The article discusses Rob Miller's memoir "The Hours are Long But the Pay is Low: A Memoir of Running Bloodshot Records", which offers a behind-the-scenes look at running an independent record label. Miller, who was the owner and founder of Bloodshot Records, shares his experiences and insights on how to run a successful indie label, including the challenges he faced with unpaid royalties and allegations of sexual harassment.
The book covers two main periods: Side A, which covers the early days of the label (1997-2008) and includes stories about the label's rise to success, its commitment to independence, and the decision-making process. Side B focuses on the later years (2010-2021), including the fallout from unpaid royalties, allegations of sexual harassment, and the eventual sale of the label.
Miller's writing style is described as conversational and personal, offering a unique perspective on the music industry and independent record labels. He emphasizes the importance of passion, creativity, and community in maintaining a successful indie label, rather than relying solely on profit-driven decisions.
The article also highlights Miller's approach to dealing with difficult situations, such as the allegations of sexual harassment, where he chose not to focus on the negative aspects and instead emphasized the label's commitment to its artists. He believes that this approach helped maintain a positive atmosphere within the community and allowed the label to continue operating despite the challenges.
In an interview, Miller discussed his thoughts on writing the memoir, which was initially motivated by the idea of sharing his experiences with others but ultimately evolved into a more nuanced exploration of the music industry and independent labels. He emphasized the importance of optimism and passion in maintaining a successful indie label, even in the face of adversity.
Overall, "The Hours are Long But the Pay is Low" offers a candid and insightful look at running an independent record label, highlighting the challenges and triumphs that come with pursuing one's passion.
The book covers two main periods: Side A, which covers the early days of the label (1997-2008) and includes stories about the label's rise to success, its commitment to independence, and the decision-making process. Side B focuses on the later years (2010-2021), including the fallout from unpaid royalties, allegations of sexual harassment, and the eventual sale of the label.
Miller's writing style is described as conversational and personal, offering a unique perspective on the music industry and independent record labels. He emphasizes the importance of passion, creativity, and community in maintaining a successful indie label, rather than relying solely on profit-driven decisions.
The article also highlights Miller's approach to dealing with difficult situations, such as the allegations of sexual harassment, where he chose not to focus on the negative aspects and instead emphasized the label's commitment to its artists. He believes that this approach helped maintain a positive atmosphere within the community and allowed the label to continue operating despite the challenges.
In an interview, Miller discussed his thoughts on writing the memoir, which was initially motivated by the idea of sharing his experiences with others but ultimately evolved into a more nuanced exploration of the music industry and independent labels. He emphasized the importance of optimism and passion in maintaining a successful indie label, even in the face of adversity.
Overall, "The Hours are Long But the Pay is Low" offers a candid and insightful look at running an independent record label, highlighting the challenges and triumphs that come with pursuing one's passion.