the dead record

Scylla Records has worked with some of the most exciting new bands in the UK over the last five years. We spoke with director Rich Scylla and got his views on the state of the music industry and how to get signed.

I had contact with various record labels including a meeting with Richard Reines of Drive Thru Records, which was very interesting and inspired me to try and make these dreams a reality. Fast forward a few years, and I was setting up, running and promoting live shows in High Wycombe working with some great bands including Enter Shikari and The Blackout.

During this time, we put Out of Sight on a line up for a gig we were running, and got talking to the guys in the band. They’d booked studio time with John Naclerio, who’d previously worked with The Audition and Just Surrender but didn’t have anyone to put out the results. This was the point that a decision was made to throw caution to the wind and start the ball rolling.

We were thrilled with the results that Out of Sight came back with and this would go on to become “Something Created By Belief”, Scylla Records’ first release. We did well with the release, and working with the record managed to set up physical and digital distribution and set up the company. From there, we realised that we were in a great position to help out other bands that we were into. The rest, as they say, is history.

Dead Record: What do you look for in bands you approach to sign?

Rich: The most important thing is good songs. Also dedication to their band and a drive, but without good songs it doesn’t really mean anything.

Dead Record: What advice can you give to any bands looking to get signed with an Indy label like Scylla?

Rich: I’m sure every label has different requirements but at Scylla we’re looking for great songs. Most of the bands that we have signed have been after they played live for us at some point too, so we can see how they their music across live. We have to fall in love with your band; as a small label we don’t have the time or budget to be working with a band that we’re not entirely in to.

Dead Record: Have the roles of labels changed in recent years, do you think bands perceptions of labels have become distorted?

Rich: The roles of labels have undoubtedly changed over the last 5 years. The fundamental purpose of a record label was also to fund recordings and then release and promote those recordings. These days bands can record their own material in their bedrooms to a decent standard and then release that material on to iTunes or similar digital service.

This means that record labels have to offer something above this to be worthwhile to the bands. I think that one of the main roles of the record labels these days is to offer a filter for fans. There is a real danger that all sorts of crap bands can put out music on the internet and everything gets watered down, to an extent this has already happened, but labels tend to allow the cream of the crop to rise above this.

Dead Record: Have you found it difficult to adapt with the recession and the changing face of the music industry?

Rich: There isn’t a massive change with the recession; as a small label our budgets aren’t massive and we’re operating with hardcore fans that, nine times out of ten will spend their last £10 on music rather than the casual fan like some of the major labels target.

Dead Record: Do you still see a future for Indie and major labels as the music industry continues to re-invent itself?

Rich: Simply yes. There will always be a place for both major and independent record labels as both operate with vastly different remits. There will always be independent labels finding the cream and then a major label will need to be there to push a band into mega stardom.

Dead Record: As an independent do you think the industry is in a better or worse state than it was a decade ago?

Rich: I’m sure CD sales were a lot healthier, but without the internet, things like booking tours, arranging meetings, showcases etc would be a lot more time consuming and costly.

Dead Record: What’s next for Scylla Records?

Rich: The next major step for Scylla Records is a move into the publishing world. We’re currently signing up our first artists and we’ll be moving forward from there.

Also, we’re putting out the Person L record “The Positives” which will be picking up speed into the New Year. They are the main things that we’re doing at the moment, but who knows what the future brings. I might find a new band to fall in love with.

Dead Record: What bands are you listening to right now and any tips for 2010?

Rich: Right now the bands I am listening to are Person L, Mumford and Sons, Mae and The Dangerous Summer.

My big tips for the 2010 are Drive Like I Do and Out of Sight. Drive Like I Do are a band who have the finest song writing skills around at the moment.

Out of Sight will be releasing their debut album which really is stunning. Both bands are going to have great years and really make large steps forward.

Also, Tiger Please seem to be a band that have a lot going for them at moment, a great little EP under their belts and some good touring schedules too.

Dead Record: Your favourite alternative classic album?

Rich: I don’t really know if it’s classed “alternative” but my favourite album is “August And Everything After” by Counting Crows. It’s a truly incredible album.

Thanks very much Rich it was great to talk to you and all the best for you and Scyllae Records in the future. You can find out more here at Scylla Records.