By John B. Moore
Interview with label founder Neil Shulman.

There’s far worse ways to spend the cash from a fender bender than starting a record label. Probably many, many more that would have been far more lucrative as well, but if Neil Shulman hadn’t taken that off the books settlement and funneled it into a 7 inch by some buddies, we wouldn’t have had Anchorless Records.  The label – once based in Orlando, now based outside of Boston and soon to based in Brooklyn – has put out a slew of great records in just a few short years, like the Johnny Cash tribute All Aboard, THE SAINTE CATHERINES’ latest album and the soon to be released WOLVES AND THE RADIO.

Shulman spoke with AMP recently about the label’s founding and its future (well, kind of spoke about the future. He was a bit hush, hush on future releases).

When did you first start Anchorless Records?

I first started the label in 2004 in Orlando, but released our first 7” in 2005. Moved the label to Allston, MA in 2006, and will be relocating once again in 2011 to Brooklyn.

What made you decide to start your own label?

For the money. Just kidding! I had grown up on healthy doses of Lookout, Fat, Epitaph, and No Idea Records.  Those labels had been consistently putting out great music and many of their artists were based in close proximity to their respective label. So being involved in the Orlando music scene I saw a number of bands that I felt should have records out; two of them had members working with me at the local indie record shop (Park Ave CDs). I asked them if I could release a split 7”.  About a week before the decision was made to release the Hurrah/History 7” some guy backed into my car, he didn’t have insurance and just wanted to pay me in cash to fix the damage. We went to a body shop they gave a quote, the guy gave me cash and that was that…I drove around with a dented car and used the money to start Anchorless and release ALR: 001.

What was the biggest thing you did not anticipate about starting your own label?

That I would have the opportunity and privilege of getting to work with, meet, and release music for some of my favorite bands and artists that I grew up listening to. And 6 years (3.5 spent in law school) later we are planning to release our 20^th record in 2011!

How many employees do you have?

I am the sole employee. My wife helps out though, mainly by tolerating tons of records, CDs, shipping supplies and merch overrunning our living space. Sometimes we have folks come by and help pack records in exchange for bourbon and vegan pizza.

Have you ever sought advice from other indie label owners?

Yes and still do. The community is pretty tight knit and other labels have been very supportive and informative over the years.  A few that stick out include No Idea, Suburban Home, Get Outta Town, Red Scare and Fat Wreck.

What release has been your biggest seller?

Our best selling record is All Aboard: A Tribute To Johnny Cash. For those unfamiliar with the release it was a benefit record where the profits were and still are being donated to The Syrentha Savio Endowment (Shirts for a Cure) who provides financial assistance to underprivileged women fighting breast cancer. Some of the artists on the record include: THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM, THE BOUNCING SOULS, Chuck Ragan (HOT WATER MUSIC), Ben Nichols (LUCERO), and THE FLATLINERS.

Considering how ell that one turned out, any plans for more comps or tributes?

I’ve got some ideas for two other tributes that will come out someday and there are already a bunch of great bands who want to be involved. The process of doing one of these records is very labor intensive in many aspects but they will happen in the next few years and folks will be stoked on both the bands contributing tracks and artist whose music is being paid tribute to. Before the end of the year we will be giving away a free label comp with some rare live and unreleased tracks.

Are you actively looking for bands to sign?

I wouldn’t say actively, but I go to a lot of shows with an open mind and listen to every demo sent our way.  The last band signed, WOLVES AND THE RADIO, I saw live at their first show opening for a band I used to work with. I went up and told the band to stay in touch ‘cause I loved what they were doing. About a year later I was having cocktails at their house listening to their recordings and that was that.  I signed them.  Things are best when they develop organically…buying me a couple cocktails is also helpful.

What releases do you have planned for 2011?

Right now there are only a couple releases I am at liberty to disclose but there will be about six in total. On January 11^th WOLVES AND THE RADIO S/T comes out, we also have a four way split between Brendan Kelly of THE LAWRENCE ARMS, Jeff Rowe, Mike Hale of GUNMOLL, and Joe McMahon of SMOKE OR FIRE which will be out next year as well.

Anything else you want to add?

Thank you to all the folks who support independent music, bands, and labels.  It really means a lot to everyone involved. And thanks John for taking the time with me. Oh, and GO WINGS!!

VISIT THE ANCHORLESS SITE

Popularity: unranked