Justin K Comer & the Unblessed Rest of Us by Justin K Comer & the Unblessed Rest of Us Gabi Vanek is the “label boss” of Oxcart New Music, but she isn’t precious about it. She didn’t use the word “curate” once in this interview. “So I have wanted to use the name Oxcart New […]
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Label Profile: 5CM Recordings, founded by Mathias Timmerman
“In 2013, I played my first solo set (as Underwater Escape From the Black Hole) at one of the Zeitgeist fests that were held in Boone,” Mathias Timmerman, of Des Moines label 5CM Recordings, said in an email. “And I ended up meeting a lot of other folks who were running little DIY labels, putting […]
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Iowa Label Spotlight: Speak Up Records in Ottumwa
In both life and in music, Jason Bolinger has always sort of seen himself as a drummer. “I’ve always been the organizational guy, the guy that books all the tours,” he says. “That’s always been me, holding it all together and helping everyone get to the finish line.” Bolinger, an Iowa native, has played in […]
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Iowa Label Spotlight: Station 1 Records in Des Moines
There’s more altruism in music than the notoriously exclusive and abusive mainstream industry would have you believe. Station 1 Records in Des Moines is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit designed to not only record local minority and underrepresented artists but to serve as a sort of business school for artist entrepreneurs. “We take on a handful of […]
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Local label spotlight: Brokers Tip Records
“Independent” used to mean something. Before it became the preferred way to describe any and all rock microgenres that don’t otherwise fit the classic rock ’n’ roll mold, it was a reference to process. It’s like the term “DIY” before Pinterest came around and co-opted it. To be independent, or indie, meant to be more aligned with the individuals
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Local label spotlight: Curious Music
Russell Curry owns and curates Coralville-based label Curious Music. During its existence, Curious has released CDs and records by artists whose work inspired its owner. Curry’s early interest in ambient composers like Roger Eno and Harold Budd, as well as the influential German experimental band Cluster (specifically Dieter Moebius, Konrad
