Rebecca Zimmerman.
Big records contracts are a thing of the past. A band or artist no longer needs to wait for their big break with a major record label; they are making their own. The "do-it-yourself" (DIY) community is very strong in the Philadelphia and Greater Philadelphia area. As mentioned in my previous article, the Philadelphia comic book rock band, Stereotytans, were born from a creative collective of artists. Expanding on this, there are two major players in the Philadelphia scene that are hitting the DIY scene hard. Turn attention to Paper Scissors Media and Good How Are You Records.
In the process of booking shows at The Underground by Round Guys Brewing Company, an inquiry came through from the artist management team Paper Scissors Media, which was founded by Brandilyn Hamm and Matthew Klauser. This is the team behind popular Philadelphia-based bands Secret Nudist Friends, who are scheduled to perform at The Underground in March, and Blushed. The inquiry was well constructed, informative and intriguing. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that this company was part of a greater DIY scene, including a record label. Good How Are You Records is a music collective who's mission is “to support our artists through the DIY community by providing as many resources as possible for little-no cost."
This is a ground-breaking achievement that pushes major records labels to the side and focuses on the power of community, rather than the power of a checkbook. A Glenside Ale House and The Underground favorite, Rebecca Zimmerman, is a part of this collective, and the community-feel shows. Through her true artistry and honesty, Rebecca is paving the way for many artists of high caliber in-and-around the Philadelphia scene.
The ethos of this symbiotic community is inspiring. Artists are creating what they want, when they want and have focused teams behind them. There are many moving parts in the music industry that have many roles to fill. The Lansdale area is priding itself as working as a community with each other, supporting one another. Paper Scissors Media and Good How Are You Records are true testaments to the power of a positive support system. Collectives like this are changing the standard practice across the board, from the recording process to the distribution process. Support of this method will be integral to artists success now and in the future. Feed the community, and the community will prosper.
Upcoming Shows at The Underground
For the latest events at The Underground by Round Guys Brewing Company, be sure to check out our website and social media. Upcoming events this weekend include a concert and music video shoot with The Program and Jesus' Older Brother tonight, Drag Bingo hosted by Fanci Dismount Stratton on Saturday and a concert featuring Steady Hands, The Bad Ups, Heather Grey, Through Neighborhoods on Sunday.
Sunday's concert is also a birthday bash for the legendary Lansdale hype man, Dave Heck. The Underground is located at 408 West Main Street (lower level) Lansdale, PA 19446.
Ryan Weiss is manager of The Underground and a weekly columnist for North Penn Now. This opinion column is published every Thursday.
See also:
The Origins Of 'Stereotytans: Bumblebee Wheat Ale'
Sensory Branding In The Local Music Industry
Dead Milkmen, Live in Our Backyard
Annie Christ: Lansdale's Culture Queen
An 'Underground' Look at Entertainment in Lansdale
