Industry Spotlight - World War III Records Juan Garcia
New Metal Label's Director A&R Explains The New Label
Interviewed By Keith McDonald
It seems metal keeps getting more popular these days as more metal
specific labels keep popping up. Now there's World War III Records, a
division of AMC, that just recently released great metal albums by Hate,
Fog and Belfegor. I had the opportunity to speak to their Director
A&R Juan Garcia who filled me in on what the label is all about. You
can check out their website at www.ww3music.com.
How did you get started in the music business?
I got started in the music business a longtime ago when I
recorded a song for Metal Massacre IV for a Metal Blade Records
compilation with my band called Abattoir. The song was "Screams
from the Grave" - later on I went and Joined and launched AGENT
STEEL, and now I'm here at World War III
How did the label start?
It was started by Jerry Battle, and Enrique Chavez (great people) and
Jerry left the label recently and asked me to replace him, and so far
it's been an awesome; being a musician and seeing the other side of the
music business spectrum.
Who is currently on your roster?
Currently our roster consists of BELFEGOR from Poland, HATE also from
Poland, and FOG from Indiana, all three bands are very brutal and
produce excellent music. We also just released AVULSED, and CENTINEX,
and we will also be releasing in the near future a great thrash metal
band from San Francisco called IMAGIKA "...And
So It Burns" with
bonus tracks, also a re-issue from ENGRAVE.
Do you sign all genres or just heavy metal?
Basically, Heavy Metal, but we have are a Division of AMC and AMC signs
all genres.
How has radio been to the new releases?
We've gotten a strong response from College Radio!! And AMC has gotten a
strong response from major radio.
How important is it for your artists to tour?
I tell bands if you want to sell records you need to tour. Especially in
Heavy Metal, touring is a must.
What advise do you have for an unsigned artist?
The same advice Gene Simmons from KISS once told me, stick to your
guns.... and keep going.... don't give up.... don't take no for an
answer...pursue your dream.
Do you sign bands on a worldwide basis or just for the States?
Worldwide and the universe!
Are you actively looking for new artists? Do you accept
unsolicited demos?
At the moment we are developing what is on the roster, but we are always
looking for new artists. We accept unsolicited demos... (CD-Rs please)
cassettes o.k.
Do you receive many demos?
Yes.
How do you look for new talent (Internet, connections, etc.)? Who
handles the A&R at the label?
Word of mouth is the best...when a band is good the word gets out and a
"buzz" starts. But I also keep my eye on bands and see watch
them develop. The Internet can be misleading...it's better to witness
the intensity of a band live.
What's the future for WWIII Records?
Keeping Metal alive, and selling records. We will also be releasing some
special tributes to Metallica, AC/DC and Black Sabbath in the near
future. Hate has a new record coming out, and we are always looking for
originality and great talent.
World War III Records
(A Division of AMC)
P.O. Box 4517
Downey, CA 90241
©2001 Metal Rules!!