Always on the look out for innovators in the music industry, I recently connected with Preach Jacobs of Sounds Familiar Records. Preach and the labels co founder Travis Bland are creating an Indy hotspot in the southeast and I couldn't wait to get the scoop.
1. Who are Preach Jacobs & Travis Bland?
We collectively are the founders of Sounds Familiar Records. I (Preach) have been everything from a journalist writing for over a dozen publications domestically and abroad to being an emcee. Travis has a band inspired by The Clash and we met while working together at a record store in Columbia, South Carolina called ‘Sounds Familiar’.
The store was in business for over 30 years and was one the last independent record store in the area. When we closed in 2009, I realized first hand how rare it is to find a store like that. Nowadays, there’s stores that happen to sell music and not music stores. It is our responsibility to keep it alive so we named our label after the store to pay homage.
2. At a time when many think the music industry is taking a nose dive, why was it important to start the label?
I think the music industry is suffering because the power structure has shifted dramatically. Labels can’t just throw money at a problem. We have to find new and innovative ways to get music to people. Instead of getting angry at the digital revolution, find ways to work with it. Our business strategy is based on that: limited/boutique physical product that we put in specialty markets. That way we have limited overhead and can focus on creative ways to get the music out there.
3. Misconceptions about the south and its contribution to the musical landscape?
It’s funny because I believe the south gets credit for everything except modern music (i.e. hip-hop). The south gets credit for birthing the blues and having impacts on jazz and soul music. The sound of the church and the jubilee choir. John Coltrane was born in North Carolina. So, we’ve always been deeply rooted in music.
I think when it comes to hip-hop; fifteen years ago rappers that we heard usually came from either New York or L.A. It felt like anything else was too far and in between. But when labels like LaFace put out Outkast and Goodie Mob, it meant so much to me. It made me recognize that we do have something to say. I’ve worked with Denz who lives in London, Marc Mac (of 4Hero) who’s also from London, and DJ Vadim from Russia. It proves that good music is good music. And shit, bad is bad. Doesn’t matter where it’s from. If there’s heart and soul in it, fuck it. Let’s give it a chance.
4. What new tracks, projects, ECT can we expect to hear from SFR in the coming weeks/months?
The first project being released on the label is my EP ‘Rebel Radio’ followed by a band we have called Sons of Young (punk inspired band). We also have a duo called Day Clean that consists of acoustic guitar and cello. These brothers are phenomenal. And we also have a producer named D that has a project with Baatin, Musinah, Guilty Simpson, Buff1 and more. Really good stuff to come. Next few months is going to be really dope.
5. Anything else you’d like readers to know?
If there’s anything check out the music. The label’s first release is my EP titled “Rebel Radio” with a producer Katrah-Quey. The first video off the album is for a track called, “Falling” and if you believe in the music, support it. Even if it’s not actual sales, pass it along, write about it in your blog, tell a friend. That’s the new way to make it musically in today’s climate. Just love and support for everyone that believes in hearing something new and fresh. We appreciate it all.
I'm very excited about the music coming out of Sounds Familiar Records. This label and many others are keeping great music alive. Click the article title to check out the SF roster.
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