Flagpole's Music Blog
Dec 10, 2009
Labelmakers
Cowboy Angel
A well-respected and talented musician in his own right, Adam Klein launched Cowboy Angel Music with the goal of raising the profile of local artists in the genres of Americana and country. It began as a label for Klein's own releases, but has since expanded to include a diverse roster of local talents such as Nutria, Justin Evans, Timber and more.
Flagpole: When and why did you start your own label?
Adam Klein: Officially the Cowboy Angel Music label began with the release of my first record, Distant Music, in 2006, followed by my second album, Western Tales & Trails, last fall. But the label’s currently expanding in earnest and developing an exciting, varied and strong roster. The purpose of Cowboy Angel is to serve as an artist friendly label and promotional tool supporting and nurturing the artistic works and development of it bands/artists. We’re seeking to generate attention, exposure, and excitement, nation-wide and beyond, toward our thriving local roots-based music scene (folk, country, Americana, bluegrass, etc.). I think Athens is still on the music map, generally, for indie pop and rock, which I also love. But I’m so proud of our roots and acoustic-based acts, that I believe music lovers everywhere need to hear and appreciate the full scope of what’s crawling from our fine southern town these days.
FP: What are the aesthetic guidelines of the label, in terms of the music you put out?
AK: I’m not aiming to limit the type of music Cowboy Angel releases and supports. Mainly, it has to be music I absolutely love and about which I’m really excited to devote time spreading the good word (i.e. working). I’ve been loving Nutria’s new record, Permanent Reminder of a Temporary Emotion, which will come out on Cowboy Angel in early 2010. That’s rock 'n' roll and perfectly crafted pop songs. My next record, which I’m working on now with AJ Adams at his Troubadour Den studio, is rooted in rustic country folk and "Americana," but has a bit of a pop sensibility that’s new ground for me. For the most part, though, we’ll be focusing on roots/Americana acts.
FP: What is the most underrated release in your catalog?
AK: I suppose I’d have to say Justin Evans’ new album,The Owls & The Hounds. It’s an excellent collection of acoustic songs from one of Athens’ great songwriters flying under people’s radar, featuring touches of New Orleans jazz, folk and blues, accompanied throughout by the beautiful stylings of AJ Adams on pedal steel, Tommy Somerville on piano and sax, and Dave Blackmon on fiddle. Think early Tom Waits, Gillian Welch, and even Howlin’ Wolf. The album was also recorded by AJ Adams at the Troubadour Den. It’s mainly "underrated"because it’s not rated yet! It was only recently released and will be sent out for reviews and Americana and folk radio airplay in the coming weeks.. so most reviews likely won’t trickle in until February and even later.
FP: What are the difficulties of running a label? What advice would you give to someone starting one up now?
AK: I feel like I’m just getting Cowboy Angel going as a label these days, so hit me up for more advice-giving in a year or so. First and foremost, I’d say check your head. Make sure it’s either a labor of love all-consuming hobby, an actual profit-generating, self-sustaining business endeavor (good luck), or happily, both.
FP: Anything else you think the readers should know about the label?
AK: Yes! Cowboy Angel’s gonna have a slew of releases in the first half of 2010, including Timber’s Scrawled, which is a great album, Nutria’s Permanent Reminder of a Temporary Emotion, and promotional work for two fantastic bands which also deserve tons of attention and have recently put out records of the highest quality songwriting and playing: all-star local collaboration The Granfalloons and vintage southern folk and country of Little Country Giants. Hopefully some other cool announcements will come out after the new year.
On a local level, Cowboy Angel intends to help build community around Athens’ roots/’Americana’ scene, broaden the audience, and connect the bands and audience alike. Check out www.cowboyangelmusic.com for more info, and announcements of our 3rd annual Athens Americana festival in April 2010. Athens Americana is a two-night showcase of local music at Little Kings, and has featured Hope For Agoldensummer, Little Country Giants, Vigilantes of Love, Don Chambers, Dave Marr, Kaitlin Jones & The County Fair, Bo Bedingfield, and others.
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