Record Label Series: Twin/Tone Records

Here at Radio K, we are in the midst of our spring fund drive - better known as Powersurge. From now through April 20, you can show your support for Real College Radio, Radio K by calling 612-626-ROCK or by going to radiok.org. If you've been introduced to a new artist, checked out a new label, went to the Dylan exhibit, or even tried to buy a Moog synthesizer on Ebay after hearing The Friday Focus, let us know by supporting Real College Radio, Radio K.

Because we're so excited here at the station, we're are going to finish off our Record Label Series with a Twin Cites favorite, Twin/Tone Records. If you go to the Twin/Tone Records website, it claims to currently be in “mothballs.” Now, whether or not the label ever decides to come down from the attic, anyone who has any knowledge of Minneapolis music knows that Twin/Tone was the most influential label to exist in the Twin Cities. Twin/Tone first signed The Suburbs in 1978, but have also helped bands like The Replacements, Soul Asylum, and The Jayhawks become household names both locally and nationally.

The sound that came out of Twin/Tone was everything from post-punk to jangly-pop to hard rock and country, but above everything else it was smart music. All the artists on the label were known for their music, and not much else. From the standpoint of a listener that’s a good thing and something that is still evident in the Twin Cities music scene today.

This week on The Friday Focus, we will look back at Twin/Tone Records, the mark it left on the local music scene, and play some of your favorite artists. Tune in this Friday morning at 8:00 during Rock 'n Roll Over with Jenny and also remember to show how much you value The Friday Focus and Radio K as whole, this week by calling 612-626-ROCK or go to radiok.org. We really appreciate your support. Thank you!

Playlist
The Replacements - Color Me Impressed
Soul Asylum - Lap Of Luxury
The Wallets - Totally Nude
The Suburbs - Goggles On

Record Label Series: Rough Trade Records

So, back in 1977, Geoff Travis took a trip to the States and came back to London with 150 records. He liked them but couldn't keep them all. Unsure what to do with them he opened up a record store, started selling the records, and called the the place Rough Trade Records. Becoming a huge hub for music enthusiasts, as well as bands, Rough Trade decided to become a label and start distributing the music that was filtering through the store.

Geoff Travis (center) is pictured here with Genesis P. Orridge (left) of Throbbing Gristle. In back is Richard Scott who helped Rough Trade transition from a store to a distributor. This week on the Focus, we will talk more about Rough Trade and also discuss the purpose of a record label.

Playlist
Scritti Politi- Confidence
The Smiths- Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now



To help us out this week is Tom Loftus of local label Modern Radio (Signal to Trust, The Plastic Constellations). In Part 1 of the interview I talked to Tom about the purpose of record labels, where they fit into the music industry, and how he got into the business. In Part 2 we veared slightly off topic and discussed the current state of vinyl.