Low Point 10th Birthday Gig at the Bohunk Institute
Low Point began in 2005, initially as a private press to release my own music. Other artists soon got involved and it blossomed from there.
How would you describe the type of music that Low Point releases?
Though I’d like to think that there isn't a typical Low Point 'sound', ambient, drone and experimental music are the genres of music the label mainly focuses on, with an occasional curveball thrown in here and there
To anyone reading this who isn't aware of you label, what's the one release we should listen to that best highlights the type of music you put out?
Probably the easiest starting point would either be Large Electric Ensemble by Ex-Easter Island Head or the debut LP by Kogumaza. These are both ‘rock’ albums, albeit ones that have a strong experimental inclination.
Can you tell me how you go about releasing a record – do you approach people who you know or whose music you are in to? Or are you contacted by people asking if you can put their record out?
I often hear about new artists through referrals from other Low Point related bands or friends; Chris from Kogumaza saw one of Ex-Easter Island Head's first gigs and made me aware of them. Other than that, I might see a band play live and be really into it or approach someone because they’re a friend and I feel passionate about the music they make.
You don’t focus specifically on Nottingham-based artists. Do you think this is one of the reasons you the label is still going?
Impossible to say really, though I’d like to think that one of strengths of the label is the wide variety of artists the label represents.
Have you ever been close to packing it in?
Absolutely. It’s quite a challenge to dedicate the time needed to run the label well whilst also working a full time job
Which Low Point releases are you most proud of and why?
It’d be unfair to single out any particular release/artist, though it’s fair to say that on a couple of occasions, I have been really disappointed when an album hasn’t received the reaction I thought it deserved. I see each release as a real labour of love (for both the artist and the label), so when a release is overlooked it is something I do find it hard not to take it personally.
What’s the hardest part about running a record label?
Finding the time to promote a release adequately is becoming tougher, especially in today's climate of instant streams and blogs. Sometimes it feels like you're swimming against the tide just to get a new release noticed.
And the best thing about it?
The music and the artists Low Point works with, some of whom are now very close friends.
What’s your advice to anyone thinking of sending you music for possible release?
Of all releases the label has put out, only two of those originated via an unsolicited demo. Whilst I appreciate artists wanting to send me music to listen to, unfortunately, I now find it very difficult to find the time and as a rule I no longer accept demos.
Do you have any tips for anyone thinking of starting up their own record label?
Perseverance and be prepared to lose money.
Why do you think Low Point is still going after ten years?
The quality of the artists associated with the label and the music that they make
Can you tell us what we should expect from the Low Point 10th Birthday show?
Ex-Easter Island Head put on a fantastic live show and are well worth the price of admission alone. The mysterious Maurice’s Hotel Death (aka Larry Crywater/Bir) will be offering up a fascinating stew of drone, noise, musique concrete, diseased tape howl and field recordings from hell. Their slew of self-released cdrs and tapes reminds me of the early days of Low Point, so I was keen to invite them along. My first Nottingham show in about two and a half years is going to feature a guest appearance by David Stockwell (of Cantoupe/Souvaris fame) and will be a sort-of reunion of Bologna Pony, our duo which had the first release on the label.
Where can we buy Low Point releases?
You can buy direct via the Low Point Bandcamp. The excellent Music Exchange in town also has a section dedicated to Low Point releases.
What does the future hold for Low Point?
Tentative plans include new records by Kogumaza and Ex-Easter Island Head. Who knows what the future holds after that…
Ex-Easter Island Head, Maurice's Hotel Death, and Gareth Hardwick perform at the Bohunk Institute on Saturday 25 July 2015.
Low Point website
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