Sufficient Fest

In the ongoing search at JoP for interesting people and news, we sat down with 2 of the 3 founders of Sufficient Records. Read on to find out more about this start-up record company that is just good enough!

What or who is the driving force behind Sufficient records?
Joe: Me and Grey, w/ a little help from our friends. The bands make it "real".

Grey: Before we get started I want to announce that Tony Scumbag is retiring from the music business.

Describe an average Sufficient business day.
J: I usually gchat Grey about our future plans for the label which include uploading mp3 files to our myspace, sufficientrecords.bandcamp.com, and archive.org.

G: Tony made it clear that he is “exhausted” but stresses that every note was played “strictly for the fans.”

Do you actively go out and recruit talent from around the area?
J: We like to keep a strict separation between artistes and the TEAM by communicating solely through digital avenues. It's a lot less messy this way when we decide to drop an artist from our roster.

G: Yeah we do that occasionally, you’ll see us a lot at the Horseshoe Inn or the Wildhorse and while we do have a lot of fun at these events there is definitely a business aspect to it as well.

What are defining characteristics of Sufficient bands? How would I know when I hear a Sufficient band?
J: innovative, unique, bold, funny, fresh, WOW! (it hits you). We have a large variety of talent on our label: from lo-fi introspective indie rock, to polished electronic and even stand-up comedy!

G: We love harmonizing vocals, I don’t want to say it’s a must-have to join our team but it does go a long way when we are sifting through all the stuff we get. Our music usually has a crisp Phil Collins CD-ROM sound to it which is territory that really hasn’t been explored since “Sports”.

What bands that you have played in over the years have influenced you the most?

G: Sugar Ray/Kansas

What bands outside of Sufficient do you take the most inspiration from?

G: I can’t tell you how many times each day I look at Joe and say “That’s what we should do” (laughs). How many times does that happen man, like a thousand? I guess what I’m saying is everything inspires us, from a lightning strike to a great Lisa Loeb single to the click of a mouse.

In Seattle, what do you find is the best club to play music at?

G: Ace’s Horseshoe Inn, Crazy Horse Tavern, The Barnhouse, Horses Wild, The Wild Horsehead…you want me to pick one??

In this era of home recording and distributing local music, other start-ups like Sufficient have emerged (ie: Sufficient Records). How do you distinguish yourself from these other competitors?

G: I know what you’re fishing for here and I won’t play along. I have such a deep respect for those guys and the sound they’re going for and seriously, we only want the best for them and their bands.

What are the biggest accomplishments of Sufficient to date?

J: T-Shirts (thanks Jake), putting out 6 damn fine releases, including a compilation CD which includes artists from NC-WA-NY, one of our alums (Patrick Wimberly of Chairlift) getting signed to Universal Records, and last but not least, our Angelfire page.

G: Joe would disagree with me on this but I thought the Sufficient Records/Tostito’s Baja 500 “Race to the Place” rally event was a big success. Meeting Ivan “Ironman” Stewart was a childhood dream of mine.

What is the biggest time of year for Sufficient on the whole?

J: Summertime, when the livin' is easy; the gin and tonics start flowin' and the podcasts follow.

G: Autumn, that’s when the leaves are all different colors and falling off the trees. Our artists are into that stuff.

Many Sufficient band members cross over to help each other out on other ensemble or solo projects. What cross-overs would you like to see happen?

J: "Zach Wood and Tony Scumbag Take Manhattan".

G: I feel like you want me to talk about Professor Longhair’s Fanclub. It’s a shame that can’t continue (since Tony is retiring). Joe is a real professional and it’s no accident that he’s ended up where he is today.

On the subject of upcoming collaborations, Tripp’s Steakhouse has offered us a very generous sum to record a 30 second jingle for them. The only caveat is it must include the phrase “We’re gonna get our Tripp’s on tonight!” at some point, which is not ideal but we’ll take it. I see this as a great opportunity for SEAARCH to show us that we made the right choice in our long term commitment to him.

What do you feel has the most power in promoting shows?

J: We don't promote shows.

