So Who Made You The A&R Man?

Whilst putting together the compilation albums we are doing at Rue Morgue Records, with every campaign we usually get 50-60 bands who send through their music.

Which is great! I love getting the opportunity to hear stuff I otherwise would not have.

The most disappointing aspect of this process tho, is telling a band that they are not what you are looking for. I know this must hurt and I know it must anger some. Sorry guys, we can’t fit you all on. Sorry guys, you are just not what we are looking for.

Some music just isn’t quite there. Or isn’t quite what we are after. Some of it is just plain garbage, but how do you convey that to a young artist who’s music is all they have in their lives?

You do it politely and in an encouraging way and hope that they understand.

Besides, Rue Morgue Records is not the be all and end all of a young band’s career and future prospects.

But then on rare occasions, a little bit of magic lands in your lap. It happened during the course of both Murders In The Rue Morgue Vol 1 and Murders In The Rue Morgue Vol 2. I especially felt there was tons of magic dust falling our way during the making of Vol 2 and I personally feel that is one brilliant compilation album of some of Australia’s best. Don’t believe me, grab a copy of the record and if you don’t like it – send it back for a full refund.

There’s some magic happening with our first Punk compilation Spankmag too! The band The Dark Clouds from Brisbane originally approached me to be on one of the Murders In The Rue Morgue records but I just didn’t think they felt right for a Metal or Hard Rock opus.

But for an Aussie Punk record, they fucking knock it out of the park and it was my great pleasure to sign them on as not only being a part of Spankmag Vol 1, but as the first track on side 1! The prestigious honour of starting off this record is there’s and there’s alone.

Don’t believe me? Give this track a listen.

THIS is what we are after!