Magnetic Eye Records announce new Redux Series installment "The Downward Spiral Redux" & companion volume "Best of Nine Inch Nails Redux" with a Kickstarter campaign

Magnetic Eye Records reveal the next installment in their acclaimed Redux Series in homage to American industrial rock pioneers NINE INCH NAILS. The release follows the series' established practice of paying tribute to legendary rock classics with a re-imagination of one of the chosen band's milestone albums.

This edition features cover renditions by current artists taking on NINE INCH NAILS' 1994 sophomore album "The Downward Spiral", which sold over 5 million copies worldwide and was nominated for a Grammy award in the category 'Best Alternative Music Performance'.

Following now-established tradition, the label has launched the project with a Kickstarter campaign, which is under way and will continue until September 2 (US) and has already more than tripled its original target. Details located here:

www.kickstarter.com/projects/magneticeye/the-downward-spiral-redux-and-best-of-nine-inch-nails-redux

An impressive list of artists and collaborations has already been announced for "The Downward Spiral Redux" and "Best of Nine Inch Nails Redux" as follows:

BLACK TUSK 'Mr. Self Destruct'
DAEVAR 'Closer'
ABRAMS 'Eraser'
BLUE HERON 'Head Like a Hole'
GRAYCON 'Right Where It Belongs'
IAH 'A Warm Place'
THE OCEAN 'Even Deeper'
BLEAKHEART 'Something I Could Never Have'
SNAKEMOTHER 'The Day the World Went Away / Sin'
BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME 'Hurt'
SANDRIDER 'March of the Pigs'
BEES MADE HONEY IN THE VEIN TREE 'Over and Out'
JOHN FRYER with STELLA SOLEIL 'I Do Not Want This'
AUTHOR & PUNISHER 'Reptile'
DREADNOUGHT 'The Becoming'
THIEF 'Piggy'
JOHN CXNNOR feat. HEXA 'Big Man with a Gun'

At this moment in time, the world's reliance on machines, algorithms, and artificial intelligence has never been greater. This means it is also the perfect time to reflect on the emergence of a musical force whose blend of mechanized instrumentation and raw emotion was singular and revolutionary.

NINE INCH NAILS were formed in Cleveland, Ohio in 1988. They arrived around the same time as grunge when Generation X was developing an awareness of itself, but while there was cross-appeal, the sound they created was clearly and intentionally something very different.

The skepticism of that era came through in the music, with artists from RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE to NIRVANA pushing back against what was acceptable to say and do in our society, and everything from the ideals of what major musicians should do with their fame to what people and corporations stood for were fair targets.

NINE INCH NAILS were twice as cynical as everyone else and reflected the singular, driven musical expression of mastermind Trent Reznor. The music he made as NIN has always ranged from infectious, furious, delicate, and sexual to transgressive, uplifting, cautionary, and hopeless. While Reznor did not always make broad, blunt statements about politics, materialism or repression (though he definitely did at times), there was a consistently restless quality to his music. His frustration at the veneer of normalcy and acceptability that characterized modern popular music was palpable, and he seemed to search endlessly for seams to peel back and rip loose to expose what was underneath.

Of NINE INCH NAILS' seminal breakthrough album, Spin magazine respectfully had this to say in 2024: "As The Downward Spiral turns 30 this year, it still stands as an act of artistic transgression against the limits of popular music. Pushing the boundaries of creative censorship, it is still considered Nine Inch Nails' most daring and uncompromising album."

Join us in paying homage to one of rock's most ambitious innovators and angriest Gen X voices railing against the status quo, as we present our latest Redux Series installment "The Downward Spiral Redux", along with the traditional companion album "Best of Nine Inch Nails Redux". The two double album collections together comprise 27 re-imagined renditions by some of today's coolest and heaviest artists taking on NINE INCH NAILS classics and deeps cuts.

The Magnetic Eye Redux Series features hand-picked classic albums from across the history of rock and metal re-imagined in their entirety from start to finish. Artists we love from within and outside the heavy rock landscape choose tracks to make their own, bringing these milestone records into the new millennium with crushing heaviness and searing energy. To date, we've produced Redux editions of PINK FLOYD's "The Wall", HELMET's "Meantime", BLACK SABBATH's "Vol. 4", HENDRIX's "Electric Ladyland", ALICE IN CHAINS' "Dirt", AC/DC's "Back in Black", SOUNDGARDEN's "Superunknown", JETHRO TULL's "Aqualung", and RAMONES' debut "Ramones" which have included artists like RED FANG, MATT PIKE, PALLBEARER, THE MELVINS, ALL THEM WITCHES, KHEMMIS, ASG, SUPERSUCKERS, ZAKK WYLDE, MARK LANEGAN, RUBY THE HATCHET, and many more amazing artists.

