We’re a big fan of Jake Round and Pure Noise Records, so we’re stoked to be featuring the label in our brand new Label Talk feature. Jake and I discussed the way that Pure Noise has evolved in the past two years, their current roster, successful releases like Under Soil And Dirt, future releases, and much more. Read up and enjoy!

Pure Noise’s first release was in 2009. Two years later, the label has slowly grown from the ground up with big releases from Handguns, The Story So Far, and Daybreaker, among others. How would you put 2011 into perspective as we’re nearing its close?
2011 has been the best year of my life. It’s that simple. Pure Noise is far from a huge label but it’s been amazing to see what started off as a little idea turn into my full time job. I’m so proud of my bands and how hard they’ve worked.

The label did start in 2009 and really got its first break with the Transit and Man Overboard split. Do you feel like 2011 has really established the label though, compared to just one single “bigger” split release?
I only put out two records in 2009. The first was a full length for my dear friends in No Bragging Rights in March. In December, I was fortunate enough to release the MOB/Transit split. That split really gave me a better idea of where I wanted to go with the label. It took me about a year to feel that out but I’m happy with where I’m at now.

Pure Noise has made its way with limited signings, but with ones that have counted. What are your thoughts on quality versus quantity when it comes down to signing bands?
I only try to sign bands that I REALLY like. I put a lot of time into each release and have really focused on trying to turn my little bands into bigger bands. I’ve been fortunate enough to have all my recent signings do several records with me which really gave me a chance to help them grow. It takes a couple solid years of work to really see much progress.

And to push that question further, how do you make decisions about who to bring into your family and how to market them with the industry struggling the way it is?
Like I said before, I just really have to like the band.  Additionally, the band has to be willing to help themselves through touring, online promotion,  etc. The music industry is figuring itself out, I feel like if the jams I release speak for themselves then the record sales will follow.

What’s your regular day like at the label? It is it more managing how your roster is doing as a whole and prepping releases, or is there a lot more to it that most people wouldn’t think of?
Until very recently I had a day job and would try to answer emails and stuff like that from work when I could and get home and do mail order and stuff like that at night. Now that I’m doing it full time it really allows me to focus on each release, making sure artwork is delivered on time, my distributor has everything they need, and that the release is properly promoted. There is a lot of organizing that goes on, especially if you take an interest in the touring your bands are doing. For the smaller bands, I act a little bit like a manager because they don’t have anyone else. I do my best to set up tours and make sure everything they do is the best it can be. I do some of the art stuff myself with some help from my close friends.  From time to time I’ll even book shows for the bands. I’m pretty involved and proactive, I think every band I have is awesome and just want to see them do well.

Are you the sole “employee” at the label, or has your team grown over the past year?
It’s just me right now. Once I get settled into my new office I’d definitely like to have an intern or two. Charles Vincent, drummer of The American Scene, helps out with a lot of tour art and graphics. 

How have things changed in the past year in terms of the amount of time you put into the label? Is it becoming a full-time priority if it wasn’t always?
I went from spending a couple hours a week in 2009 to currently spending 8 + hours a day. It doesn’t feel like work though, I knew when I was 16 I wanted to work for a record label.  I’m very happy with how I spend my time.

Has it been difficult to shift your life in terms of focusing completely on the label now? Or was it always just a matter of time for you?
I’ve been working in music for over five years so it was really just a matter of being financially able to focus on PN. My first music job was as an intern at Fat Wreck Chords, after that I worked for the wonderful people at AMP Magazine, and then worked for a retail chain in California called Rasputin’s. I’ve been around a bit, I’m happy to finally be able to focus on my own stuff full time.

Releases from Handguns, Daybreaker, and The American Scene definitely brought buzz to the label, but The Story So Far’s Under Soil And Dirt has been one of the most talked about pop-punk releases of the year. Can you just discuss this year’s releases and what you see for The Story So Far in the future?
This year I was lucky enough to add Handguns, TAS, and Daybreaker to the roster who all released EPs. All three bands will be releasing splits before the years end with full lengths to follow in 2012. I think each one of them is amazing and I really like that they don’t necessarily sound the same but could easily be on the same tour. I’m confident that all three of these bands will be buzzing as their LPs get released.

I’ve been with TSSF since they were 16 and always really believed in them. I think I was ready for USAD to do as well as it did but I think it surprised at lot of other people. The band has a very busy touring schedule from now through the middle of 2012 which will make a lot of kids, who haven’t had the chance to see them, happy. I hope the band continues to grow and have fun.
 
Are most of your bands necessarily locked down for another release or no?
It totally depends on the deal.  As a label, it’s good to sign a band for multiple records. That being said, I like to keep it reasonable and just do one or two record deals depending on the situation.

If not, is there definitely pressure to find another band that can release an album with as much praise as one like Under Soil And Dirt when you’re still crafting the reputation of the label?
I feel like every band on Pure Noise released a good record this year. TSSF’s record was particularly well received but I would say that everything I put out this year has left me feeling an obligation to continue to release great music. I want kids to feel like they can rely on Pure Noise to put out quality stuff on a consistent basis, which is a huge reason I keep a trimmed down roster.

Pure Noise recently signed Troubled Coast. What do you see in the band, and how long had talks with them been going on for?
Troubled Coast is local to me in San Francisco Bay Area. I had really been wanting to sign a hardcore band for a while and when I recommended their record I was shocked that they weren’t bigger. TC is more artsy punk than straight HC but I think they’re super talented with really insightful lyrics. I have an EP coming out for them in early 2012 that I really think kids will l like.

Handguns have a split coming with Forever Came Calling in November, but there seems to be some confusion regarding the release considering lineup changes. Do you have concerns about promoting a new release from one of your bands while they have a new singer and drummer?
The Handguns/FCC split comes out November 8^th and Taylor (ex- Handguns vocalist) sings on the tracks. Unfortunately, Taylor left the band after things had been completely finalized for the release. He didn’t leave on bad terms and we were all happy with the bands and felt best about  releasing the material as it was created.

The FCC songs were record with Sam Pura who also did TSSF’s “Under Soil And Dirt.” I’m very pumped for kids to hear those songs as well.

Overall, I think the split is great, and I think kids will dig it regardless of who is singing on it. Handguns will be announcing new members shortly and we’ll have some more new music out for them in early 2012.

Will we be seeing anymore releases at the end of 2011?
Daybreaker and The American Scene will be releasing a split. I’m hoping to get it out by the first week of December. The songs are great and a huge step up from their old stuff. I think it’ll do pretty well.

Does Pure Noise have any more announcements regarding signings in the near future?
Not as of yet. Hopefully I’ll stumble on something that blows my mind soon.  

What else can we expect in terms of releases in the next year or so?
In the next 12 months you can expect:
Handguns/FCC split
Daybreaker/American Scene split
Troubled Coast 7”
Handguns full length
American Scene full length
Forever Came Calling full length
Daybreaker full length