Reviving Vinyl Excitement: The Journey of Record Citizens in the Indie Music Scene

"Record Citizens", an independent music label, was founded out of a passion for indie music and a nostalgia for the excitement of discovering new music on vinyl. The founders aimed to revive the thrill of compilation albums, popular from the punk era to the mid-90s, as a way to connect the community and celebrate vinyl records.

Record Citizens epitomizes the enduring vitality of indie music. Their dedication not only supports a plethora of artists but also keeps the flame of unique, quality music alive for vinyl aficionados and music enthusiasts worldwide. This narrative is a testament to the persistent and passionate spirit that defines the indie music scene.

The label faces challenges in building awareness within the indie music scene, requiring persistent networking. However, their efforts are paying off, as seen in increased pre-sales, reviews, and social media engagement.

Record Citizens sees independent music as crucial to the industry, driven by a deep love for music. Their releases, such as 'Indie Citizens', support and promote indie artists.

Operating primarily on passion, the label struggles with the costs of licensing, design, and pressing, yet remains committed to their vision, hoping to become more financially sustainable in the future.

They believe in fostering an indie music community through releases, gigs, and social media, creating a more accessible environment than in the pre-internet era.

Fans can support independent artists and labels like Record Citizens by buying their music, attending concerts, and engaging on social media, with even small actions like following and sharing making a significant difference.

The Genesis of Record Citizens

The inspiration behind Record Citizens was rooted in a love for indie music and a desire to recapture the excitement of discovering new music on vinyl, a sentiment that seemed to have diminished in the era of streaming. The founders saw an opportunity to reintroduce the thrill of compilations, a concept that was pivotal from the punk era through to the mid-90s. These compilations, they believed, were not just about music but were also a medium to connect with the community and bring back the tangible joy of vinyl records.

Challenges and Triumphs

Promoting and supporting independent artists isn't without its challenges. The primary obstacle for Record Citizens has been building awareness and connections within the indie music community. Despite the plethora of talented musicians, standing out and garnering attention requires persistent networking. This effort has borne fruit; there is a noticeable increase in the label's recognition, reflected in pre-sales, reviews, and social media engagement.

Independent Music as the Industry's Backbone:

Record Citizens view independent music as the essential lifeblood of the music industry, driven by passion. Their releases, like 'Indie Citizens', focus on supporting and highlighting indie artists, providing them with a platform for recognition.

Challenges and Opportunities:

Indie artists enjoy greater creative freedom but grapple with challenges like scarce resources and lower visibility compared to their counterparts on major labels. Yet, the advent of the digital era has paved the way for better distribution and promotional avenues, facilitating broader audience reach for these artists. Fortunately, independent labels such as Record Citizens are available to lend their expertise and support.

Balancing Finances and Vision

Currently, Record Citizens operates more on passion than profit. The costs associated with licensing, design, and pressing are substantial, and breaking even remains a challenge. Despite this, the label is committed to its vision and hopes to expand its reach and financial sustainability in the future.

Building an Independent Music Community

Record Citizens believes in engaging with the indie music community through releases, gigs, and social media. The integration of these elements creates a vibrant community, more accessible today than in the pre-internet era.

Supporting Independent Music

Fans and music lovers can support independent artists and labels like Record Citizens by purchasing releases, attending gigs, and engaging on social media. Even simple actions like liking, following, and sharing can have a significant impact.

In conclusion, Record Citizens stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of indie music. Through their dedication and passion, they continue to play a pivotal role in the indie music scene, supporting artists, and bringing unique, high-quality music to vinyl enthusiasts and music lovers worldwide.

Interview with Record Citizens

What inspired the creation of Record Citizens and how has the journey been so far?

The label was inspired by the DIY feel of the late 70's and early 80's, and my perception that there's great Indie music out there that I would personally love to have on vinyl, . Take Indie Citizens, compilations were very important from the start of punk straight through to the mid 90's, allot of great music and important bands were featured on compilations and in the streaming world we've gotten away from that, so I wanted to recapture that spirit and excitement of finding new music on vinyl.

How do you select the artists featured on your compilation albums like 'Indie Citizens Vol. 1'?

