Thursday 19 September 2013

Subterranean Tide

Continuing our search for new netlabels to interview we ran into Subterranean Tide, a relatively recent netlabel, focusing on Drone / Ambient / Experimental sounds. we exchanged a few emails with the curator, Emily Ferrell, to get a little insight into how they operate.
Darwin Raymond – Unknown, or Unremembered
Can you tell us a little more about the people behind Subterranean Tide and what they do for a living?
Well, there really are no people, just one person: me :) I’m type 1 bipolar and I’m on disability so I’ve had a lot of time on my hands. So essentially I do nothing for a living, I have two full time jobs – taking care of my out-of-balance self and being a mom to my 13 year old son.
Why and when did you feel the need to start a netlabel? Why a netlabel and not a “regular” label?
I started the netlabel when my dear friend Darwin Raymond made the suggestion. Being home most of the time, I wanted to do something that might give my life more meaning. My husband Michael Duane Ferrell (aika Elian) brought this sound scene into my life and I wanted to give something back to the community of artists that I’ve come to love. I think regular labels take a lot more money. I needed something I could do for free – kind of like volunteer work. Netlabels are a great place for artists to start out and I’m obsessively in love with the creative commons culture.
Can you tell us a little more about your label’s relation to text and poetry? Do you find them complementary forms of art? Do you think there is a lack of labels that bridge both?
I find most art complimentary. Artists are constantly inspired by other art, we feed off each other, it’s that feeding energy that helps inspire one another. Poetry has always gone hand in hand with music, especially because of the use of voice as an instrument in song writing. It gives direction to the listener – a sort of narration of the music itself. It sets the stage. I don’t think there is a lack of labels that bridge both. Multi-media projects and collaborations are always around.
How does video differ from your label’s relation with text/poetry?
I think video leaves less to the imagination. But that doesn’t mean it’s any less effective or important.
Are there any labels that you could name as references or influences of yours?
Oh absolutely, Feedback Loop Label as well as the label owner, Leonardo Rosado were a huge influence. I hope I might be able to fill where Feedback may have left off – although, I can only hope Subterranean Tide will be as successful. There are other labels I’ve fallen in love with as well, I adore what Resting Bell has done and love the surrealism of suRRism-Phonoethics that Jaan Patterson has created.
What platforms do you use to promote your new releases?
As many platforms as I can find – but social networking seems to get the best response.
Do you have any contacts or plans for organizing local gigs and promotion events?
Oh gosh, this is something I haven’t thought about yet. Most of the musicians I’ve worked with are from all over the globe – so it might be difficult to localize. But it’s not something I’m against, just haven’t gotten there yet.
Can you tell us about your current latest release?
Bobby Jone’s “Planets With Two Suns Have Black Trees” just came out this week. An electro-acoustic ambient gem. I love this guy’s work and knew it would be an honor to have him on the label – I’m delighted he accepted.
That’s it, thanks for you time! Any last words?
Thanks for this and the opportunity to talk about Subterranean Tide, keep your ears open for more great music to come.