- Keeper

Inspirational Story

Golly was big and retarded and raised

To rescue our town from its fear and malaise.

Bullied in grade school and Michigan-braised,

Golly would save us in magical ways.

His dad was a banker, his mother a nurse,

Two dead infant brothers and third times the curse.

But Golly was loved and prepared for the worst;

"I’m different but special," he heard and rehearsed.

So Golly—though big and retarded—behaved

As though he was able in school and in play.

He frowned out his grammar, he worried the flute,

He tried out for baseball, he danced in a suit.

Did little by little our hearts start to melt?

Well sure (that’s the story I’m here now to tell)…

Of Edgeville I’ll say there was not much to say—

Our wins were behind us and faded away.

But Golly arrived to remind us of love,

To carry our hearts like a dove in a glove.

And wouldn’t you know it? Would you believe?

We did start to wear our prim hearts on our sleeves:

The new churches flourished; the bakeries, too.

The panda bear birthed eighteen cubs at our zoo.

And smiles and kindness abounded in kind.

And once grumpy misers now offered the time.

The Unions quit drinking, the mayor went straight.

The perverts de-penis’d, the track team won state.

And not since the lynching of Randall McGee

Had Edgeville remembered what it was to be

Stalwart and helpful and humble and free—

In touch with one’s neighbors, the council, the trees.

The war came and college; the rumble of life.

Some of us married or sought a new life.

I stayed and I settled and wedded my girl.

We worked and we saved, made a baby, a girl.

When Golly dropped dead at age twenty-three

The Edgeville Gazette ran a full page story:

"Five hundred people attended the wake.

A light has gone out like a boat on a lake."

Things now are different, at times I don’t know

Just which way we’re headed or how this’ll go.

The shadow’s returning. Already I see

Some windows are closing, some doors don’t swing free.

And nights in the kitchen, the microwave on,

I sit and I wonder what rights stop what wrongs.

Our new baby’s coming; just where will it live?

What will it take and just what will it give?

Golly was big and retarded and raised

To rescue us all from our fear and malaise.

Changes don’t come, just don’t happen; they’re made.

A fume or a drug… my wife slips in the glade.

Was slow as a hammock, dumb as a screw—

If that’s what it takes, Lord, I’ll try; Lord, I’ll do.

Hard times spawn hard feelings at local label 2024

Both the Hopefuls and Romantica are fighting to get out of their contracts with the local label that once appeared so promising.

By Chris Riemenschneider, Star Tribun

It was only four years ago that things truly seemed, ahem, hopeful at 2024 Records.

The burgeoning indie label had stylish offices in Minneapolis' Warehouse District, a van to lend to its bands for touring and even promotional drink coasters made up with the 2024 logo on them.

"I mean, how many labels have coasters?" Hopefuls co-leader Darren Jackson marveled at the time.

Even with an Internet-savvy game plan and a roster of buzzing bands, though, 2024 Records has fallen on hard times along with the rest of the record industry. Its offices are closed, and its operator admits the operation is in the red. That's all so commonplace among record labels right now that it's not really anything worth reporting.

What is unusual -- especially in our relatively congenial music scene -- is that the label is trying to hold a couple of its bands responsible for its financial predicament.

Both the Hopefuls and Romantica, the two biggest acts on the label, are fighting to get out of their 2024 contracts. The label's chief proprietor, Nathan Roise, wants to hold them to their multi-album deals until he is given "fair compensation" for the time and energy he invested in them. Lawyers are even involved.

Yuck.

Members of both bands, who did not want to talk on the record, made it sound as if Roise were acting unrealistically about the label's future. They were, not surprisingly, frustrated by the dispute. The Hopefuls' long-overdue second album is essentially finished, but its release is hung up in the contract rift.

Roise talked about promises that the bands themselves did not keep -- mainly that they would tour a lot to promote their records, which neither did. Their members invested time and money in building home recording studios, lessening the need for record-label support.

"I'm not holding anybody hostage or trying to extort them," he said, "but contracts are in place to protect both sides. It's only fair for them to consider the substantial investment I have tied up into both bands."

Roise pointed to the Plastic Constellations -- who left 2024 for the bigger New York indie label French Kiss -- as proof that he has no hard feelings when bands want to move on. Other acts that recorded for the label include Valet, Fitzgerald and Duplomacy.

"The label was founded on being a springboard for bands to get to bigger and better places," he said. "It's always been a labor of love for me."

Back in 2004, Roise indeed painted a picture of 2024 being more of a co-op and less of a moneymaking venture. He said then that his other job, as a Realtor, would pay his bills. Unfortunately, real estate is another industry that has since gone in the toilet.

"It's stay-alive time," Roise glumly noted. "But I'm only asking for what's fair."

Both sides are hoping for resolution within a few weeks.