The concept of Indie Citizens was to showcase the best in UK Indie at a specific point, for Vol 1 it's primarily the end of 2022, for Vol 2 it's Summer 2023. We've selected artists that number one have new music coming out, and that represent different styles of indie music, including janglepop, soul, etc. But in the end it's all about great music, and the beat!

What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced in promoting and supporting independent artists, and how have you overcome them?

The biggest challenge is simple connecting with the community, getting awareness of the label, and the releases. There's an incredible amount of amazing musicians making great music, so we're spoilt for choice. But the only way to really gain awareness is work on connections, connections, and connections some more in the social sphere. I feel like the Indie community is much more aware of Record Citizens now than when Vol 1 came out, and we're seeing that in growing pre-sales, music reviews, interviews such as this one, and increased social engagement.

Can you share some of the most memorable moments or experiences from working with the artists featured on your label?

I think the most memorable moment for me was on May 5th, 2023, earlier this year, I was in Wax and Beans, who is our exclusive record store partner in Bury, the vinyl for Vol 1 arrived, we hand numbered the release, and that night we had both Ruby J and Marseille down for a record launch instore show. Was an amazing feeling to see the progression of concept to release party, and yea it was a great night of music and connecting with the community.

"Wax and Beans" in the UK is a unique establishment that merges the love for vinyl records with the culture of coffee. The article begins with a vivid description of the store's inviting atmosphere, setting the scene for a place where music and coffee enthusiasts can converge. The origin story of Wax and Beans is detailed, highlighting the inspiration and vision of its founders, who have backgrounds in music and coffee.

The interior of the store is described as an engaging space with a diverse selection of vinyl records and quality coffee. Features like listening stations, live performances, and special events are noted as highlights that enrich the customer experience. Wax and Beans is not just a store but a community hub, beloved by locals who share testimonials of their unique experiences and favorite aspects of the establishment.
VISIT Wax and Beans
A key focus is on the extensive vinyl collection available, ranging from classic to contemporary albums, including rare and exclusive records that attract collectors. Equally important is the coffee experience offered at Wax and Beans, with an emphasis on high-quality coffee, expert brewing techniques, and specialty drinks.

The store's commitment to sustainability and ethical practices is also covered, showcasing their efforts in eco-friendly operations and support for local artists. Additionally, Wax and Beans expands its customer experience through online sales, a loyalty program, and collaborations with other local businesses, further establishing itself as a dynamic and integral part of the UK's coffee and music scene.

Can you share a success story of an artist or band that has benefited significantly from being featured in your compilations?

I think the biggest success story we have is twofold, first helping to grow the exposure and awareness of these great Indie bands and artists, and second by putting new bands on vinyl when at the time many of them had only released music digitally.

What is the importance of independent music in today's industry, and how do you see Record Citizens contributing to this movement?

In some ways most music started out as indie music, there are a lucky few who saw unsigned and virtually unknown bands like Oasis at King Tut's in Glasgow, and you know the rest of the story. But in an "industry" that's totally commercial, indie bands globally of all genres and styles are doing it for the love of music and that burning passion they have to make music. Record Citizens is doing our bit by presenting amazing indie bands on vinyl that we hope will grow and be around for years to come.

How do you balance the need to be financially viable with your commitment to supporting independent artists and their creative vision?

At this stage in the Record Citizens project it isn't financially viable in the true sense of the word. We've licensed and paid a fee to the bands and artists for every track that appears on the compilations, as well as design fees for our designer Brands In The Air, as well as pressing costs. To actually break even on the releases we would need to press and sell about double from what we're currently doing. We're hoping to make that happen on future releases but it will take time to reach a wider audience, both in the UK and North America.

What are your plans for the future of Record Citizens, and what can fans and artists expect to see in the coming years?

At the moment we're really just enjoying having four vinyl releases in the last 12 months, and it's so exciting to see the community with the vinyl, loving the music and posting pictures of their turntables.

Lewca - Friday Night Rockstar
Indie Citizens - Volume One
Lewca - Boombap For Boomers
Indie Citizens - Volume Two

We're talking about IC Volume Thee, and also looking at releasing more full length albums with up and coming bands. Nothing finalized or official yet, but we'll be around for sure, putting great music in your ears and shouting about Indie, Indie, Indie!

