Dirt Cult Records (Chris Mason)
1. What are your top five albums that were released in 2018? (Preferably in order 1-5)
- Screaming Females - All at Once
- Culture Abuse - Bay Dream
- Bad Sports - Constant Stimulation
- Superchunk - What a Time to be Alive
- S.B.F. - S/T
2. What band did you discover in 2018 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
I'd probably define this year in terms of rediscovery than anything else. I spent a significant portion of the year falling in love with the 7" format again and rediscovering my love for early KBD punk and hardcore.
3. How will you remember 2018? (In terms of music)
In terms of the label, this was definitely the busiest year yet. In 2017 Dirt Cult released 4 records and I was super proud of my restraint. In 2018 Dirt Cult released just under 20 records and tapes because I was getting offers to do so much cool stuff that I didn't feel like I could say no to. It was also my first full year partnering with Green Noise Records who now handles our direct mailorder. I think it's been a really mutually beneficial relationship that has ultimately helped the label grow.
4. What can we look forward to from you in 2019?
I have a Pandemix LP coming out in early 2019. I've also go a Fleshies LP, Kira Jari 7", Suspect Parts 7", and Weird Numbers 7" on deck. I'm anticipating that a few bands who have released records on Dirt Cult previously are going to have some new stuff to share with the world as well. Oh, I'm also doing a limited color vinyl (and screen printed covers) repress of the Maniac - Dead Dance Club LP as well as a repress of the Neighborhood Brats - Claw Marks LP since both of those records are almost gone.
5. What records are you looking forward to most in 2019?
Honestly, I've been so focused on the label (and digging in to early punk stuff) that I don't feel like I'm as in the loop as I normally am about upcoming releases in 2019. But I'm sure there's plenty of stuff to be excited about...
6. Right now there are two primary types of digital services: subscription streaming and the bandcamp approach that's more individualized. Do you have a preference and what direction do you think future streaming/download services will move toward?
First, let me say that I prefer physical records to streaming and other digital services. If I like a record, I'm more than likely going to buy it in a physical format. I like supporting artists and labels directly and this is the best way to do that. That said, I can't play a record in my car, and when I'm on a road trip, it's nice to have access to an endless well of songs at the tap of a button via Spotify. I totally understand why it's so popular. The Bandcamp model, on the other hand, is far more equitable, grassroots, and concerned with promoting independent artists. So as far as content providers go, I much prefer them over streaming services like Spotify.