G: I wish I could tell you it was easy Susan, but it’s a real struggle. While web sites like Angelfire have opened a lot of doors, we are seeing our Compact Disc sales slip noticeably on almost a daily basis. Labels like Sufficient rely on “big box” stores like Tower Records and Circuit City to stay in business. You wouldn’t believe the number of good artists, really talented guys, that have come to us with a “dope product” but we’ve had to say “thanks but no thanks” because programs like LimeWire are killing our retailers and we can’t afford to take them on. It just really makes me sad to see our industry in the state that it is. You wouldn’t steal a car, would you? Then why would you steal music?

Does Sufficient have any concert festivals in its future (something like/similar to TrekkyFest)?

J: Sufficient Fest WILL happen!

G: Jake is always walking around saying “cross-promotion” (still waiting for a good explanation on that) so we tend to focus more on rally racing and balloon festivals.

What social causes and projects does Sufficient currently participate in?

G: We’ve never really been in that arena. Our main focus is to put out the best product we can, and giving to charity does nothing to help us achieve that goal. In fact, it would make it more difficult. But we are very charitable to those in our inner circle. Take me for example- I’m literally the happiest person I’ve ever met.

What websites do you visit on a daily basis?

G: I really like what’s happening here at JOP. Also, Joe’s blog Nice Guys Last Finish. Sometimes I even check Hi Fever. And Corey Bell is starting a blog next week that I’m really excited about.

What is your goal with Sufficient podcasts? How do you keep them "fresh"?
J: Seagram's Gin, lot's of sound effects, jokes, etc.

Of course numbers don't matter, but what do you consider to be a good show for your bands?
J: Depends - did the crowd leave feeling confused?

G: We need to get at least 100 people at 10 bucks a head, otherwise we lose money.

Thanks guys! It's been fun!

J: Check out our Myspace for FREE downloads of all of our records and look out for SUFFICIENT TV!

G: This was a lot of fun, thanks.

Trekky Records

Local record company Trekky Records was founded by Will Hackney and Martin Anderson. Will stopped by for a chat about workin', recordin', and cool websites (spoiler - JoP is one!). TrkFest is coming up for Trekky on June 13th. Be sure to check it out!

What or who is the driving force behind Trekky records?

All of the different personalities in the different bands. These weirdos keep Martin and I inspired to keep promoting and releasing their music.

Describe an average Trk business day.
Martin and I listen to the music on my computer with the "Shuffle" feature on. Our office is in the basement of our house and its called "The Pleasure Dome" (by some). Martin and I quietly write emails all, occasionally pausing to make fun of someone or say "This song is awesome" then around one someone yells "LUNCHTIIIIIIIIIIME!" and we go upstairs to eat veggie burgers. Then more emails! Yea girl.

How does a band get signed to Trekky?

You have to know Martin and I or people in the crew for usually about 7 years and then you're in!

Do you actively go out and recruit talent from around the area?

Nope, but we still go to a ton of shows because many of the bands around here are amazing!

What are defining characteristics of Trekky bands?

They all sound very different, but generally a common thread is trying to do something different and un-marketable from a business point of view. We like this.

What bands that you have played in over the years have influenced you the most?

Martin and I started out playing in a loud band called Alvarez Painting that really taught us what its like to be in a band at a very young age. Auxiliary House and Lost in the Trees have taught me the good things and the frustrating things about being in a giant, enormous band.

It's 2024, what does Trekky records look like?

Based on an multi-use compound in Chatham County run on solar power and home to our offices, homes, organic farms, horses, a roller coaster and a recording studio. In other words, an anarchist commune.

What bands outside of Trekky do you take the most inspiration from?

Locally our friends in Megafaun, Bowerbirds, Midtown Dickens and The Rosebuds are all amazing at giving honest performances, making beautiful records and not selling out. Crucial.

In Chapel Hill, what do you find is the best club to play music at?

Nightlight is our longtime favorite venue. We've been doing shows there for nearly a decade and its only getting better in recent months!

What websites do you visit on a daily basis?
Pitchfork, Craigslist, Jar of Paperclips (via Google Reader)

In this era of home recording and distributing local music, other start-ups like Trekky have emerged (ie: Sufficient Records). How do you feel about their competition on the music scene?

We don't compete with anyone, we fully support anyone else trying to make something happen. I've never heard of Sufficient Records...

What are the biggest accomplishments of Trekky to date?

Last year's TRKfest Music Festival, our annual Christmas show and Project Symphony, which was the debut of Ari Picker's (Lost in the Trees) first symphony.

What are some areas that Trekky could work on?

Having money!

What do you consider Trekky's biggest musical release?

