I
am pleased to be interviewing Désirée Hanssen – who works at
legendary record label – Burning World Records and Roadburn Records
and who has just started her very own excellent record label – Lay
Bare Recordings.
Lay
Bare Recordings have only released 3 albums so far including the two
hugely impressive listed below.
Mos
Generator "In Concert" - Live at Rockfabrik Nürnberg,
25-03-2013
Ancient
Warlocks "s/t"
Two
bands we rate very highly here at Sludgelord. Ancient Warlocks made
my best records of 2013. I thought it would be cool to catch up with
Désirée and she has kindly agreed to talk to us at Sludgelord HQ.
Q1
– Hi Désirée, Thanks for doing this. How are things with you
today.
Hi
Steve, I am doing just fine and at the moment I am listening to
some live vinyl of Frank Marino - Mahogany Rush. Maybe you know it,
maybe you don't. I LOVE LIVE releases! Anyways, thank you very much
for showing interest in my label and I am HONORED to do this
interview. Always happy to make a contribution when it comes to talk
about music.
Q2
– Can you give our readers a brief history of how you became
involved in music.
Well,
I grew up with a jukebox that was always playing its tunes in the bar
of my grandparents. My aunt and me where following the charts and
music shows on radio and TV. I loved to pick up those 7”s at the
local record-store to give them a spin in our jukebox. From that time
on I am in love with music.
When
I left home I worked during my study at a venue called ‘Doornroosje’
where I was lucky to see so many bands. At that place I became good
friends with Jean Paul (JP, Burning World Records), Jurgen (Burning
World Records/ Roadburn Records and Roadburn Festival) and Walter
(Roadburn Festival). We all have 1 thing in common, our passion for
music, especially for vinyl and gigs. If people want to know more
about my history related to music I would say: check out this awesome
book: ‘Passion For Vinyl’ from Robert Haagsma. He did some great
interviews with different kind of people, each one related somehow
with those great pieces of wax!
Q3
– Congrats on starting your own record label. Lay Bare Recordings.
Why did you start your own label. Any specific reasons for you doing
this. As you have worked for Burning World Records for quite a while.
Thank
you very much! I had the idea for a couple of years and was talking
about it with one of the owners of Burning World Records, JP. He was
at the beginning very interested to manage a smaller record label
with me besides his own. We know each other for more than 20 years
and are always talking about options when it comes to new ideas.
But
on this one, the label, he took a long time to decide. JP owns
besides the label a Comic Book and Toy Store, ‘Señor Hernandez’,
here in Nijmegen. After a while we decided that it wasn't realistic
to have another label besides the 2 companies. So I had 2 choices,
either the label would be off or I manage it on my own. Well as you
know, I choose the last thing.
But
JP and Jurgen (the other label owner and also one of the 2 directors
of the Roadburn Festival) are mentoring me and they offered me the
possibility to do the distribution.
Q4
– Was it a hard decision in starting your own record label. Or is
this something you always wanted to do.
No
it wasn't a hard decision to start it at all. I was a bit nervous and
insecure though when I decided to do it on my own but well, its
better to make a choice and make a dream happen than doing nothing
and regret it later on. I have more things in my life I want do but
managing a label fits perfect at the moment. I have been for many
years related to music, especially attending live gigs.
Seeing
the most awesome music and watching the bands work very hard for
spreading their music around. It was about time to make MY
CONTRIBUTION to those musicians and give them a possibility to
spread their work on vinyl on a wider scale. It felt just right.
Q5
– Why did you call the record label – Lay Bare Recordings
Happy
you want to know this!
I
was looking for a description that covered the idea, showing the
world those precious things that have been ‘underground’ too
long. Those exceptionally gems that are worth to expose their
brilliance to the surface.
I
stumbled on 'To LAY BARE something'.
It
means: to discover or tell people about something that was not
previously known or was previously kept secret. To make obvious that
was not known before. That was the perfect way to describe what my
label stands for.
Q6
– You have released two excellent releases so far. Mos Generator
Live Album and Ancient Warlocks S/T Debut Album. Two albums I rate
very highly indeed. How did you become involved with both bands.
First
I have to tell you there is a new release coming up from an Italian
band and I just released my 3rd one.
Totally
overwhelmed with the fact that this 3rd one already sold out on
pre-sale. I am talking about: Orange Sunshine, a power trio from
Dutch soil, that catches the very soul of the motor-blues garage-punk
and acid proto-hardrock era of the late '60's and the early 70's.
It's live recorded at Freak Valley Festival 2013. Some people say it
reminds them of Blue Cheer.
I
befriended with Tony Reed of Mos Generator in 2008 at Roadburn. When
I saw Mos Generator killing those strings, beating the skins and
stomping on stage, I was immediately sold. Mos Generator with Tony
Reed is a live band pure-bred. I had a long chat with Tony Reed
before they went on. And in 2011 we met each other again, this time
when he was touring with Stone Axe and played the Roadburn fest
again.
