(((o))): How long has ConSouling Sounds been around and when did it all start?
Miguel: ConSouling Sounds was launched in May 2008 with two CD-R releases: Exxasens’ Polaris and No One Wished to Settle Here’s Constant Slapstick and Traveling. Those releases did very well, and a few months later we were able to give Nadja’s The Bungled and the Botched a proper release.
Before the release of our first CD-Rs, Mike and I were talking for a few months about starting a label together. First and foremost we set out goals and our way of working, and we took it from there.
Mike: Indeed, we were ambitious from the very beginning. Because we had to start somewhere, we decided to start out as a DIY micro label. It was clear to us that this had to be our start-up phase, and we had to evolve to a more professional label as soon as possible. We carefully set our goals, and managed to switch to only factory pressed CDs in a relatively short time. In 2009 we were able to press our first vinyl record with N (5)’s Bergen: Skizzen + Notizen. On top of that, we decided very early on we would need a proper professional distribution network set up if we wanted to be able to grow. We worked hard to get where we are now, with a distribution that ranges from the US and Canada to Europe and Japan. Still now we’re ambitious to keep on growing and expanding the label.
(((o))): Can you tell us how many people are currently involved in running the label?
Miguel: On daily basis: two, being Mike and I. However Mike's wife, Nele, also takes care of a lot of tasks. Furthermore, since last year we have also worked with Sander, who helps us out with booking some tours for our bands.
(((o))): I am a big fan of the music that ConSouling Sounds releases. A lot of it is sludge-metal, but also some black metal, post-rock, drone etc. What is the label’s main musical focus?
Miguel: We don't try to limit ourselves musically, but rather prefer to focus on quality. This has resulted in the latest releases being a lot heavier than the ones in the early days, but for next year again some drone and ambient releases are scheduled.
We always try to avoid working with bands with a very typical genre-specific sound. We have nothing against good genre-bands, but it's not our main focus. We prefer to work with artists that have balls and dare to experiment or cross boundaries.
Mike: We try to keep an open mind about things that come our way. We don’t want to exclude any genres. If it’s a great addition to our roster, we’ll take on the project regardless of the genre. However, despite the fact we’re not exactly limiting ourselves when it comes to genres, I do believe all bands featured on our roster share a certain feel, a certain aesthetic. I like to think when you hear a new album released on ConSouling Sounds, you will think that it makes sense to have it released on our label. In that respect, I think ConSouling Sounds has set out a clear course. The listener can be surprised about the genre, but not about the atmosphere, the aesthetics and the quality.
The Black Heart Rebellion - Har Nevo (ConSouling Sounds, 2013)
(((o))): ConSouling Sounds is based in Belgium. Does that mean that the label is always on the lookout for Belgium bands/artists or do you focus on global artists?
Miguel: We don't really select bands by location. Of course it's nice to work with bands from your own country because you can easily meet up to talk things through, instead of communicating through e-mail. Having said that we have never signed a band solely because they are Belgian and neither have we turned down bands because they are not. For 2014, for instance, we have signed mostly foreign bands - a few exciting Belgian additions to the roster notwithstanding.
Mike: Our main goal is quality. Because of our location we get to know a lot of local acts. Some of these bands are really good, but lack proper support. In that case we’re always eager to help out where we can. But we won’t be releasing a Belgian band, just because it’s a Belgian band. A release always has to meet our high standards.
(((o))): Based on the previous question, how does ConSouling Sounds find the bands/artists? Does the label get a lot of demo CDs sent by unsigned bands in the hope they get signed and released, or does the label keep an eye open for upcoming bands?
Miguel: ConSouling Sounds has been focusing on promising and upcoming bands right from the very start. So we are 'constantly' looking for great bands and nice opportunities.
We receive a lot of promos and have a hard time listening to all of them as carefully as we should. When we hear it’s not something that fits our label, we sift through the tracks really fast.
We’ve contacted most of the bands on our label ourselves. Or, the releases are new projects from talented artists we already worked with. However, we have indeed signed bands based on a promo we received.
(((o))): How does a release come together? Does ConSouling Sounds finance the recording process as well, or will it only release and distribute the release?
Miguel: With a lot of musicians owning recording equipment/software themselves, we are not asked that much to fund recording costs. Most often we are offered albums that already have been recorded.
We are now working on launching our newest project: ConSouling Agency, where we try to help out bands with self-financed releases. We can help out in every step of the production process after the recording, and even to get the music effectively out there. We can tell bands what kind of budget they need to produce the album, with this or that kind of packaging. However we can also work the other way around, and tell bands what’s possible and realistic with the budget they have. We offer them all our experience and help out with logistics. We negotiate with pressing plants to get the best prices and best product. We place orders and follow up on the entire process. We can contact the right PR firm for their promotion, etc... For bands that fit the catalogue of our distributors, we can even help out with official distribution. We haven’t communicated about this yet, but have realized three albums thus far in order to test-drive this new project.
Mike: Releasing albums that have been recorded prior to our involvement also keeps things simple. We only release and distribute the album as agreed, and don’t claim ownership of the recordings whatsoever.
As far as the Agency goes, currently we don’t have the proper equipment or contacts to assist bands recording the album. As I said before though, we’re ambitious to keep on expanding our scope. In a previous life I was an audio engineer, so we have the expertise to either build a studio ourselves or collaborate with kindred partners. In time we will be able to guide bands from the very beginning of the recording process, all the way to production and promotion.
(((o))): What is ConSouling Sounds proudest moment so far?
Miguel: For me there have been plenty proud moments. But getting respect from the bands we work with, and seeing that nearly all like to continue working with us makes me feel very proud.
