Interview with Monobuster Records
When I first created the blog, I came across the Bandcamp page from Monobuster Records, most likely due to the fact that they released both of the albums from Bubka. From the beginning, I was already very enthusiastic about the records that they put out and I still enjoy what they’re releasing and doing today.
Back then, I couldn’t find too much information about the record label at the time, which added even more mystery about them. They however recently launched their official website which provides more details about the label, the artists and allows fans to get the records and merchandise easier.
And as you know with the blog, I am also interested in the people behind the scenes who support the music scene in Switzerland (festivals, magazines, producers) and it was only a matter of time until interviews with record labels would be featured. The second record label interview is already on its way.
I would like to thank Jonas, the founder of Monobuster Records, for taking the time to reply to my questions and to provide more insight into the label.
History
Tell us about the history of Monobuster Records
The label was founded in 2018 by me (Jonas Marty). Since then, over 40 releases from over 20 different artists have been released and several label nights took place.
Where did the idea come from to create the record label?
I'm a musician myself and released many records with my bands (back then Dreadful and Ping Machines) as well as other friends did. We contacted a lot of labels for a deal of releasing and promoting our stuff, but we only received rejections. Finally, I decided to create my own record label. It aims to provide a home for various bands that cannot find a place with mainstream labels.
Where did the name come from?
Actually I can't remember exactly. Mainly, I was looking for an original name that didn’t exist yet, sounds good and is easy to remember. In a figurative sense, you could translate it as “breaking the monotony”. Mono/Stereo has something to do with music/sound, so perfect for a music label. And the word "buster" I stole from a song title called Cloudbuster by my friend Björn Magnusson's Band Cabbages.
(From left to right: Jonas Marty, Cornel Betschart, Simon Marty)
Who is part of the record label?
Besides myself, it's Cornel Betschart (drummer of Dear Misses), he's doing a lot of promo stuff and runs the social media channels and by my brother Simon Marty (guitar player for Son Cesano), he's producing, recording and mixing a lot of Monobuster bands too.
How would you describe Monobuster Records in your own words?
My first and intuitive label description on bandcamp was: “Swiss Independent Record Label. We are specialized in Kick-Ass-Punk-Psych-Stoner-Garage-Blues-Rock’n’Roll and other stuff we like. It depends on the groove!” and that's still true.
Are you influenced by any other record labels?
Indeed, there are some DIY independent record labels that inspired me to create my own one. For example Flightless Records (Australia, King Gizzard), A Tree in a Field Records (Switzerland) or El Paraiso Records (Denmark, Causa Sui).
Artists/releases
How does a collaboration between Monobuster and an artist/a band begin? Do you look for artists/bands? Do they get in contact with you?
I'm not actively looking for bands/artists. At the beginnning, the bands were all from the Schwyz/Muotathal area and friends of mine. Now, I have some bands from outside the canton too, e.g. Shattered Mind Machine, ErIch, Motorizer or Fenchel. But they're all connected to me in a way, because we played shows together, are friends of friends etc. And of course, we have to like the music and attitude, and it has to fit in our roster in a way too. For example I'm not gonna put out a Schlager record haha.
How do you choose the type of collaboration between you and the artist? How does Monobuster Records support the bands/artists on the label?
Basically it's a DIY label. As we all have full time jobs too, we can't support the artists as much "real record labels" can, not financially and not in terms of effort. We do some promotion on our channels and "teach" the artists, how to do professional promo, so they can do it by themselves, as we gained some experience over the years. And we have a little distribution network with some independent records stores and online shops.
Are you involved in the creative process of the band? Or do they have full creative control?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no, it totally depends on the record. Sometimes I or my brother Simon are in the studio with the bands and producing the whole record. Sometimes, bands are doing it by themselves and ask us for some tips, and sometimes we get a completely finished record.
How do you decide whether the release will be physically or digitally?
