Rise

Shelf Life : An Interview With Clash Magazine

Posted at 9.14 PM
on Monday 14th May

by Lawrence

After the bleak years dominated by news of endless record shop closures, the arrival of the first of Rise's four stores at the end of 2007 was a welcome signal of hope to music retailers and fans alike. Over the last four and a half years, managing director Lawrence Montgomery has established the youthful indie chain in Cheltenham, Worcester, Swindon and Bristol, where its flagship store occupies two floors and vinyl is given joyous prominence. ClashMusic caught up with Lawrence to find out how Rise continues to be on the up.

All four Rise shops are relative newcomers to the indie retail scene - how easy is it to establish yourself in these leaner times?
It is very tough, but we have a great team in each shop who get to know their regular customers and build up trade from there. We're an indie shop but a lot of things we do aren't seen as traditional indie record shop fare. We sell a lot of books including tonnes of kids books, cookery books and cult classic fiction and we sell lots of DVD too, mainly concentrating on World Cinema & Classics. We have to adapt our product offer to reflect the customers in each location and three of our shops are in shopping centres so we sell plenty of Adele CDs! But all the 'hardcore', regular record shop customers know that we have great ranges of CDs and vinyl across the genres and that we know our stuff!

Every year there seems to some national news article about the 'return of vinyl'. How popular is it as a format these days?
We are experiencing large increases in sales across all our stores. I think that the return to vinyl is a reaction to the disposable nature of MP3 culture. MP3s and streaming have their place in modern music consumption and are important formats, but vinyl is the purist's way to enjoy music. It is better quality, it is a tangible piece of art and buying it is often an exciting, engaging social experience. I was DJing the other night and I realised that for all the pros of technology that vinyl is the most trustworthy format and, if you learn how to treat it, it can be the best way to collect music.

Record Store Day has just been and gone for another year. How was it for you?
It was beyond words. The whole day was a little bit overwhelming! Where do I start? It was a record sales day for each of the four Rise stores but, beyond that, the atmosphere & camaraderie between staff, bands & customers was something special - everyone seemed comfortable and enjoying it. The shops were full of proper music lovers who appreciate good music whatever the genre or style. We had young kids who we had to refuse selling beer to, young professionals, middle aged couples, even pensioners, all revelling in a day-long celebration of music. I am still buzzing now and it was adrenalin alone that pulled us through a mammoth 15 hour shift - the whole team commented on how it didn't feel like work; they really enjoyed the work.

How important a day in the music calendar is it for you?
It is THE most important. Despite this, I want people to be aware that we are open 362 days a year and we have great records in every day! I hope that Record Store Day reignited a lot of customers love of record shops and that it showed them why they should be frequented. We've got lots more instore performances coming up, continuing the theme of the day. Record stores need to evolve to become relevant in this day and age but we challenge ourselves every day to do this and we hope we're succeeding.

Many of your staff seem to be pretty creative people themselves. Does it help to have music fans on both sides of the counter?
Absolutely. It wouldn't work if we didn't have such enthusiastic and creative staff. I was overwhelmed with the input from them this year - we had limited releases from three of the Bristol team, mixtapes, cakes and dream festival lineups across the stores. I am really proud of my teams of staff, and they should be proud to be part of something special.

Are all of your shops surrounded by thriving music scenes and how involved do you get with local bands?
As much as possible. Nothing gives me more job satisfaction than some of the success stories we've had with local acts. On the first week of the new Official Record Store chart, Jim Lockey was at number seven. Over 50% of the sales had come from an instore he did in Rise Cheltenham - we've been supporting him since we opened and Tom in the store did a great job of promoting the instore and the new album. In fact, Cheltenham had two weeks running where local acts were their bestselling albums! I realised earlier in the year that to be a special retailer you should make things yourself - I am buying a screen printing machine next month for us to make limited tees, tote bags and posters and, if I had the money, I'd buy a vinyl press and get all local acts to record in the shop and press it with us - that way we don't have to compete with Amazon or HMV on stupid discounting - we can create our own products with creative local artists.

As shrines for youth culture in the past, are 'the kids' still visiting record shops?
Yes they are, but not in the same numbers that they used to. 15 years ago, the only, easiest and cheapest way to buy an album was at your local record shop. Nowadays, it is cheaper, easier and more convenient to buy via iTunes/Amazon/Spotify, so it's no wonder we're not as busy and our clientele is becoming older. That said, I think vinyl is cool again - the kids see it as the antithesis to an MP3 - a novelty at first but then something they want to collect. 'The kids' have more access to music than any other generation and you could argue there is as much or even more passion than ever for great music. The challenge for me as a retailer is to make my shop relevant, so instores, good prices and diversification into different products are all techniques I use to achieve this.

Have any artists or even specific records come to define Rise's life to date?

