 7"
  3. Rise and Fall - Into Oblivion LP
  4. Warcry - Deprogram LP
  5. Bracewar - s/t 7"

SPB: Any previews/hints/facts of what you will be releasing in 2007?

Shane: Be on the look for a great SXSW showcase/s and afterparties. Other than that, nothing I can say right now.

Bob: Stay tuned. Look for a Down To Nothing full length as well as a grip of new bands and a grip of new releases. No filler.

SPB: Whats your main goal of 2007 (labelwise)?

Shane: I would say that it is to expand the roster, put out more records, put together some great tours U.S./Euro (maybe Japan). Also, keep our site up to date (since its new and everything).

Bob: Keep things moving in a positive direction. Continue to put out music with heart and honesty and not worry about the impending fall of "the music industry". Help the bands tour and play as much as possible. What more can you ask for?

SPB: Predictions of trends in 2007 (music related (and more if you want))?

Shane: I think that music is going to become more diverse in general, outside of your traditional mainstream, which is always regurgitated from other areas. As mentioned before, with production/distro/recording costs getting lower, I think more bands are going to be doing what they want. Less watered down, in your face, take-it or leave-it music. Dont be suprised if 2007 brings more music you love and hate than ever before.

Bob: Hopefully good music catches on. Less reunions (you could have seen everyone from Gorilla Biscuits to Negative Approach this year. weird.). More labels attempting to feign interest at legit music because the music they typically release is starting to sell considerably less. CD sales continue to drop, and online sales only grow slightly -- the difference between using iTunes and Soulseek is that one has better selection and is free. Hopefully some creativity to make buying cds a more realistic proposition. Or for everything to just go vinyl.

Revelation releases of 2006

— words by the SPB team

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