The Never's album Antarctica. It was a full album and a 50-page color storybook. Yikes!

What is the biggest time of year for Trekky on the whole?

Usually Autumn I think. We released 5 records last fall. All of our bands are in tune with each other's cycles, I guess.

TrkFest is coming up in June. Tell our readers a lil' something about it!

TRKfest is a one day blissfest in Pittsboro, NC that is now an annual event. All of the Trekky bands and our best friend bands all play out in the hot sun and its wonderful. This year's is Saturday, June 13th and you can check myspace.com/trkfest for info!

What is Trekky's mascot?
An owl. A reclaimed symbol from the free masons. Or Bobby Britt, fiddle player. Beware the fleet fingers of Bobby Britt.


The Owl Room Sessions hearken back to MTV's Unplugged Series. What is your ultimate goal for these sessions?
Just to keep em going and inviting people to have a different sort of show experience. Man, I'll never forget Stone Temple Pilots' MTV Unplugged!

Many Trekky band members cross over to help each other out on other ensemble or solo projects. Not including the ones that have already occurred, what cross-overs would you like to see happen?

We talk about this constantly, trying to come up with the weirdest and most magical combinations. Most recently we've just been talking about putting all of the hottest dudes in one band and having them be an R&B group.

What social causes and projects does Trekky currently participate in? What are some that you foresee becoming involved with?

We have an "Adopt a Highway" road that we clean and our annual Christmas show benefits the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. We do as much as we can on our respective budgets. Hopefully when we are famous we can do a giant concert and buy Chapel Hill a monorail or something.

What radio station do you consider the best/listen to the most in the Triangle area (AKA Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill)?

WXYC is great for a broad range of music. WKNC in Raleigh plays more local music than anyone on earth and they are amazing for that. WXDU is wonderful also. Joe Norkus' show with his Dad on WCOM is a "must-listen".

Of course numbers don't matter, but what do you consider to be a good show for your bands?

One where something happens that could never happen ever again.

What local bands are you digging the most right now, outside of Trekky's?

Hammer No More the Fingers and Kingsbury Manx just released awesome albums.

Is Trekky your sole occupation? What about for other bands? Do members have jobs outside of Trekky?

Most people have day jobs in the Trekky crew. Martin and I work pretty much full time.

The Trekky family just welcomed a new addition to the fam. Are you excited to watch your bands transition into all different phases of their lives, not just musically? What does that mean for the future of Trekky?

This is very exciting for us because indeed Trekky is sort of our whole life and not just our hobby. We all feel like its our baby (in fact we all tried to name it) and we hope that she grows up feeling like she has this giant extended family helping to raise her. Also we hope she starts a band ASAP.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us Will! Our readers look forward to hearing from Martin!

The Week

Like most people I have a love/hate relationship with Oprah. I can't stand her, but I want to know what she has to say. And I just read she adopted a buff cocker spaniel puppy - which is interesting because my family is about to get a sable cocker in a few weeks. We're like the same person/family! But seriously - Oprah. It's annoying that she's put herself on her magazine since its debut.

Today I saw this cover and I was glad to see Oprah sharing it with someone.  Much has been made of Michelle's style, and I like it.  It's interesting to see these two juxtaposed on the cover.  It's great that Oprah's sharing the spotlight, but with this picture??? Seriously? I think she could have done a lot better for her debut.  I've read that everyone is talking about Michelle's see-through belt. It's a little odd, but I think it works with her spring ensemble. I find both of their poses to be more weird. The whole thing looks photo-shopped too. Also it looks like Oprah is begging Michelle for friendship. I watched a DVR'd episode of Oprah the other day and Oprah was bragging that she was just at the White House. We get it. You guys are friends and from Chicago, but Oprah saying that stuff just makes it easier to dislike her. Point being is that I like the idea that she's sharing the cover but I feel like she could have done better.

In other Friday news, I opened Perez tonight and read this headline:

Rapper Coolio was just busted at LAX for possession of crack cocaine!!!

Wow. I had no idea. I used to love Coolio/maybe still do? Is this his audition for Celebrity Rehab/Sober House? Is this his own "fantastic voyage"?

M.I.A named her baby Ickitt. I kind of like it in a weird way.



Finally, keep a look out for the Sufficient podcast debuting on Sufficient's myspace soon. It's their newest one after a 10 year absence.