criminalrecordz.com

Want a REAL OPPORTUNITY to own your own record label?

Criminal Recordz — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 20:30:13 +0000

A lot has changed in five years, since we embarked on this endeavour. Not only on the business and personal front, but the mainstream music business has shifted into the domain that was once our own to occupy. I have invested thousands of pounds of my own money to get us to the point where we are now, which is only one part of why I am loath to stand by and see this business sucked up by one of the big boys.In this time I have lost two family set ups, in the the first instance not of my own fault (although perhaps my efforts to establish the company did not help) in the second absolutely my own fault and the consequences are something I struggle to live with every day.However the one point in my life that has remained a constant has been this company, despite the many challenges Criminal Recordz had been the flotsom amongst the jestom in my life. Therefore it with mixed feelings that I now find other businesses looking to assimilate our little co-operative. This is both a complement and a challenge - therefore before I accept one of these proposals, I wanted to open the opportunity to our friends and fans - who will have the intent and believe to keep the spirit of our project alive. Whilst the offers on the table are perfectly valid, I am not sure it is simply the infrastructure and the brand that we have worked for that they are buying. The capitalist in me says yeah, screw the values and take the money - however this company means more to me that any monetary value, so if you feel you have the energy and the intent to take this forward; email me with your proposal to:Kelvin@criminalrecordz.comNo rubbish, this is a REAL OPPORUNITY to take over a business as a going concern and will include:Instant access to global digital distribution, Website, online commerce and a domain name inclusive of hosting/email and database support - plus exclusive licenses to our back catalogue and PPL status - this took us 18 months to achieve - and it can be yours! Whilst it is now east to get your music out there, why not take the next step and hold your own mini empire.I need to make a decision before the end of April, so I wanted to offer it to you all before that time - I would rather see this entity go to a friend than some faceless business, even if this means taking a financial hit.I am not putting a price on this opportunity, trust me I have been offered plenty of cash - what these offers do not have is spirit, so tell me what you can do and offer what you can - who knows this could all be yours!

Forget Nailing A Hippy to a tree, find me an MP or a PC (or both!)

Criminal Recordz — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 14:35:13 +0000

Last time I wrote I spent some time ranting about all insundary - infact that appears to be the main thrust of all my recent posts. I would like to say that this one will be rant free - however that would be setting myself up to fail

So lets start with a good news story - our Brooklyn bretheren ViceLounge have been beavering away in the lab and have an exciting new release availiable from our friends at RecordBreakin- http://www.recordbreakin.com/vicelounge.html The track is an astounding remix of Dear Man featuring the spellbinding Dee Ferguson, the original version can be heard on the Vice Lounge Presents album releases with ourselves last year http://vicelounge.com/2009/03/30/viceloungepresents/ However this is a unique opportunity to gain a piece of vinyl that will be worth every penny of your credit crunched cash :-) Release date for this single is 21st April 2009

Speaking of releases, The Orchard have finally removed their finger from their oversized asses and gotten the Dave Dark Album to the stores, so you can expect to see this wonderful soul saving album in your download stores very soon - including I-Tunes, 7digital, Amazon, Emusic (ad infinitum)

We here at Criminal Recordz were founded in the halls of ‘justice’ - for those of you who were unaware, the whole reference came about from two admin clerks working in the local court surrounded by ‘criminal recordz’ - seemed only naturaly that they should name their idea for the peoples record label after these bundles of ‘evidence’ and lawyers financial claims.

I have witnessed first hand the inner workings of ‘justice’, both as an impartial administrator and have also been on the recieving end of Police ‘investigations’ - one such operation included 8 heavily armoured riot officers decending on my house following ‘intelligence’ that a dangerous criminal was being harboured in my house along with my 3 week old child. Wrong address on the warrant…no connection to any activity whatsoever - settled out of court and a week an admission of guilt on their part. I wont even go into detail (right now) of the numerous occasions I have witnessed in court proceedings that either wasted money, persecuted the innocent or folded down to the sheer incompetancy of the Ministry of Justice and its minions.

However I consider myself extremely lucky considering the pictures that have been on view this week of that balaclavered cocklimpit of an ‘officer’ beating an innocent passer by at the G20 protests.

Are there moves to try and stoke a revolution in this damn country? Cos any more pictures like this, or government ministers raping the public purse - are likely to cause me to rip my own arm off set fire to the hand and storm parliament! If there the ‘officer’ who apparently caused this mans death does not recieve a suitable investigation and/or charge, then what faith whatsover can we have that our leaders have our interests in mind at all? In those circumstances, does the ballot box help?

