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Who owns Earworm?
"Earworm is run, very part time, from home on my own, though my girlfirend sometimes helps with sleeving records and stuff....."
Who named it Earworm and why.
"I borrowed the name from the 1st Harmonia lp on Brain in Germany. Part Cluster, part NEU!- They were a great band- the track was called "ohrwurm". It works nicely as an Earworm in some european countries is also the name of a tune you can't get out of your head! So it works in more than one way..."
When, where and why did you establish the label?
"I started the label late 1996 as a side thing to an already part time
project, Enraptured records. Earworm provided the opportunity to release ANY
music I liked, for example, Enraptured was mainly known for its kind of
space rock/post rock sound only. With Earworm I could release more of that
as well as some 3 minute pop songs, which were kind of closer to my tastes
anyway..."
Are there any labels that inspire(d) you?
"I always liked the labels that stuck to their ideals, even if occasionally the press or attitude generally towards them wasn't always favourable, for example Sarah records, who took a little flak for an alleged twee sound, yet were able to stand back and ignore it- yet continued to do as they wished -very admirable! I also liked Fierce Records, early Creation, Duophonic, then going back further, Elektra."
Earworm is a side project for you. What is your full time job?
"I work in the music section at a local library. It gives me a chance to plough a lot of hours into Earworm and pays the proverbial bills etc..."
How much time do you invest in the label?
"It's really decreased since i got a computer and was able to email as
opposed to faxing and phoning. Yet it picks up when a new release comes out
and the promo stuff starts- thursdays all day and occasional evenings."
What was the first record you released?
"An 11 track 7" by Hood (on Earworm). Before that a Windy And Carl 45 on enraptured."
What is the goal of Earworm?
"Just to keep enjoying it, to continue releasing records which stand up well -it would be nice to release 100 releases, i'm up to around 75 now.
Basically, that people continue to enjoy the records and personally, to work
with 1 or 2 bands who are favourites of mine. It was great to work with
Sonic Boom, FSA, the Apples In Stereo, Yo La Tengo etc..."
What are the pros and cons of running a label?
"As above really, the pros are that people seem to enjoy the records, that there are folks out there who buy all the earworm catalogue and so on. I also still get a buzz out of people like john peel playing the records, and record collectors' 5 page feature, it was great to be asked to do that. Down sides really revolve around lack of the sort of money i'd really like to plough into the label, especially for promo."
Is there an Earworm sound?
"Not really, I quite like the idea that for every pop tune, there's a 20 minute drone piece on the next one. It is very diverse which I know for a
fact alienates some, but I hope other people enjoy that aspect."
How do you find new bands?
"Sometimes from demos they might send, but rare are the REALLY good ones! Otherwise I'll write to bands myself."
What is the funniest or strangest demo you have received?
"Nothing to do with the music (which was good!) But when a band turned up on my doorstep twice, to deliver demos personally- I had nothing but boxer shorts and a t shirt on! Most embarrasing!"
Why only vinyl?
"It's not only vinyl really, I am currently in the middle of a 5 consecutive release, cd run! I just prefer vinyl, the appearance, the feel and more often than not, the sound quality! CDs just look so dull in comparison."
How important is the internet for Earworm?
"I don't actually run the Earworm site myself, a friend in the states does it for me. (Ewww.Earwormrecords.Com). However, email has changed things
greatly- it's now become essential."
What records do you listen to at home?
"A lot of 60s psych, MC5, early Floyd boots, then more up to date, I've recently (only now) got into the Magnetic Fields who are great, then lots of Acid Mothers Temple......"
What would be the best introduction to Earworm?
"Either of the 2 volumes of "tell-tale signs of Earworm" singles compilation, double cds. Volume 2 is just out, and acts perfectly as an introduction. Both contain 2 discs of sold out singles plus a bunch of newer unreleased stuff."
Are there any upcoming Earworm releases we should look out for?
"There's a 10" by the Clientele, a 10" compilation of West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band covers, a triple Acid Mothers Temple cd, and fingers
crossed on singles by Spacemen 3 and Luna. Also the Singles Clubs' next
release is a single by Nik Turner- ex Hawkwind..."
» Visit Earworm's website @ www.earwormrecords.com
http://www.kindamuzik.net/label/709/earworm/520/
Meer op KindaMuzik: http://www.kindamuzik.net/artiest/709
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