the dead record

Micaela Ortego speaks with Benny Locke; Label Manager of new London based ‘Smoky Carrot Records’ about his thoughts, experiences and advice on the future of the music industry and how we got here.

DR: How did Smoky Carrot Records begin?  What was the main aim behind the label?

Benny: Smoky carrot started originally as a live music night at Mother bar in Shoreditch. We then extended the company by creating a PR team to promote unsigned artists. We decided to set up a record label with the aim of releasing emerging talent through the means of vinyl and digital, creating a fair deal for the artist and having some fun along the way.

DR: How hard has it been to compete with all the mainstream music pushed by the major labels?

Benny: It would be silly to say it’s been hard to compete with them because it’s a completely different world. They have different values and views to the Indies. I would say the hardest thing as a new label is getting recognised and putting your name out there.

DR: As an indie, are your managerial decisions based on music quality or on purely a profit model?

Benny: It would be naïve to say it’s all about the music, because obviously for the label to keep going, we need to make money. I think it comes down to how you balance the two. We would never release something on the basis of making a buck that would go against our morals. Obviously money is important, but if you promote your releases well and believe in your artists, you should see the benefits.

DR: What are your thoughts on music piracy and has it affected Smoky Carrot Records in a positive or negative way?

Benny: Obviously music piracy is one of the biggest problems the industry faces, but I wouldn’t say it has affected us too badly….yet. Although people who download music illegally will probably be deterred from buying one of our artist’s releases due to the fact they are used to paying nothing.

DR: Do you see a solution to avoid piracy?

Benny: I don’t think it can ever be fully avoided, not now, it’s gone too far, you only have to look at the figures to realise that. I do think the subscription idea could work to an extent; it has worked in Denmark with their TDC play model. Whether it would work in such a culture as ours is hard to say.

DR: Where do you see the industry five years from now?

Benny: I think the industry will definitely try and develop the streaming model, but there needs to be a plan in place which will see the artist and label benefit. Income from programs such as Spotify is at the moment very minimal. In my opinion though, there will always be demand for ownership of content which is why we love releasing vinyl. I would always prefer to own a 7 inch record than stream it online and I think this goes the same for a lot of music lovers out there. You only have to look at the success of Rough Trade (records) to see that this rings true.

DR: Any artists/bands you recommend for 2010?

Benny: Of course, all the acts we’re releasing! Rodeo Massacre, The Border Surrender, Nat Jenkins, Melody Syndrome, Spindle & Wit. All different, but all absolutely fantastic!

Find out more about Smoky Carrot and their releases at:
www.smokycarrot.com.