Comments

The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. There's also a negative side. -Hunter S. Thompson

posted by jkking on Aug. 14, 08 at 3:47 PM |

II work in this music scene and I feel dirty cause this guy Nathan Roise makes "us" local booking agents, managers and labels look like idiots. Don't air disputes Chris you are painting this guy as a victim and 2 bands as the bad guys. His and your creditability are trashed. If he spent his money on plush offices and other luxuries its his fault. Don't drag the bands down with you...

posted by dylanisgod on Aug. 14, 08 at 6:43 PM |

Facts

(Disclaimer: from 2024 Records) This article gets some key points wrong. 1) The article states that "...the label is trying to hold a couple of its bands responsible for its financial predicament." 2024 does not hold either Romantica or The Hopefuls responsible for the challenges the label faces. Nothing said in the interview could be construed as such. These bands have been the most successful on 2024, so this statement is simply not accurate. It appears the article's author created an incorrect conclusion from two facts: A) That the label could be healthier financially B) That both bands want to release their next record themselves, but 2024 is not willing to let them go without some consideration for its considerable investment in their success. That does not, of course, mean C) 2024 holds them responsible for 2024's financial position (the classic logical error of A + B = C). 2) The article maintains that Romantica and The Hopefuls did not tour to support their records, which is not the case: "Roise talked about promises that the bands themselves did not keep --mainly that they would tour a lot to promote their records, which neither did. Their members invested time and money in building home recording studios, lessening the need for record-label support." Both Romantica and The Hopefuls have toured extensively to support their releases on 2024. We're proud of their efforts and their success.

posted by the2024 on Aug. 14, 08 at 9:43 PM |

To dylanisgod

@dylanisgod We had to laugh at your comments. Your attempt to personalize the article with your connection to the music industry is pathetic. How, exactly, does it make booking agents, managers and other labels look like idiots? My friend, that is just you transparently trying to take on a righteous cause with some manufactured indignation. Take a memo: it has nothing to do with you. Chris has every right to cover this story--it is relevant to the music scene in the Twin Cities. We're not happy about the errors, but are confident Chris will issue a correction in next week's paper. > His and your creditability are trashed. Uh huh. How's that? Both sides have legitimate positions, but the situation is uncomfortable for both. So maybe they're trashed with you. But who cares about that? FYI, our office was anything but plush. We shared it with a photographer and it was basically a big room with no A/C and heat that didn't work on the weekend. If you'd ever been there you'd know that. But then again, you appear to be pretty good at talking about things you know nothing about. And how is buying a van for bands to tour in a "luxury?" and not a significant gesture to bands that couldn't afford one? Try picking up a book with "critical thinking" in the title. Your tendency to jump to conclusions and make extreme statements without basis in facts should be embarrassing to you. Peace!

posted by the2024 on Aug. 14, 08 at 10:07 PM

It's business

Actually, Darren, plenty of labels have things like coasters, pens, posters, t-shirts, stickers, etc. It's called marketing. In fact, marketing dollars help give bands exposure and extend their influence. I enjoy the Hopefuls and Romantica - but I'd like to hear more about the promises that were made to tour. Even in the internet age, touring is the most effective money maker for many of these type of small labels. It sounds like Roise understands that 2024 is a stepping stone to bigger labels. The best way for the label to make money and gain exposure is through touring and licensing. This is a tough ticket for both sides. Hopefully they can work it out.

posted by burjeffton on Aug. 15, 08 at 9:16 AM |

There's credibility

...And what 'dylanisgod' has listed as "creditability" - no such term. 2024 has chimed in enough, and should concentrate a bit more on landing more bands. Chris R makes for a fine secondary school newspaper reporter, and looks much the part (love the comb-over, and it hanging on for dear life). Star/Tribune ought to search for true talent; one that can finish a narrative that doesn't include Atmosphere, and other second-rate acts. Chris R's bedroom is likely covered in Paul Westerberg posters, and Atmosphere is included in every mix he's ever made. Where's the fish & chips to wrap up this claptrap, redundant drivel?

posted by ManUnited on Aug. 15, 08 at 10:11 AM |

To the2024

It is my opinion and last time I checked it isn't against the law. Of course you are going to stick up for yourself which you have the right to but attacking me makes you look like you can't take criticism. Don't assume that I don't know anything about this situation. FYI, This does have something to do with me and everybody in this scene. I just think it was a mistake doing this article, it wasn't very professional of you to air this in public. With the mistakes Chris made makes you look bad and probably made the situation worse with The Hopefuls and Romantica. No band will ever come to 2024 and work with you cause you aired this in public. We all had problems with bands but we don't air it. Have a nice day.

posted by dylanisgod on Aug. 15, 08 at 10:24 AM |

Riemenschneider

Laugh. The name alone. "The burgeoning indie label" = Nathan Roise. There are a few specific egos that need a load of bricks thrown through their windows.

posted by deadmusic08 on Aug. 15, 08 at 10:48 AM |

Doesn't look like

2024 will see the year 2024. Doesn't look like they will see $2024 Doesn't look like they will press 2024 CDs They're "burgeoning", though.

posted by mack37 on Aug. 15, 08 at 11:45 AM |

From Riemenschneider (ha ha, what a name! and combover!)