No…Refuse….Resist…

Now on a positive note, we are recieving over 300 hits a day from all over the world so I guess we are doing something right :-) Many thanks to you all for taking the time to stop by, your support means everything to us. Best wishes to you all and we hope there is peace and hapiness in your world over this holiday season.

Business Model A + Business Model B can kiss my shiny metal ass

Criminal Recordz — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 17:19:34 +0000

I have noticed a couple of trends developing as people and businesss adapt to the current market conditions. The other day I popped into a bank to get a leaflet on a savings account so we can start squirreling something away for my 6 week old Son Dax. Within seconds we were pounced upon by some chap in a suit who appeared to use the same ‘Silver Fox’(tm), hair colouring as grand master Phillip Schofield - although with all the charm of Gordon the Gopher. After trying to sell me life insurance - despite my indications that only savings were required - our names were taken and we were herded off like French veal calves to a section to await our fate. Now mrs criminal recordz was a little concerned that we could not simply walk out, so we hatched a plan of escape. Mrs Criminal Recordz would distract our captives by showing a bit of leg - whilst Dax and I made a run for it…it was a crazy plan but desperate times call for desperate measures. Any way - my point is that the hard sell is like that spotty ginger moonfaced crybaby at a party - so desperate for someone to snog he drives everyone away - ergo: desperation is the most unnattractive quality in anyone or anything. So bye bye Nationwide, my business will go else where.

Next is the business that cuts back, reduces overheads - streamlines their operation - to the point where the service that was once a keen selling point is now but a distant memory. Maybe we do not bring in enough revenue for The Orchard to want to pay us the attention they once did, which is a shame as it now puts us in a position where we are considering whether our business will be better served else where. This is distinctly short sighted, as I doubt we are the only label out there who do not receive replies to emails - or important communications are never sent out to us (or too late to react to), or deadlines are not met… Well lets see how the largest digital distributor copes when the new blood and future of the music business copes when the DIY labels - literally do it theirselves. Rather than having our artists hard earned cash sucked out of their asses before it is even in their mouths. Who knows maybe the market is having a deeper effect on them than they are letting on (I mean who else moves offices giving customers a weeks notice?), either way it aint gonna get any better when they are left without a pot to piss in!)

I do not know the future (well even if i did I would be daft to advertise the fact - too many begging letters ha ha) what I do know is that just cos the market gets tough, a business has zero chance without any customers - no matter how big a company you are. And these two models are likely to lead you to that big fat zero.

Any how - Dave Dark and The Sharks - The Gazebo Effect should availiable in all good download stores now - however it is not, but fear not - follow us on twitter http://twitter.com/criminalrecordz for exclusive news this week of a limited edition release coming your way very soon!

Random Daily Twitterings for 2009-03-07

Criminal Recordz — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 17:00:00 +0000

longing for the speed of the jagwar - go powerrangers #
has rediscovered ugly kid Joe #
loving the wine in a ‘futurepak’ its like wine, but from the future! #
wondering where autrocracy ends and dictatorship ends #
or maybe begins, but hey; dont tell me what to do man #
“please rush me my walrush polishing kit…4 handy sized brushes to polish even the most difficult sea mammal” #
not sure how officicially RT,but fountain of music knowledge@JoelyAh discovered these chaps http://www.myspace.com/thehotmelts- rathergood!! #
what would you say to God? http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7929799.stm #
RT@JoelyAh fountain of music knowledge discovered these chaps http://www.myspace.com/theh… rathergood to say the least #
you have to check out Skint by http://www.myspace.com/LEIGHSTOKESMUSIC! #
do you recall the day they turned Jif to Cif? www.elliot-mason.co.uk - why do things change??! #

Save the world, Burn a banker.

Criminal Recordz — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 13:00:47 +0000

The tone of my previous post was a little harsh on reflection, however born out of frustration and fear; whilst I am sorry for any direct inferences drawn - I am still on the front foot to push our business and artists forward. We are fighting to keep our heads above water more that we would like, when we recieve our payments from our distributuion partners it is on a quartly basis - however on each release it costs us more that the monies recieved in the first instance and it takes time to regain that - infact after 18 months of releases we are finally in the black. That said frustratingly, our bank has begun imposing charges on our account (despite an understanding that our account was charge free, after all we recieve no interest from them and no services, so what the f*^k we are paying for I have no idea.

In this regard, I would like to send some additional fury in the direction of the scum sucking banker filth at RBS - www.giveupthebonus.co.uk

Whilst John Prescott has a media image as a northern, overweight buffoon - he is the ONLY politician who has challenged the bullsh*t apologies that fell out of these thieving fu*kwits mouths this week. Gordon Brown needs to grow a backbone and ‘comical Ali’ needs a damn eyebrow wax, even before you get round to giving that mono-browed mindless eunuck a going over. Please head over to the link above or join the Face Book Group and lets make a stand against these corporate arseholes - forget a witch hunt - they hang bankers from every corner in every town by the short and curlies!

