Manic Kat Records is an independent punk rock label that, in their own words, “aim to put the artist first”.
A mentality like that is rare these days when we’re seeing 360 deals coming down the pipeline faster than ever.
While some record labels may make artists feel unappreciated and used, Peter James (President & CEO) goes out of his way to run Manic Kat differently.
The focus on connection and making everyone from staff to clients feel like family creates a very different vibe. I spoke with Peter James about how Manic Kat began and how it works differently than other labels:
TC: What was it that first got you interested in the music industry?
PJ: “From a young age, I’ve loved music. My first job was at a small music store in my hometown, I’ve played around with multiple instruments, played in bands and toured nationally. The more immersed I became in the industry, the more I thought of changes I would like to see and ways that I could make them. With the input of other musicians and music-lovers, Manic Kat Records was born.”
TC: What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in the industry and how did you overcome it?
PJ: “The biggest challenge we’ve faced is trying to present an alternative option for bands looking to sign to a record label. Our business model is geared in favor of the artist, but requires a lot of work by both parties in close concert. We work to overcome the stigma of change everyday by picking artists we love and believe in and continuing to work hard.”
TC: Your staff alongside yourself work very closely with the bands you’ve signed. How did it feel to sign the very first band to the label?
PJ: “When we sign bands, we not only love the music but develop a close working friendship with members as well. That made the first (and every other) signing exciting for us: to be a part of projects we truly believe in.”
TC: What is one thing other than the label that you’re proud of but don’t get to talk about often?
PJ: “We are extremely proud of our label and our artists, but one other thing that we don’t often get to talk about is our staff. We have specialists in A&R, social media and promotions, photography, videography, graphic design and booking, all working tirelessly to find and develop new bands and support our existing roster, and they do it all for love of the music. We are endlessly grateful for everyone involved- they are the backbone of the label.”
TC: What makes Manic Kat Records stand apart from other labels?
PJ: “What we believe sets us apart is our true love for music and empathy for our artists. For that reason, we’ve set up a working concept that allows our bands to record, tour, promote, and make videos all under the umbrella of our label.”
TC: What are you looking forward to most this year?
PJ: “In 2019, we are most looking forward to the influx of talent and releases, as well as some hard-rocking sophomore albums, that we believe are going to blow everyone away. We’ve got a strong schedule of brand new music starting this spring that we can’t wait to share.”
TC: What advice would you give bands regarding signing with a label and how to choose the right one for them?
PJ: “The best advice we can give to bands is that as unique as each individual artist is, each label has something different to offer. The best approach is to be genuine and realistic in your expectations and communicate them clearly.”
Listen to some of the Manic Kat Records family below:
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