Robby Takac of Good Charamel Records and Goo Goo Dolls  -by J

After you have struggled many years as a musician, finally achieved success, and aren't quite ready to hang it all up yet...what do you do?

You give back in the best way you can.  Robby Takac of the Goo Goo Dolls is in the Buffalo NY area, and he saw so many new bands that wanted to give it a shot, that he decided to start his own independent record label - Good Charamel Records.

With bands as diverse as The Juliet Dagger, klear, and Last Conservative, Good Charamel  is on it's way to making a difference in the local scene, and beyond.

Robby Takac was kind enough to answer a few questions we had about "the biz" via e-mail.

How did you locate the three bands whose albums you have released (Last Conservative, Klear, The Juliet Dagger?  What stood out for each of them?
I was building a studio in Buffalo and got to see a lot of bands in town. . . . these 3 stood out as being exceptional in very different ways from each other. . . . I felt a certain harmony in their existence within the same label as well as the same small city scene. Most importantly they all wrote great songs. . . that's where it starts, right ?

What kind of music specifically are you looking for?
Good music. . . .right now good music from Western New York.

Do you accept submissions?
Sure. . . . but for now we're concentrating on klear, The Juliet Dagger and Last Conservative's discs. . . .

What made you decide to start a new label?
I've always thought it would be fun, it turned out to be a lot of work, but it's still fun. . .B.and I saw all of the talent in town. . . . that was enough to make me want to give it a whirl. . . . . . . . all Sony has is a computer and some ideas. . . . I have that too. . . . . . . .

What makes Good Charamel Records different from other labels?
I run it. . . .

Why should an artist want to sign with Good Charamel Records?
To join the roster of bands of this quality. . . . . .

Who are you distributed by?
Oarfin Distribution and Digital Rights Association

What challenges have you faced in starting a new label?
I've done everything from A&R to engineering, producing, art, video, travel arrangements and securing all of the deals involved in getting a label up and running. . . . . . . .it's all been quite a challenge. . . . . .

Do you have any advice for someone who is thinking about doing a label?
Hang on tight. . . . .and pick some great bands with good people involved.

Who would be your "dream artist"
Depends on the day you ask. . . . . . . . . . .

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