Mike: It has been a hell of a ride up till now, and I’m grateful for every band we’ve been able to work with. My proudest achievement is to still be around after 5 years, and to still have lots of plans for future projects.
(((o))): Obviously the success of Amenra has helped making ConSouling Sounds a bigger label. Has this been a noticeable help?
Miguel: Yes, of course. We have the highest respect for the guys in Amenra. It's hard to find other guys, with that talent, who are that dedicated to their music. We started working with Mathieu first, by releasing the debut album of his solo project Syndrome. A few months later we got the opportunity to release Mass II for the first time ever on vinyl. Since then we have been nearly constantly in contact with the guys of Amenra, talking about possible new releases etc. It certainly helped in getting ConSouling getting some more respect.
Mike: There’s no denying Amenra helped us to raise our profile indeed. But the match between Amenra/Church of Ra and ConSouling Sounds feels very natural. We’re all very dedicated to what we do and there’s a great sense of mutual respect. Our approach to music is more than a fun little past time. Our approach to music is a way of life.
(((o))): Do you prefer focus on a specific release type, such as CD only, or are you happy to release on multiple formats?
Miguel: We have albums on CD and/or vinyl and nearly all tiles are available digital as well.
Mike: We also consider the best medium for a specific release. Vinyl seems more popular than ever today, but not all releases are better off on vinyl. Or the other way around: we released, for example, the N (5) album only on vinyl because of the nature of the recordings. It’s whatever makes the most sense really, and in the case that the recordings benefit from a multiple format release, we’ll gladly do so.
(((o))): Does ConSouling Sounds collaborate with other labels with their releases?
Miguel: We have done this in the past with the vinyl releases of Syndrome’s Floating Veins and Alkerdeel’s Morinde. However e are not looking actively to do co-releases.
Mike: It’s been a great way to split costs and take on more projects than we could do on our own. Because of how we evolved, co-releases have become very difficult though. For the sake of distribution, we have to be able to control the sales of the albums in certain countries. It’s not fair to the other partners when they are prohibited to sell records in those countries. So it has become practically impossible to collaborate with other labels.
(((o))): ConSouling Sounds is pretty much a small underground label. Do you consider this yourself as well? Is this intentional or would you like to grow into a much bigger label in the future?
Miguel: I don’t like to think in terms of big and small. We have realized over 30 albums in a little over 5 years time, so based on quantity - and personally I think also based on quality - I don’t consider us being that small. We also have a widespread distribution network, so I have no idea when you become a big label. Seeing where we started in 2008 and where we stand now; having been able to work with such talented artists, we can all agree we have become a lot bigger. And we’re still ambitious: we have no plans on slowing down. So I’m guessing it truly is in the eye of the beholder. We worked very hard behind the scenes. We want the best for the artists and we put all effort in this. So this leaves us very little (or no) time to focus on promoting ourselves.
There’s also a disadvantage in being located in Belgium. The local scenes here are extremely small. On top of that, we’re no strangers to international initiatives, so it’s hard to stand out. Especially when you are not constantly shouting out who you are and what you’re doing. Being somewhat of an antisocial person myself also does not help.
Mike: Well, we focus on underground music, so I guess that will keep on defining us as an underground label. However, I’m quite proud of what we managed to accomplish in those 5 years, and we’re constantly expanding the label. So yes, we would like to grow into a much bigger label in the future, but I agree with Miguel; when exactly do you become a big label? In fact I wonder if it still is possible this day and age to become a “big” label. The labels that are universally recognized as the “big labels” started out in a different era in musical history. I don’t think becoming a “big” label necessarily to be our final goal. I do want to establish our label as a quality brand that’s available to everyone who’s interested.
In the past five years, as Miguel indicated, we put a lot of effort in our structure and promoting “our” bands. I think we have to put some more effort in promoting the label as well. But we’re working on that. You haven’t heard the last of us just yet.
Allkerdeel - Morinde (ConSouling Sounds, 2012)
(((o))): What releases should people who aren’t familiar with ConSouling Sounds check out first before diving into the rest of the back catalogue?
Miguel: It all depends on what you are looking for. We have cheap introduction packages available in our mail order, so one can check out those. Otherwise one of the more recent releases would also be a very good start.
Mike: Those label introduction packages are indeed a good start to get to know what we do. But otherwise, I’d say, just dive in head first. If you’re a fan of the genres we release, I’m confident you won’t be disappointed.
(((o))): Are there any plans to start a festival in Belgium organised by the label similar to the Roadburn Festival organised by Burning World Records in the Netherlands?
Miguel: No. Mike, Nele and I have full-time jobs and young families besides our label activities. We simply do not have the time to set up anything like that. Not that we haven't talked about this before, but our focus is on other things for the near future.
Mike: Indeed, a lack of time is holding us back. It’s not that we’re opposed to the idea, but organizing something that is worth the trouble takes up a lot of time and energy. For the time being our priorities lie elsewhere. But who knows what the future brings. If we meet some motivated people along the way who are willing to make it work with us, we might give it a shot.
(((o))): What releases can we expect in the near future?
Miguel: A lot of things are planned, including an Alkerdeel and Gnaw Their Tongues collaboration, a new Snailking record: the second collaboration between Syndrome and Thisquietarmy... There’s also a lot more stuff we haven’t announced yet, but will be revealed very soon.
Mike: 2014 will be a very busy year for us, so a lot of interesting things will happen. Do keep an eye on what we’ll be doing!
(((o))): Is there anything you would like to add?
Miguel: Thank you for the continuous support. Magazines like yours keep the ‘underground’ alive.
Mike: I’d also like to thank the readers and fans that are still genuinely interested in the scene. Without you all we wouldn’t have made our 5th anniversary, let alone allow us to plan for the future.