Join us for our tenth foray into Redux territory as we pay proper respect to the US industrial rock legends NINE INCH NAILS. More artist announcements to follow!

The NINE INCH NAILS Kickstarter campaign (until September 2):

www.kickstarter.com/projects/magneticeye/the-downward-spiral-redux-and-best-of-nine-inch-nails-redux

Thanks to Magnetic Eye Records for all of the details

Doom/Stoner Rockers EARL OF HELL Announce KICKSTARTER Fund To Release Debut Album.

Four years ago, fuzz rockers Earl Of Hell strummed their first ever power chord. At last, the debut album is almost upon us.

Anyone familiar with Earl Of Hell will know how dedicated we are to making this album a success. By gigging relentlessly across the UK, we’ve found our strength as a live act and made some great musical allies. Most recently, we teamed up with our hero, Alain Johannes, gaining support from his fans after a successful first tour together and another one announced for 2025! This, preceded by a 2 week tour with the Brant Bjork Trio, gives us a great platform to release the record.

We’ve begun recording the album at Deep Storm Productions near Glasgow. With Kev Hare engineering and Alain on board to mix and master, we’re really confident in how it’s sounding so far! The next stages in this process is where we need support from our friends and fans - that’s you!

On offer is 4 tiers of rewards, from exclusive items to test pressings, making sure everyone gets some bang for their buck!

Funds raised will contribute towards the cost of manufacturing and marketing the album and we’ll be keeping pledgers up to date with our progress each step of the way.

We kindly thank you all for your support and we can’t wait for you to hear this record!

You can view the KICKSTARTER Page Here

EARL OF HELL have said this about the project

"All you lovely people will be aware that we are currently in the midst of making our debut album!

We have taken the decision to self-release this record and we're looking for a little help from our fans and friends to bring this project to light!

There are 4 amazing tiers full of rewards and all pledges will go towards the manufacturing and marketing of the record, which is pencilled for release around spring time next year.

We know it's a big ask from us in the current climate, but we would immensely appreciate any help that can be given, thank you all so much for your continued support and we can't wait for you all to hear this record!"

Links

Official | Facebook | BandCamp

Desert Records Announce Legends of the Desert: Vol. 3 Featuring Fatso Jetson and Dali's Lama

The third volume features two old school veterans of desert rock, Fatso Jetson & Dali's Llama. After kicking off the first two volumes with new bands, it was due time to work with veterans of the Palm Desert scene.

The artwork is done by artist Joshua Mathus of Phoenix, AZ. He is commissioned to do all the album artwork (front and back covers) for the entire series.

Fatso Jetson is an American desert rock band from Palm Desert, California, formed in 1994 by Yawning Man and The Sort of Quartet members Mario Lalli and Larry Lalli, along with Tony Tornay, and Dino Von Lalli (son of Mario). Fatso Jetson have remained an active force in underground rock for almost 25 years. They are often credited as originators of the desert strain of stoner rock made most famous by their younger neighbors Kyuss and Queens of the Stone Age. While musically similar to some of their stoner brethren, Fatso Jetson incorporates a variety of musical influences that includes punk, art rock, blues and psychedelic hard rock.

Dali’s Llama is a desert rock band from the Palm Springs/Palm Desert area of Southern California. Dali’s Llama was formed in 1993 and released their first album that same year. The band, started by the husband and wife team of Zach and Erica Huskey, have remained the only two original members from the beginning. Zach is the guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter, and Erica is the bass player. Dali’s Llama has released 15 albums so far. Their music is in five films, including being featured in the desert rock documentary “Lo Sound Desert”. They have performed and/or toured throughout the southwestern United States, including the 'Stoner Hands of Doom' and 'Doom In June'

Link to Kickstarter - Legends Of The Desert Volume 3

The kickstarter campaign launches on Friday, Dec 9th…and offers 4 stunning vinyl variants. Other rewards include the “Desert Rat” guitar pedal, test pressings, custom print/poster, and vinyl bundles.

