The Quadrangle

Issue date: 2/16/05 Section: News

Freshmen Brian Nowakowski and Brendan King recently started up their own music label, Bluebook Records, and are quickly making moves with several New York based bands. Their passion is undeniable, and their dedication to music is evident.

The two entrepreneurs are actually musicians themselves. "We realize that our music is not getting us any further," said Nowakowski. He went on to say that "a very small percent make it [in the music industry], we just want to help other musicians." King followed that up jokingly saying, "We need to live vicariously through them."

At this point, the label hasn't had any official signings but has made verbal agreements with both Stafford and The Rescue, two rock bands that can be found on purevolume.com, a website for independent bands to put their music and information. Stafford, a self proclaimed "rock, post hardcore" group out of Wanaque, NJ, is in the middle of putting together their own album titled "Correction: I'm Not Running." Long Island based band, The Rescue, describes themselves as "a five-piece melodic hardcore band hailing from the current `Mecca' of independent music. To listen to their singles, visit purevolume.com.

Bluebook is also in the midst of making deals with three other bands. Their plan is to record between two and three songs per band and produce a compilation album of all the tracks. If the album sells, the label will continue to work with the bands. In the meantime, Bluebook will be booking shows in the New York City area for all the bands they work with.

"The goal we've set ourselves is that in one year, we want to have one band on a major tour." The two freshmen would also like their bands to be invited to the CMJ, College Music Festival.

In order to do that, King and Nowakowski have quite a bit of traveling ahead of them in the next few weeks. This past weekend they were in New Jersey, which will be followed by a trip up to Boston. Soon after, they'll be heading to Long Island, Rochester, and Brooklyn setting up contacts and discussing logistics with their possible business partners.

"We're looking to take the music industry to the next level," said Nowakowski, "Our goal is to give the underrated yet extremely talented bands the recognition they deserve." That all begins with lots of meetings, however, where business logistics will be discussed. The label would like to have 100 percent control over business decisions. They feel that by helping these up-and-coming bands, the bands in return are getting Bluebook records into the mainstream.

The two stressed that they are always interested in fresh faces and new bands to work with. "We're looking for talented and dedicated musicians that can compliment our dedication and love for music. Feel free to contact us if you are willing to put in the time and effort to go the extra mile with us."

The members of Bluebook can also be heard on Manhattan Colleges WRCM radio station. With timeslots at 4:40 on both Wednesday and Thursday afternoons, there's plenty of time to get a feel for their take on the music industry.

Unlike many college students with dreams and aspirations that get thrown on the back burner until school is over, Brendan and Brian are truly committed to their love for music. "We pour our hearts into this business man," said Nowakowski. "We aren't messing around."

If anyone is interested in being a part of Bluebook Records, email them at Bluebookrecords@yahoo.com . They stressed that this email address will be strictly temporary as their website is under contstruction.

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