Matt Kadane stepped into the record store with a cassette tape in hand ... I believe they had just finished a gig at the Bar of Soap, which was a few doors down. The tape was not of the current band that had just played, but of a new project which he and his brother Bubba had been working on. At the time, my listening "room" was a cassette player inside my Datsun B210 car. My theory was ... if a band could sound good running through the shitty sound system and be enjoyed through the outdoor road noise while cruising ... then the band passed my quality assurance test. Bedhead passed.
I gave the phone number on the cassette a call, and met Bubba Kadane. I felt an immediate liking of Bubba. We held the same “sarcastic” or rather realistic viewpoint on the music industry, kindred spirits you might say. We forged a partnership for not only Bedhead’s first and second release, but also in keeping the record label alive. The same methodic attention to detail in Bedhead’s music was carried through in every step of production for their first release. These guys’ recorded the most beautifully haunting music with the use of a 4 track system. When recording, they strategically placed the mics on metal folding chairs, delivering depth and intensity to the recording. Talent does not require money, talent requires creative ingenuity. Not only was this Bedhead’s methodology, but this was Direct Hit’s basis for establishment. For Direct Hit, the synergy of working together, and the energy that was created in partnering, simply generated… more. The second release was inevitable. Bedhead’s fans were demanding more, and Bedhead produced. These guys were workhorses. By the time the 2nd release came out, their fans had swelled into a "following". I had the pleasure of recommending them for an opening spot with Fugazi and Blonde Redhead, and in my book they held their own and then some ... stacking right up against these two widely recognized bands. When I became pregnant, I became crazy. Thanks to Bubba and all of his work, he helped keep me going. He initiated the production of a promotional Cassette tape that not only included Bedhead, but also the other bands on the label. This is the D.I.Y. ethic I'm talking about. Like a proud mother, I am so happy that there are more releases from Bedhead. Produced on much larger labels, this helps share their beautiful music with a much larger fan base. If you haven't already, pick one of these up ... you will not be disappointed. |
Side A: Bedside Table
Side B: Living Well Record Art: Frank Goodenough Members:
Recorded by: Bedhead (4 track) Side A: The Rest of the Day Side B: I'm Not Here Record Art: Bubba Kadane Members:
Recorded by: Side A recorded by Bedhead, Side B recorded by Bedhead and Paul Quigg |