DIY labels - DHU Records

Ok, first of all, bare with me and my English, but as a courtesy to some of my victims I try to translate some articles for all to read, and maybe get a little less confusing translation than from Google translate.Who knows it might be something for the future, if public demand is high?

Now to the main topic of the day, DIY:
In the wake of the music industry's changes, that I suppose originated in the musical digitization, one can say that it has caused both good and bad things. For example I guess we all have to realize that the era of the super-groups are gone or at least going, and the major labels monopoly like reign is over more or less (read this as the rock scene). Times when a small band needed the backup and promotion channels from the labels to get on to the few platforms that existed. 
And nowadays, it demands more from a band. Not just do you have to deliver great music to reach out, as the channels are so diversified, you have to promote yourself more. But at the same time all this grants opportunities for more driven bands to reach a larger audience on their own.
 
Another phenomenon that also appears in the backwash of all this, is all the smaller DIY companies that I think are driven more of the love for music, than pure profit hunger. It feels a bit like the late 70s punk wave, but for a wider repertoire and in some newer clothes.


One of these labels that has gotten a lot on my radar lately is the Dutch label D.H.U Records, who have proved to be a really good guide to wonderful music for me, through its beautiful vinyl releases. I Haven't had the opportunity to buy everything I wanted, which is a nag when it comes to limited editions I guess. :-) But I still enjoy the music as most of their releases usually land just in my comfort zone.
And the fact that they are based in Europe is also a plus, as it is possible to buy records from them, as an individual without sacrificing your firstborn due to shipping costs, as it usually is lower than the albums own price. Witch is usally the other way around when looking at similar labels that are US-based.


So I got in contact with Robert Black, the owner of D.H.U to fire off some questions.

First of all I want to thank you for taking your time with me and my questions. 
I don't know that much about DHU, more than you are located in Holland and that you seem to have a real good nose for great music and beautiful vinyl releases. Could you give a short story about DHU, and what your main goals are?
 "Thank you for the kind words! I started DHU Records after disbanding a few musical projects to focus on the rising heavy underground scene. So much great music has come forth and the goal is to help out as many as possible, be it with either advice or actual tangible product, limited edition vinyl in this case. Welcome to Dark Hedonistic Union Records."

Running an independent record label is often not the most lucrative or rewarding of jobs – what inspired you to do so? And is this a business that you can survive on, or do you see it more as a calling or a hobby?
"At the moment it's not something to survive on, much like most bands in this scene, you need that daytime job to support it. It is rewarding in the sense that you get to be a part of records of bands you truly dig. Plus being part of the whole art process and thinking up some grand vinyl editions is totally worth it!"

Are you a record label in the traditional meaning, like you sign bands and handle all the recording stuff? Or are you more of a collaborator that makes Vinyl's for bands.
"I would if I could if there was more time and money, but DHU Records is more of a collaborator that has vinyl produced for bands. Other than that I'd like to help out in any way possible."

Many traditional labels seem to be in jeopardy nowadays because of the changes in the industry. Is that an issue for you as a small label, or do you see it as an enabler for the smaller labels?
"I don't really see a problem. I mean there is a reason it's called underground music. It's not for everybody and that's the attraction, for me at least. The pulse of music is to be found there. No compromise and everything on it's own terms rather than a bunch of rules and bullshit tactics that have nothing to do with music in the first place"

Which leads us in to next question, today it seem more important with collaboration between indie-labels more than before, is it so for you as well?
"Yeah sure, helping each other out and supporting one another is the coolest thing about it all!
It's a cohesive effort based on honesty and output rather than money hungry fat cats wanting this or that or nothing at all. It is a business but having fun is way more important to me."

How do you see the future of the music industry? In a world where more and more artists are remaining independent and recording on their own, what place do you think record labels will have in the music scene?
"I have no idea to tell you the truth. Some bands feel like they need to be represented, others do very well on their own, DHU Records supports both big time."

How do you find the bands that you release? Do they contact you, or do you actively seek out bands that you find and like?
"A little bit of both I guess. Sometimes a band will contact DHU Records and I'll listen and go ape shit of how good it is, or not haha. But mostly I seek them out and see if they want to join the family and release some killer wax."

What is Your most successful band/release so far?
"I'd have to say Youngblood Supercult High Plains and the Old Blood Self titled, both were sold out fairly quick."

What's the biggest obstacles for a small label in your mind?
"Time and money."

Are you involved in the touring schemes of your artists? Or it's just focused on the releases?
"Not really, DHU Records is more focused on the releases, like I said, if it was my daytime job and could be a part of it that would rock!"

