EYE FOUR RECORDS
It’s an unprecedented time of uncertainty in the music industry. It’s blatantly apparent that major artists and labels are in full panic mode. It seems like the only way to make an immediate and massive wave anymore — outside of having a really great album, of course — is through publicity stunts, like surprise releases or stealth publicity campaigns that operate through manufactured controversy (I’m looking at you, Ariel Pink).
The time is ripe for the revolution mounted on the backs of the maverick indie label to go into high gear. Thus, it is most important for us to pay attention plucky startups like Orlando’s Eye Four Records. Eye Four is currently in its infancy, however, the label’s charges are already making some serious moves well out of its depth as a newer label. PureHoney got the inside line from the men at its helm, David Plakon and Ian Maikisch.
How did the label come to be?
Ian: David has been working as a producer and engineer at the North Avenue Studio since graduating from Stetson. I came to the studio last summer to work and our shared passion for music brought us together. It is all hands on deck for both of us. It takes a lot of planning and commitment because we both take on the roles of A&R, publicist, and in some cases, booking agent. David is our exclusive audio engineer and producer. We’re six months in with three groups signed.
What does your label do differently to set itself apart during such a crazy time?
David and I are musicians, which makes Eye Four an extremely artist friendly label. The area has some amazing artists that do not always get the opportunity to showcase their talents beyond local bars and events. We’re making a name by getting our artists the national and global press we believe they deserve.
What artists are currently signed and what will you be putting out for them?
Day Joy has an EP titled Haunted coming out in the first quarter of this year.
Palmedo just released a single for the song “Cool Down” in Dec., we released a single with SABALS for “Blistering” in Nov., and they have a second single — “Wild Thing” — coming out this month. The SABALS EP will be out in February.
Is there a sound the label hones in on in particular when looking for new artists?
We are open to many genres, but we’re really looking for dedication and talent first. We don’t want to miss an opportunity by boxing ourselves into one sound. We have mostly put out artists that mix pop with experimental approaches.
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Sabals March Tour Dates:
2 March – Jackrabbits, Jacksonville, Florida
8 March – The Odditorium, Asheville, NC
10 March – Snug Harbor, Charlotte, NC
11 March – The Sparrow, Charleston, SC
12 March – Kings Barcade, Raleigh, NC
13 March – Coppertop, Huntsville, AL
14 March – 1982 Bar, Gainesville, FL
15 March – The Hub, Tampa, FL
~ Von Bader