How do you see the role of social media and online platforms in the promotion and growth of independent music, and how has it impacted your work?

Social media has an important role to plan in awareness, promotion, and allowing artists to communicate with their fans. The importance of platforms like Twitter / X has fallen off a bit post covid, as people spend less time on social media, but it's still an important way for bands to connect, get their news out there and reach their audience. If you say you can't find new music, get online and if you can't find ten new bands in an hour you weren't trying!

How do you engage with and build a community around independent music?

I think the three ways people engage with the community is around the music releases, going to gigs and engaging on social media. In the end the three end up melting into one movement that's going to gigs, streaming and buying the music, wearing the merch and tying it all together on social media. The key is really social media. Compared to the non internet, non streaming days of the 80's and 90's it's so much easier to be a part of the community today from the days where there were few indie record stores and we had to find new music in magazines, college radio, and find out about gigs from flyers stapled up around town.

How can fans and music lovers support independent artists and labels like Record Citizens, and why is it important to do so?

We had a post earlier this month highlighting that the licensing fees we've paid bands and artists to appear on Indie Citizens Vol 1 and 2 were equal to over 800,000 streams.
Music lovers like yourself purchasing the releases allows us to keep supporting Indie music! Certainly we appreciate that times are tough and in a world of too much vinyl and not enough cash, we absolutely appreciate everyone that likes, follows, and shares regardless of picking up an album, these simple social actions mean so much!

Song Lyric Reviews

From Indie Citizens - Volume Two

Home by Ruby J

"Home" by Ruby J is a heartfelt and evocative song, capturing the essence of longing and retrospection. Its lyrics weave a narrative of emotional complexity, dealing with themes of departure, nostalgia, and the hope for a return.

Verse 1 and 2 set the tone with a feeling of being overwhelmed and the realization of negative aspects in a relationship. The mention of "spinning," "pulling down," and "shouting my name" conveys a sense of emotional turmoil, while learning about the flaws and warnings about another person adds to the complexity of the relationship.

The Pre-chorus introduces a bittersweet reminiscence, highlighting the dichotomy of fond memories and the pain associated with them. The repetition of "I still remember" emphasizes the lingering impact of these memories.

The Chorus is a poignant plea for return, with the repetition of "When are you coming back home" underscoring the deep yearning and sense of loss. The word "home" here could symbolize not just a physical place, but a state of emotional comfort and belonging.

Verses 3 and 4 narrate a decisive action of leaving, symbolizing a move towards self-preservation and change. The imagery of leaving a city, packing bags, and catching a train depicts a physical and metaphorical journey away from the past.

The Bridge delves into self-reflection, with the singer acknowledging their own naivety and the pain of returning to a situation that causes hurt. The realization of being left and the questions directed at oneself suggest a deeper introspection.

The Final Chorus and Outro reinforce the central theme of longing for the return of a loved one. The repeated pleas for the person to "come back home" are laden with emotion, conveying both desperation and hope.

Overall, the song "Home" by Ruby J beautifully captures the complexity of human emotions in relationships, using vivid imagery and emotive language to express longing, regret, and a deep desire for reconciliation.

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The Shed Project - Better Days

The lyrics you've provided for review seem to convey a strong message of disillusionment and skepticism towards authority figures and institutions. Here's an analysis of the key themes:

(Verses 1 & 2)

Critique of Political and Media Manipulation:

The lyrics express a deep mistrust of political leaders ("MP seduction, government corruption") and the media ("Fuck the media, encyclopedia"). This suggests a belief that these entities manipulate public perception and conceal the truth.

(Chorus)

Metaphor of "Pie in the Sky":

The chorus uses the phrase "pie in the sky" metaphorically to describe unattainable promises or unrealistic expectations. This could be interpreted as a criticism of how people are often fed false hopes or misleading information, leading to a sense of betrayal and a questioning of whom to trust.