Hartelijk dank aan Robert en D.H.U

This shout-out is of course not only directed at D.H.U, but to everyone who feels that they fit in to this. Not just those who release records, because there are so many fans in today's music world who, in my mind, do an incredible job. If nothing else, I get the feeling that anyone, who wants to, have the opportunity to try and add what you can in this new sonic landscape. For heavens sake, even I have this blog. 
Feels like it's opportunity to dig a bit extra around this phenomenon later on, because there's a plethora of inspirational make it yourself spirit in the air. Regardless of what Gene Simmons says, but then, driven as he is, he's a product of the old school labels.

More Info on D.H.U:D.H.U
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Intervju med The Midnight Ghost Train.

Häromdagen så hade jag en recension på nya favoriterna The Midnight Ghost Train och deras senaste album, Cod Was The Ground. Efteråt blev det en del mailväxling med sångaren Steve Moss, vilket resulterade i följande intervju.








Hi Steve, I'm really honored to be able to do this interview with you, especially as your latest album really knocked me out.
Earlier you mentioned that the whole album was made in one Live take, all at the same time. Is that how you normally work?

Yea we enjoy recording that way. Our last album BUFFALO was also recorded like that, to analog tape as well. It's just a lot more fun and captures our bands live feel a lot better. We enjoy a challenge.

My absolute favorite tune on the album is “Little Sparrow”, As I interprets the lyrics beyond its Edith Piaf references, it deals with the dualism of music. On one hand how you love it and on the other hand that it’s a grueling and demanding mistress and when looking at your tour schedule one can only guess the toll it takes.
I’m also very impressed with how you recorded that song as more or less an instant improvisation. Especially when it comes to churn out lyrics on the spot. Is writing lyrics hard or easy work for you normally?

Yea that song was written while it was being recorded, on the spot an actual full improv. We came up with the idea to do a jazzy number about an hour before we recorded and we just hit record and let it flow. First take we kept. Lyric wise for that song it was pretty easy, cause the subject I talk about in it (as you said) hits very close to home for me, so for that one in particular it was very easy. I had been listening to Edith Piaf a lot lately which sparked the idea to say padem padem in it. I think it all worked out real good. A lot of the lyrics I write are improved, so I'm used to just letting whatever is in my head just go. When we try out songs live before we record them they will have different lyrics every night. I very rarely write down lyrics. I just let it go each night and whatever hits I keep. Like I said we enjoy a challenge.

I cant leave The Little Sparrow, as it’s haunting and suggestive groove just mesmerizes me, I could even see it’s “Rock-Noir” feeling as something I would like to hear more of. and things that popped up in my head directly was images of the movie Sin City and the old computer game Max Payne. Where did the inspiration to this type of song come from?

Jazz music. I'm a HUGE fan of old jazz and blues and I like to incorporate those elements as much as possible. The original idea for that track was an acoustic song we wrote. But I just wasn't sold on doing it, as it was just very much a typical song. Before we recorded it I decided let's do something completely different. So the bass player played a simple jazz bass line, the drummer came in on a cool beat, we hit record and then I came in. It was cool cause neither the producer, or the band, or me knew what I was going to do. When I finished I asked the producer and the band if I should try it again, and they said "absolutely not, keep the first take".

One last thing around The Little Sparrow, It’s certainly out of the framework of the rest of the album, and For me at least, I find things like that a little extra interesting when it is done so well. Could we expect more songs in the future that goes outside your normal frame? 


Absolutely, we are always changing things around. This album is way different than our last one, the next album will be even more different and so on. We don't like doing the same thing over and over. So yes, you can expect more things like this and more completely different stuff on future albums.

How do you normally work when you write songs?


We write them live on stage. That just forces us to think of something good on the spot cause you have no choice to screw up. Then we will talk about what we did after the show rework what we didn't like and the next night fix it up. The songs change so much over the course of a tour. We really like to take the crowds reception into mind when we are writing.

The music, especially on your new album are quite heavy and fast paced mostly, but you still manage to root yourself in a very soulful blues groove. Is that something that just comes out that way, or is something that you are consciously working on?

Both. Blues and Jazz is pretty much the only kind of music I listen to. My influences come from the old greats in those genres. So I try to incorporate them in everything I do, and also it's just the type of music I understand and know how to play. I don't understand metal, or heavy stoner rock or whatever you call it. I understand how to play the blues, and just make it fast and heavy sounding.

I haven’t had the pleasure to see you guys live (yet), but from what I’m seeing and hearing, it seems like you guys incarnates the lyrics from Clutch song “Earth Rocker”
Do it live on stage, or don't do it at all.
Is being on stage where you like it best? From what you said about the recording of “Cold was the ground” it seems like you try to bring the live element to the studio too.

Absolutely, it's all about the stage for us. We give 1000% on stage every night. No matter where we are or how many people are there we will always play and perform at the highest caliber we can. What's the point if you can't put on an amazing live show.

