JMB Records – Label Profile by Peter Marullo

JMB Label Profile
By Peter MarulloSince 2003, JMB Records (started by the older brothers of Ian Grushka, bassist of NEW FOUND GLORY) have been releasing albums from a wide array of bands that have a variety of musical sounds. Whether it’s punk, indie, or alt. country, the boys at JMB Records have clearly ascended the common trappings of becoming a novelty label and have delivered a catalogue of consistent, quality releases. We recently caught up with Nevin and Jarett Grushka on everything JMB.

How/When did JMB Records start and what are the origins of the label name?

Nevin: We started the label in 2003. We had some friends who were recording an album and they didn’t know what to do with it. At that point, we decided to start the record label and release it for them. JMB means Just Making Bagels. It’s a play on words and pays tribute to our kid brother Ian, who spent countless hours baking bagels at Einstein’s Brothers while he was in the process of starting his band.

Jarett: In November 2003, there was a local band called DBY, who was in the studio recording and were looking for some help releasing it on a label. We had known the guys for a few years and Nevin and I had always talked about starting a label, so the timing seemed right for us to launch JMB Records.

From looking at JMB’s roster, the label doesn’t seem to pigeonhole itself within one specific genre. How do you think this tactic has helped the label?

Nevin: We both have a wide array of musical tastes. The bands we work with are all people we consider friends who just happen to play music we dig. We didn’t start by saying in order to be cool “we need a metal band, a punk band, a singer/songwriter”. It wasn’t like that. We put out stuff we like and take it one album at a time. One thing that helps us keep progressing is that we are always ahead of the curve. We were stressing

digital releases long before it became the norm.

Jarett:  Because we have such diverse musical backgrounds, we always said from day one that we would just put out music that we like. Many labels have had success focusing on a specific genre or sound, but I think that would be too monotonous for us. We put out music that we feel a connection to. I get asked all the time what kind of label JMB Records is and my standard answer is that, “We are a record label.”

Is there one release that you guys are particularly fond of?

Nevin:  JACOBS LADDER Ours for The Taking. I’ve known these guys for a really long time and to see them work so hard and to progress to where they are now…to have the fruits of their labor transferred to a CD is incredible. Also I really like the FALLEN FROM THE SKY 7 inch we put out.

Jarett: Honestly, I am really proud of everything we have put out. When we started this thing, we had no idea where we would be in 8 months, and here we are over 8 years later.  With that being said, our last two releases were by the Sacramento-based band MUSICAL CHARIS and both records have blown me away. They are like nothing I have ever heard before. They are so talented musically, and the male/female harmonies are very powerful.

Besides being independent music moguls, what do the powers that be at JMB do to keep busy?

Nevin: Haaa! Aspiring music moguls maybe. We both work full time aside from the label. I am an Atlas Orthogonist, which is a board certified specialty within the field of chiropractic. It’s a completely painless procedure, which breaks the paradigm of people having to go 3 times a week for the rest of their life. I spend my days healing patients. I’m out around town 3-4 nights a week seeing concerts and bands play.

Jarett: Independent music moguls… I like that. In addition to the label, which is a full time job in itself, I spend countless hours working for the Miami Dolphins. On top of that, I spend as much time as I can with my family.  And of course, I find time to see as much live music as possible.

What do you guys look for when searching for new bands to work with?

Nevin: I spend a lot of time listening to demos via email and snail mail, but a lot of things have to happen in order to make a good fit. First, we must like the music. We need to get along with the band members and have to have a similar direction. We aren’t really looking to put out records just to make a quick buck. We want to work with bands that have similar philosophies and we all have to believe in each other. Also, to me it’s all about the live performance. The band has to represent on the stage or it’s a deal breaker. I tell people we are like the guy in the RV from That Thing You Do. We are finding artists with great talent and potential. We are just working on getting everyone to the next level.

Jarett: The most important thing is that the music has to move me. We get a lot of demos and although I don’t like to rush to judgment, I can tell pretty quickly if I connect with it.  We consider JMB a family, so the connection has to be there with the band members on a personal level as well. Lastly, we are looking for bands that are willing to bring the music to the people. They must understand how important it is to tour in support of their albums and be able to pull the music of live. We know it is a two way street, so if the band promises to work hard for us, we will work hard for them and do whatever we can do to advance their career. There is a misconception out there with a lot of bands that once they are signed to a label that the work is over. The truth is that from the second they sign, that is when the work really begins.

What can music fans expect from JMB in 2011?

Nevin: We are releasing a record for HARVEY AND THE BUCKETS on 12-inch vinyl. They are an alternative country yacht rock band from our hometown. Also forthcoming, is some new stuff from MUSICAL CHARIS, who are recording machines. Be on the lookout for some huge news regarding JACOBS LADDER!

Jarett: HARVEY AND THE BUCKETS just finished recording some music that will be out on vinyl soon. MUSICAL CHARIS is like the Tupac of JMB and have countless songs already in the can, so look for another release by them as well. Of course we are always looking for new bands and are talking to a few right now. We would also like to get a few of our bands on the road together for a JMB Records Family Tour.

For more information, check out JMB Records online at www.jmbrecords.com

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