The phrase "pie in the sky" refers to something that is good or desirable but is unlikely to happen or be realized. It's often used to describe overly optimistic or unrealistic expectations about the future.
The origin of this idiom is quite interesting. It was coined by Joe Hill, a Swedish-born itinerant laborer who migrated to the USA in 1902 and became a prominent figure in the radical labor organization The Industrial Workers of the World. He introduced the phrase in his song "The Preacher and the Slave" in 1911, which criticized the Salvation Army's focus on spiritual salvation over addressing material needs. The phrase, particularly the line "You'll get pie in the sky when you die", was a sarcastic remark about the promise of heavenly rewards in lieu of earthly necessities.
Over time, "pie in the sky" evolved to broadly signify any prospect of future happiness which seems unlikely ever to be realized. This can range from personal aspirations to larger societal goals. For example, the idea of achieving world peace or creating a perfect, crime-free society might be referred to as "pie in the sky."
The idiom has become quite popular in various forms of media, including television, music, and literature. For instance, it has been used in a British police drama series titled "Pie in the Sky," a documentary about Brigid Berlin, and in a song by Johnny Cash.
There are also several other idioms and expressions with similar meanings, like "castle in the air," "pipe dream," and "fool's paradise," which all convey the idea of unattainable or unrealistic goals or desires.
Despite its origins and typical usage, the phrase "pie in the sky" doesn't inherently carry a negative connotation. It's more about the improbability of the achievement rather than a judgment on the aspiration itself.

(Chorus & Outro)

Hope for Change Amidst Despair:

Despite the prevailing cynicism, there's a recurring motif of hope ("hoping someday we’ll see the smoke through the haze") suggesting a desire for clarity, truth, and better times ahead.

(Verse 3)

Power Dynamics:

The lyrics highlight the issue of power and corruption, emphasizing the indifference of the powerful towards the struggles of ordinary people.

Overall, the song appears to be a call for awareness and critical thinking in the face of widespread misinformation and manipulation. It reflects a yearning for a more transparent and just world while acknowledging the current challenges and frustrations.

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One Love Records

The Shop Window – Monochrome

The lyrics of "Monochrome" by The Shop Window present a poignant reflection on themes of deception, suppression, and a longing for escape from a mundane, colorless existence.

Verses 1 and 2 introduce the theme with a stark contrast between freedom of expression and the falsehoods that often pervade our lives. The imagery of "anger the lights will not subdue" suggests an inner turmoil that remains unquenched, highlighting a sense of frustration and helplessness.

The Chorus is particularly evocative, using "monochrome" as a metaphor for a life devoid of vibrancy and diversity. The repetition of "day in day out" underscores the relentlessness of this dull existence, where even colors seem to lose their intensity, blending into a uniform gray.

Verse 3 delves deeper into the societal aspects, hinting at the suppression of justice and the suffocation of those who oppose the status quo. This adds a layer of social commentary to the song, suggesting that the monochrome life is not just a personal struggle but also a societal issue.

In Verse 4 and the Outro, the lyrics turn more introspective and metaphorical. The "writings on the wall" and the "colors drain from the garden" suggest an inevitable decline or loss, perhaps of ideals, hope, or joy. This imagery paints a picture of a world where the vibrancy of life is slowly being leached away.

The Solo likely serves as an instrumental break that allows the emotions conveyed in the lyrics to resonate with the listener, offering a moment of reflection.

The song concludes with a repetition of the themes introduced in the earlier verses, emphasizing the cyclical nature of the lies and the monotonous life they perpetuate.

Overall, "Monochrome" by The Shop Window is a powerful exploration of disillusionment and the desire for a more colorful, truthful existence. The lyrics are layered and thought-provoking, inviting listeners to reflect on their own experiences with monotony and deception.

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The Mease - Waiting For The Sun

The lyrics convey a deep and contemplative message, blending themes of destiny, acceptance, and patience.

Verse 1

Theme: Destiny and Resilience

The opening verse introduces the idea of destiny and the belief in controlling one's future. The metaphor of surviving "one more month of the winter" suggests enduring hardships to reach a potentially rewarding key to understanding or success.

Verse 2

Theme: Acceptance and Perspective

This verse shifts to the imagery of tides, symbolizing the natural ebb and flow of life's circumstances. The line "just one more drop in the ocean" hints at accepting one's place in the larger scheme of things and letting go of trying to control everything.

Chorus

Theme: Patience and Time

The chorus is quite philosophical, emphasizing patience and the rejection of waiting for a perfect moment ("a lifetime to come"). Instead, there's a focus on the present ("wait for the sun"), suggesting a more immediate, mindful approach to life.

