Local Music Forum
Words: James Ferreira
 
This month’s local music forum topic deals with the burgeoning challenges that independent record labels in Florida have to deal with. Keeping a label alive while supporting local music and maintaining a lively scene may seem like a daunting and sometimes thankless endeavor, but this month’s participants wouldn’t have it any other way. We were fortunate enough to get Keith Ulrey, the driving force behind Tampa’s New Granada record label, and Var Thelin, owner of No Idea Records in Gainesville, to take part.

FORUM TOPIC:
With the emergence of digital music formats and online music stores, has it become increasingly difficult for independent labels in the area to find and sign local talent and why is it important for your label to continue going and what sorts of changes (if any) will need to be made to keep up with the constant evolution of the music industry?

Keith Ulrey
New Granada Records newgranada.com:
New Granada Records has always operated on such a small level, that I'm not sure if the digital age of music buyers is really affecting us, at least in a negative fashion. With Candy Bars' record, we experimented with digital download services (i.e. iTunes, eMusic, Rhapsody) and they've proven to be very helpful from a marketing and availability standpoint.  People are given immediate access to these bands should they read about them, find them online, etc. The label and our bands (Candy Bars, Zillionaire, DGP, etc.) are all on the same page where none of us are looking for instant stardom, fame and fortune.  Sure, who doesn't want their music to be heard and maybe receive a glowing review in some highbrow online blog or music publication? That's where we give bands the chance to be seen/heard, regardless of sales. We have such a passion for these bands and want their music to be heard we tend to give away most of our CD's (to the bands, at CD release shows, promotional copies, play copies for stores, etc.)  just so people can have the music in their hands. It's inevitable; people will download it for free, we really don't care, just spread the word to others. There are so many great bands in the area; I don't think we'll ever have a problem finding those that share our passion. We're working on our 14th release with a few more on the table for this year and no signs of slowing down. We just want the music to be heard.

Var Thelin
No Idea Records noidearecords.com:
We have always considered ourselves to be outsiders, when it comes to "the music industry". If the "music industry" is doomed, then good riddance. As well, we have never "signed" a band, nor have we operated with band contracts (so far) in our 22 years of existence. It has all been based on friendships, handshakes, and good faith. We have never had a problem finding amazing people and awesome bands to work with, be it locally or around the world. As opposed to becoming more difficult, I would say that the opposite is true, in that even for the ludicrous amount of records we release every year, we could have put out twice as many and still not worked with every band that we like. We have operated as independently as possible over the years, focusing on the underground, and keeping our dollars, energy, and support there, as opposed to chasing chain stores, farting out payola, and blindly following false trends. We function not only as a record label, but also as an online Mail-order for hundreds of other labels, as well as being a Distributor to stores and other Distributors worldwide. Independence is key. To quote RAZORCAKE Fanzine, "We do our part."