Now in other news - we have two wonderful good news stories this week - firstly my Son Daxton Henry Templeton-Jones was born at 8:50 on 6th February a healthy 8 pounds 3 - he is awesome, no two ways about it. Also I have heard today that our electro Magician Nineee (www.myspace.com/Nineee) his new Son Alfred has also joined us - so the future of Criminal Recordz is in their hands - Alfred on Guitar and Dax on Drums

Dont forget to check out the new HD version of the Dave Dark Promo on our Myspace Channel, Facebook Page or You tube channel.

Thanks for taking the time to read this and your continuing support.

When The Night Is At Its Darkest - There’s A Dave At The End Of The Tunnel

Criminal Recordz — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 12:50:47 +0000

We have had a lot of difficult times over the past two and half years, all of which we have come through the other side - relatively unscathed. If there is one thing I have learned in this time, that quite often things are never as bad as you might think - even in that moment when it may seem that there is no way out. Then I remember the saying, ‘the night is at its darkest, just before dawn’ and this sums up my week entirely. I recieved an email earlier this week that pulled me from my feet and slammed me hard against the floor (ironically this then occured in reality whilst attempting to walk through the snow yesterday ha ha)

I have learned that the lines between business and friendship can never be blurred, whilst a friendly approach works some of the time - it leaves you incredibly vulnerable and that is a position that I will not tolerate, so we are on a new playing field today - this time I am manager, player and the damn referee.

Whilst painful at the time, I think i needed to hit the floor to really understand what it is that I needed to do, my initial response was laced with the sadness and dissapointment - however that soon subsided and has been replaced by cold relentless logic - coupled with a fire of creative thinking and confidence to make some bold decisions. The seeds have been planted, now we wait for the fruits to grow - some may recieve their portion of the harvest faster than others. All I shall say for now, is we aint dead - but check your own pulse as you just might be…

Exciting news this week the long awaited Dave Dark And The Sharks Album is on its way, everything has been set up and we now await the orchard to work their magic - the release date is set for March 2nd 2009 - however it is also availiable on a limited special edition pre-release in selected local music stores. If you are not lucky enough to get your hands on a copy, then head on over to our YouTube Page and there is a brand new promo video featuring tracks off the Gazebo Effect Album. Shot in New York and featuring Mr Phil Webster. Which I hope it will wet your appetite for what is a wonderfully eclectic mix of pure musical genius.

I can hardly believe it has been so long since I last wrote, so apologies for the lack of comms - however if you want to keep a closer eye on whats going on here at criminal recordz towerz you can now follow my shinanigans on Twitter - criminalrecordz.

Regular readers will be aware that my Son (Daxton) was due to be born last week, however I understand early feb is a big party month for feotus’s so I think he has pushed that date back a week or two - much to Mrs Criminal Recordz dismay. But in the mean time any ‘come on out baby’ wishes you can send our way would be greatly appreciated.

Paddy Taylor - When You Coming Home - Charity Single for Help For Heroes - Exclusive Pre-Release 30/11/08

Criminal Recordz — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 20:35:55 +0000

It has been one uber busy week here, whilst there are some ongoing negotiations which I hope will bear fruit in the new year, these have to some extent been superceded by the exclusive pre-release of ‘When You Coming Home’ by the one and only Paddy Taylor. I have seen Paddy play a few times this year and was delighted when he got in touch to talk about this project and am very proud to be involved in helping raise a lot of money for a very worthy cause - Help For Heroes This track will be on a global digital release through our usual outlets in early 2009, however we have just added an exclusive pre-release download from www.criminalrecordz.com/store I think you will agree that Paddy is an incredible song writer and of you want to see some more of this brilliant artist, check out the new updated Criminal Recordz Music TV channel. I would like to thank on Paddy’s behalf Mel Easthope for her time and talent. And all at old blackmiths studio especially rich for great ear for music and giving time free of charge. Also I would like to thank for their hard work in helping spread the word of this track on myspace Wild Cat PromotionsThere is a brand new Paddy section on the forum, so Paddy fans old and new can cyber stalk him from there or head on over to his myspace to hear and discover more from this brilliant musician.

