An Interview with Mount Seldom Records

by Jack Robinson

I spoke with Mount Seldom owner and head Elliot Moon-Fox about the current state of Mount Seldom and what it's like to be the head of an indie label.

Q: So, I've heard recent speculation that Mount Seldom is planning to stop releasing music, is this true?

A: Not at all. I have no clue why anyone would say that, I'm actually trying to do the complete opposite.

Q: Does Mount Seldom plan to expand its roster soon?

A: Yeah definitely. There's quite a few more releases planned out right now.

Q: Are they being kept a secret, or would you like to drop a teaser about some of the upcoming projects?

A: Well, I shared a review or something about the next one, Bruant Zizi, I'm just finishing up the cards and whatnot on that one. Then I'm finally working with some domestic artists, which I wasn't trying to avoid, it just kinda happened. And then a 12" of a band I've previously released things for, I am easing off the tapes a bit while I'm working on the record, but I'm definitely not stopping.

Q: Sounds like quite a workload, is that the usual for running an indie label?

A: I'm not sure. This is my first go around and I haven't got many label friends, and I think I've picked up more stuff quicker than others.

Q: What's it like running an indie label?

A: Like running through a corn maze in the dark. I have no fucking clue what's going to happen, but really, it's fun. I find new music, like one of my latest releases, Abysmal. They had no followers on Bandcamp and stuff, but they're so damn good, and it's really cool being able to take that and put it out on formats for more people to hear and gain more popularity. It also requires a looooooooot of patience!

Q: What's the worst experience you've had with an artist so far?

A: Nothing too bad, nobody's been particularly mean to me. I got one submission I politely declined, and apparently the person went off talking about how he was going to start a label that accepts every submission. I was just shown screenshots and saw the post, I don't think he was directly shitting on me, but I guessed it peeved some people. But I'm not sure if that counts. The worst things are probably open ends, lack of deadlines and such. I get pretty antsy when I'm not given defined details and can't start when I need to. Like this 12" I've got coming, it takes a long time to press records, and I need to get the order to the plant like, this week to have it by this summer and I haven't gotten the specifics from the artist yet, so that's a bit hard.

Q: Oh shit, so on the flip side what's the best artist experience you've had with the label and what's the best release so far?

A: The best experience was probably working with Crywank. They've been my favorite band since I was 15 or 16, granted we've been friends for quite some time so it wasn't too surprising, but it's cool they wanna keep working with me. Other than that, it's always awesome when an artist knows exactly what they want, gives me direct instructions, and it's all finished up within a week. Sketch Jets was like that, it was really cool. It's hard to say my best release, since I released Crywank, but other than that, honestly Abysmal. They're seriously so underrated and I'm glad I'm helping them get the recognition they deserve. It makes me so happy to see them gain a larger following since I've released their stuff. And making the compilation was incredibly fun!

Provided by Mount Seldom Records

Q: The newest release Into by Sonif recently dropped, do you feel confident with the material?

A: Oh yes definitely. People should definitely check that out. I am confident about everything I release.

Q: Will Mount Seldom stay just an indie label, or will there be expansion to other genres in the future?

A: Oh yeah, I have a few skramz releases planned and I'd like to do more emo.

Q: I gotta ask, because I do write for a magazine that loves emo, stuff that's influenced by first wave bands or newer bands?

A: Definitely first wave. I very much dislike emo revival.

Q: I'm curious as to why, I know everyone's got their reasons, so I'd like to hear yours.

A: To me it's just pop punk with a different title attached to it. Honestly, I started this with the intention to release a lot of emo, but things just kinda shifted into bedroom pop.

Q: Oh wow! That's interesting who's your favorite artist on Mount Seldom so far?

A: Crywank, Abysmal, and Bruant Zizi, who's gonna be released like tomorrow or something, but I guess that's not so far haha. saved history is really nice, the person behind it is suuuper nice and cool. She's actually been helping me with publicity a good bit. Also Hello Whirled, and Sketch Jets.

Q: How do you work on getting more publicity when it comes to managing an indie label?

A: That's definitely the hardest part in my opinion. I hit up reviewers and such, get mentioned on Twitter and whatever, but I have a very big release coming soon, and I think that's what's really gonna draw attention. I also credit half the reason people give a shit about me to Crywank. Also, I've been posting in Facebook groups and Reddit threads which has helped a bit. And that Anthony Fantano thing got a bit of attention to me.

Q: Yeah, I saw, that's pretty crazy. Do you think the indie scene provides a good place for LBTQ+ artists?

A: I think so. I'm trying to for myself. For a while my bio on my websites was "queer based DIY label out of Eugene", and I love to focus on LGBTQ+ artists. That being said, I'm not going to turn anyone down for not being that. Also, I'm just trying to make DIY nice again. But I'm friends with a few other label owners and I see a lot of them releasing LGBTQ+ artist, which is awesome!

Q: What steps do you think other genres could take to add that level of inclusiveness?

A: Definitely developing more personal connections with the artists they work with, seeking out artists who are openly queer, and such. I think that is a thing a lot of people should look into. Queer artists deserve more recognition. Also mentioning you want to work with LGBTQ+ artists is a good thing, like in your bio or whatever.

Q: So, one last question What would you say/ what advice would you give to those looking to start their own label?

A: Make sure you know what you?re doing when you go into it. I had the advantage of having gear and everything, knowledge from friends, and friendships with artists. Definitely crawl through Bandcamp/SoundCloud to find people in genres you want to work with. Go through Reddit, Google shit, talk to friends, make sure you know what labels actually do. Also, compilations are really good for finding good artists and publicity. You get 20 different people on a compilation, they will have connections with other artists, publicists, music scenes, and all that jazz.