The Chain Gang Of 1974 // Heavenward mastermind Kamtin Mohager knows a thing or two about the music industry. Having been a part of record labels of varying sizes in his career with different bands (including his time in Teenage Wrist) as well as founding his own label Fever LTD., Mohager knows all too well some of the pitfalls you can run into after signing a contract with a label of any size.
Considering he recently signed French shoegaze/post-hardcore band Mascara to the label, a band that’s going to be hyped by every music website from here to kingdom come, Mohager also knows a thing or two about what kind of traits he looks for in prospective bands to sign to Fever LTD. Luckily for you, Mohager joined us to give us five of those important traits, which you can read below. And they’re all pretty essential, if you ask us.
1) “VIBE” – To me, a band/artist needs to have that x-factor to them. I can’t tell you exactly what that is since it’s different for everyone. But when I’m listening to music, there needs to be that undeniable aspect to the songs that make me say out loud “Fuck! This is so cool!”.
2) “AESTHETIC” – Visual components are everything to me. That doesn’t mean that a band has to look cool in the popular opinion of the public. But I love when a band knows what works for them and what doesn’t.
3) “CONFIDENCE” – I will never tell a band what to do if they sign to Fever Ltd. I want them to be confident with everything they’re presenting to me. My job is to take that and deliver it to the world being just as confident as they are.
4) “PASSION” – Passion for the art that is created might be more important than anything else. The drive to succeed in their own way is what can make or break a band.
5) “APPRECIATION FOR THE MOMENT” – I wasted so much time in my career paying too much attention to the negative aspects of the music industry. Because of that, I let many incredible moments slip right through the cracks. This industry is not made for people who can’t handle very difficult situations. Anyone who decides to go down this road needs to be ready for everything that comes their way and somehow find the positive in the negative situations. So enjoy the ride! We live such short lives. Do not take anything for granted.
