Label Spotlight - An Interview With Mats Florstam - Owner Of OZIUM RECORDS

Ozium Records are one of the coolest Record Labels/Online Stores I’ve came across over the last few years. They’ve released a great line of Psych and Stoner Rock albums over the years.

I wanted to find out more about Ozium Records and the person who operates this. Mats Florstam is the master-mind behind both the record label and online store. Mats has kindly agreed to do this interview where we discussed how the label was formed and what records are coming our way from Ozium Records later this year.

So lets find out more..

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

Hi Steve! Everything's fine, thank you; listening to some new music as usual and checking if something interesting turns up to take in to the shop or perhaps a new band to sign later on... I'm quite picky, I can tell you; I only take in stuff that I personally, REALLY like :-)

You own and operate the fantastic online store and record label – Ozium Records. Can you give a brief history of when this label started.

The webstore and label started in 2011 and shortly after that I signed LUGNORO. However, it took a year for the band to finish their recordings, so the first official Ozium-release came out in 2012.

What were the reasons why you started the label. Any life-changing events that help influence your decision.

Since the age of 16 I've always wanted to start a record store/label and the background for the idea must have been that my father had a jazz-club and a label. Many years later, I started to work for Transsubstand Records and got plenty of good advice. You live only once, so I decided to do something to reach for my lifelong dream.

What are the overall aims for the record label itself. 

Ideally, the biggest dream would be to be able to make a living out of it... But the main thing is to keep things rolling in satisfying level.

Why did you choose the name Ozium Records for the online store and label.

You might think I took the name from Monster Magnet's first album, but NOPE. The name was born from the well-known odour neutralizer product (smokers know this..) and the slowly cracking ozone layer, that separates us earthlings (good band by the way!) from the space.

What was the first record that Ozium Records officially released.

Lugnoro - "Annorstädes" · Groovy prog with psychedelic stoner vibes. This was still in the "golden era" of CDs; I pressed 1000 copies - CDs ONLY! And now the record is sold out.

How many albums have you released then.

After I started, 17 releases so far - hopefully there will be AT LEAST 17 more! 

Do you have a favourite album that you’ve released on your label.

Yes I do, to be honest. It is Mamont - "Passing through the mastery door" · It's a very strong debut-album and I love every second of it.

Not a single "bad" track on this album! I used to listen to the album every single day, for about a month in a row; at home, in the car on my way to work...I think that is quite obvious sign of a good album.

Do you have a set of rules and ideals when signing a band to your label.

First of all, I sign "only" Nordic bands. This is because, I like to have a good contact with the band - to be able to see them perform live and because English is not my native language, it makes the communicating much more easier and there's lesser risk for misunderstandings. The band should be able to tour/play gigs and the personal life should not be on the way if some good opportunities/offers come up.

How hard is it operating a record label within the digital age.

I've actually released just one album digitally (Magic Jove - "In the Fields" EP) and it didn't sell that well... Currently, Öken is selling quite well digitally, out of all Ozium-releases.

Are you fearful of the endless and ongoing download culture that’s within the record industry.

No, not at all. CD and vinyl still sells better than digital releases overall, so I'm not that worried about the future of physical releases.

Stoners still seem to prefer the "real deal".

What formats do you prefer releasing more of. CD or Vinyl.

I personally like CD the best, but vinyl is getting more popular these days, so there will be more vinyl releases from Ozium as well - maybe a professional CD-promo or two...

There seems to be a very cool and thriving Independent Record Label Owner Community currently going on within the Doom/Sludge/Stoner Rock scene. With labels like yourselves, Argonauta, STB Records, Ripple Music, RidingEasy Records, Cursed Tongue Records and any other great label that I have missed out. Do you speak to the other label owners on a regular basis. Do they provide help or assistance to each other if needed.

I talk with the other label owners now and then, I really should do it more often because all of em are really nice to work/have a chat with. I've got plenty of help from few and shared thoughts about the business in general. No names, you know who you are! :-)

If someone asked you advice on how to start a record label and online record store. What advice would you give them.

Seed capital! And don't be afraid to TRY. I got the feeling that we, independent labels, support each other and we are not afraid to give a helping hand to new labels/stores when needed. Just go for it.

