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.

1. Lewca - Friday Night Rockstar
2. Indie Citizens - Volume One
3. Lewca - Boombap For Boomers
4. 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!