minus HEAD Records brings the focus back to the music. The San Francisco-based label puts an emphasis on its artists first and foremost. Formally launched by Brad Hardie in 2010, minus HEAD expands minds with a myriad of unique releases from the likes of The Paper Sons, Eightfourseven, Death Valley High, and Telvisio. Rather than center itself around one genre, the label embraces a diverse array o
f styles, aesthetics, and sounds. About the label's philosophy, Hardie explains, "Our goal is to find unique underground bands and allow them the creative power to see their vision reach fruition. We try to find bands that are unique, edgy, and real. We encourage each band to their find their own musical style and image while guiding them toward the best possible end product." The label has done that numerous times now, garnering national press on its flagship releases in tastemaker publications such as Outburn and AMP Magazine. In addition, The Paper Sons and Eightfourseven have both organically and independently infiltrated radio, while Eightfourseven has embarked upon national jaunts with the likes of FAR and Deftones. Ultimately, for Hardie, it will always be about the music, and that's why minus HEAD will be here for a long time. "I decided that creating a record label that gave the bands the freedom to maintain their artistic vision was my way of giving back to the industry that has given me so much," he concludes. "From every minus HEAD release, I want listeners to get something different from what they hear on a day-to-day basis. I want them to go on a little trip into our artists' world." The trip has begun, and it'll never end. —Rick Florino, March 2011