This is the soundtrack to the New Wild West. The focus of the Legends of the Desert series is to provide a modern perspective to the antiquated 'Wild West' we have etched in our brains. These songs and tales are not told by the same ol' perspective of the white male Cowboy. These are narratives told by those who never got their stories heard. We will hear from musicians, artists, Natives, outlaws, desert rats, desert dwellers, cactuses and mesas, ravens and roadrunners, snakes and endless skies.

The bands are curated by label owner, Brad Frye. The requirements for bands to appear on the Legends series must hit certain criteria (besides making original & amazing desert rock music. Bands must be located geographically in the American Southwest. The states within this boundary include: California (southern part), Arizona, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, Colorado, Oklahoma, and Texas. The bands have to be currently active. They also are in line with the Legends series ethos of offering an updated perspecitve of Wild West. Fuck John Wayne and all the outdated Wild West bullshit that we have been fed by movies and media.

Desert Records has already released Legends of the Desert Vol: 1 & 2. Both releases were successful and were met with great excitement.

Vol. 1 featured two popular modern day bands, Palehorse/Palerider (Denver, CO) & Lord Buffalo (Austin, TX). LISTEN HERE on BANDCAMP: Legends of the Desert: Vol 1

Vol. 2 featured two new bands, The Penitent Man (Salt Lake City, UT) & Cortége (Austin, TX). LISTEN HERE on Bandcamp: Legends of the Desert: Vol. 2

Sergeant Thunderhoof Announce New Album And Announce KICKSTARTER DETAILS

A new album... at last!

We're delighted to announce that we have finally begun work on the follow up to 2018's 'Terra Solus'. This is easily our most ambitious work to date and we can't wait to share it with you.

A Kickstarter campaign has just gone live and you are the first to be notified! We won't be sharing the news with others until tomorrow. There are loads of cool packages and goodies up for grabs and we hope you will join us on this ride to help us get this project off the ground.

CLICK HERE TO SEE!

Sergeant Thunderhoof & Pale Wizard Records

PALE WIZARD RECORDS:

Website: https://www.palewizard.co.uk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/palewizard

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/palewizard

Bandcamp: https://palewizardrecords.bandcamp.com/

SERGEANT THUNDERHOOF:

Website: https://www.sergeantthunderhoof.co.uk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sergeantthunderhoof

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sergeantthunderhoof

Bandcamp: https://sergeantthunderhoof.bandcamp.com

An Inteview With PALE WIZARD RECORDS To Discuss Kickstarter for exciting project: Alice Cooper - Killer - 50 years later.

Pale Wizard Records have been going strong for a few years now and have released some great releases from Sergeant Thunderhoof, Phoxjaw and Mos Generator over the years. Now, the label may have embarked on their biggest project yet. As the band have just announced their latest project which will be a tribute album to Alice Cooper’s seminal 1971 album KILLER.

The band have launched a Kickstarter Campaign where bands such as Green Lung, 1968, Mos Generator, Ritual King and Sergeant Thunderhoof performing their own versions of classic tracks from the album.

I caught up with Tim and Dan, the brains behind Pale Wizard Records to see why they’re taking on such a huge project….

Hi guys. Thanks for doing this interview. How are things with you today?

TIM: Hello! I’m very good thanks. Hope that everyone is doing alright in these difficult times we live in!

Dan: All good mate, sun has been shining today which is a miracle for this country!

For people not in the know. Can you give a brief history of how the record label came together and where it is today.

TIM: Dan had already started the label prior to me joining last year. I’ve known Dan for 20 years and have worked together with him in a number of jobs over the years so it seemed a logical step to join up with him to help take this venture to a new level. Today we have several releases behind us, some currently in development and an exciting future planned. We primarily aim to make deluxe edition vinyl records, so expect coloured vinyl, gatefold sleeves, collectible extras and premium quality pressings on heavyweight vinyl. We’re also releasing on CD too!

Dan: The label was initially started up to release the first single for the band Phoxjaw. I’ve been supporting the band from their inception and it just felt like a good thing to do to help them out. The pandemic last year really spurred me on to resurrect it. Mostly as a way to keep my mind active. Getting Tim on board has really helped push things forward. It also helps somewhat in that we can release material for Sergeant Thunderhoof too, which I sing for.

Why did you call it Pale Wizard Records?

TIM: The label had already been set up when I joined, so you’d have to ask Dan for an answer on that one! I support the choice of name however, it’s definitely something that fits in the genre we’re currently releasing in.

