Recap: Get Hip Records on Zero Hour POSTED:: May 2, 2010
FILED UNDER::
General
FILED UNDER:: General
words by Andy Turner
Boasting a catalog full of modern garage, punk and pop classics, Pittsburgh’s Get Hip Records has released more than 600 albums and singles since the mid-80′s. The independent label seems like a more than deserving candidate to be recognized for its contribution to music, which Zero Hour [Fridays, 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.] recently did (listen *here*). Last Friday, Zero Hour welcomed Jack Rice, bassist for the Blow Pops (who released two acclaimed albums on Get Hip in the early 90′s), to stop by and talk about the label. Below, Barbara Garcia-Bernardo, Vice President of Get Hip and wife of founder Gregg Kostelich of The Cynics, graciously agreed to answer a few questions about the garage label founded in 1986.
Who founded the label? Still the same people involved in running the label? Were there other existing labels at the time that you looked to for guidance or inspiration?
Get Hip was founded by Gregg Kostelich, founder and guitar player of The Cynics. At the time, Cynics singer Michael Kastelic and then drummer Bill Von Vagen were also involved but they bailed as partners leaving full ownership to Gregg. I started in 1991 and I am still here… obviously. Gregg was good friends with Greg Shaw, founder of Bomp Records, and Jello Biafra of Alternative Tentacles/Dead Kennedys in the late 70s/early 80s, and it was him who persuaded him or encouraged him to start a label.
What was your first release? How many copies were initially made?
It was The Cynics’ “69/Friday Night” (in 1986), and the first pressing was 2,000 from which 500 were for The Cynics fan club.
When did you first know that that Get Hip might be able to stick around for a while? Did you ever think about throwing in the towel?
We live and breathe music so even in the worse times, throwing in the towel has never been a serious consideration. In 1989-1990, with the release of The Cynics’ Rock‘N’Roll, a video airing on MTV and a worldwide tour, the label established itself and it was probably then that Gregg saw both label and band as serious contenders. Gregg thinks about throwing the towel once in a while, but the question comes up “what would I do instead?” Nothing comes up so we stick with the music.
What has been your biggest selling release?
The Cynics’ Rock‘N’Roll LP/CD. A classic. Still sells really well.
Which of your releases do you think is most unlike other Get Hip releases?
One of the newest ones: The Aviation Blondes. Local band of friends who are really nice people and hard working musicians but probably won’t fit in any of the rest of the label’s genres.
Besides The Cynics, who has been the longest tenured artist on Get Hip? How many acts do you have on your current roster?
The New Salem Witch Hunters from Cleveland (though they are more or less inactive right now), The Mullens and the Rainy Day Saints, who have been with us for over a decade. The current active roster is about a dozen. Bands kind of go on and off so you never really know.
How would describe Get Hip’s influence on independent music/labels over the last twenty years?
Get Hip has been very consistent in the garage world and has inspired many labels and bands. The general agreement is that the quality of the releases is always really high and the label has stayed true to its philosophy through the years and the changes in the music business and the world in general.
What’s easier and harder in 2010 compared to when the label started? Is there a secret to the label’s longevity?
Easier: nowadays you can communicate and stay in touch directly with all your fans worldwide through all the social media networks but it’s also the hardest because there’s so many outlets for people to interact, and you have to be an octopus! Also hard: hearing everybody telling you how great the label is how much they love your releases and selling a lot less!! No secret: loving what you do and sacrificing a “normal” life is necessary but most of the time it does not feel like work. Also, integrity and sticking to doing things the way your gut tells you.
Can you tell me about any upcoming Get Hip releases, newly signed artists or future plans?
We are really excited about upcoming new releases by a few young international bands: Los Explosivos, Thee Vicars and Baby Woodrose. Also hopefully soon new releases by The Ugly Beats and The Cynics (fingers crossed). And the reissues on vinyl and CD of the Nervebreakers and the Authorities; killer 1970s punk-rock bands. There’s more like the new albums just released by Mondo Topless and The Mullens and a few others…