Looking back over your journey with Ozium Records, would you do anything differently at all.

I should have talked with people online, been more active in general in the social media (which my wife now does for Ozium). Social media contacts have really given a boost for the label

Does Ozium Records have any exciting plans or releases that we can look forward to for the rest of year.

SURFING IN HELL will release their full-length vinyl soonish and ANGUS BLACK is also following the vinyl-path. I really would like to push out more good releases, but I'm currently unemployed - that makes the planning a bit difficult.

Thanks for doing this interview Mats. Best of luck with your future endeavours.

Thank you Steve for the great blog! I've been following it since the very beginning :-)

Words by Steve Howe and Mats Florstam

Thanks to Mats for doing this interview. You can check Ozium Records from the links below.

Links

Official | Facebook

I leave you with Mats favourite album that's he's released on Ozium Records. 

MAMONT - Passing Through The Mastery Door.

KOZMIK CORNER - Upcoming Vinyl Releases From KOZMIK ARTIFACTZ

Who cares that most of the upcoming Vinyl Releases from Kozmik Artifactz have already been released. Let's rejoice that this great label is releasing some of the best sounding albums of recent years on Vinyl with Whoopie Cat, Snowchild, Mississippi Bones, His Masters Voice - The Devil's Blues and Deadneck being set for release in the next month or so.

Out of those 5 great album releases Snowchild have to be my top pick. As it's one of the best Doom Metal Albums of 2016. Especially if you're a fan of Black Sabbath and other legendary Doom Metal Bands.

Snowchild

Facebook | BandCamp | Kozmik Artifactz Vinyl



Whoopie Cat

Facebook | BandCamp | Kozmik Artifactz Vinyl




Mississippi Bones

Facebook | BandCamp | Kozmik Artifactz Vinyl



His Masters Voice - The Devil's Blues

Facebook | BandCamp | Kozmik Artifactz Vinyl


Deadneck

Facebook | BandCamp | Kozmik Artifactz Vinyl

Celebrating 5 Years With Argonauta Records. An Interview With Label Owner - GERO ARGONAUTA

Italian Record Label – Argonauta Records – have been one of the rising record labels of the underground Doom, Psych, Sludge and Stoner Metal scenes. They've released a wide variety of great releases since their formation in 2012.

Now celebrating their 5^th Anniversary I was given the opportunity to interview the label owner – Gero Argonauta. 2017 perhaps has been Argonauta Records most successful year with them releasing albums by bands such as Forming The Void, NIBURU, Ancient VVisdom, KAL-EL, Dustrider and Lowburn amongst others.

No doubt 2018 will be another active year for both Gero and the label. Before that happens here's a cool interview with the great man himself...

Hi Gero. Thanks for doing this interview. How are things with you today. Congrats on your 5^th anniversary with Argonauta Records.

Hello Steve, thanks a lot for this interview. Things are going strong these days. I’m celebrating label 5^th anniversary with tons of great releases.

Can you give a brief history on how Argonauta Records started and what inspired you to start a record label.

It is something I had in mind since ages. I’m a music lover since the day I’ve my first memories. Several years ago I decided to give to my dreams a proper form, It needed a lot of work and I could not even do it without the help of family and close friends. To not procrastinate anymore is my motto and I follow it rigorously each day. And now, here we go, tons of great releases and a great network of people I’m in connection with on a daily basis.

Did you ever think that you would be celebrating your 5^th anniversary and releasing over 80 quality album releases on the label.

For the anniversary it was my hope, to build something growing up year by year. I’d never expected though to release over 80 albums, it is currently a surprise when I see the label catalogue. 80 releases mean a lot of work and also a lot of cool artists I have the chance to work with. I feel lucky. I think in a sense Argonauta Records is something unique in the music industry currently.

Ancient VVIsdom

Why did you decide to focus on the Doom/Sludge/Stoner/Psych/Desert Rock genres for your label. I'm not complaining as your label keeps me in business. HA HA.

Ha Ha, yeah, I hear you! It is because I want to focus all my energy and time on the kinds of music I grew up with. The music I know better and I can cover, in a certain sense, easily as it was a hobby.