Dan: I was just trying to think of something that felt kind of personal. As a proud ginger, freckly man, having the word pale in there seemed appropriate.

Do you have a set of rules or ideals when releasing albums on the label?

TIM: Not so much strict rules, but we definitely try to theme the releases we’ve curated around a specific idea. For example, last year we released a split single of Kate Bush covers. We plan to continue doing singles in this series using bands to cover artists that you wouldn’t necessarily expect to see a covered in this genre. It’s something we feel passionately about, the release has to interest us both really for us to want to take the project on.

Dan: Yes, we just want to release things that spark our interest and that we have a personal connection with.

We have to talk about your most ambitious project to date. A new project called 50 Years Later. With your first release being a re-imagination or re-working of Alice Cooper’s 1971 landmark album KILLER. So will this be the first of many releases and why did you choose this classic album as the 1st release?

TIM: Well the obvious answer is we’re both fans of Alice, and that is true, but I think the 50 Years Later series is something that we would love to become a staple of the label and an annual tradition. Killer is such an important album not only for Alice Cooper but also for rock music in general so we felt it would be the perfect album to start with and to set the bar high for future releases. The 70s were a hugely influential period for bands of all genres, and we are excited to give some modern bands the chance to put their own spin on these classic albums.

Dan: I’ve been a huge fan of Alice Cooper since the early 90s. It was when listening to Love it to Death and Killer last summer that it occurred to me that they were both about to turn 50 years old. It seems like such a colossal milestone and made even more impressive when you consider that they’re still very active. Killer has always been my favourite album by the band, it’s flawless. So I just got chatting with Tim and we came up with the title ’50 Years Later’. We were trying to come up with alternate ways of saying 50 years. But ‘Golden Jubilee’ sounds bloody ridiculous.

You’ve released a Kickstarter Campaign for the project which I’m hoping is mega-successful. Will all your future 50 Years Later releases be going down this route or is this just to start things off?

TIM: We’ve done it this way to try and get the name out there a little before release. Being a new label, we thought this a great way to promote the album, build up some excitement and also give the backers a chance to secure themselves some exclusive goodies! As you know we plan to get these albums released 50 years to the day, and Killer was released in November 1971. With the long manufacturing times on vinyl these days we felt it was right to let people secure a copy on pre-order in plenty of time.

Dan: I’m not sure if we’ll be doing a Kickstarter for each subsequent release. My gut instinct is probably not. As Tim said, this just felt like a good way to announce the series.

You’ve got some great bands on board such as Green Lung, Mos Generator, Ritual King, 1968 and some upstarts called Sergeant Thunderhoof. How did you decide on these bands and were there any bands that you asked but didn’t have the time to do this?

TIM: Ah yes, there were a few bands we considered that for various reasons we didn’t proceed with. The bands we have chosen for Killer are all top tier choices though, and we’re delighted to have the roster we have. Of course, due to the virus there were some people that just couldn’t commit to working on this project and the logistics of organising 8 recordings during the pandemic was at times challenging, but I think the experience has taught us a few lessons for the future for sure!

Dan: We had a few bands originally confirmed which had to pull out for various personal reasons which I don’t think would be fair on them to announce. But I’m really chuffed with the final line-up as it represents a great cross section of artists from the underground hard rock scene. We did chance our arm with a few high profile bands such as Orange Goblin, and although they were very flattered, there were various reasons why they couldn’t commit in time. The pandemic has made things very tough for everyone.

Do you have all the other future releases planned? Can you give any hints on what’s to come next.

TIM: We’re always planning the next release, and we hope to be putting out new records in our Beyond the Pale series in the near future as well as another 50 Years Later album in 2022. There’s also the possibility of a new album by a band quite close to home of course. Who knows when we might be announcing that…

Dan: The next Beyond the Pale release is coming together and I think we’ll be making an announcement on that within the next couple of months. As for 50 Years Later, we will be making a final decision on which classic album from 1972 to recreate very shortly. I think it’ll be something quite unexpected but very well received.

Will you being releasing multiple releases each year or will it be 1 release every year?

TIM: We’re definitely strong believers in quality over quantity. We want to make every release we do special, and I think with both of us being big collectors of physical media ourselves we know what we would look for that makes a release something extra special. It’s that certain something we strive for with everything we put out. We’re definitely treating each release with the care it deserves. We have 2 more releases out this year prior to the Killer record, a Mos Generator live record and a reissue of the first Hoof release ‘Zigurat’. The 50 Years Later series will be an annual tradition I hope, but our other releases will follow no set pattern.

