SONICBOND RECORDS
Stephen Lambe explores the world of labels and distribution with his and Huw Lloyd-Jones’ new venture.
Summer’s End is an essential date in so many of our calendars, and now the pair behind the annual festival have decided to set up their own record label.
“Sonicbond was initially devised as an online CD retailer back in 2005, but I closed it around 2008 when Summer’s End was starting to take off,” reveals Stephen Lambe, who co-owns the label with fellow promoter and Midnight Sun singer Huw Lloyd-Jones. “I’ve always loved the name and it was first revived a couple of years ago when Huw and I started up Sonicbond Promotions Ltd [to run the festival]. Then, last year I said to Huw, ‘Why don’t we do a label?’”
Although labels no longer hold the gilded purse strings of the 70s and 80s, Lambe says there are still advantages to being signed in the modern age, and the main one involves reaching a wider audience. Thanks to worldwide distribution via Nova, along with the use of digital platforms such as Spotify, iTunes and Amazon Music Unlimited, Sonicbond are able to offer small and mid-sized prog bands the
chance to have their music heard all over the world. The label’s philosophy also extends to offering a 50/50 split of profits rather than a smaller royalty percentage.
“Huw and I decided that we wouldn’t sign anybody unless at least one of us absolutely loved the music,” says Lambe, who describes the artists they work with as having at least a foot in the prog world.“We wanted there to be an emotional connection.”
Their idea is to sign bands on a per album basis so no one is tied in. With that in mind, their current roster includes When Mary, Weend’ô, and Midnight Sun, whose next release is due in the coming months.
But that’s not all. Lambe will also be launching Sonicbond’s publishing wing later this year. The company will specialise in books that explore the creative process in a similar way to the acclaimed 33½ series. It’s certainly an ambitious project but if the success of Summer’s End is anything to go by, the Sonicbond group is one to watch out for. NRS
For the latest updates on the brand, visit the website www.sonicbond.com.
“Huw and I decided that we wouldn’t sign anybody unless at least one of us loved the music.”