The intent of our Label Profile feature is to simply highlight a record label that we feel aligns with our own belief here at The Fire Note that music is an experience.
Today we profile Animal Style Records. A huge thanks to Matt Medina for taking the time to answer our questions.
Make sure you visit the Animal Style Records site HERE and give them your support!
TFN: Who are you? Where is the label located?
Medina: Hello there. I’m Matt Medina and based out of Los Angeles.
TFN: When and how did the label start? Where does the name come from?
Medina: I started it in the summer of 2008 so I’ve somehow lasted for 5 years now… scary! The label was just an outlet to work with bands I liked and get their music out on vinyl. I never thought it would actually continue to be an active label.
The name is an homage to In-N-Out. I have an unhealthy obsession with food so it made sense.
TFN: How big is your current active roster?
Medina: We currently house 11 bands – I’m probably crazy.
TFN: What does Animal Style look for in a band? Is there a “Animal Style Records” sound?
Medina: I think it’s pretty simple – like the band and like the people. Everything I’ve done are records I love and that’s the basis of the label. I don’t think there’s a specific sound for the label, I like a variety of music and I hope the label reflects that. I like the idea of not having to adhere to just one style or genre.
TFN: Top 3 Animal Style Records releases? (This can be any reason like sales or the first release may be special)
Medina: I don’t think I could ever narrow this down to a top 3. I always think this is like asking a parent who their favorite child. Instead, I’ll say the 3 records I wish more people knew about:
The Fake Boys – Pig Factory
Wolves At Bay – I Was the Devil Once
Born Without Bones – Say Hello
TFN: How does vinyl fit into Animal Style Records’ overall strategy?
Medina: There’s not exactly a strategy involved but it’s certainly a priority. With the exception of two releases, I’ve done vinyl for everything and unless something catastrophically changes that will always be the case.
TFN: What is in the pipeline for the rest of 2013? 2014?
Medina: October and November are going to close out our 2013. Next month we have new LPs from Save Your Breath and Courtesy Drop, followed by a new Young Turks 7″ in November. 2014 will probably be busier than this year but those are all secrets, for now.
TFN: Name an album (classic or new) that gets plenty of airplay at the office?
Medina: New records from Restorations, Jimmy Eat World, The National, and Superchunk have dominated my ears this year.
TFN: Thanks again Matt. Animal Style Records – visit now!
A lifelong fan of new music—spent the '90s working in a record store and producing alternative video shows. In the 2000s, that passion shifted online with blogging, diving headfirst into the indie scene and always on the lookout for the next great release. Still here, still listening, and still sharing the best of what’s new.
- Christopher Anthonyhttps://thefirenote.com/author/canthony/
- Christopher Anthonyhttps://thefirenote.com/author/canthony/
- Christopher Anthonyhttps://thefirenote.com/author/canthony/
- Christopher Anthonyhttps://thefirenote.com/author/canthony/
Animal Style is the shit. Then again, so is any label that puts out Mixtapes records.