Dan: Given the amount of work involved in putting together this first release of Killer, I think we would be stretching ourselves too thin to commit to more than one of that series per year. And as Tim said, we definitely want to focus on quality over quantity.

COVID-19 has pretty much put a stop to all life as we know it for the time being. How big of an impact has it affected both Pale Wizard and Sergeant Thunderhoof. And how are you surviving in this stressful time?

TIM: It’s pretty much all I’ve ever known as far as the label is concerned! The majority of my time at the label has been spent during the pandemic, and at the time of writing still is. Naturally, it’s made things more difficult for us, the knock-on effect for us has been some bands being unavailable to work with, with manufacturing being slowed down and at the height of the pandemic with postal deliveries being delayed. All these things combine to affect every part of what we do right through to getting our final product out there and we’ve had to adapt and change accordingly to keep everything moving. Now I hope the worst of it is behind us and I think we’ll see a big resurgence in live music as soon as we’re all allowed out to enjoy it!

Dan: It was a disaster for Hoof as we were 2 weeks away from going out on tour with Howling Giant, so financially it had a big effect. Psychologically it has been tough. We did as much as we could within the constraints forced upon us in 2020, such as an acoustic LP, the double A side Kate Bush tribute with Tony Reed, the live LP released on vinyl. And not to forget the split LP we did with Howling Giant which I personally believe was one of the best releases in 2020 period. I know that sounds big headed, but we were all so proud of that. This year is hopefully going to be very productive for the band and we’re busy working on the next album.

After everything is back to some sort of normality. What does the future hold for the label and the band?

TIM: The future for us is simply to keep creating the kind of releases we would want to buy ourselves. I think that’s the ethos that has run through everything we’ve done so far and is what has kept the quality of everything we’ve put out so far so high.

Dan: I just want to keep things interesting and unexpected. Ask us again in 3 months after we see how well this release goes! Ha-ha.

Thanks for doing this interview. Before you go, do you have any words of wisdom that you want to say to your fans?

TIM: I think quite simply ‘keep supporting physical media, it’s absolutely the best way to enjoy music’

Dan: Turn off your TV for a bit. My family stopped watching it at the beginning of the first lockdown and it has been bliss! Too much negativity these days. Smile and have a happy life.

All the best with the Kickstarter Project.

Words by Steve Howe and Pale Wizard Records

Thanks to Jade for arranging this interview. Thanks to Dan and Tim for doing the interview. 

Kickstarter URL: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/palewizard/alice-cooper-killer-50-years-later

Links

Official | Facebook | BandCamp

Pale Wizard Records launch kickstarter for exciting project: Alice Cooper - Killer - 50 years later.

 

Pale Wizard Records launch kickstarter for exciting project; 

Alice Cooper, Killer - 50 years later.  

 Green Lung, 1968, Ritual King, Mos Generator & More collaborate on the project.

November 27th 2021. 50 Years Later. To the day. Pale Wizard Records pays tribute to Alice Cooper’s classic Killer record, the first in an exciting new series of albums entitled 50 years later.

Alice Cooper’s 4th album, Killer, was released on November 27th 1971 and has gone on to become one of the most loved albums in his whole discography. 50 Years Later, Pale Wizard Records brings you an exciting line up featuring some of the most renowned bands in the underground scene today paying homage to Killer in their own contemporary styles. 

Not just any tribute record, 50 Years Later artists are handpicked by the staff at Pale Wizard Records to get the upmost out of each classic track. The 8 original songs are brought to life here by 8 of the absolute best the modern hard rock, stoner and psych underground has to offer. 

The lead single in ‘71 was ‘Under My Wheels’ which is brought to life 50 Years Later in dramatic style by Green Lung. Other highlights include The Grand Mal tackling ‘Be My Lover’, Sergeant Thunderhoof’s daring take on ‘Halo of Flies’ and Pale Wizard favourites Mos Generator with ‘Dead Babies’. But that is not all… the album also features 1968, Trippy Wicked and the Cosmic Children of the Night, Admiral Sir Cloudesley Shovell and Ritual King. 

Killer: 50 Years Later is a potent mixture of the best of today’s bands and one stone cold classic album from years gone.

The Kickstarter campaign will be live on Friday 12th March.