Nathan is free to make/further his points, but everything in the article is accurate, in regards to what he said and to what is factually stated. What's not accurate: You can call me short, say I have a "burgeoning" beer belly, and make fun of my name (boy, I heard some good ones when I was in the 4th grade!), but never, ever, ever accuse me of having a combover! I'm happy to report I have a full head of hair, as do all the lads in my family. Maybe I do need to shoot a new mugshot. I hardly think I made the bands look like the bad guys. Is that really even possible in cases like this? I did try to present their side more, but they declined to comment (I'm guessing for legal reasons). Whatever it is now, 2024 was once the most prominent label in town besides Rhymesayers (there I go again, writing about Atmosphere!). I'm not airing a dispute, I'm writing about the going-ons of a prominent local music business, as I always do, good or bad. Thankfully, it's usually never this bad.

posted by chrisr on Aug. 15, 08 at 1:14 PM |

Someone needs to proof your material. They have your name wrong at one end, where the reader doesn't know which is correct. Example: The beginning of your piece reads: By Chris Riemschneider, Star Tribune Last update: August 14, 2008 - 2:58 PM

posted by ManUnited on Aug. 15, 08 at 1:32 PM |

To Riemenschneider

I am happy to see you comment on this and happy to see you can take a joke. I've read a lot of your articles and never seen such a backlash. It now seems Nathan is trying to blame you for such a bad article, when you just stated the facts. You report. You should really write more about local smaller labels/management companies their are some good ones that need to be put in the light. Rhymesayers deserves to be written about the earned it.

posted by dylanisgod on Aug. 15, 08 at 3:05 PM |

Obvious conclusion

The obvious conclusion as to why people are having a hard time in the music business is self-evident by maturity level and inflated egos of the comments here. Its really funny actually, but not surprising at all. They're even ripping on hair styles! (To a wanna be rock star, thats the worst insult you can ever get. "yer hair sucks dude.") Anyone can strap on a guitar and pretend to play, but its not hard to figure out why they're all having such a tough time making it in the business world.

posted by jkking on Aug. 15, 08 at 3:54 PM |

Well Chris ...

I re-read the article and you did write, "What is unusual -- especially in our relatively congenial music scene -- is that the label is trying to hold a couple of its bands responsible for its financial predicament." However, I don't see anywhere in the article where Roise or any other person from 2024 directly or indirectly blames the two bands for their "financial predicament". Everything that Roise is quoted as saying refers only to contract disputes between 2024 and the bands. You are the one who then concludes that these problems led to 2024's financial predicament. Roise himself never states this in any way, at least not in the article. Perhaps you should have made it more clear that this was your own conclusion and not 2024's.

posted by gmoheban on Aug. 16, 08 at 2:11 PM |

Before any band signs a contract...

...they should read Steve Albini's missive, "The Problem With Music". (There is a good copy on Negativland's website, Google is your friend.) Large or small, a record company almost invariably winds up stiffing their bands one way or the other.

posted by oldpunk on Aug. 16, 08 at 4:33 PM |

Former 2024 Intern

I will vehemently back the previous comment regarding the 2024 Warehouse District offices being "plush." They were anything but, and I interned there (without pay) for over a year (2004-2005). A shared office with crappy desks and out-of-dste computers is not synonymous with "plush," at least in my book. A lot of people worked really hard to make that lable what it was when everyone thought it was "burgeoning." And Mr. Roise, to the best of my knowledge, did exclusively put up all financial backing for every 2024 release. I love the guys in the Hopefuls and Romantica, and got to know several of their members quite well in my time at 2024. But a contract is a contract, is it not? I don't think there was any decption involved at the moment of signing on the dotted line. And I will also agree with the statement made about 2024 striving to be a "springboard" for bands to get to bigger and better things. That was the M.O. from day one, as far as I witnessed. Nobody was happier about the Plastic Constellations going to French Kiss than Nate Roise and the other members of the 2024 staff. Enough said, glad you at least brought this story to public light, Mr. Riemenschneider.

posted by mikedmpls on Aug. 17, 08 at 6:38 AM |

A contract is a contract

I agree the story was a little ummm biased but in any business you have expectations. And if the two parties feel that expectations haven't been met then you need to either work it out or have a 3rd party decide for you. Although I will say this, it seems like whoever goes public first with the story is usually the party with the weaker hand.

posted by jkotek on Aug. 17, 08 at 11:38 AM |

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Face Melt Sandwich

Friday, August 22, 2008

Road Trip Worthy

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Poetry Wednesday via Keeper

Sunday, August 17, 2008

"Those were the best days of my life" - Bryan Adams