Bridge

Theme: Simplicity and Focus

The bridge, with its simple repetition of "Sun," might be emphasizing the importance of focusing on the simple, vital aspects of life, like the sun that represents hope and a new day.

Outro

Theme: Consistency and Hope

The repetition in the outro ("Sun Sun Sun") reinforces the central theme of waiting for the sun, symbolizing consistent hope and the anticipation of new beginnings.

Overall, these lyrics beautifully blend metaphors of natural elements with a philosophical outlook on life, suggesting themes of resilience, acceptance, patience, and hope. The writer seems to encourage embracing the present and finding strength and comfort in the continuous cycle of life, symbolized by the sun's daily rise.

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"Don't Let Me Down" by The Forensics

The lyrics of "Don't Let Me Down" by The Forensics explore themes of friendship, support, and emotional connection. The song's narrative revolves around a deeply personal and supportive relationship.

Verse 1 sets a tender and intimate tone. The speaker recalls the first meeting with a friend, highlighting a moment of vulnerability ("You were so shy that you couldn’t eat") and the speaker's role in providing comfort and support. This establishes a foundation of trust and companionship.

The Chorus is a heartfelt plea: "Please don’t let me down." It's both a request for continued support from the friend and a promise of unwavering support in return ("I will not let you drown"). This line metaphorically suggests a commitment to being there for each other in times of emotional turmoil.

Verse 2 delves deeper into the connection between the two individuals. The mention of "Two boys with the same name" born close together signifies a deep bond or a sense of destiny in their friendship. The lyrics convey the speaker's empathy and long-standing support ("But I’ve been there for you from the start / And every single day since"), emphasizing the duration and depth of their relationship.

The Bridge touches on the difficulties of communication and the stigma of vulnerability ("And although things are sometimes hard to say / I hope you never have to feel ashamed"). It's a message of hope and encouragement, urging the friend to be open and unashamed of their feelings.

The repetition of the Chorus reinforces the central message of mutual support and understanding. The addition of "I beg you, I beg you won’t" adds an element of desperation or intensity to the speaker's request, highlighting the importance of this relationship in their life.

Overall, "Don't Let Me Down" by The Forensics is a poignant and emotionally resonant song about the power of friendship and the importance of being there for each other. The lyrics are simple yet powerful, conveying a deep sense of care, empathy, and mutual reliance. The song seems to emphasize the idea that through shared experiences and understanding, people can provide each other with the strength needed to face life's challenges.

The Forensics

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Hazy Sundays - Wires

The lyrics of "Hazy Sundays - Wires" portray a deep sense of regret and reflection.

Verse 1

Theme of Regret and Lost Opportunity:

The narrator expresses regret over not being able to connect with someone, possibly a significant other, on a particular night. There's a sense of missed opportunity and a wish to have stayed with the person through the night.

Guilt and Reflection:

The line "I went over it a thousand times" suggests the narrator is haunted by this incident, replaying it repeatedly in their mind.

Chorus

Self-Blame and Acknowledgement of Personal Issues:

The chorus delves into self-blame and the acknowledgment of personal problems ("damaged inside, like faulty wires"). There's a metaphor of a "power cut" in life, suggesting a significant disruption or breakdown in their emotional or mental state.

Apology and Realization:

The lines convey an apology and a realization that their issues have impacted their relationships.

Verse 2

Passage of Time and Change:

This verse touches on the feeling of how quickly time passes and the narrator's personal growth or change.
Presence of the Missed Person: There's an implication that the narrator feels the presence or influence of the person they miss in their life changes.

Pre-Chorus

Reiteration of the initial regret and wish to have stayed, emphasizing the depth of the narrator's feelings.

Outro
Repeats the chorus, reinforcing the central themes of regret, self-realization, and apology.

Overall Impression

The song weaves a narrative of personal struggle, regret, and the impact of one's internal battles on relationships. The metaphor of "faulty wires" and "power cut" is particularly poignant, effectively conveying the idea of internal dysfunction and its external ramifications. The repetition of certain lines throughout the song accentuates the lingering feelings of guilt and the desire for redemption or understanding.

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Thursday, December 14, 2023