Here's eight which come to mind:
1. Wooden Shjips debut - the first album we had big success recommending in Cheltenham five years ago.
2. The xx - the first instore we did in Bristol and the recipients of my infamous tip 'you're gonna get nominated for a Mercury!'
3. Mumford & Sons - the breakthrough instore in Bristol for launch of the album. And we've sold so many of this record it is unbelievable.
4. Hot 8 Brass Band - 'play this album and it WILL sell'
5. Bon Iver - For Emma - our first 'album of the year'
6. Caribou Swim - probably my favourite album of the last 5 years.
7. War on Drugs - our album of 2011.
8. tUNE//yArDS - I won everyone over to this one (eventually!)

Make a bold prediction about music retail in the future:
Record retail is dead, long live record retailing. There is no reason to be optimistic about record retailing in the future - sales are on a terminal decline and the industry is no closer to finding a decent model to get people paying decent money for music, so we're all doomed! Despite this, I am optimistic because I never consider my business to be part of 'the industry' and only partly music retail. I think to survive in the future a record shop will either be very niche and excellent in service & product (stores that spring to mind Piccadilly, Resident, Drift,) or part of a multi-sensory, diversified offer (Rough Trade, Urban Outfitters, Banquet.) I have a massive amount of respect for what the above retailers do, because they each have a different way of making 'music retail' work for them; there are parts of them that I admire greatly.

What lies ahead for Rise? Any plans you can tell us?
That'd be telling wouldn't it! We've just opened a vintage clothing concession in Cheltenham which is going really well so we're looking at options to do with that. I am also exploring the possibilities of introducing a different sort of retailing to our Bristol store which will include up to 10 different uses for the shop - music, film, books, events, art, coffee, food, fashion, booze, screen printing. A place that is really engaging and exciting every time you walk through the door; a place where as long as you love music/art/culture you can spend time and money in, even if it's not on a record!

Record Store Day Photos

Posted at 12.19 PM
on Monday 30th April

We've uploaded a few photos we took from last weekend's Record Store Day. They were mainly taken before 9am and after 9pm. Have a look and see if you can spot yourself. Please excuse the drunkness of the staff. All the photos can be found HERE.

Live Instores - May Preview

Posted at 4.55 PM
on Thursday 26th April

After the massive success of Record Store Day we're now even more excited about putting on more live instores and next month we've got a great line up with live instores from The Liftmen, Smith & Mighty, Arianna, and Crybaby. Click the links below to read more about each of them.

Saturday 5th May - The Liftmen - 6pm

Saturday 12th May - Smith & Mighty - 6pm

Friday 18th May - Arianna - 6pm

Friday 25th May - Crybaby - 6pm

Above we've posted some videos by all of the artists that are playing as a little taster as to what kind of thing to expect from them.

All instores are FREE!

Keep an eye on the website, twitter feed and our facebook page for news of more instores. We've got plenty more in the pipeline!

Label Focus - Futureboogie

Posted at 4.49 PM
on Tuesday 10th April

by Gareth Hobbs for Stamp The Wax

Written by Gareth Hobbs

Since its inception ten years ago as a club night, Bristol's Futureboogie has steadily gained momentum to become an internationally recognised House label and management agency. The Futureboogie DJs have been keeping House music alive and kicking in the West, bringing a new bass-heavy sound to the genre.

But how has a humble house night gained international recognition? The rise of Julio Bashmore has really helped, and has cleared the path for more young talent. As Bashmore puts it, Electronic producers aren’t always partygoers; they are people who are stuck in their bedrooms making beats. Futureboogie brings these bedroom beats to the dance floor and enables emerging House heads like Christophe and Waifs & Strays to rub shoulders with established artists like Crazy P and Bonobo. As this new brand of House spreads, Futureboogie is sure to keep creating fresh sounds plucked from Bristol’s rich pool of talent as well as from the rest of the world. Their future looks bright.

A testament to where they’re at now is their top new anniversary compilation Futureboogie:10,released last month. Be sure to check out our post on Typesun, who also featured on the release, and you can buy it over at Rise. In the mean time, get lost in our favourite Futureboogie releases.

Father Father - Julio Bashmore (Feat. Javeon McCarthy)

This was the curtain raiser for the label, and boy did Futureboogie hit the ground running with this track. The pulsating build is greeted by vocals that scream out like a preacher to his sermon, giving this track a much more soulful reprieve than his earlier work.

http://soundcloud.com/futureboogie/father-father-julio-bashmore

Reel Love - Lukas

Found on the three-track EPMaison du Chevalby Christophe and Lukas, this track screams House. A great backing piano track with a sample from Mary J Blige; you can’t go wrong.

http://soundcloud.com/futureboogie/reel-love-christophe-lukas

Be Patient - Waifs & Strays

Hotly tipped as the record label's up-and-coming new talents, this duo come from very different musical backgrounds. One has been a Bristol House stalwart while the other has roots in Jungle and D&B. Their eclectic mix produces great Funky House basslines just like this one.

