What
was your first job in the music business?
My first job was here at Epitaph. I didn't know anything about the industry,
but I knew about shipping and receiving because of my job prior to that (check
out "The Epitaph Story" on Punk-O-Rama DVD vol. 1). I answered phones,
read fan mail, etc…learning other things along the way, such as publicity,
radio promotions, sales, artist relations, etc.
What is your current job and title?
My official job title is Head of A&R, but we aren't structured like most
other labels. I do a lot of A&R tasks, but my job encompasses more than
that. I'm a project manager primarily, and the head of artist relations.
Briefly - What are you responsible for?
I'm responsible for working with the artists, and helping them to make the
best record that they can make, both within a given time-frame, and under
budget. I am also in the loop on all of the marketing that goes on with the
bands that I work directly with, so that when a band or their manager has
a question, hopefully I can answer it.
How many hours do you usually work a week?
I'm not sure, because technically, going to shows is work (not bad, eh?!).
In the office, I work 40 hours. I also do a lot of e-mail at home and on weekends.
How many concerts do you usually go to in a week?
It depends on how many of our bands are in town or on tour. I go to about
10 shows per month. I don't go to more than that, because I've got a young
son at home. He comes first!
What is the largest band you've signed to date?
At Epitaph, only our owner signs bands. All of the Epitaph employees are invited
to present Brett with the bands that we like, though.
How many demos and press kits do you get in a week?
I can't count that high. Especially if you consider e-mails that have links
to MySpace pages…
What is one thing NEVER to send you?
One time, someone sent a letter that was addressed to Bad Religion. At that
time ('92 or '93), this particular person firmly believed that BR had "sold
out". There was a piece of paper with "FUCK OFF" written from
top-to-bottom, over and over again, single-spaced. It was actually done on
a typewriter, too. Inside of this sheet of paper was a piece of toilet paper
that had POOP on it! Please don't send me poop.
Do you read the band bios or press clips that come with a demo?
Only if I like what I hear.
What is the best thing to send you to get your attention (i.e. a demo with
only 3 songs….)
A decent photo, so I can see what you look like. Not that we judge looks before
the music, but the fact is, a band has to have the "whole package".
Do you look for new bands on MySpace? If so, what is the most important
thing for a band to have on their MySpace page?
They usually come to me. First, I look for good songs. I also look for pictures
that I can actually stand to look at. It seems like some bands are hiding
behind blurs, etc…I like to see what they look like.
What is the best advice you can give to a newly unsigned band? To a newly
signed band?
To all bands: don't break up! Don't kick people out of your band, etc…stick
together. Especially if you've just been signed. To bands that are just starting
out: please try to be original, and don't just copy some other bands because
they are popular. The best, most long-lasting bands in rock history are the
ones that don't sound like other bands, but have bands that mimic them instead.
Use your faults to your advantage! This can help you create something really
magical.