Industry Profile – Kivel Record’s John Kivel:
Label President adds to the Metal Mix
Interviewed by Keith McDonald
Kivel Records have been doing what major labels did in the 80’s and
early 90’s – turn out great melodic hard rock. They’re not interested in
what happens to be the ‘flavor of the month’ or what can sell a million
albums with the right packaging and promotion. Kivel releases albums by
bands that are talented and like to put some fun into their music. With
artists that include Funny Money, Guardian, Radar, Nine24, Rain, TNA and
Damn Cheetah, they’ve been doing exactly that. I had the opportunity to
speak with the label’s founder John Kivel who gave me some information
on his aspiring label. You can check out their website at
www.kivelrecords.com.
How did you get started in the music business?
Well...I've always listened to music since an early age..Loved it!
Started on my dads old BOB SEGER and MEAT LOAF albums. I recall going on
ski trips to Vermont and listening to BAT OUT OF HELL all the way up
there...Ah memories. I guess that’s how I was bitten by the music bug,
from there I just wanted to become more and more
involved. I went to school for Photography and video production. I
started
out photographing local bands at an early age. I progressed from there
to
national acts. As I got older, I made a lot of friends at labels and
management companies as well as a lot of the bands. A close friend of
mine who
I grew up with also worked for a big label and then moved onto Mellissa
Ethridge's management company. I learned a lot from her about the biz. I
then
started scouting as well as handling art/photography for an indie label.
I
was frustrated with the way they cut corners and passed on some great
bands. So I ventured out on my own. I wanted to bring out the best in a
release as well as giving bands that most companies, both big and small
would NOT give a chance to. Now I’m here.
How did Kivel Records start?
Well, I was frustrated seeing great bands not getting out there or
indie labels that had the right idea but didn’t really have the follow
through on the products quality. I guess I just put my money where my
mouth was and stopped criticizing and decided to do it myself. I really didn’t set out to make this a huge PROFITABLE thing. I
just
wanted to get some good bands out there for people that wanted to hear
them. To my pleasure I've surpassed my original expectations. 16
releases
later and about another 6 due this spring, a few dates in Spain as well
as
offers to have some of my bands play throughout Europe and sales coming
from
people all over the U.S. to all over Europe. I have to say I’m very
happy.
Who is currently on your roster? Who has been the most successful so
far?
Well, I have to say they have all done well. However out of respect
for a band that might not have sold, as many as another I will just
leave it at that. As for who we have here. ADRIANGALE which has Jamie
Rowe former vocalist of GUARDIAN at the helm. RADAR , TOUR DE FORCE,
FUNNY MONEY (Steve Whiteman / Kix) NINE24, RAIN, TNA, BARON, ATTRACTION,
STONE ANGEL, SMILEK,
BRAD L'NART. Some upcoming releases, TANGO DOWN, DAMN CHEETAH,
ADRIANGALE,
PYN SIREN.
Who distributes your label? Do you have worldwide distribution?
We are distributed through out Europe through various distribution companies as well as a few here in the states. We are right now looking
into expanding to bigger outlets this year.
Does Kivel sign hard rock/metal acts only or all genres?
Well, for the most part so far we have signed bands with an 80s sound
and style. Although, we would NOT turn away a band with a sound similar
to a band like Marvelous 3 or a band that simply has great songs.
Do you find it difficult to get your records into stores these days?
How do the mom&pops help?
I wouldn’t say so. We have some good success moving our titles. As for
Mom and pops...they are the best...They are the ones that push this
music the hardest and for the most part appreciate it.
How extensive is your back catalog and how important is it to the
label’s growth?
Well, we have 16 releases, so it cant be that extensive...LOL. It is
growing though! As for the importance of my catalog's size, I would
rather have 5 killer releases then 5 ok 5 good and 2 great. I like to
focus and pace myself.
Do you move many CDs through the website or do retail outlets provide
the most sales?
My site sales are about 10% the rest are wholesalers, mail order
companies, mom and pop shops and various chains
Any advise for an unsigned artist?
Just do what you enjoy doing. The people that do what they enjoy doing
will always walk away with more to show for it and will be less bitter
if they don’t accomplish what they hope to. That way if you fail or
succeed, it will be on your terms and who you really are.
Are most of your acts self-supporting or do they need support?
If you mean do they work day jobs...some of them do, some of them
don’t. As for the
band needing financial support...We take care of it...Gear
repairs...studio...photography ...the occasional shopping for clothes if
they are feeling naked .....etc etc.
What's the future for Kivel Records?
Just keep doing what we do and not look back! Thanks Keith for the time
and the questions...Best of luck to you and your site!