What were the first steps of Argonauta Records. How has it grown over the last 5 years or so.

It was really a long long journey, to build up what we are today. It requested and still requests a daily dedication and almost 24/7 work, especially the first two years I remind as I never slept answering to messages all night long and so, searching for good partners, bands and more. Today we are a label with its own identity, I believe, with a structure that comprise a promotional office and a key-distro network on a worldwide basis.

Have you made any wrong decisions since starting the label.

Too many debut albums during the first years. I love debuts, I think they have a symbolic meaning, a lot of cool bands are not able to record it, and a lot are not able to give it a follow up. But, by a professional standpoint, debuts request the triple dedication to make people and insiders interested to the album. It has been a problem during the early days and still is when you release new ones. So now I try to balance what my heart says and what reality requests.

Do you have a set of rules and ideals when signing a band to your label. Do they have to meet a particular criteria.

The main criteria is that the band has to appeal to me. I need to feel it suitable to the label. It does not matter how good you are, the proposal need to convince me that together we can do a cool work. Also, new bands have to get that they ask to be part of a big family actually. The whole roster is more important than a single band. Whatever great result a band can obtain, it is of benefit for all of us. Last but not least: touring. Having a live activity is currently essential.

Forming The Void

If a band wants to be signed to your label. How should they submit your demo for you to hear their music. As I'm asked all the time in how to contact labels such as Argonauta Records.

First very easy and most important step, get in touch via e-mail, not via social networks. Then, I need to get band members really believe in their proposal: be specific, send relevant info and songs. And your idea of how you see yourself in the close future. Labels are not a pressing plant, we need to build something cool together to make our collaboration a great one.

You have a great relationship with the Doom/Sludge/Stoner Metal community. Mainly with all the different blogs, magazines and YouTubers currently out there. Was that an essential relationship to have and has it made your record label a bigger success.

I'm a fan of the scene since before running the label, following blogs, websites, YouTubers and so. It was so natural to me to establish friendly relationship with many of them (as you, hehe). Many told me there was no problem to support my label when submitting quality music. So this is what I'm trying to do day by day. I've great feedback from the community each moment of the day, webzines setting up premieres, interviews, contests. All is very satisfying and pretty nice to have friendly interactions with everyone.

What is your general attitude or feelings towards the entire Doom/Sludge/Stoner Metal community. As Argonauta Records has become a firm favourite with not only myself but other blogs out there.

Considering it a great community, I try to valorize it the best I can, by spreading their work with my titles. It is very important to me, considering the large amount of new releases each month, to obtain attention across the board is something I really appreciate. I feel lucky in a sense. Fans are totally into the label too, many releases are actually sold out and I'm working to reprint them with bonus and renewed packaging.

You first started releasing CD's for the albums that you released and you've slowly moved onto releasing Vinyl records. Was that an easy progression to make. Start releasing products on vinyl.

I'm a vinyl fan, though this format does not grant me what is my main goal, means top coverage into the market and within key distribution services. I believe the main result of Argonauta is having its albums available on a large scale. Vinyl is still in the cataloguing of collector items, which is cool, though not what I really need as priority for my bands. Explained this, yes, it is an easy progression of the label to introduce vinyl releases step by step.

NIBIRU

You've had a brilliant 2017 so far. Perhaps your most successful year yet. You've signed and released some incredible albums this year. Is that a fair assumption to make.

Indeed a great year, many great bands, something really incredible. Looking to the work done, it seems unbelievable to get how many artists I got the chance to work with. A lot of CD printed and sold, really a thrilling result.

Looking back over the last 18 months, Argonauta Records has taken a life of it's own. With not only it's releases but by the artists you're now signing. Ancient VVisdom being perhaps the biggest band you've signed so far. Did you ever imagine that you would sign bands such as them to your label.

By looking at the label catalogue, it is impressive to see we released albums by international acts as SUMA, THROES OF DAWN, NIBIRU, KOMATSU, FORMING THE VOID, HOLLOW LEG, KAL-EL, CHURCH OF VOID, LOWBURN and a lot more of awesome artists. About ANCIENT VVISDOM, it was something really unexpected till when I got in touch with that great guy of Dan Lorenzo, a guitar-legend of Thrash Metal scene mostly thanks to its Hades (and more projects in the years). 

