I’m impressed by what Craig “Dodge” Lile of My Old Kentucky Blog is building in Indianapolis at the moment. What started simply as a music blog back in 2004 is fast becoming a growing group of companies that support indie music and indie musicians around the nation.
Dodge’s most recent off-blog foray is Roaring Colonel Records, an Indianapolis label about to release its first full length—Black Teeth & Golden Tongues, the debut album from San Francisco-via-Indianapolis trio Burnt Ones.
Burnt Ones – Sunset Hill from LaundroMatinee on Vimeo.
Metromix Indianapolis asked Dodge, “Why start your own label amid the several labels already in Indianapolis? What makes RCR unique?”
Dodge: Right?! What am I thinking!? (Laughs.) No, well, I obviously believe I bring something new to the table. MOKB’s influence and status in the national/global online indie music community has me already working hard each and every day to influence and share new music.
This is just another form of that, but it offers a band real financial support to make their goals come fruition.I get 300-plus emails each day from labels, bands and PR firms. It isn’t rocket-science — the PR side, I mean. The label side is VERY challenging, a little scary…but I love a challenge…at least until it bankrupts me!
Anyway, I see what they do every day…the good and the mistakes. I have a load of contacts and relationships in the industry. I believe I can do this. I want to try it.
From the looks of it, Dodge tries lots of things and it seems to be working well for him. He writes a popular blog, appears on Sirius Satellite radio’s Left of Center show (every Tuesday at 12pm EST), promotes concerts via MOKB Presents (The National is up next) and he captures video sessions with artists on Laundomatinee. Clearly, the new record label is a natural part of the overall outfit. Like work boots with overalls and a trucker’s hat.