Drop A Records is not your normal indie label. They are more of a stepping stone to lend a hand to promising talent and work with them on taking them to the next level. Recently I talked to Travis Whitworth (Founder/Owner) about the label, how it started, what makes it different and so much more. In a world full of Greg Longs ( We Are Triumphant Records), a lot of these great label owners get overlooked. The ones who are in it for the right reasons and not to scam bands and fuck them over. Travis is one of those honest, full hearted and caring label owners.
The Interview:
Please Introduce yourself and what you do?
My name is Travis and I am the founder of a Canadian indie record label, Drop A Records.
What made you want to start Drop A?
I noticed a gap in the development of bands, those who were making it and those who needed help. I knew a lot of talented bands for one reason or another, were not getting the attention of the labels like they deserved. I created Drop A so I could help these bands out, Drop A is a “stepping stone” label which means we aid in the development of a band and help them reach a point where when and if they get noticed by a major label, they know what to expect. Drop A is focused on the music aspect, we wanted to help keep the scenes alive and growing, music is very important.
Can you tell us a little more on how Drop A is different from other labels?
Drop A is different because of our passion and love for music, we are about the bands, the experiences, and meeting great people instead of just strictly seeing them as a product to make us a profit. We stay up to date on the latest trends to provide our bands with the latest tools to help them succeed. I’d like to also get Drop A involved with foundations and charities later on to help people become aware of important social issues such as self-harm and abuse, the saying goes “music saves lives” and I believe that to be very true. I just want to help out as many people as I can and not really for the vanity aspect.
How did you come up with the name?
Drop A comes from the tuning of the guitar used primarily in Deathcore. It started off as a review site and then the name transferred over to the label which I felt fit perfectly since a lot of bands we support are of the heavier flavor. But we do not limit ourselves to one genre or tune.
What bands are currently on Drop A and can you tell us more about them?
We currently have two bands, Cruelty In The Garden, a Deathcore act from Poland and Cailtyn Can Wait, a Post-Hardcore act from Australia. Both bands are gaining momentum in their respective local scenes and growing at impressive rates because they are just great, talented bands and we were lucky to find them.
Any bands you have your eyes on?
I am always and I can’t state that enough, always looking for fresh talent but I can’t say any names at the moment. Keep your eyes peeled!
How would you like to see Drop A evolve?
I would like to see Drop A carve out its own niche and become a respectable name. But honestly I just love doing it and I hope it grows to a point where I can do it all the time and live my label day to day.
If you were not doing this label what do you think you would be doing?
I’d like to think I’d still be in the music industry doing something but I’m not really sure. Label for now and see what the future holds.
Any shot outs or any one you would like to thank?
I’d like to thank the boys in Cruelty In The Garden and Caitlyn Can Wait. Derek from Grimm Entertainment, Micah from Pig Squeals And Breakdowns and Drew from BeheadingTheTraitor. And so many other people, it would take me days to list. Most of all thank you for the interview Tim!
What band got you into heavier music and how did they appeal to you?
Great question! It was Slipknot. A friend introduced me to them by putting random songs on my iPod. I used to listen to Powerman 5000 which you could probably consider my first heavy band but Slipknot remains the love of my musical life. Slipknot appealed to me because of how diverse and atmospheric the music was but a major part of it it was the lyrical content, it helped me through some rough times and I can tie a lot of experiences back to them.
How do you feel the music scene is today?
I feel a large part of the music industry as a whole is terrible but there are a few little patches of hope where it is about the music and community and not about the profit margin. I think a lot of music festivals need to go back to their roots and remember why they are doing it in the first place, same can be said for artists as well.
Its been good talking to you today, in closing is there anything you would like to add?
Thanks for the interview, I really appreciate it!
