LABEL SPOTLIGHT | March – Impressed Recordings
Born out of a collective passion for discovering impressive records and the drive to share them with a wider audience, Impressed Recordings is not only crafted for the musician; it’s a love letter to fanatic audiophiles and aficionados of fine collectibles, a symphony of sound sculpted for the true connoisseurs of musical artistry.
WHEN WAS IMPRESSED RECORDINGS FOUNDED?
We were founded in November ’23 – we’ve only been going for 15 months.
The idea was to be a vinyl-focused label that could work with others to create unique pressings, as well a label that would be able to work with local artists to put their music on vinyl and create value for their customers (and then ship them around the world). It’s an artist-centric model that we hope works for all parties – including the local music & vinyl fan. Of course, we are so passionate we couldn’t help but sign artists directly and help them bring their music & art to life.
WHAT DRAWS YOU TO AN ARTIST?
There are three of us who have a say on A&R. It’s based on knowledge, taste and experience.
HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHO TO WORK WITH?
As we have a flexible business model – and we are positive people – we love saying yes to artists and other labels who want to collaborate. We work out if we want to put time and energy into projects, and that we believe in them. If we act as the label then we have to be ‘all in’. With records, we try to gauge demand for the vinyl itself, and we work with our distribution partner republic of Music to work out demand ex-Australia
WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES & OPPORTUNITIES YOU FACE AS AN INDEPENDENT LABEL?
Challenges are cash flow as we scale, and having understanding partners and suppliers is a key part of our growth. It’s a pain point that we’re addressing with a capital raise – And when it comes to nurturing and developing talent – it’s harder than ever with an ever-increasing focus on numbers and socials. But this also presents opportunities – it’s in the hands of the artists to be able to tell their own story now, which can surely be empowering if re-framed.
Opportunity…is abundant. There’s SO MUCH great Australian music that has a market on vinyl, and there’s SO MANY records from overseas artists that aren’t being pressed or delivered in Australia (especially if an artist signs with a digital distributor). So we’re always happy to work with good artists, good humans making great records that people can cherish.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE CONSIDERING STARTING THEIR OWN LABEL?
Go all in. Believe. Hustle. Talk. Communicate. Ask. Shoot Your Shot.
ARE THERE ANY EXCITING NEW RELEASES OR TOURS COMING UP?
So many…We’re honoured to be working on vinyl releases for Mick Harvey, Francois Tetaz, Cam Muncey from Jet, Beckah Amani amongst many others. We’re also incredibly excited to introduce Loose Content, Beth & Blue and Liminal to the world.