1 - Tell us how your project(s) were started.
Let's see...this question has two answers. The truth and what I like to think is the truth. The truth is that a friend's band was screwed by their label and their record was 7 months late (aka they were heading on a 7 week tour with no CDs). So I decided to cheaply put toghether a CD containing a live set of theirs and their demo, just so they had something to sell. I liked working on records, so I kept going with it. What I like to think happened is that I hate how only trendy bands with the cool new sound or the newest hairstyle, or the band with all the ex-members get signed regardless of how they sound. I hate how image is everything. I wanted to do a label that was comprised of a family of bands that not only were good bands, but didn't see hardcore as a stage or a "thing to do". They all live and breathe hardcore, like I do. I wanted to do a label where bands like that could get a chance, too.
2 - What does music, in it's entirety, mean to you?
I guess music means a lot to me. It's a way to express how you feel. It's also a bond between, not only the performer and listener, but also a bond between all the listeners. I love hardcore music also, because it is more than just music. It is a way of life. It's how I feel and how I live each day. The music is the expression of that sentiment.
3 - What does art, in it's entirety, mean to you?
Haha...I'm a senior volatile organic chemist...what do I know about art, I'm a science nerd. Seriously, I think art is important. Like music, it's a way to express yourself. It's part of being an individual. Whether you choose to be tattooed, or tag, or sculpt, it's a healthy way to exercise the right side of your brain and display how you are feeling without necessarily using words.
4 - Who is your favorite author, and why?
I'm not much into reading. However, there are a few authors that I do enjoy reading. I really like Hawking. I've never seen someone that could take a deeply mathematical subject and explain it in layman's terms and not over-simplify it to the point that it is wrong. Hawking is able to do this brilliantly while still keeping your attention. Also, JK Rowling. I love the Harry Potter books. The books are written for young adults, but the way she presents characters and includes underlying themes interests me.
5 - As your best friend, describe yourself.
I guess I would say that I am very loyal. Sometimes it bites me in the ass, but what can you do. I would also say I'm a jerk, too. I enjoy making fun of my friends a lot (in jest). They all know I'm kidding though.
6 - As your worst enemy, describe yourself.
I would say he needs to lose 20 pounds and admit he's balding.
7 - If your persona were immortalized as a cartoon character, who would it be?
As much as I'd wish I was Superman...I'd have to say Fred Flintstone.
8 - Do you think there are conspiracies against the "everyday person"?
By who? By tobacco companies? probably. By the government? Nope...probably not.
9 - What do you do with your spare or free time?
Spare time? I don't have any of that. I work 50+ hours a week at my full time job, plus I run a zine, plus I do the label, plus I have a wife and 5 pets and a house I just bought that always seems to need some sort of home improving (according to my wife). So I guess when I do have spare time, I go to shows.
10 - Please give us your interpretation of "the meaning of life".
The meaning of life is finding something and/or someone that you love and stick with it through thick and thin. You have to do what makes you happy. By being happy, life will fly by. If you are miserable, time will drag by slowly.
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