Isaac Green of StarTime International Records

A Spotlight on StarTime International Records

Several years ago, Isaac Green moved to New York and decided to start his own label. He had a promising band called The French Kicks on board, and the future looked bright for his label, StarTime International Records.

Over the years, Green's impressive roster has grown to include some of the most critically acclaimed indie rock acts from all over the country — The Walkmen, Brendan Benson, The Natural History, The Joggers, Northern State and Dios. Though the Walkmen have since outgrown StarTime and signed to Record Collection, a small imprint of Warner Bros, their success is just a testament to Green's keen and consistently rock solid taste in music.

We decided to poke into Green's past and get the skinny on StarTime.

Starting a label is a pretty bold venture. Can you tell us what you were doing up to the point you began StarTime?
Before running StarTime International I played in a third-wave ska band that drew most (but not) all of its influences from mid-60's Jamaican rocksteady. When that ran its course I moved to New York and worked as an assistant for a booking agent.

Why and how did you decide to start the label three years ago?
In the late 90s everything revolved around radio. So when a label released a record everyone would sit around and wait to see if it happened at radio. It was totally boring and depressing. I thought things could be done differently. I was only partially right.

How did you come across the French Kicks (your first signed band)?
I was working with another band that fit squarely in the garage rock mold. They played a show with the French Kicks. The Kicks blew my mind; all the swagger and threat of bands in the retro rock movement (like the Mooney Suzuki) but with new sounds, new songs, and a real edge instead of simple nostalgia. They could play like demons, sing like nobody's business, and I had no idea where they were coming from. It was so exciting.

Did it boost your label-starting cred to have been in Isaac Green & the Skalars?
No. People think they're outing me when they bring up my ska past — as if I should be embarrassed about it. I still love ska music still. I tried to sign the Slackers last year. I'm convinced that the Specials will still be mandatory listening 10 years from now. I doubt that about a lot of the half-assed "dance-rock" or "rock revival" acts that gets passed around so much these days.

What makes you want to sign a band to your label? Can you talk about some of the reasons you signed the bands currently on your roster?
I keep thinking there is a reason. In fact, tons of reasons exist, but they're all completely arbitrary. It takes time for me to want to sign a band. I need to listen to the music extensively. Then I try and figure out if I can make it work on StarTime. The label is small -- I can't just sign a band and hope the record sells because then chances are it won't. Once I'm ready to pursue an act, I have to see if they're willing to work on an independent level. That means a lot of touring, very little monetary support, and, essentially, a hard life. Not everyone wants to do that.

What is a typical record deal for bands on your label?
Two records with a 50/50 split.

Do you think with the major labels getting more and more consolidated, the indie will rise again?
They might. But it could take time.

If you could only name one album that completely defined you, what would it be?
No album defines me or the label aesthetic.

What has been most rewarding about owning your own indie label?
Releasing records that I'd purchase if I didn't own a label.

— Jin Moon and Jennifer Knoepfle


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