Why did you start a label?

Initially Series Two was a blog which I started for sh*ts and giggles while I was young and I interviewed bands there and recommended albums that I enjoyed. As a result of the blog, credibility was built up and bands from around the world wanted to send me their demo CDs. After that I was discovering some amazing indie underground bedroom recordings from around the world that were not being heard by anyone outside of a small circle of fans/friends/family within each bands own city and thought that the music should get released so the music can live on rather than be forever lost.

After the label has started I have developed much more purpose to having started the label, as all true labels with passion would surely develop overtime. Noticed that “like life” many record labels including a myriad of labels including a few rogue DIY labels which are no less unfair or evil (than Majors) and often times mess with people for their own gain or political reasons.

Since then made it my goal to reverse that facet of the scene as much as possible (so some progress can be made) and by being intentional in my care about those around the scene I’ve felt that I have been a great help and have helped eliminate some of the bad things happening within the scene and have spread awareness towards the existing problems.

Why do you keep doing it?

I keep doing Series Two Records for many reasons. It will be hard for me to touch on each reason but I’ll do what I can. It’s been nice building working relationships and friendships with many bands that call Series Two their home and many of which follow it. Also enjoy friendships with music lovers around the world. One thing that will always be appreciated is the thousands of pieces of electronic mail that I receive each year and also the hundreds of handwritten letters and of course the many demo CDs from bands. It’s necessary for my own self to remain approachable and open minded, and also to keep an open communication line with anyone that seeks it for appropriate reasons.

Ever since the label has started I’ve been blessed to work with many outstanding artists that have released full length releases with Series Two (some of the artists I am very grateful for having the opportunity to meet in person, including some long distance) and have been able to include on the label a total of 523 different artists from around the world through compilations. Since the compilations I have started many projects to help bands including the following:

1. Being the curator, organizer and booker of bands for Nebraska Pop Festival. Currently the pop festival is held as a benefit related directly to support a local music organization. The festival is a fair opportunity for bands wanting to play a pop festival and encourages any bands wanting to play to do so either on vacation or to build a tour around it. Since the Midwest doesn’t have much of a pop scene (compared to scenes from smaller populated areas e.g. Sweden) or another pop festival for that matter we wish to include a good presence of Midwest pop bands at Nebraska Pop Festival and of course include bands from other areas of the states and also international bands. My hard work and dedication towards the Nebraska Pop Festival will assure that it will be an annual event. More information here www.myspace.com/nebraskapopfestival

2. Starting the Even in The Future music reviews blog with friends. The blog focuses its support mostly on reviewing releases from worthwhile bands (of interest to us) that aren’t being talked about much or at all elsewhere.  Link to blog here http://eveninthefuture.blogspot.com

3. Creating a DIY labels collective to connect DIY labels (willing) with one another and also to connect artists from around the world that seek the opportunity to release with a label that relates to their own needs and also to participate in worthwhile DIY projects for example a compilation. More information here www.myspace.com/diylabels

4. Establishing a “one-stop” network for artists of Series Two compilations to make connections with one another to help book shows together, make song collaborations together, do split releases together; among other things. I also find myself involved in helping the bands book shows together and also help them booking shows with DIY venues and houses too.

5. I’ve been putting out worthwhile announcements on a semi-regular basis to artists of Series Two compilations to pursue if the opportunity fits their needs and wants. Announcements regarding projects and opportunities in which they may apply to be involved in.

Name 5 bands you’d love to release:

 I used to look forward to releasing certain bands but typically my dreams of releasing bands are with those that have as much interest in releasing on Series Two (as I have for them) and if they do not have a shared interest despite my great interest, it is something I don’t spend a lot of time pondering about since either way the bands that I am able to work with currently, keep me very busy and satisfied. All bands that I have and will ever release are bands that I am passionate about releasing and also bands that are passionate about releasing with Series Two. Bands that are dishonest about this with any person that truly works to get their music heard simply won’t get too far.

Do you accept demos, if so where?

Yes we accept demos. I accept any demos from bands that write me personally. Bands that send me cut and paste messages (also known as “forms”) or narrow minded messages are unlikely to receive response. Anyone that writes me something that is at minimal personal, and is not shorter than 3 lines (at the very least) the person sending the message will likely receive a response from me and with great respect.  Contact info can be found on the Series Two sites here: www.indiepages.com/seriestwo and www.myspace.com/seriestworecords