How did you start Big Joy Records?
Many of my friends were making some really cool music but didn't really seem to be getting it out into the world. We all had a great deal of respect and admiration for each other and it seemed like if we worked together under the banner of Big Joy we could help each other create some interesting stuff and have a ball together. The label wouldn't be possible without the work of friends like Harmony Tividad, Olivia Hemaratanatorn, Catie Tessier, Raychel Tubul, Andrew MacKelvie, Sean Solomon, Drew Lucia and the volunteers and leaders of Pehrspace and The Smell.
How did you decide you wanted to be involved with music?
I've always been fascinated by record labels. I love the curated / community aspect of them. The great labels lived in a universe all their own. Just trying to live the dream in 2014. Just trying to be 4AD, Factory Records, Load Records, ESP Disk, Sub Pop, etc.
What do you look for in a band/artist who you want to release?
Positive energy, interesting music and a similar commitment to the L.A. and world wide underground.
Where do you see the label going?
I'd love nothing more to see our bands tour the world. Loads more cassettes, vinyl, art books, shows and other jazz in the works too.
Can you talk about your experience running a noise label?
Sure. I ran a label called Static Aktion. We were pretty active in the harsh noise / experimental scene in Los Angeles from 2005-2009. Released seven different 7inch records from some of my favorites in the scene like The Cherry Point, Prurient, Moth Drakula, Impregnable, Sissy Spacek. I'm really proud of the events Static Aktion was able to put together during that time too. We were able to bring some great acts to L.A. who wouldn't have made it here otherwise. That was a really interesting time in L.A. and for noise in general. Shout out to the Il Corral (a defunct venue in Hollywood) and tape labels like Callow God and Monorail Trespassing for continuing to influence what I'm doing today.
How did you get involved with the Smell? How has that influenced your life/career?
I started attending shows at The Smell in 2003 and got involved when the Smell re-opened in 2004 after being shut down for a few months. I started working the door, making food for the snack bar and booking shows. The Smell has been the single biggest influence in my adult life and on Big Joy in general. It made everything seem possible, the future is what you make it. The Smell has also formed our very hard lined views on all-ages shows and venues that aren't based around selling booze at the bar.
What's the best concert you've ever been to and why?
Couldn't narrow it down to just one but some concerts that I remember being really life changing (in no order / most between 2003-2008 / most from the american noise rock underground): Silver Daggers, Le Tigre, Wolf Eyes, Child Pornography, XBXRX, Rainbow Blanket / Impregnable, Pink and Brown, Rubber O Cement, Sonic Youth, 16 Bitch Pile Up, Sword Heaven, Yellow Swans, Eats Tapes, Damion Romero, Gang Wizard, Chris Corsano / Nels Cline, Rose For Bohdan, Wives, John Wiese, Arab On Radar, Magik Markers, Aaron Dilloway, Business Lady, Lightning Bolt, Smegma, Mika Miko, Six Organs Of Admittance, Hair Police, Ex Models, Daniel Menche, Pedestrian Deposit, Privy Seals, Infinite Body...probably forgetting so many.
Which bands have inspired you the most?
Sonic Youth without question have had the biggest effect on the way I view music, art and underground culture. They have been doing things on their own terms for over 30 years even when interacting with the mainstream music machine. I've always loved the way they championed artists and bands they enjoyed that wouldn't have normally been exposed to the mainstream. The coolest band forever.
What do you think is the future of music?
Pictureplane