We
kept in touch and I talked to him about me starting my own label. And
the idea was born to put a Mos Generator album out. And as many
friends of me know, I am totally into attending live gigs, it was
obvious that it would be a great idea to come up with a live
performance. Tony and I are frequently talking about new stuff to Lay
Bare. Obvious not all of them in the same genre but we talk about to
explore different styles.
I
saw Mos Generator on their tour with Saint Vitus, and from there on I
knew, it had to be from this tour. Hard-working musicians touring
their ass off, working hard on stage to build up a European fan-base.
Tony
got me into contact with Ancient Warlocks. When I heard this band I
said to myself: these guys deserve a bigger audience. All fits
together in this band: the voice, drums, bass and guitar. They are
totally rad!
Orange
Sunshine came up when I got in contact with Jens Heide and Michael
Hackler, these men are having a great fest called Freakvalley
Festival in Germany and they asked what I thought about a
collaboration with the fest on doing live releases. I
immediately said yes, because I was at there and saw Orange Sunshine
play. So pure and raw, thrilled to have the honor to capture that
moment on vinyl!
At
the moment I can tell you there is a fourth release coming up. It's
the debut album of an Italian band called NAGA, titled Hēn. 5 tracks
of doom and post-core, a black monolith which recalls Black Metal
atmospheres. Mastered by James Plotkin. Of course again on vinyl, 300
copies and hand numbered. If fans want it on cd, It will be released
by the Italian label Fallodischi at end of March.
Of
course there are more items coming up.….
Q7
– How much involvement did both bands have with the design of their
record. Or was it all down to yourself.
The
bands come up with the design themselves.
They
deliver the greatest artwork, like Mr. Frumpy Frumpedia, he did the
cover of Mos Generator, I really love his work! Mehdi Godspill
designed the cover of Orange Sunshine, Mehdi plays bass in the band
as well, a very talented artist, musically and in designing. And
there is Adam Burke, his ‘wizard’ came out beautiful in the
gatefold of Ancient Warlocks. Of course I tell them if I like it or
not but I am at the end I am only involved in the choice of the color
of the vinyl.
Q8
– Your records are currently being distributed through Burning
World Records. How co-operative were the people over at Burning World
Records to distribute your records. Have you hooked up with any more
distro’s.
Burning
World Records is very co-operative. They moved their record-base
recently to Amsterdam. They asked me to join them to Amsterdam, so I
did and now I share my spot with them.
Other
distributors I hooked up with are: Konkurent, Code 7, Cargo, Season
of Mist, Outer Battery, Kozmik Artifaktz, White Dwarf. Ripple Music
(US) and HeavyHeadSuperStore (US) sell also stuff from Lay Bare
Recordings occasionally.
Q9
– Do you have a set or rules into signing a band/artist to your
label or wanting to work with them.
I
really like to keep it SIMPLE. At the moment no contract is involved
yet. I like it that way. There is enough contact before and in
between. So if there are questions or changes we talk it through.
Until now, it works out pretty well.
Q10
– Which bands and artists started your love affair with music. Any
particular albums that stand out.
Haha,
a love affair! Nice way to describe my passion. Nevertheless not an
easy question to answer because each episode in my life has several
genres and therefore different bands and albums.
I
grew up with the twist of Chubby Checker, the voices of Elvis,
Emmylou Harris, Johnny Cash and the piano and sax of Fats Domino. Got
influenced with Kiss, Herman Brood, ZZ Top, Status Quo by the boys in
the neighborhood. And then there was a nephew who introduced me to
Crass, Stiff Little Fingers and the SKA scene from Britain.
From
there on I made a dive into the world of EBM and new wave, Front242,
Skinny Puppy, Laibach, Christian Death, Coil, The Residents, Young
Gods, Joy Division, Cocteau Twins, Bauhaus, Big Black and Sisters of
Mercy.
And
when I went to university and worked at Doornroosje I drowned myself
into Pungent Stench, Godflesh, Prong, Coroner, Neurosis, Black Flag,
Fugazi, Big Black and Clutch.
And
of course there are the genres; Southern Boogie, Jazz, some Classical
Music, Country and Heavy 70’s, they have always been involved my
life. Lately its doom, drone, exploring soundscapes, psychedelic
rock, dark - and experimental jazz.
Q11
– Netherlands Sludge/Doom/Stoner Metal scene is starting to produce
some excellent bands to check out. Monomyth, Komatsu,
Dresden/Leningrad to name but a few. How is the underground scene
currently going over in your lovely country.
I
think The Roadburn Fest does a nice contribution to uplift this
genre. A lot of bands are able to expand their music from up there.
