Kris (Boilerman – bass)
SPB: What’s your favorite format of release (7”, LP, etc)?
Kris: I think the 7" is a great format, physically speaking. Its layout space is pretty easy to fill nicely, but storing 7-inches isn't as nice. They're so hard to rifle through and they get lost amongst each other easier -- smaller packages, no spine, etc. They're also good to listen to when you're not ready to dedicate yourself to a full album, but the time between starting a side and having to flip it can be annoying if you're engaging in any other activity while listening to it. The 10" is the most pleasing record to hold. There's something about it that just feels...right. Unfortunately, manufacturing a 10" is so expensive that it's rarely justifiable, so there aren't many around. If it weren't for scarcity, they might be my favorite.
But the best has to go to the 12". You're gonna get the most music and the largest amount of real estate for artwork and other packaging goodies. You can also squeeze a good amount of music onto it at 45 rpm, which will be louder and clearer and all-around better sounding.
I would also like to give a shout out to my odd-number sized records: the 8 3/4" records, the 9”, and 11-inches. Hell, even the 5, 6, and 8-inch records. You're the real heroes.
Scott Herold (Rock the Cause)
SPB: What’s the hardest part of running a non-profit organization?
Scott: The most difficult aspect of running an NPO is your income streams rely completely on the benevolence of the public. You have to continually design new products and programs that tell a compelling story, that will motivate donors to give. There is a ton of competition for dollars. On some level you are also competing with for-profits for those same discretionary dollars. Many people give to larger pass through organizations in their work place. They let the pass throughs do the actual end giving for them when a direct donation and relationship could be made with a front line cause-driven social enterprise. Believe me, the little ones need that the most.
Jack Vermillion (Ex-Breathers)
SPB: Would you ever crowdfund a record?
Jack: I don't think we'll ever find ourselves in a position where this is the best option for us. We're the kind of band that would rather just make a record for cheap by ourselves or with a friend before crowdfunding. However, people really love to demonize bands that use crowdfunding and I don't necessarily agree with that. It can certainly be cash grab by a lazy and corny band who is just going to make a bad record anyways, but, at the end of the day, who am I to judge a fan by what they do with their money? We've always raised money by playing shows and selling merch and I really don't see that changing for us.
Brandon Cruz (So Hideous)
SPB: What do your parents think of your music?
Brandon: We’ve been fortunate enough to have a strong support system with respect to our families and them understanding why we do this music thing. I’d say our parents “appreciate” the work we do but would probably be more apt to enjoy the music if it were just chamber works or songs without the more abrasive elements of our style. We may just heed their advice on that one day...