Alice Cooper, Killer - 50 Years On is released November 27th 2021 and will be available on CD, Vinyl and all major platforms.

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On November 27th 1971, the original Alice Cooper band released an album that would define a generation and inspire countless more. It was the second LP they released that year, coming hot off the heels of 'Love it to Death' in March which contained the unlikely teenage anthem 'I'm Eighteen'. 

Alice Cooper were finally living up to the expectations and potential they had shown on their first two psychedelic tinged records released through Frank Zappa's label the previous years.

But the band still had its detractors. There were many in the music industry that couldn't see past the shock, make-up, theatrics and headline grabbing scandals. With 'Killer', you can hear a band at the top of their game but also with a point to prove. 'Killer' contains eight of the most visceral, hard hitting, refined and shocking songs of their career. Backed by the superb production talents of Bob Ezrin, many consider this album to be the creative pinnacle of the Alice Cooper catalogue.

About Pale Wizard:

Pale Wizard Records is a labour of love for it's co-founders Tim Hilleard and Dan Flitcroft. They release music that they love and find interesting. Dan has been a die hard Alice fan since the early 90's after his Dad bought 'Billion Dollar Babies' on vinyl at a car boot sale. When Dan realised that 'Killer' was turning 50, he got on the blower and started speaking to a bunch of great bands that he had come across on his travels with his own band Sergeant Thunderhoof. Those initial conversations garnered a very positive reaction from all involved and it was decided that they would attempt to recreate the album, in full, with each band having complete creative license to do what they will with it.

Who's involved?

Green Lung:  https://greenlung.bandcamp.com/

1968:  https://1968band.bandcamp.com/music

Sergeant Thunderhoof:  https://sergeantthunderhoof.bandcamp.com/

Mos Generator:  https://mosgenerator.bandcamp.com/

Ritual King:  https://ripplemusic.bandcamp.com/album/ritual-king 

The Grand Mal:  https://thegrandmal.bandcamp.com/album/the-grand-mal 

Admiral Sir Cloudesley Shovell:  https://riseaboverecords.com/artists/riseaboveartists/admiralsircloudesleyshovell/ 

Trippy Wicked & the Cosmic Children of the Knight: https://trippywicked.bandcamp.com/album/three-leaves

Kickstarter URL: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/palewizard/alice-cooper-killer-50-years-later

Label - Pale Wizard Records: www.palewizard.co.uk

Cover art: Sara-Jane Swettenham - https://www.facebook.com/sarajaneart

Video Trailer: https://youtu.be/-ZHLqQ9JmMk

Kickstarter Rewards:

An Interview With Brad Frye Discussing Desert Records And WOMEN OF DOOM

Today I'm interviewing Brad Frye. Owner of Desert Records and the creative genius behind Psychedelic Stoner Rockers - RED MESA.

I'm interviewing Brad as he's just setup a KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN with Jadd Shickler from Blues Funeral record label to focus on the WOMEN OF DOOM.

Women of Doom is an album of all-new music and original songs from some of the best artists in heavy music today to recognize and celebrate the impact of women on all things heavy.

I wanted to find out more about Brad's work with Desert Records and where the idea of WOMEN OF DOOM came from. There will be a future interview with Brad where we will discuss RED MESA.

For now enjoy this interview with Brad and find out more about the awesome work he's currently doing...

How did Desert Records start?

It started in Albuquerque, NM in 2018. I was watching a raven out in the desert flying around rocks and cactus. It landed on a dead tree limb overlooking the desert landscape. It looked wise and intelligent and strong and beautiful. The raven turned its head and looked straight at me. It stared straight into my soul. It asked me if I was on the right path in my life. I wasn't and the raven knew it to. Without words, the raven said, “You better get on it.” Then it flew off.

I went home and started Desert Records. 

When did you get the insane idea to run a record label?

My band Red Mesa was finishing up recording our album “The Devil and the Desert”. I figured that if we were going to press a vinyl record, why not have it on a label? And if I wanted to have control of the process, I knew it what time to do it myself.

I felt like it was very important for me to learn more about the music business side of things while learning how to get the album into the hands (and ears) into more people.

Was it hard process setting up Desert Records?

It's the first business that I have ever started. Huge learning curve. Still a huge learning curve now, a year later. I took a small business class online. I talked to a lot of people. I dove in and started learning on the fly. I've made a ton of mistakes. The amount of stress has been overwhelming at times. It's an extremely hard process because there are so many different components of running a label. I'm a one man DIY operation. I could use about 10 employees, but I can't afford to pay one person at the moment. I hope that at some point the label will become successful enough for me to have a team to work with. In the meantime, I'll be working a full-time day job, being a husband, working on Desert Records AND writing new music with Red Mesa with every free second I get.

