here's a link to the X! RECORDS myspace
http://www.myspace.com/xrecordsdetroit
here's a link to the X! RECORDS website
www.x-recs.com
Well, I did an interview with Scott Dunkerly the founder of X! RECORDS and the drummer for The FRUSTRATIONS. He's been a crucial aspect to Detroit's punk/garage community in the past 5 years so it was great to interview him about what he's been doing over the years.
How did X records start?
It started more seriously in 2005. A couple years before I was putting out CDRs. I put out the frustrations/nerves are fried 7" inch early on.
I wanted to put out my own bands then saw what Detroit had around and wanted to put out some more stuff. I saw bands that had been playing for a couple years and not putting anything out and going outside of Michigan to put it out.
I just saw a need to put out music.
To name a few, what labels influenced you?
Dischord, gave me some ideas...Touch and Go.
In what ways?
The DIY(do it yourself) community and that they were taking it into their own hands and doing their own thing.
What was the last record you listened to?Lyn Collins-Check me out if you don't know me by now
When did X Records have a website?In 2005. X-recordings.com was the original domain name.
How did you come up with the name?It came to me, x being the variable...you know math or whatever. The idea of
something that will catch your attention.
Which methods of promotion do you enjoy most?Flyers are great. The creativity is great. They're collectible and its a cool keepsake. I really think making fliers are a lost art.
How many artists do you currently have?I've worked on 17 releases.
Who is your most recent addition?Timmy's Organism
Will X Records be taking on any new artists soon?Nothing planned but Heroes and Villains will be releasing a record on X soon. The Johnny ill band will be putting out a 7inch on X, The Frustrations(my band) will maybe put out it's new record on X.
Upcoming Releases (from X! records website)
X!0?? - Heroes & Villains 7" or LP
X!0?? - Timmy's Organism 7"
X!004 - Burning Orchestra "Record Breaking Neck Break Godspeed" CDEP (Out someday...)
Is X records nonspecific to genre?Not strictly anything, I like to say it had somewhat of a cohesive sound in the releases but I guess its kinda things I think go together well.
It depends what material I'm presented with and there's plenty of things I like and would like to release but don't think fit's with X.
I guess Punk or aggressive or kind of like psychedelic. Stuff I like has a thread running through it in a sense.
What do you look for in an artist or band?Regionally focused bands emphasized on Detroit or from the area or until it dries up in my interests.
As far as what I look for it relates back to what I said, If it will fit or not. There's genres I'm more attracted to. Punk & Psychedelic. (see: previous question)
Have you promoted X outside of Michigan?Yeah! I got hooked up with Revolver distribution in San Francisco and Internationally through them. Goner Records from day one, Academy Annex in Brooklyn, Permanent Records in Chicago.
What likes & dislikes do you have about running X Records?Once in awhile I have people helping out with this and that. I guess likes and dislikes...I really like running it and enjoy it.
I guess the only thing a bummer is personal life getting in the way. I feel a certain responsibility to the bands.
What can you tell me about the future of X Records?Probably just trying to keep putting out records as long I show interest in it and as people buy them.
Would you like the X-RECS distro to be more vast? (have you thought about expanding it? Elaborate.Yeah I go back and forth, I'm getting my website redone soon. I guess I'm gonna try to collect records from bands and records that have come out.
I go to Cass & Italy to pick up records to distribute. I'm trying to expand it when the new website is up.
When should we expect a new website?Hopefully in a few months we'll see a new website.
Would you like to do another X-records Fest to raise money?Yeah I'm planning on putting together some kind of festival. I would have done a festival this summer but some things came up where I couldn't so I'd like to do another festival in the next year.
If you could change anything would you?Nothing really comes to mind. No regrets about how its gone.
What and why?Maybe more promotion and maybe get the word out more about releases.
How do you feel about all the people starting to talk about X Records
did you ever think it would get this big?I'm not going to pretend I'm the end all be all record label but I think I do have a certain established name to offer and some people pick it up based on the label and maybe pick up a release based on that.
What do you like/
what do you dislike about distribution of X Records?
I'm happy to get hooked up with some main distributors and small Distros. I'm hoping to get more direct sales.
I do a lot of bands first records that people have never heard of before and
it can be hard because man this band needs to get a record out then you have to get people buy it or check it out. I like doing 7"inches cause they're easier to put out. 7inches are also cheaper than a full length.
I've seen lots of weird artwork on releases have you helped out before?
I usually help out with layout for bands.
