Edward Chmelewski
Co-Founder and President
blindpigrecords.com
In 1977, Jerry Del Giudice and Edward Chmelewski founded Blind Pig Records in the basement of an Ann Arbor, MI blues cafe and club. Since then, it has grown into one of the world’s premier blues labels. A virtual who’s who of blues and roots artists have performed for Blind Pig at one time or another. Now based in San Francisco, the label releases several genres, including blues, roots rock, rhythm & blues, soul gospel and Zydeco.
You’ve operated for 36 years––what’s the secret to your longevity?
We love the music we put out. But, this is a tough business. When we started we didn’t take a paycheck for 10 years. I taught English at a University to cover expenses. But we were so determined to get this music out that my partner and I got industry jobs where we learned what we needed to do and how to do it.
How do you evaluate artists?
It comes down to the music and belief in the artist. I like artists who have something original to say. I want to feel a spark—in the lyrics, the arrangements or their playing. It has to move me. We get a lot of demos and many are very good—but they’re also generic. And that just won’t cut it.
How important are live shows and performance skills?
They’re very important. We release the sort of music that’s meant to be heard live. Our genres require touring. In fact, with the demise of brick-and-mortar retailers, we sell a lot of our product at live shows. Because of that, venues have become our new retailers.
How important is social media activity?
Well, our music attracts an older demographic, so it’s not as important as working with acts that attract a younger audience. However, I’ve noticed that acts that get involved with social media often get better results.
What is your signing process?
Actually, we initiate most contacts. Because we’re so established, we’ll hear about acts that are creating a buzz from promoters, festival producers and bookers. Then we’ll check them out and see what they’re up to. I like to see acts that are busy and playing a lot of shows. If they’re doing something that gets us excited, we’ll contact them and have a meeting.
What do you consider before signing an artist?
Before we sign anyone we try to gauge how cooperative they will be. Sometimes management can be a problem, because some managers take an adversarial approach that complicates everything. If they’re not willing to make it a real team effort, they usually do not sell many records or make much money. Besides, no one wants to work with a pain in the ass.
What would keep you from signing an act?
If they’re not willing to tour, I won’t work with them. You can have the greatest record ever recorded, but if you don’t tour I can’t sell it. We do everything we can to help acts on the road, but they have to want to do it. There are acts out there doing it—without a label or a booking agent. Obviously, they’re ambitious, and that’s one characteristic you need to be a success. You also need to be talented and have a little bit of luck to become a really successful artist.
How do you help acts tour?
We set them up with booking agents. We’ll do advance promotions and publicity: we set up interviews and promote radio airplay. We’ll do everything we can to make their shows sell out.
What type of deals do you offer?
We’re traditional and sort of old school. We don’t do 360 deals (i.e. deals that share in sales, publishing, merchandise, touring and sponsorships). More often, it’s a straight two to three record deal. Sometimes we might share in publishing, but that’s about it.
Where do most of your sales come from?
We sell way more physical product than digital. Fans of our genres like to have a physical product. So, we sell more CDs than downloads. We also offer vinyl if we think the act can move it—but it’s become more of a specialty item.
Do artists really need a label deal today?
With the Internet and all the tools artists have available to them now, they could go DIY and make money—up to a point. But, if they want to really advance their career, label support could be very helpful.
Are you looking for anything in particular?
We’re always looking for new talent. But, we’re very picky. We have to feel passionate about the act and what we can do with them. If we believe they have great potential and will work with us, we’ll talk.
How do you like to be contacted?
They can email links to their website and music (no attachments). Mostly I want to know how active they are. Send the information to: info@blindpigrecords.com