We spoke to release together his new album as VESSEL OF LIGHT, a band he run with Nathan of Ancient VVisdom (check Vessel of Light out, impressive stuff between Corrosion of Conformity and Alice in Chains). Speaking with Nathan, it looks as very natural for both of us to team-up also for Ancient VVisdom and their highly anticipated new album. Both Vessel of Light and Ancient VVisdom are out these days, pretty thrilling!

What does 2018 have in store for Argonauta Records. Can you let us know which bands you've have signed or new albums that maybe getting released.

Really a lot, ha-ha! You know I never stop, so we will have a killer beginning of the year with bands as CLAMFIGHT, BIBLE BLACK TYRANT (Eagle Twin/Lumbar side project), KAYLETH new album, ZOM (Monolith Wielder and Brimstone Coven members), DEE CALHOUN new album. And many many more!

I hope you don't mind but I think some of the success of the label is also down to the awesome folks at NeeCee Agency. Especially Barbara. How did you start working with them. As it feels like a fantastic working relationship.

Barbara, yes, she is the armed wing of the label, ha-ha! Seriously, currently we are close friends and what I like of NeeCee is that they care the label as a whole, giving same opportunities to the roster as a unique beast. Pushing all the time with a massive PR activity and various initiatives. She works with me since the early days and this granted me during the years to spend my time for other aspects of the label.

With the first 5 years of the label out of the way. Where do you see Argonauta Records over the next 5 to 10 years.

I just hope to speak again with you Steve about our 200th release, aha!

VAREGO

People may not know this but you're part of Italian Sludge/Post-Metal collective – Varego. What's the current status with the band. Are you still active. Any plans to release any new material.

Yes, very active indeed. We are just back from our most important year, where we were able to tour and promote our latest album, by playing with cool acts as MONDO GENERATOR, HIGH FIGHTER and label mates as NIBIRU, INFECTION CODE, EYES FRONT NORTH, SUMA and more. We are working on the new album to be released hopefully in 2018, it will be our definitive turning into prog sludge sonorities.

Can you offer any words of wisdom or advice to people who want to start up a record label. What things should they do and what should they not do.

When I've started the label, a lot of insiders told me if I'm crazy, that music industry would have died in a few years. Now I'm here, the label is my regular job and I also have time for family. Of course you have to change your daily priorities. Though I believe it is something possible by founding your own way to work it out, not trying to copy any other else, make plans and observe them. It has to be a job, not a hobby, you have to care it day by day five days a week (or more).

If you can pick a favourite band or album that Argonauta Records that have released over the last 5 years. What is it and the reasons why. (You cannot pick Varego).

Just want to mention an album for its symbolic meaning: “A Perfect Dawn” by U.S. band FROM OCEANS TO AUTUMN. They gave me full trust when I was not a label at all. For a somewhat reason they wanted to work with me and their album was the first one I printed. Without that particular step, probably I’ll be not here speaking of the label now.

Gero, thanks for doing this interview. Thanks for the great albums to review and stuff that I've premiered over the last couple of years. Your support means a lot and I wish you every success with Argonauta Records.

Thank you very much man! I really appreciate what you do and I’m pretty happy to run this interview with you, as you are within the early guys giving to my releases top support. Cheers!

Words by Steve Howe and Gero Argonauta

Links:

Official | Facebook | BandCamp | Twitter

I'm going to play out this interview with the excellent debut album from Italian Psych/Space/Stoner Rockers - DUSTRIDER. As it's a fantastic Argonauta Records release and their guitar player - Bruno, writes for the blog.

Label Spotlight - Cursed Tongue Records

Cursed Tongue Records is a newly established DIY vinyl record label situated in the Northern Europe, more precise Denmark. Our focus is on heavy and rocking music of all branches and genres but with a main emphasis on stoner, psych, blues, Occult, doom, desert rock and metal.