As a blogger friend of mine pointed out earlier (Christer Magister), You guys seem to have a knack for fields, The artwork of the album Buffalo, and now with the video to BC Trucker, is there a hidden corn field fetish.:-)
No not really. It's just we live in Kansas and it's very very country. With lots and lots of fields. That's just where we are from.

You are a hard working band, who made it so far in DIY manner, now when you are on a label, do you see any differences? 

I guess we will see. The new record is coming out soon, so hopefully being with the new label will help a lot more with album sales and promotion. Were ready to take the next step forward in furthering this band.

Where do you see the band going from here?

"It's a long way to the top if you wanna rock and roll". We're not slowing down, were gonna keep fighting every step of the way, and pushing things as hard as possible. We want everyone to know our music.

You have made extensive touring, both in America and Europe, what is the main differences playing in the US and Europe?

Oh man there's a lot of differences, some good, some bad. But i'd have to say the biggest difference is that promoters work a lot harder out here with getting the word out for the shows.

You are just about to embark on yet another European stretch to support the new album, unfortunately no Swedish dates this time, but I hope to see you here soon. Then you start an American tour right away. Don’t you ever get tired, or are you aiming on to pick up the touring mantle from Motörhead?:-)


Of Course we get tired, but we aren't slowing down. We will be on tour in Europe three times this year. We will do four USA tours, and a South American tour. There is a lot of work needing to be done, and we aren't afraid of hard work. So we will keep at it full force.

And here I will close for today, and just give a big thanx for this interview and may the roads lead you to wherever you want to go. At least one thing is sure, I will have your latest album on high rotation for myself, and I´m looking forward to anything new from you guys.

Intervju - 13 snabba frågor till The Quill

Detta blir min första intervju, så ni får ha överseende med frågornas kvalitet. Vad passar då bättre än att göra den med mina gamla polare i The Quill som dessutom råkar vara högaktuella i och med att dom släpper sitt 7:e album nu i Maj.

 1. För dem som mot all förmodan inte känner till er, kan ni ge en kort beskrivning av The Quill?
The Quill – The Quill är ett band som funnits med sedan tidigt nittiotal, har släppt sex stycken kritikerrosade album, turnérat runt hela världen och spelat på de flesta större festivalerna i Europa. Vi är ett band som inte är rädd för att bryta ny mark. För tio år sedan gjorde vi t.ex. ett par hyllade konserter med Kalmar symfoniettan och kommer inom kort ge en unik konsert tillsammans med en sextiomanna kör. Bandet består av fyra starka personligheter med olika musikaliska bakgrunder, men med ett gemensamt kall och vi är mer taggade än någonsin.

2. Vilken/vilka låtar skyller ni på vad gäller att starta ert musikintresse från början?
Magnus – När jag var en liten skit gick jag lös på farsgubbens skivsamling som bestod av en vägg vinyler, och senare även en vägg med cd-skivor. Men den riktiga knockouten kom 1987 när min äldre bror hade fått tag i en vinylsingel med ett nytt amerikanskt rockband. Jag minns att han hade en ljusorgel med tre färger som var kopplad till stereon och när jag hörde de första ackorden till låten blev jag så tagen att jag var tvungen att lägga mig ner på golvet och bara lyssna. Sen låg jag där och spelade låten om och om i timmar och tittade på det pulserande ljudet från ljusorgeln. Låten var Paradise City med Guns N Roses.

3. Vilka band inspirerar er både vad gäller gamla och nya band?
The Quill – Det är mycket Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin och Kiss, men också Kyuss, Queens Of The Stoneage och även Aerosmith och liknande för att nämna några.

4. Med förra plattan ändrade ni ju lite, dels på laguppställningen, men även lite på soundet. Hur har tiden sedan “Full Circle” varit?
The Quill – Fruktansvärt omtumlande och lärorikt på många plan, plus att det har gett oss en del gråa hårstrån, men så klart också mycket skratt och minnen för livet.

5. Magnus: När du kom in i bandet, vid inspelningen av förra plattan, så var mycket av låtarna redan skrivna. Hur har arbetet med nya plattan skiljt sig?
Magnus – Största skillnaden är nog att alla har varit mer inblandade som både kompositörer och textförfattare och att vi från början har haft en tydlig plan med alla låtar. Vi har haft mycket fokus på att få med så mycket olika moods, tonarter, stilar etc. Noga valt vilka låtar som ska vara med och i vilken ordning de kommer, för att försöka hålla intresset hos lyssnarna uppe igenom hela plattan. För egen del känner jag mig extra tillfredställd med att ha gjort klart en låt som jag började skriva för ca 10 år sen.