Most of the time with a gig at the Afterburner. From there on, there
is a good change to be picked up in the scene. It still is pretty
hard to put up a good tour in Belgium and Germany but if you succeed
in it, you are guaranteed with gaining some new fans. Especially
Germans and Belgians are crossing countries to attend a live
performance.
And
lets not forget about the Dutch Doom Days Festival, they concentrate
for many years on this genre. Alas, never been able to attend that
fest.
The
genre could use more promotion in the Netherlands. Sometimes I have
the idea that other countries pick up these bands quicker than here
in our country.
I
have known Walter and Jurgen since I was 19. We are good friends.
Like I said, we worked at the same club here in town (Doornroosje/
Nijmegen). So of course we saw many bands together. I don’t have
any involvement with the fest its self accept that I work,
I
think this will be the 7th year now, as Burning World’s stall-ward,
selling the sweetest vinyl! Each year it’s awesome to work there
and meet people from all over the world. Great vibe, nice people!
Q13
– What is your fave ever Roadburn Festival memory. Any band or
artist that impressed the hell out of you.
Yeah,
there are absolutely some bands that impressed the hell out of me.
Conan and the Mount Fuji Doomjazz Corporation crushed me completely
with their extremely heavy sounds. Jesu, High on Fire, Current 93,
Godflesh, Mos Generator, The Pretty Things, Dragged into Sunlight
definitely left their impressions. And Coroner, The Young Gods and
Voivod, they gave me goose bumps all over because they brought up so
many memories.
Q14
– If you could change anything within the Vinyl Record Scene what
would it be.
The
SHIPPINGCOSTS are killing! I really wished I could do something about
that. And the fact that it’s hard for bands to get a proper tour
booked.
Q15
– What things annoy you the most within the Doom/Sludge/Stoner
Metal scene
Not
this scene particularly but people who make assumptions too fast. I
am talking about people who are rude or impatient. I have a day job
that has nothing to do with music. I make a lot of hours on this job,
besides that I help out the men from Burning world Records and now I
have a label as well.
Consider
that as 3 full-time jobs. The label is not about making money, I will
be very happy when the day comes that I can break even. But when
people are upset with something, just contact me personally first,
instead of assuming.
But
actually Steve, I like it more to look on what I LIKE about being
involved with music. Especially when it comes to certain ‘niche’
music, that has its fans spread all over the world and meet
occasionally at festivals or on a tour. I am very happy to experience
there is a lot of help and collaboration between DIY’s, musicians
and some labels. I mention Ripple Music (US), The Sleeping Shaman
(UK), Desert Highways (AU) and Head of Crom (UK). Always down to
earth! They all deliver!
Q16
– If you could provide any advice to someone wanting to start a
record label. What would it be.
Just
do it! If it is your dream, don't hesitate. Be prepared to invest
some of your savings. It isn't about money making. It brings you
friendship, music, conversation, joy and some great results: Shiny
pieces of vinyl!
Q17
– What is your view on labels providing digital download codes with
their labels. Some labels do provide this but some do not due to high
costs.
I
can be short on this one, it hasn't my interest yet.
Q18
– What is in store for Lay Bare Recordings in 2014. Any exciting
plans that you can tell us about.
First
I have to settle with my label in Amsterdam and after that aiming for
more genres on my roster f.e. some Dark and Doom Jazz, Sludge/ Doom,
Heavy 70s and Psychedelic related music. And I am always open to
discuss some collaboration with other labels or festivals.
Q19
– Which bands and albums are you most looking forward to over the
next 12 months or so.
I
am really curious about the live performance of Oranssi Pazuzu.
Looking forward to see Corrections House play again. They didn’t
convince me on stage last year. And I hope that there will be a
release from Wrekmeister Harmonies or to see a solo act from JR
Robinson again, that’s pure beauty!
I
mustn’t forget RUSH, I hope they will plan a tour again soon. RUSH
is love for life!
Q20
– Finally, Thank you for doing this Désirée. Hope you release
more great releases in 2014 and keep up the excellent work as usual.
Thank
you Steve, it was a total surprise to me you popped up the question
that you wanted to do an interview about my label. Thank you for the
patience, it took me a while!
Keep
spreading the word about MUSIC, absolutely one of the biggest
connectors in the world!
Sure
I will Lay Bare a couple of interesting pieces of wax again this
year. Just keep following me on one of my greatest adventures in my
life. Travelling on this road and digging up some brilliant gems is
worth to share.
I want to thank Désirée for this great interview. Lay Bare Recordings is a fantastic record label to check out with some stunning releases so far. Expect many more great things from Désirée and the brilliant label she has created.
Check Lay Bare Recordings from the links below
Official
Facebook
Written by Steve Howe
I want to thank Désirée for this great interview. Lay Bare Recordings is a fantastic record label to check out with some stunning releases so far. Expect many more great things from Désirée and the brilliant label she has created.
Check Lay Bare Recordings from the links below
Official
Written by Steve Howe