Cursed Tongue Records specializes in turning bands material into collectable pieces of art. From carefully selected vinyl colours, highgrade pressing solutions, poly-lined inner sleeves, hand numbering to proper packing and shipping. Detail and quality is at the center of attention and with a keen eye on the aesthetics.

We make vinyl for the fans and collectors based on our passion and own experiences from our lives as avid vinyl collectors. We supply vinyl for the collectors made by collectors. There are no short cuts, or paved ways, only a dream of releasing music that we think deserves attention and glorification on the optimal music medium – vinyl.

Since their inception Cursed Tongue Records have released vinyls by bands such as Neon Warship, Devil's Witches, Green Yeti and Mental Tremors. While still in their infancy, the owners of the label have big plans for the label in the future and are currently working on more great bands to their label.

You can buy Cursed Tongue Records Vinyl from the the following link:

I've bought Neon Warship and Green Yeti on vinyl from Cursed Tongue Records. I can confirm that the band release awesome looking vinyl which not only looks good but sounds pretty spectacular as well.

Headover to their Facebook Page and give their page a like. Even better, buy some great vinyl if you can. As all proceeds goes into funding the next quality release by the label.

Links:

Facebook | BigCartel

Record Label To Check Out - Wicked Lester Records

Wicked Lester Records is run by Graham Bywater from Possessor. So far they have released the awesome EP by Mesmer and are currently working on future releases which will be announced very soon.

Mesmer EP

Keep an eye on Wicked Lester Records as they will be releasing more great albums in the near future.

Links

Facebook | BigCartel

Label Spotlight - Necio Records

Necio Records is a record label operating in Peru since 2013. They deal in Prog /Psych / Stoner Doom / Jazz / Experimental / Noise based releases. If you look at their BandCamp Page they have a wide range of great artists to check out such as Ancestro, El Jefazo, Cholo Visceral and Spatial Moods.

Ancestro



El Jafazo


Cholo Visceral



Spatial Moods 



Necio Records have some other fantastic bands to check out if you're want to immerse yourself with other bands from the Psych, Noise, Experimental and Stoner scenes.

Head over to their Facebook Page and give their page a like.

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp

Label Spotlight - Argonauta Records

Argonauta Records started in 2012 and since then they have gone from strength to strength releasing great albums after another.

Gero who runs the label has been a great supporter of my work with Sludgelord and now Outlaws Of The Sun (Along with many fine other labels) over the last few years. I feel guilty at times when I don't feature all of the releases he sends my way. Sometimes there isn't enough time in the day to feature every band you've been sent despite liking the album or artist a hell of a lot.

With Argonauta Records about ready to unleash their 50^th release later this year, Gero has gathered a wide range of artists across the musical spectrum. Argonauta Records have released albums by Among Gods, Denizen, Lightsucker, She Hunts Koalas, Witch Charmer, Throes Of Dawn, Hollow Leg and Obese to name but a few.

Exciting times ahead for the label as they will be releasing new albums by KOMATSU, Dustrider, Varego (who Gero is apart of) and the eagerly awaited return of Sludge/Stoner Metallers – SUMA.

So here are some artists on this great label that I might of missed over the last 12 months or so.

Beneath The Storm

Beneath The Storm is a one-man Sludge/Doom Metal band who specializes in heavy brutal riffs with moments of grunge and post-metal to descend the listener further into madness....

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp

Muschio

Muschio is a Post-Rock/Fuzz/Stoner/Noise Rock collective who may seem they have an identity crisis on their excellent new album – ZEDA. Though that's just a rouse for the band to draw you in with their impressive style of heavy based sounds.

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp

Frank Sabbath

Frank Sabbath are a very hard band to describe. Black Sabbath Riffs merged with ideas that wouldn't go amiss from a Frank Zappa record. Parts Doom/Stoner Metal that gives way to some awesome Jazz based Psychedelic Jams. Their latest album – Telluric Wanderers – will take you on a an epic spaced out journey that will have you begging for more.

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp

These are just few of the great bands that Argonauta Records have on their roster. With his 50^th release just announced, here's to the next 50 records on Argonauta Records.

Argonauta Records Links:

Official | Facebook | BandCamp

Words by Steve Howe