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September 19, 2006
New Redlands Record Label
A Denmark-based record label recently opened up a Redlands location in hopes of further cultivating the local music scene.
Musikministeriet (meaning “Ministry of Music� in Danish) is seeking local talent to sign within the Inland Empire and beyond.
Director Claus Enevoldsen was writing for a culture guide magazine in Denmark before moving to California. After the move he still kept in contact with Christian Andersen who worked for Musikministeriet at the Denmark location.
Based on Enevoldsen’s analysis of the Inland Empire local music scene, the two decided to start a Redlands location for their music label.
“We felt that when it comes to music, the focus has always been on L.A. and San Diego. What the industry forgets is that the music grassroots often has its foundation in ‘forgotten’ places like the Inland Empire,� Enevoldsen said. “There is definitely a growing interest for new bands and new music around here, and we feel it is time to be part of that movement.�
Enevoldsen also noticed a trend in Southern California — an interest in Scandinavian bands, which are the type of bands the label has already signed.
According to Enevoldsen, the label plans on working with their signed bands for the first six months while the business gets situated at its new location. After which the label hopes to start signing local artists.
Enevoldsen’s wish is to see the Inland Empire’s music scene evolve to replicate that of his home country.
“In Denmark all the cities are small,� he said. “It would take me five minutes to walk downtown to catch the latest and newest band, both Danish and American. I missed that feeling when arriving in the Inland Empire. Here I had to drive so far to catch a decent act.�
Enevoldsen then decided to arrange a concert in Redlands with a successful Danish band to see how the turn out would be. When 200 people showed up to the event he knew that the Inland Empire was “alive and kicking.�
Currently on the Musikministeriet label are Danish indie bands such as Racetrack Babies, January Jaunt and Death to Frank Ziyanak.
“We have two goals,� Enevoldsen said. “First of all we encourage the public to accept and listen to new, weird, different, edgy indie music. Second of all, we are here to support the thriving indie scene and we are always on the lookout for new and interesting bands.�
As a means of introducing the label to the Inland Empire, Muiskministeriet will present a live concert featuring Danish rock band, The Royal Highness, and local artists Bad News for the Toros and Chechnya.
The concert will take place 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, at Taylor’s Tavern, 26787 Barton Road. The venue is for ages 21 and older with a $5 donation for the show.
Information: www.myspace.com/musikministeriet
Posted by Darcie Flansburg at September 19, 2006 11:51 AM