ZENFO - 3/12/08 - JABEZ CLEGG, MANCHESTER, M13 9GB

Criminal Recordz — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 20:30:00 +0000

Music promoters (masters of the Brownian Envelope Motion at the end of the night), it would be unfair to tar people with the same brush - but I think we have all been there when promised the moon on a stick, only to end up with a half-frozen Iceland Prawn Ring. I wonder sometimes cycnical/lazy attitudes are gained the longer someone works in the music business, or are they simply upwardly mobile drug dealers who has climbed the greasy pole of vagabonds and neer do wells? With the next step of course being a mulleted creepy ‘talent’ agent, or perhaps for the truely upwardly mobile a phones 4 you sales man. This little post isnt inspired by any direct problems, more of me spouting off on behalf of all of you who have been stitched up, robbed, sold a little old lady who likes mint imperials, or the deeds to the eifel tower or a self cleaning sanitary towel.

Now for some thing entirely selfless (well it is nearly xmas and even though I have not seen the coca cola advert yet , christmassy is a phase already being banded around here)- I am giving all our friends t’up north here in the UK a headz up on one brilliant evening to be had with our friends ZENFO

03-12-2008 Zenfo Live - Winter Party - Jabez Clegg Manchester
Portsmouth Steet, Manchester, Northwest M13 9GB
Cost: £5

These guys are simply outstanding, cracking flow, genius poetik rhymes making them one of the most exciting acts on the UK hip hop circuit. Radio one Xtra DJ Trevor nelson loves em, we love em - so check em out so you love them too! Tickets are selling out fast so to make sure you get yours before the bandwagon - Contact: r.mclaughlin@destroymanagement.com

Good Times

Criminal Recordz — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 13:40:43 +0000

After the political tub thumping of the recent weeks, its business as usual for the blog today. As I alluded to a few weeks ago, we have been making some changes behind the scenes which are just about complete. Tightening up things in this way, should allow us to weather the financial storm whilst still pushing forward. In this regard I have been in conversations this week with the management of a brilliant group of artists. Whether or not this heralds a change in direction for us as a label is perhaps unclear at the moment, although personally I would never want to see the label pigeonhole itself to a specific genre or style. Our key objective has always been and as long as I am here always will be about recruiting diverse, energised, talent - it is these parameters that have led us to the wonderful selection of artists we are currently working with, so if it aint broke dont fix it

There is some good news for Dave Dark fans, I can confirm that the finishing touched are being applied to The Gazebo Effect Dave fans can look forward to getting their hands on this genius early 2009. We are really excited about this release and the buzz that is being generated following plays by Tom Robinsons Radio 6 show and Rob Da Bank is really quite tangiable.

Nineee has been beavering away also on some new tracks - he has given me a sneaky glimpse of his new track ‘My Boy’, it features some wonderful deep south style guitar work with his trademark electro licks. Inspired by his baby boy due in feburary it has a really cute loving feel to it and with my own baby son on his way also early next year - it is really nice to have a good friend to share the experience with.

Sales in the last quarter have risen by over 30%, which is very encouraging especially in the current climate and it is not just the new releases that are generating sales - some of our older releases are really starting to pick up speed now, maybe the reality of Criminal Recordz Towers and games of Lady Boy Chess could be a reality after all.

Well thats pretty much it for now, more soon.

Spirit of change…Vote Obama!

Criminal Recordz — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 14:22:36 +0000

Looking over the past year both on a personal scale and a wider scale there is change everywhere. Not just a change of underwear or preference of instant coffee, but serious and in some cases painful change. It’s perhaps no wonder that the Death card in a pack of Tarot cards heralds significant change. Times like these cause me to reflect on thoughts of fate, destiny and some wider connection with life the universe and everything. I guess it is like when my television decides it doesn’t want to work in the middle of my favourite show, then I want to know whats going on and how these things work (or dont work) So I have been wondering if these micro and macro changes are reflected around the world or am I making connections that I want to see? Like the alchemists of old, filling the gaps in their knowledge with wild leaps of imaginative assumption.

What is the alternative? That a spirit of change is sweeping the globe, in some cases raising the old to the ground to allow fresh life to grow or shifting energies to allow young energies to move forward. This is all very airy fairy, of that I am sure - however on a day where the United States stands on the precipice of what was once an unimaginable change - we must all wonder how this will impact on our own lives - even though we are merely bystanders to this spectacle.

With this in mind we may even consider where we as individials fit into this event - when our grand children grow up and look back upon this day - what questions will they ask us? Will we have seen a real change that will affect the foundations of the way in which we live? Or will those with a vested interest (variable over 25 years to be repaid in blood), take the prize and our hopes for a better future with it? Or has the universe already conspired against them, by way of the credit crunch?

I heard a quote recently that said the universe is organised/chaotic just enough to support faith whilst still asking questions of the individual to take that leap. I hope that everyone who has change in their lives on this day will take courage as they decide which side to leap and those of you who are voting today - will vote for OBAMA!