Exeter’s newest record label seeks to develop local music scene

On 17th February, indie-rock band The Maratones’ new album was released. What made this release different from any other preceding it was that it was the first for new Exeter record label PsychoBabble Records. Sam Bigwood - an Enterprise Academy student at Exeter College - created it to promote local music and to help bands struggling to record or release their music.

Motivated by frustrating and tiresome hours spent attempting to arrange recording sessions while in previous band False Alarm, he says it is often difficult for bands to locate suitable recording facilities in Exeter.

“Finding an actual recording studio in Exeter is really hard.”

Since starting the record label, Bigwood has relied on using the internet in order to connect with listeners through social media and to see the progress he has made on releases so far. At the same time, he is not fully depending on it with the intention of releasing CDs as well as offering free downloads.

Although he is busy running the label, Bigwood has several other commitments to balance at the same time such as completing college work and being in a band himself, so time management is a challenge for him at times.

Bigwood is enthusiastic about the local music scene and hopes that PsychoBabble will be able to benefit it in some way - especially with bands that may be at a disadvantage due to the expenses associated with recording, securing a record label contract and releasing albums.

“The band I'm recording with today can't necessarily afford a good recording studio or to record in a well-known place so it does help with that. The fact that they can earn some money from selling their CD means it can help them grow a bit or book some more gigs - whatever they want to do really.”

He is keen on keeping the label inclusive of bands and artists interested in recording or releasing their music that need the support to do so.

“If anybody sends me any demos I’ll have a listen. I’m open to anything really.”

There are ambitious plans for the summer months with PsychoBabble hoping to record more bands in May and June for releases later this year. Bigwood is confident that his label will make a difference and positively develop Exeter’s local music scene.

To find out more about PsychoBabble Records, visit www.facebook.com/PsychoBabbleRecords or www.twitter.com/PsychoBabble4.