http://soundcloud.com/futureboogie/waifs-strays-be-patient-fbr003

0200 - Eats Everything & Lukas present The Eel

I first came across the aptly named Eats Everything at Motion'sAll Gone Pete Tong. His set blew me away, and dare I say stole the show from the Balearic God. His mixes are something special and we're sure to hear a lot more from him in the future.

http://soundcloud.com/futureboogie/eats-everything-lukas-present

Craboon - Julio Bashmore

A laid back B-Side for Father Father, this track’s ebbing beat and gentle building baseline, nestled under high hats and vocals make this a mesmerizing backdrop for a sunny afternoon.

http://soundcloud.com/futureboogie/craboon-julio-bashmore

Written by Gareth Hobbs

BRISTOL STAFF RSD RELEASES

Posted at 6.53 PM
on Monday 26th March

by Aidrian + Oliver + James

We're celebrating Record Store Day on Saturday April 21st as you might well know, what you might not know is that three of the Bristol Rise team have their own special releases planned for the day. Adrian, Oliver and James will talk you through their labels, bands, projects and what they have planned for the big day.

>>>

Howling Owl Records - Adrian

Hello, I co-run a rather tasty label called ‘Howling Owl Records’. As its record store day we decided to do something a little special and release a super cool 12” featuring 4 of our bestest bands. First up is the new unheard track from ‘Spectres’. They make sonic walls of noise that bubble and burst with fuzz and melody, one blog put it best ‘it’s like being punched in the face by a wall of noise that’s already been punched in the face by a wall of fuzz’ . Their new song is a slow burning, woozy, almost post rock affair with a HUGE finale. Next up are the angular noiseniks ‘United Fruit’, four Scottish tykes who make a Fugazi meets Sonic Youth-esque racket, basically, it’s ruddy smashing! The B-Side contains the current hype darlings ‘Towns’. This unheard track is a baggy / swooning Britpop banger, that is full of dreamy nostalgia. Recorded and produced by the legendary Owen Morris! ‘Towns’ are literally everywhere right now, with Zane Lowe playing their single 3 weeks in a row as his ‘Hype band’ , and the NME seemingly featuring them every week. This is their debut vinyl release, (we also put out their first physical release last year on tape). WE LOVE THEM. They are also 4 lovely lads who run their own clubnight. Finishing up the vinyl is ‘Fairhorns’ the latest guise of Matt Loveridge (Beak> , Team Brick , MXLX) , his pulsating and hypnotic track is something rather amazing.

Team Owl like to focus on the aesthetic qualities of our releases, so the artwork is always something special, this release will be limited to 100 and will have a lovely wrap around printed sleeve, with a one-off lino-print on top.

Putting records out is like having children, I think this will be my favourite child that will do well at school, but also be good at sports, so you know, I’ll probably forget his brothers and sisters exist…. You can catch Spectres and Towns playing instore at Bristol on the day! Good times.

www.howlingowlrecords.tumblr.com

>>>

Hilldrop Records - Oliver

My name is Oliver Wilde, I run ‘Hilldrop Records with R. Bunce, A. Hutchin and B. Park and will be putting out 50 individually unique home-made, home-painted, limited edition split 7”s on Record Store Day at RISE Bristol. Featuring the spectral acousrock songsmith “Nicholas Stevenson” and the curly fuzz alt-rock outfit “Buzzards”, the split 7” will quench your thirst for Thurston Moore, Built to Spill, Wye Oak, Guided by Voices, Sebadoh or Stephan Malkmus as it does mine. Our latest signing “Buzzards” will be performing at RISE Bristol for this year’s Record Store Day alongside Spectres and Towns, seriously better crack out the earplugs.

Each front cover will have been relished with the visual storytellings of Nicholas Stevenson (with some humble helpings from ourselves at Hilldrop) with individual unique hand-painted designs of eye wizards, ghost bears and gnome crows. Our split 7” will be our first vinyl release to date and will contain Buzzards’ “Creamer” and Nicholas Stevenson’s “Kill Again”, some stickers, the MP3 download card and who knows what other secret treats will be stowed within.

www.hilldroprecords.co.uk

>>>

OLO Worms – James

Hey! I’m ¼ of OLO Worms. I don’t really know how to describe us or what we do exactly? Let’s keep that open. We’ve lots of ground to cover still. Our jelly hasn’t set. People have labelled us an ‘art-pop collective’ in the past, I think that’ll do. If you’re interested, go hunt us down and stalk us (stalk us).

I’m here right now punching keys on this here Rise blog to tell you a bit about our next release. Ahead of our debut album (which will come out in the summer) we are releasing an EP entitled ‘Image’ on April 16th. I won’t say anymore about the EP other than there will be a special (very) limited run of physical ‘objects’ on sale on Record Store Day only at Rise Bristol. I'll be DJing instore on the day too so wear some heels!

Loving you,

James

www.oloworms.tumblr.com

#YISO