We are super stoked!! After you’re done reading below go pick up the record at Interpunk!- http://bit.ly/3cnFJF
JON COUGAR CONCENTRATION CAMP: My Brain Hurts: LP The story behind this record is that while Chris Fields was recording the new record by the Bugs (featuring former Queers/JCCC band mate Dave Swain), Chris and Dave used the extra studio time, got together, and recorded Screeching Weasel’s legendary My Brain Hurts (don’t tell anyone, but Wiggle is actually my favorite SW record) as a surprise birthday present for international pop superstar Josh Mosh (of Sunnyside and the Phuzz). Josh Mosh then told Chris that the record was rad and suggested he put it out. Luckily for us, Livid Records agreed with J-Mo’s recommendation and this shit is out on vinyl for your listening pleasure. (And luckily for me, I got to catch them play a couple of these at North Park Awesome Fast this summer. Two times!) Limited to 500 with artwork by Cristy Road, who beautifully did the artwork for Recess’s re-release of My Brain Hurts earlier this year, as well. The songs here retain all of the charm of the originals, plus get a little kick in the pants by the Coug’s leather jacket swagger. Chris’ vocals are gruff and gritty and ripping solos fly throughout the record. Stand-out tracks include “Guest List,” “I Can See Clearly,” “The Science of Myth,” and, of course, “My Brain Hurts.” This comes highly recommended.
Guava Pastelitos! I just got word this morning that Miami’s prolific Bass Warrior has been found dead. I have yet to see this on the news or confirm it personally but a very reliable source has told us that Jose el Rey is dead. We’ll keep you posted. -Chuck Livid
Livid Records will be going live with a bi-weekly podcast starting March 20th hosted by Chuck Livid. The podcast will focus on independent bands, the current state of the music industry and interviews with musicians and various industry types. They’re now accepting MP3’s, tour dates, advertising inquiries and requests for interviews. If interested contact chuck@lividrecords.com
A rare 3 track EP that Chuck Livid recorded 9 years ago has surfaced. The high point on the record “even the homeless sleep” started as a poem Chuck wrote his freshman year in college at MDC in downtown Miami.
Free Download:
Here’s an exert from Chuck:
“even the homeless sleep” is based on my literal observations of the classes in downtown miami circa 2000. I observed a young homeless girl for one week struggling to survive in downtown miami while rich corporate suits couldn’t be bothered to give her a dime.
“even the homeless sleep” was heavily inspired by the Lee Ranaldo written & Sonic Youth backed “NYC Ghosts & Flowers” off the album by the same name. -Chuck
We get really, really awe struck when a band as talented as Lil Daggers sends us a demo to see if we can work together. For those of you unfamiliar with Lil Daggers, they are everything music lovers love about rock n’ roll. A relatively newer band, Lil Daggers’ charm is their self-proclaimed love for fun early Rock & Roll, R&B, Psychedelic, Soul, Garage, and Punk Rock.
Lil Daggers have garnered positive reviews from critics- ElectricMoustache.com calls Lil Daggers “Buzz Band of 2010” & whiteguyswithbeards.com says “What Elvis Costello would have sounded like if he was on Miami Vice”
From the time Chuck Livid was 13 and playing guitar in pop/punk bands, he knew he wanted to do something with music for the rest of his life. Little did he know he would form his own record label, Livid Records, and aid bands around the world.
In 2006, Livid was in The Shrubs, a Miami punk band that strived to be taken seriously. To receive press coverage while still maintaining control of the music, he created the label. Although The Shrubs disbanded, he discovered his businessman side and stuck with Livid Records for other bands that deserve a shot.
In the dog-eat-dog music industry, Livid pushes that although they are not Sony Records, they give their all to create a close community through promotion and technology, but mainly, taking it to the streets.
With the digital world bringing everyone closer together, a grunge band from Switzerland, Daze, hit Livid Records up on MySpace. With a picky sense of sound, Livid decided to bring them to the states and released the label’s first record, Slow Down to Speed Up.
Demos are a constant influx to the office, but unlike most corporate whores, Livid listens to everything that comes his way. Able to sense the energy and passion in a band, he chose to release The Illustrated’s album, Alphabaggage, Daze’s second record, Gainesville Days, and most recently, Glocca Morra’sThe Working Bones, A Health Decline.
Putting himself in bands’ shoes, he knows what it means to have an honest manager. “I try to guide bands in the right direction,” he said. “I’m not out to fuck anybody.”
The label also aims to support film and art. With Livid’s wife, Helena, spear heading illustration projects for bands, Livid tries to move all forms of art ahead and supports those who are passionate about creating. However, music will always be the focus at Livid.
“I want to help these bands no matter what, even if it costs me an arm and a leg,” Livid said.
Livid hears from countless bands every week, but the label is only looking to sign the bands that have motivation to take their sounds to the next level. Material gain is not what artists should be after, according to Livid. “I feel that a good label sees the band’s energy,” he said. “What I listen to specifically is the timing and oneness of the band.”
Livid requires bands to mail demos if they wish to be heard. Blasting MySpace pages is not taken seriously.
Livid also works to achieve quality audio recordings. Searching for the best-suited engineer to take care of the bands, Livid came across the inventor of the “Gainesville sound,” Rob McGregor. His clean, crisp tracks never disappoint, and he ensures that the band maintains their dignity.
“When [McGregor] records your music, he doesn’t try to dictate how you should sound,” Livid said. “What a lot of engineers don’t understand is that they’re being hired to record you and try to perfect your sound, not recreate it.”
The punk ethics that stream from bands like Dead Kennedys and The Ramones sport the “do-it-yourself” attitude. Growing up on those bands, Livid applies the lessons learned to his own label. He understands how bands work and can see both sides of the situation. Making money was and is never his top priority. What does matter to him, however, is that the band stays true to who they are.
“I always want our artists and listeners to realize that they’re not getting something that’s censored,” he said. “I think it speaks volumes if you’re a musician.”
To build a band, Livid believes, you cannot just jump on an eat-you-up-spit-you-out major label, but grow a community instead. With a firm public audience comes a solid business. Pushing a product on the consumer is a dead-end in his book. “I think it’s the most important thing when you show the band that you’re working with that you’re trying,” he said. “It’s not about dropping a million dollars. It’s about really getting out there.”
Although Livid refers to Livid Records as a business, there is no lying involved in trying to get to the top. He often advises bands out of his good conscience to what he thinks would be best, whether it benefits or hurts him. “I try to look at everything as an outsider,” he said. “I never look at what’s in my best interest. I look at what’s their best interest.”