6. Roger: Tillbaka i fållan. hur känns det att vara hemma i The Quill igen. Hur skiljer sig bandet från förra voltan?
Roger - Jag tycker att det mesta är sig rätt likt, de hade möblerat om lite i replokalen bara. Nä, skämt åsido, när jag pausade 2005 fanns det ingen osämja emellan oss även om det självklart blev lite ansträngt när jag väl beslutat mig för att kliva av. Mitt beslut då hade mer att göra med att jag vara allmänt slutkörd och trött på allt runt omkring. Kändes som man spenderade mer tid åt att kommunicera med skivbolag, management, Skatteverket etc än att skapa och spela musik. Så jag kände att jag behövde pausa från allt det ett tag. Men vi har fortsatt att hålla kontakten och jag har varit och kollat när de har lirat i närheten vilket jag måste erkänna är en rätt bisarr upplevelse. Magnus Arnar var ju en ny bekantskap för mig men lättare snubbe att ha och göra med får man leta länge efter så överlag har återkomsten varit oerhört enkel och naturlig.

7. Så, till nya plattan. The Quill har ju gjort en rejäl resa sedan första plattan och Stoner-stämpeln har hängt med ett tag nu, och det må väl ha varit relevant på de första skivorna, men jag känner att ni på senaste plattorna gått mot ett mer klassikt rock sound, fortsätter ni på den resan nu med nya skivan? Vad har vi att förvänta oss?
The Quill - Vi kan säga så här, istället för att skryta med att vi har blivit argare, hårdare och tyngre så har vi blivit bredare. 70’s och stoner-influenserna har ju alltid funnits där, och på plattan har vi fler ingredienser än tidigare, men fortfarande med The Quill trademark så att säga.

8. När kommer plattan att släppas? Finns det någon titel som ni kan dela med er av nu?
The Quill - Plattan släpps på tyska Metalville och kommer att heta Tiger Blood. Tiger Blood betyder att du är oövervinnerlig eller odödlig, vilket summerar arbetet och alla erfarenheter vi har samlat på oss under Full Circle-tiden. Vi presterade och gick igenom mer under de två åren än många band gör under en livstid och utan att gå under.

9. Vinylutgåvor, gärna i limiterade upplagor är en trend nu. Är det något som ni kommer att haka på?
The Quill – Yes, baby! Tiger Blood kommer att släppas båda som CD, vinyl och i digital form.

10. Många band väljer att flytta till någon av storstäderna för att komma närmare sin “marknad” men Ni har alla valt att stanna kvar i respektive hemtrakter, hur har det påverkat arbetet med bandet?
The Quill – Dels är vi så pass rotade med våra familjer och arbeten att det är svårt att bryta upp. Men samtidigt gör avstånden att det är mer fokus när vi väl möts och arbetet blir supereffektivt och vi jobbar stenhårt. Hänga, partaja och ha trevligt ägnar vi oss åt under turnéer.

11. Hur ser låtskrivandet ut i bandet, med tanke på er geografiska spridning? Är det ett kollektivt arbete eller skriver ni mest på personlig basis?
The Quill – arbetssättet har väl alltid varit att Jolle eller Chrille kommer med en idé som de antingen går ner i replokalen och spelar in eller gör en enklare version av hemma på datorn, som de skickar till alla i bandet. Sen snurrar låten runt i mailkorgen tills den är klar helt enkelt.

12. Musikscenen har ju gått igenom en del förändringar på senaste tiden, mycket på grund av den nya tekniken. Skivbolagens roller förändras, Rocktidningarnas inflytande förändras, Bloggar och nät-tidningar växer osv. hur påverkar allt detta er? Positivt eller negativt?
The Quill – Det beror lite på vad man vill eller är kapabel till som band, men över lag är det hela positivt. Tillgängligheten, den personliga kontakten och nätverkandet är A och O idag.

13. Jag upplever att det har blivit en “Do It Yourself” trend till följd av att dessa ändringar, till skillnad mot tidigare, när man signade sig på ett bolag och sedan gjorde de resten, hur påverkar det er?
The Quill – Det positiva är att vi själva har mer kontroll över vår musik idag och kan själva påverka exponering och vilka vägar vi vill gå. Det negativa är lustigt nog att vi får mer kontroll över situationen, vilket betyder att det krävs så mycket mer fokus och arbete av oss för att det ska hända någonting och att vi ska komma någonstans.

Det var det helé. Kan bara säga Gutt å dé grabbar, tack för att ni tog er tiden att svara på mina frågor. Jag ser verkligen fram mot nya plattan och att få se er på scen igen. Gävlegigget med Hille-kören blir ett spännande kapitel i The Quill Story som jag givetvis kommer att återkomma till på ett eller annat sätt.