Jurgita Emilija Mulevičiūtė interviews Ross Keppie of Fuzzkill Records, who gives us an insight into running the Glasgow based record label. 

You rarely consider how many things stick together to give the audience the sight and sound it is experiencing at the gig. Sometimes referred to as second home by the artists, record labels, despite arguments regarding the need of their existence, are entities which support their acts along the way and let the talent flourish. Ross Keppie, the essence of Glasgow based Fuzzkill Records, shares his insights on having one.

How did you come up with the idea and what has proved to be the most difficult thing to do so far?

Back in the summer of 2013, myself and Marshall (Brill) had been talking about making a label for a while up in Shetland after he’d been getting bands up to play there when a band called Cleavers approached us to release their final 7″ and that’s when we decided to start Fuzzkill. There has definitely been a few challenges to overcome but I wouldn’t say anything has been that difficult really.

Are you the one who usually approaches the band if you like music at the gig or is it them who reach out to you because of the word of mouth?

A bit of both, I’ve approached most bands we’ve worked with but as the label’s become more well-known, more and more bands have approached us.

Some labels are known for focusing on a particular genre, more or less. Can you imagine yourself working with a different sort of material later on?

Yeah, I wouldn’t rule it out, I listen to a lot more than just the style of music I release.

In retrospective, what were the musical encounters which have had the biggest impact on you or perhaps shaped your music taste in some way?

Limp Bizkit.

Have you ever refused to work with someone? If so, why?

Yeah, plenty of times but only if I don’t like the music, I haven’t refused for personal or ethical reasons yet.

Where do you see Fuzzkill in three years?

On an island in the sun.

Do you always share your insights on such things as the artwork of releases?

Not really, I generally give the artists free reign to do what they like for the artwork.

What is it that makes you the most happy, regarding the journey from setting up the label to where it is now?

I guess people really digging what the label’s doing, at the beginning hardly anyone would come to the shows, now they’re always very busy and releases have been selling out quickly. There is also a large amount of talent to work with in Glasgow.

Visit Fuzzkill Records on Facebook and Tumblr.

Featured photo credit: Walk Talk Productions and Aidan O’Mara.