SPIN MOVE RECORDS
Peter Barker, Co-founder, A&R, Producer
http://spinmoverecords.com
Spin Move Records is a boutique independent label based in Santa Monica, CA, and specializes in releasing quality music in an array of genres. It has released recordings from artists including Amy Kuney, Frank Bell, Jessica Sanchez, Rochelle Diamante and Winsome Kin. Peter Barker, who co-founded Spin Move in 1996, is a producer and engineer who formerly worked with Interscope and Sony. He is also the Director of Engineering at Threshold Sound & Vision.
HOW IS YOUR LABEL DIFFERENT?
We’re a talent incubator and an artist-friendly label. We actually develop acts. We work with a lot of YouTube artists. In fact, we look for acts on YouTube that are resonating with an audience. We then try to monetize that exposure.
WHAT QUALITIES DO YOU LOOK FOR IN ARTISTS?
I always look for strong material first. I’m a song guy. If an artist is a songwriter we look for memorable melodies and compelling lyrics. We want hit songs that we can market. If they’re simply performers (doing covers), they need to be great vocally and connect emotionally with the songs. If they can do that, we’ll get them material and hook them up with co-writers. We have a team of industry professionals that could help develop them, from writers and producers to managers.
WHAT TURNS YOU OFF?
I hate when people contact me and haven’t done their homework. I don’t like being used to vet their works in progress. I only want the best, not something that isn’t ready yet. Artists should be honest with themselves and get professional opinions before they submit material to people like me. And don’t just ask your friends or family what they think. They’ll support you no matter what.
WHAT KIND OF DEALS DO YOU OFFER?
I’m not a fan of 360 deals, where labels share in every income stream possible. I believe that if an artist is asked to give up their rights and share everything with a label, they should be compensated for doing so. At Spin Move, our deals involve social commerce (via YouTube, etc.), licensing and sales.
WHAT TRENDS DO YOU SEE ON THE HORIZON?
The Internet is a goldmine that has barely been tapped. It’s a virtual clearinghouse for publishers to make money—especially off all the cover songs on YouTube. I think there will be a concentrated effort to collect royalties across the internet from a variety of uses.
CONTACT INFO
Anyone interested can contact us through our website.
