Peppermill Records has been around since 2006, and takes a unique approach to the netlabel model, stressing collaboration among artists. I recently talked with Peter, owner of Peppermill. He has some wonderful ideas, and really elaborated on some of my questions. Check out the interview, then go download some free music from the Peppermill site, you will not be disappointed!
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SFM: What is your definition of a netlabel?
Peppermill: Hmm good question. There’s a few different definitions… one would be that of a non-profit mp3 label without geographical barriers, often consisting of experimental genres that aren’t often sold, such as noise and ambient music. Another is that of any digital label that forgoes physical releases. Then again there’s combinations of these, along with others that also put out cd’s and vinyl. I like many others tend to consider netlabels those that put out the majority of their works under Creative Commons licenses and promote the idea of free music. But that’s just because it’s what I’m used to, I don’t know if any one group of people can lay official claim to such a broad term.
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I was recently in contact with Scott, the owner of Archaic Horizon netlabel, and he answered a few of my questions. Archaic Horizon started in 2006, and now has 37 releases of great ambient and experimental music available for DL. Check out the interview, then head over to AH for some free tunes!
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SFM: What has been the primary motivation for starting/maintaining your own netlabel? Also, what is the motivation for artists to release their music on a netlabel such as Archaic Horizon?
AH: Motivation to start Archaic Horizon came from seeing other netlabels release great music but then died off too soon, or they changed their business model to fit commercial goals. Following this free model, I began AH with the goal to release my favorite genres of music. Free music was the greatest motivation; if other labels weren’t going to keep their output regular, I figured starting my own label would keep my addiction fixed. Commercial profit was never a goal, nor was accumulating downloads. Certainly, having a respectable audience was key but it was about the respect, not the numbers. Likewise, by collectively organizing like-minded artists we can share the fan base and reach more listeners that share common interests. I feel this is an artists greatest motivation to release music for free on a netlabel.
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Here is a Q&A with Nik (4T Thieves), owner of Kahvi Collective netlabel. Kahvi Collective has been around since 1997, specializing in electronic music. Over 280 releases from over 140 artists, equaling over 1250 freely downloadable tracks. Enjoy the interview, and download some Kahvi music!
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SFM: What is your definition of a netlabel?
Nik: Privately run ‘organisation’ which releases music from unsigned artists (or signed artists on rare occasions) as a way to get their name known.
SFM: What is the primary motivation for starting/running a netlabel?
Nik: Could be to put your own music out – it could also be a way of getting lots of free music sent to you. But Kahvi was originally started to release music by the founders way back in 1997. Currently the motivation is the feedback from the fans and the reputation which grows every month.
SFM: What is the primary motivation for an artist to release their own music on a netlabel?
Nik: To get it heard by a larger audience. In such well known labels the audience is very large. The releases remain high quality as the better artists get released. Its probably difficult for a new label to get a name due to the lack of quality releases. Could also be seen as a stepping stone to getting on a commercial label.
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I was fortunate enough to speak with Tatsu Suzuki, the owner of Bump Foot, a well established netlabel in Japan. Bump Foot has 267 releases available for free download, specializing in techno, house, ambient, and IDM music.
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SFM: What is your definition of a netlabel?
Tatsu: A platform collecting tracks of independent (not-signed) artists.
SFM: What is the primary motivation for starting/running a netlabel?
Tatsu: I wanted my music (alongside the music of others) to be heard by someone. Also, I was interested in running a netlabel.
SFM: What is the primary motivation for an artist to release their own music on a netlabel?
Tatsu: Getting more exposure than own website (getting music heard by the most possible people).
SFM: There has been an influx of new netlabels over the past couple years. Has this had a positive or negative impact on the netaudio scene?
Tatsu: I think it’s both positive and negative. Positive: it can be another place for promotion, or new discovery. Negative: it’s hard to follow the netlabel scene, especially for people following many labels.
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