LABEL LINK
Jun 1, 2001 12:00 PM, By Martin Brown
Like a classic fiction story, Base 9 Records started on a train in Paris. While vacationing in France back in 1997, brothers Shane and Ryan Ries were feeling disenchanted with working for a major label. On that fateful train ride, these independent spirits decided to beat the corporate oppressiveness and strike out on their own. Setting up business in a small room in their father's church, they started making and selling records to local stores in the L.A. area.
Base 9's reputation quickly grew, and through connections with Ruffhouse/Ovum/Columbia it was soon promoting artists including Lauryn Hill, Pras, Josh Wink, and Wyclef Jean. In late 1999 the label immersed itself deeply in the skate scene, working closely with such companies as Circa and Active. Base 9 has represented at events that include Skate Jam 2000, Project 3, and Glen Fest, which brought major exposure and awareness to the label's music. Recently Base 9 has branched out into providing music for television and film; one company, Bluetorch, which produces shows for the Fox sports network, often uses the label's tunes for its programming.
Following Base 9's rapid growth, Jenny Park was brought in to handle radio and magazine promotions, and Patrick Caro is now in charge of sales. The label is distributed throughout the United States, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. Base 9 plans to sign more artists and expand its distribution to many more parts of the globe. Specializing in techno, house, drum ‘n’ bass, and beat fusion, Base 9 is focusing its energies on the world club scene. The label has successfully promoted acts such as Australia's DJ Onionskin by arranging in-store appearances and showcases in Southern California.
Park says the Internet explosion has significantly helped small labels like Base 9: “The Internet has made it easier for us to communicate with people. It's a great promotional medium that reaches people all over the world. Although we are not distributed in shops throughout the world, people can still buy our records — the Internet enables people to listen to our products and purchase them directly from our Web site. It's an innovative way to cater to everyone.”
Base 9 is always on the lookout for new talent, and artists are encouraged to submit demos. The label asks that aspiring artists represent their abilities honestly. “The biggest mistake that most artists make is boasting about their abilities,” says Park. “Usually we find that the artists who boast the most have demos with horrible music or bad production.” Submit demos to: Base 9, 22324 Golden Springs Dr., Diamond Bar, CA 91765; e-mail base009@aol.com; Web www.base009.com.
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