Issue 5: Ollie of L'islet Records
Welcome to The Band Bible! I’m truly glad to have you here. If you’re a new reader, purpose of this newsletter is to address, break down, and shine a light on the business of being in a band. Each issue, we do this by interviewing (and celebrating!) someone who is making waves through their incredible work with or for independent artists. Learning the business of being in a band is something that is often inaccessible or shrouded in mystery, and it shouldn’t be, so I hope The Band Bible is able to play even a small role in helping to change that.
For the fifth issue, I’m delighted to have interviewed Ollie, founder of L’islet Records. L’islet Records, based in Guernsey, is a label and promoter that has a specific focus on representing guitar-driven music – specifically in the alternative, grunge, and shoegaze wheelhouses. As Carnival of Oddities exclusively represents artists with a guitar-driven sound too, I was delighted when I first learned about L’islet. It’s beyond exciting to find another company that shares a mission with your own, especially when that mission is as specific as representing independent artists from a certain genre sector. Finding L’islet made me feel like I had an ally in that fight. It was through my admiration for that (as well as for the incredible work they do for their artists) that led me to reach out to Ollie about being a Band Bible interviewee, and I’m so glad I did. Below Ollie discusses what led him to starting the business, the decision to champion guitar music specifically, which “commandment” he’s leaving behind in The Band Bible, and more. Read on, and don’t forget to connect with and follow L’islet Records on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and via their website.
What's the origin story behind L'islet Records?
Well it started off as a joke. So many bands were saying they were on this label, that label etc but when you looked at it, they weren’t what I would call proper labels. So I formed L’islet Records then realised I could use it for good…so started putting on gigs, networking, making mistakes, making great contacts.
Also, back in the 1990s I had some serious major label interest and got to the stage where I had to employ a music lawyer who advised me not to get into the music industry and told me about all the underhanded stuff that went on. So that sorta drives me…not to be like them and to be more of a partnership helping others.
Something I personally love about L'islet is the focus on amplifying guitar-centric music. What do you feel to be important about championing this type of music specifically?
Yep we are totally focused on guitar driven music because…that’s where I think all the exciting and interesting music is. I just think that’s where it’s at.
Bands like Nirvana, My Bloody Valentine, Pixies, Blur, Dinosaur Jr, The Lemonheads etc to today’s bands like Dinosaur Pile-Up, Violent Soho, The Murder Capital, DIIV I think are exciting, fresh and captivating…all with a big focus on guitars.
In your opinion, what’s the greatest way in which our industry currently needs to evolve?
There is so much talent around that is ignored and overseen, we need a way of getting more exposure on them.
Also the music streaming model has to change.It needs to be far more balanced and fairer. For example, over 50% of the revenue of one provider goes to a small number of major labels and their artists with the rest split between probably millions of small labels and bands. That isn’t fair. There are so many people that don’t listen to commercial chart music but 50% of their subscriptions goes to artists/bands they don’t listen to.
Which aspect(s) of operating a label bring you the most joy?
Finding a (more often than not “under the radar”) band that I’ve not come across before that ticks all the boxes for me. If L’islet Records can help them…ever better!
Lastly, which "commandment" would you like to leave behind in The Band Bible?
So many I could choose! How about “Don’t accept criticism from someone you wouldn’t go to for advice”.
It also works the other way around! Seriously take onboard constructive criticism from someone you would take advice from!
A massive thanks to Ollie for taking the time to be interviewed for this issue of The Band Bible.
In regards to what’s new with our lot, The Silver Lines have returned from New York and have a free London gig coming up on the 10th, Sam of Paradise Row appeared as a guest on a recent episode of the You Haven’t Heard This Music Podcast, and Slender Pins will be releasing a new single titled “So Happy” on the 23rd.
With happiness and hedonism,
Lindsay Teske