That's mostly up to the band. Some music runs better on vinyl, some better on CD, and some stuff like live albums or singles, we just release digitally. As you might know, unfortunately records don't sell that well anymore. If you're a band that doesn't play live a lot, and that's where the most is sold, it can be difficult to sell several hundred records. So you maybe prefer to just release your music digitally.
Tell us about your work/collaboration with your "Friends“
These are long term partners and friends I like to work with. I mean, I can't do all myself. So I need a little help from my friends. There are some recording studios where I sometimes record bands or let mix/master my stuff, there's ADON who produces the CD's, tapes and vinyl, there are a bunch of live clubs around Schwyz where Monobuster bands play a lot. And there's Pete Seitz at Acoutron, who fixes my gear and builds the craziest amps and pedals. Once I was in the middle of recording/mixing, and my reel-to-reel tape machine sadly broke. So I brought it to Pete and he fixed it the same day. How awesome is this?
How do you feel when a single/EP/album is released?
Every time it's a special thing when fresh songs are let out into the world.
Your new website went online lately - what are your thoughts about it?
Haha, it's been a long and hard way, but finally I finished it and it's online. There's a lot to discover and it's still growing.
What's the story behind Keep The Valley Loud? Can we expect a second edition soon?
As a young aspiring audio engineer, my dream was to study sound engineering at ZHdK. So I needed some experience and references for the application. There was and still is a big music scene with a lot of bands around my hometown Muotathal. So I decided to record, mix and produce a sampler album which each band is represented with one song. There's a wide range of styles on this CD, from country to thrash metal. Mostly, I set up my gear at the band's rehearsal space to record. Unfortunately the sound engineer studies didn't work out, but I still finished the album. It's like a time travel back to those days. So the title belongs to the valley of "Muotathal", as the cover art does too. Btw: There's a really nice live music club in Muotathal called EARL MUSIC CLUB, where Monobuster bands often play.
How many Monobuster Label evenings have you organised? What are your memories of them? Will there be any more planned for the future?
There were four to date. Yes, there'll be definitely more label nights in the future. But you know, time is short as an active musician with two bands. So whenever I'll find time, I'll organize another one. I'm somehow a little proud and feel good when I see some of "my" bands connecting and firing up the audience.
General
What are your memories of the beginning of Monobuster Records?
When I started, I had no clue about running a label. It feels good to see, that other bands and music lovers are inspired by the label. That motivates me to keep going. And I think it's growing and growing
Do you think that being musicians has an impact (positive or negative) on running the label?
Yes, definitely. I look at things from a musician side, not from a business side.
Which have been your favourite musical discoveries?
There are many: Lately I was at the famous Cactus Club in Milwaukee, listening to singer-songwriter Lou Hazel. What great stories he told. Another favourite band I lately discovered is Handsome Jack.
And on the Monobuster label, it's Harry Chäli, a young singer-songwriter, whose debut album I produced. He's pure talent. Great songs, great voice and awesome guitar playing.
What have you learnt since starting the label? What have been your highlights? What challenges have you faced?
Promotion is very important. If you gonna release a killer album, but nobody knows about it, nobody is gonna be listening to it. And that's what most bands/artists underestimate. Do promote your stuff.
Do you have any tips for (unsigned) bands looking for a label or for people who want to create a record label?
Stay authentic and follow your heart, that always pays off
What are your thoughts about the musical scene in Switzerland?
The mainstream music scene is mostly just boring and doesn't interest me that much. Personally I don't like the now very popular mix of pop and traditional Swiss music. But that's a matter of taste. There's a huge underground rock scene with great bands and people who support the community out of conviction. They organize concerts, release music or run a music-blog like you. I think that's very important and this scene just exist because of this community, so hold up the flag and carry on.
How can people help support Monobuster Records?
Buy the records
Anything else to add?
Support your local artists, go out to their shows and buy their records and t-shirts. It's important. Then without, this scene and with it a big piece of art is slowly dying. Listening to a record on Spotify is nice, but it doesn't support the artist very much. Don't be too comfortable and go out.
Links:
Related articles