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Arbutus Records sprouted from Lab Synthèse, a popular loft space that Montreal’s indie scene flocked to, not only for it’s BYOB and inexistent smoking rules, but because the bands that were playing were their friends. And the bands weren’t just their friends–they were damn good. It was a magical time for people who experienced the energy of Synthèse. It became a sort of love-fest community of support, nourishment, and good times. Unfortunately, due to some hefty fines from the Quebec police, the loft shut down in November of 2009. To our relief, Arbutus Records maintains that vibrant Montreal energy that was so unique to Synthèse.
“It’s more an art project concerning involved community,” explains former Synthèse resident Sebastian Cowan (mastermind to Arbutus). Cowan has a BA Honors in audio technology/music industry studies and, when living in London, worked as assistant engineer to Mute Records (M83, Dinosaur Jr, Nick Cave, Sonic Youth, Moby, etc.) and studio manager to Gateway Sound (BBC Orchestras). After turning down a contract with Sony, Cowan made the move to Montreal to do his own thing and ultimately start Arbutus Records. Spin Magazine has tipped Arbutus artists the Silly Kissers as one of the top 5 up-and-coming Montreal bands, and Braids recently caught the interest of Vincent Moon and were filmed for his popular blog La Blogotheque. In addition to this, Cowan was deservingly named one of Montreal’s Noise Makers of 2009 by the Mirror. Nonetheless, Arbutus is an undeniable up and coming force in the global music scene. I caught up with Cowan and got him to give the scoop on Arbutus, Montreal’s greatest kept secret.
When and where did Arbutus Records begin?
Arbutus began in the art and show loft space, Lab Synthèse, during the fall of 2008.
What triggered you to start Arbutus Records?
Once Lab Synthèse took on the mandate of booking/exposing/promoting the music of our friends, things really took off. It was an incubator for such amazing music, and had something of a feedback loop going. It attracted more likeminded (and equally talented) musicians, which in turn would inspire and encourage those already there. Really, I wanted a way to organize it. Preferably in such a way that everyone could continue feed off each other.
What similarities do the artists on Arbutus share?
We’re all friends. We all support each other’s music. We’re all coming from the same place.
What makes Arbutus unique?
The artists are all involved, in one way or another, with the administration and direction of the label. It’s too much work for me to do alone, and I can’t pretend that I always know what’s best for everybody. Thus, it follows that the artists would be the most suitable candidates for the decisions that affect them directly.
What is most important to your label?
That it can continually exceed the artists’ needs. This is really hard to do, especially as I’ve only been taking it seriously after closing the loft space (and metaphorically switching gears). My greatest goal is to grow with and for the artists, in such a way that a long lasting relationship will be established.
Who has been your favorite musician(s) to work with?
I stopped making my own music because as one guy I could only really do one thing. The limitations frustrated me. By working with a lot of different musicians I get to make a lot of different music, something I’d never have the privilege of otherwise. There are idiosyncrasies I enjoy about all the artists, but purely by circumstance I’ve probably worked with Sean Nicholas Savage the most–and naturally have learnt a lot from those experiences.
What draws you to an artist?
In the past, it was generally when a friend, or a friend of a friend, begun making music and needed a place to play. More often then not, the music was outstanding and I did my best to book them a well-curated show at the loft–one that would expose them to a substantial existing scene who would receive them well. Naturally, by the end, our friend group grew to an extent to encompass that “scene.”
What makes Montreal’s music scene different than any other?
I’ve only lived in two other metropolitans: Vancouver and London (UK). Montreal’s is so easy to succeed in. Generally speaking, everybody lives within walking distance, rent is cheap enough you don’t require a steady income, and there’s a lot of crossover between local scenes (in other cities it can get pretty cliquey).
Do you only sign Montreal artists?
Well, none of the artists on the label were born in Montreal–but they all live within a fifteen minute walk of my house. I think this has more to do with circumstance than principal.
Do you accept demos?
Of course! We always keep an open mind, and are making new friends all the time. You can send them to:
#10 – 794 Rue Querbes
Outremont, QC
H2V 3W9
C A N A D A
What’s next for Arbutus?
Well, we just released a 12” by Sean Nicholas Savage and a cassette by Grimes, who both make weird pop music. Silly Kissers have a 10” coming out on St. Valentine’s Day. The recording is a great landmark of their new sound. Following that will be a 12” by Tonstartssbandht, lo-fi Orlando noise-pop, in the spring. Around the same time, Braids, who make highly textured experimental pop, will be coming out with a full length on vinyl and CD.
