Greg's last-ever photo from his iPhone.
Shortly after moving to Portland, I discovered a radio show on 94.7 FM called “The Bottom Forty,” hosted by Greg Glover, who is also host of the station’s “Alternative Morning” show. I became an instant fan of “The Bottom Forty” because I got to hear music by bands not usually heard on the radio.
I recently reached out to Greg to ask him about running a record label in 2009, the local music scene, what music is catching his ear these days, and his favorite Afghan Whigs album. (It’s Gentlemen.) Due to his crazy schedule, the interview was conducted via e-mail. He supplied me with a photo taken with his iPhone, which he noted was “the last I’ll take with it as I’m getting rid of the damn thing” after two years. He’s not a fan of the keyboard.
Originally from Alabama, Greg, who relocated to Portland five years ago, is the sole owner of the Arena Rock Recording Company label. The label came into existence nearly 15 years ago with co-founder Dan Ralph while Greg was living in NYC. Over the years, the label has released albums by Superdrag, The Sheila Divine, Talkdemonic, and many more.
Given the huge shifts in the state of the music industry over the past several years, I was interested in learning about how those shifts have affected Arena Rock. “The fact that records aren’t selling like they were when we started in 1995 or even 2005. I used to dream of doing the label as a living back then but I’ve given up on that idea, which is probably the wisest move,” Greg said.
Fortunately, he hasn’t given up on running a label entirely. Instead, he works as a DJ, even if it does involve waking up at 4AM, and uses the money made to support the label. “It works out pretty good–this indie-rock Robin Hood scenario. I make money working a corporate job then give back to the struggling indie musician by putting out a record from time to time!”
Some of those records being put out include a number of Portland-area bands. He recently signed Saudade, which he feels will complement local act, Wroom, which is also on the label. Arena Rock will also release Richmond Fontaine’s new album in September. Of the band, Greg said, “I’ve respected that band as well as Willy Vlautin as an author for a long time, so it’s a true honor to be able to work with them.” Additionally, new music from Kelly Blair Bauman, which Greg describes as his favorite Americana album since Ryan Adams’ Heartbreaker, as well as an album from Sabertooth will be released on the label in the coming months.
So, I wondered, how does he find bands these days? Greg doesn’t get out to many shows due to his schedule, but said he’s usually tipped off on bands via friends. While he does still receive demos and messages from bands via MySpace, it’s very rare for him to sign someone in that manner.
As the role of the record label continues to change, I asked Greg for his thoughts on the continued trend of bands foregoing the label process altogether and opting to self-release their albums. “I think it’s great that bands can be heard and keep it DIY,” he said. “Clap Your Hands Say Yeah! were a phenomenon a couple years ago. The blogs started writing about them and all-of-a-sudden they were selling thousands of records out of their apartment in Brooklyn. It’s fascinating.”
His advice to bands as they decide whether to seek out a label or self-release is pretty straightforward. “I’d tell any artist to do it on their own if they can find distribution and deal with the day-to-day operations. If not, then find a label that you trust and loves what you do and let them help deal with the stuff you don’t want to deal with such as publicity, marketing etc.”
In addition to the local music acts signed to Arena Rock, Greg is also committed to supporting Music Millennium. “I don’t think I’ve met a nicer person here than its owner, Terry Currier. The guy KNOWS music like nobody I’ve ever met. He’s a real-deal music lover and everyone else pales in comparison. They’ve been here 40 years at this point and are truly a dying breed,” he said. Indeed they are. Greg expressed his disdain for artists such as Prince, Bob Dylan and AC/DC who are giving chain stores exclusivity to their new releases. “Who the fuck do you think helped support those artists’ careers early-on? It sure as hell wasn’t Best Buy or Wal-Mart, etc.” Here, here!
“The Bottom Forty” airs Sunday nights on 94.7FM from 8-10PM, or you can hear Greg weekday mornings from 5-9AM.
{ 4 comments }
Great interview and writeup.
Second dieselboi’s sentiment; nice job, Angel. I grew up hanging out in record stores; Music Millennium was a destination spot on my bus rides from the country to the city. Anyone remember Soundgarden playing in the attic at 32nd & Burnside?
Thanks, guys!
Thanks for the inside scoop! I do loves me some Bottom Forty. Great conversational writing!
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