In Profile : Black Lake Records

 

EC: The label started out in March/April 2012 so just over 4 years ago. I've collected records since I was 13/14 so vinyl has always been something I've had an interest in. In terms of actually starting the label, though, I basically saw what some friends were doing with labels at the time in Aberdeen (Tuff Wax and Bitter North) and thought that would be something I'd also like to do, if I were able to. So I thought about the bands I knew and the people I wanted to try and help and set out to do that.

 

MG: Where does the label name come from? Given your location I'd have expected Black Loch. And is there any significance in the font you've chosen? It's pretty striking; right off the bat it's a statement of intent. 

 

EC: It's a Twin Peaks reference. The lake on which Laura Palmer's body is found is called Black Lake. Also the lake in Harry Potter is called the Black Lake as well, which I don't object to, but it was always more of a Twin Peaks thing for me. There is no significance to the font at all. I basically just worked on something that could be used as a brand logo, or something instantly recognisable and that's where the double-stroke A came into play.  

 

MG: Would you say the scene you operate within is healthy currently (to the extent, say, that sales are rising) and is the label itself enough of a business to be a full-time job or, like this site, is it more of a hobby which pays for itself and no more?

 

EC: For the last two years the label has been my job. Though not particularly lucrative, it did enough to get me by so I can't fault that. Business can always be better though, and I have noticed a slump in sales/activity in the last 6 months or so compared with the last couple of years, but the record sales industry will always come in peaks and troughs, so it's not something I'm worried about.  

 

MG: Little, I expect, has felt as good as getting the label's first release out for sale but can you give a couple of examples of discs you've been particularly pleased to have helped see the light of day?

 

EC: The Brighter Arrows record Dreamliner was a very cool project for me. I am a big fan of how Colin plays guitar and was a big Phoenix Bodies fan back when they were on the go so being able to put out their record was really fun for me. I also was really excited to do the UK/EU pressing of Between Bodies for The World Is A Beautiful Place & I Am No Longer Afraid To Die. I've been friends with Derrick since they first started out and seeing how they progressed from the first demo to that spoken word record has been awesome and inspiring. I also really enjoyed getting to do some wacky colourways on that one.  

 

MG: I first heard about Black Lake at last year's Book Yer Ane Fest in Dundee - will you be involved with that event's 10 year show in December?

 

EC: I'll be there again flogging my wares, and also both my bands BOAK and Clearer The Sky should be playing, which will be a blast, I'm sure.

 

MG: Lastly, what releases can we look forward to from you in this second half of 2016?

 

EC: Honestly, I have nothing planned right now. I'll be moving to Berlin for a few months at the start of 2017 so I need to work on having enough money for that when it comes around. 

 

Many thanks to Ewan. We'll likely be covering Make That A Take's Book Yer Ane Fest again this year (link here) so keep an eye out for reports of him onstage rather than in the day job.