Looking back now would you do anything different?

I wouldn't have started a record label! Ha ha! It's so much work. But totally worth it. I think I would have done so many things different in the first year. I've learned so much, and I look back and think, “Fuck, I could have done things so much better.” Such as life.

Why did you call the label Desert Records?

I wanted to name the label something very simple and easy to remember. Like Island Records, for example. Also, I didn't want the name to be something fancy or flashy, because I want the bands on the label to stand out, not the label itself. Plus, I love the fucking desert. I'm obsessed with the SW United States desert country. And I grew up in Maine on the coastline where I could see Mount Desert Island from my kitchen window as a boy. So, the Desert Records is something that combines my past, present, and future all into one.

Have you had any help from the DIY Record Labels currently within the underground Doom/Sludge/Stoner Metal scene? Or have you done this all by yourself? 

Dude, I have been so blessed to have received guidance from some of the best in the underground.

I'm glad you asked, because I want to give big shout outs to Todd at Ripple, Jadd at Blues Funeral, Neils at Cursed Tongue Records, and Jay at Orange Whip Records. I could not have done this without them. They have been so kind, helpful, and supportive. They have provided me with so much advice and business resources.

I remember talking with all these guys individually before starting Desert Records and saying, “Hey man, I'm gonna start a record label. I wanted to let you know and hope that's cool. Not trying to take away any business.” They all responded with encouragement and support. That felt really good going into it.

Which bands do you have signed currently to your label?

The newest band to join Desert Records is Nebula Drag. They are an amazing psychedelic stoner metal band from San Diego. “Blud” will be released on vinyl, CD, and digital on September 27th, 2019.

The artist roster includes When The Deadbolt Breaks (CT). They are an incredible psychedelic Doom band. The Horned God (NM), an ancient Celtic Stoner Metal and Cos-play band. Their debut album is out now. Red Mesa (NM), my band that is desert rock, metal, Americana and psychedelia.

I have a small artist roster for now. This is intentional because I wanted to take the time to learn how to run a label and be able to have time to work with the bands. I'm slowly growing, but only as I feel comfortable with. Bands really like to be able to feel support from their label. I talk, text, and message with the bands all the time. I want to be there for them. If I had 50 bands on the label, I wouldn't be able to do that.

Do you have a set of rules when signing a band to your label or who you want to work with?

Yes. Number one, I need to love their music. If I don't love it, I'm not putting it out. Two, I want to work with good people. People that are loving, intelligent, thoughtful human beings and artists. Desert Records does not tolerate racism, bigotry, fascism, homophobia, or hatred of any kind. Three, I want to work with bands that are very active and are willing to work hard through tours, making fans, promoting their record, and networking. Four, have fun. Music is important, and it's a very challenging journey, but you gotta enjoy the trip.

Do you have any upcoming album releases that folks maybe excited about?

Nebula Drag's second full-length “Blud” will be released on September 27th. This album is a ripper!

This will be 10 tracks from dudes in San Diego. If you have never seen or heard Nebula Drag, go check them out. First class music wizardry. This band is a perfect example of the evolution of heavy rock. They have elements of many things that rock, metal, and punk fans will love: riffs, melodic singing, high energy, psychedelic grooves, huge and heavy sound, and killer songs.

And of course, Women of Doom in the spring of 2020!

The project I’ve seen you working on now is WOMEN OF DOOM. What is that project all about. 

This project is celebrating and honouring women for their contributions and achievements in heavy music. This brings together some of the most talented musicians in the heavy music world today, under one album, to honor highlight women in rock. I knew I wanted to do a project with some of my favorite artists in the heavy underground. It took a long time and a lot of conversations with the artists and women in my life to have the right plan. 

I wanted to make sure that fans and the artists know this is not about the exploitation of women. This isn't about “sexy women of heavy metal”.

The agreements between the artists and the label are 50-50. As simple and fair as a record deal exists. I have the artists submit all the photos of themselves. Content and news are exchanged between the artists. Transparency and trust.

The artists are free to submit the music/song of their choice. I encourage dialogue and feedback about the project. I want this to be done right.

