Make A Mess

"On my 23rd birthday I got drunk and saw the band Sex Vid . After the show a bunch of us went out for drinks and I got to talking with Sean Paul and Anthony (Nodzzz). I hadn't started playing drums with them yet." Eric is the main dude behind Make a Mess records. It's San Francisco's most exciting record label; based around bands that practice in one space. With Nodzzz selling out UK dates and Grass Widow partying their way around the US it's good to know it all began in similarly fun surroundings, and for a very unselfish reason. "Seeing as how I loved Nodzzz and for the first time in my life I had some extra money in my bank account I asked them if i could put their record out. After that first release the rest just came really easily because I have only put out records by bands that i have been friends with." The way the bands promote each other, giving advice on future tours, carrykit and check artwork makes it all the better. This isn't DIY, this is a whole new business model, based on close friendships, fulfilling artists needs and putting on low cost parties with great bands. "I have always detested the art/business relationship." he says. "Being as close as we all are I think it creates a healthier relationship between bands and their record label. Being friends with the bands that i work with is beneficial in that everyone is much happier with the process and final product of there record." It doesn't neglect the actual artists either. It's their record after all. Would Grass Widow's heathen harmonies sound the same if they'd been autotuned? If Photoshop had been allowed near the hazy shots of Brilliant Colors? "The bands are always very much involved in the record making process, which i think and hope makes them happy because then they know exactly what is happening to their music.".

Despite having had a busy few years Eric thinks there's no need for a retrospective. Every day is as fun as the last. "If i had to say something it would be how fun everyone has had playing shows together and hanging out because after all: "all of this is just for fun". To ring in 2009 we set up a new years eve show that was Nodzzz, Brilliant Colors, Grass Widow, Finally Punk, and Sex Vid. That was one of the more fun nights i have had while doing the label for sure." he says. "and I have been very lucky so far that every record i have done has sold the amount of copies that it has. In my opinion i have loved every record so far, Im just grateful that other people seem to like them too."

On Nodzzz's recent European tour people at shows were in praise of Michelle from Brilliant Colors almost as much as the band. Grass Widow's name was whispered more than once. The bands have found audiences are receptive to their family attitude as much as their tunes; from Colors' lustrous postpunk to his own band's tight jams. As Eric signs off, he's "living the chaos". So will there be any new additions to the family now they're back in San Fran? "I have a few new records that I am really excited about that should be out by 2010. One of them is an LP by a band from LA called White Fence. The next is a LP by a band from Brooklyn called Knightschool" he says "Other than that i plan on going to shows, skateboarding, eating burritos, and having fun..."


What other labels inspire you and why?

Any label that doesn't have an agenda or any sort of obvious business side to it. I like labels with a DIY ethic that are into it because they love art/music and not because they love attention.

Slumberland- Always puts out good records in a down to earth sort of way. I can only guess but it seems like he puts out records that he actually likes rather than putting out records that he thinks would sell.
Wizard Mountain- Another San Francisco label. The person that runs it is interested in helping his friends get their music heard.
Woodsist- A label out of Brooklyn that has a really cool vibe.
Whats your rupture?- A wide variety of different bands.
Dangerhouse-Although they dont put out new bands i think they are my favorite record label of all time. Every band on the label sounded different from each other yet they were all somehow connected. Some of the best bands of all time were on that label. RIP Black Randy.

Buy Make A Mess Releases from Um, Make A Mess