It's an obvious challenge to create and launch a project like Women of Doom when I am not a woman myself. I let the women do the talking, and I will support them in any way possible and help get their music out their for the people to enjoy!

What is the overall aim for the project.

The overall aim is to inspire through music and creativity. I hope that the musicians and the music fans will be inspired by this project. I hope this will give the musicians an opportunity to create and express themselves in a way that they haven't had the outlet for. I hope that music fans will discover their music and start to listen to new music. I hope people will be inspired to pick up a creative project in their life. Maybe this will inspire kids to pick up musical instruments. I feel there are so many negative things going on in the world, that this is something positive that people can focus on.

Are you doing this project yourself or do you have help arranging this entire project.

Once I felt ready and comfortable to make this idea a reality, I talked with Jadd Shickler from Blues Funeral. He owned and operated the legendary record label MeteorCity. He lives here in Albuquerque too. After many discussions, I asked him to collaborate. This project required wisdom and experience that I didn't have to properly launch it. Jadd was the right person to work with.

Desert Records has also joined forces with Jenn D'Eugenio of Women in Vinyl. She is amazing and has really helped to guide the direction of the project. She's introduced me to artists that are now on the album. She has been a supporter of this project from the first day we talked and I'm very happy and grateful that we are working together.

You have some awesome musicians currently involved. And everyone writing new material for the album.

Yes! Holy shit, this line-up is getting stacked: Rebecca Vernon (Subrosa, The Keening, Amy Tung-Barrysmith (Year of the Cobra), Lauren Gaynor (Deathbell), Sarah Pendleton and Kim Cordray (Subrosa, Avarice), Doomstress Alexis (Doomstress), Gwyn Strang (Frayle), Nighthawk (Heavy Temple), and a couple big surprises to be announced over the next few weeks!

Yes, all the artists are providing brand new, never-before-heard material. The songs I have heard so far have blown my mind. You are in for a real treat.

It’s good to see your KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN reaching it’s target in double quick time. Has it surprised you how quickly that happened.

Thank you! People have shown a lot of love and support for this project. I truly didn't know what to expect. I hoped that people would be as excited about it as I am. For us to hit our goal in the first 15 days felt so good. As I'm writing this, we still have nine days to go. I hope the project can continue to be supported so we can do as much as we can for the incredible artists who are providing us all with new music and amazing songs.

Do you think there’s an issue with female musicians not getting enough credit as their male counterparts within the Doom/Sludge/Stoner Metal scene.

I feel heavy rock and metal has been historically dominated by males. But some of my favourite artists and bands are centered around women. I find a lot of inspiration from these women. I hope this project will give these musicians and their bands new fans.

Will this be a regular project or just a one-off project.

Not sure yet! Women of Doom will come out in Spring 2020.

Words by Steve Howe and Brad Frye

Thanks to Brad for doing this interview. 

WOMEN OF DOOM

KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN

Desert Records

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Desert Records Announce WOMEN OF DOOM

DESERT RECORDS have announced the following KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN for WOMEN OF DOOM.

The Lowdown

In a music universe dominated by male artists and egos, female musicians have been creating powerful heaviness and kicking ass since the dawn of the amplified riff.

Women of Doom is an album of all-new music and original songs from some of the best artists in heavy music today to recognize and celebrate the impact of women on all things heavy.

Great music is great music, and while there probably shouldn’t be a distinction between male and female musicians, we know there is one. That’s why it’s important to highlight and recognize the badass women whose creativity and heaviness have been blowing our minds and our speakers for years.

Women of Doom is a collaborative album presented on limited edition vinyl, CD, and digital formats in an array of exclusive collectors’ packages, featuring new, original songs from artists like:

• Sarah Pendleton and Kim Cordray of SubRosa/Avarice/The Otolith
• Alexis Hollada of Doomstress
• Gwyn Strang of Frayle
• And many more to be revealed soon!

To be clear, this album isn't about sexualizing women in metal - that would be an insult to our own values and the artists involved.

Heavy music is a powerful force, and some of our favorite heavy musicians are women, so what better time than now for an album dedicated to the talent and strength of these phenomenal artists?!?

That's why Women of Doom is about bringing new music into the world by artists we admire, and focusing on the inspiration they create. Women inspiring women. Women inspiring everyone.

Our ultimate hope is that listeners are inspired to pick up instruments, start bands, write songs, and carry the torch of heavy rock into the future.

More Info on Women Of Doom Kickstarter Page