Jody Stephens Answers Questions about Ardent's new record label
MF: What is your title as it pertains to the "mainstream" Ardent Music label?
JS: A&R rep
MF: How do you think people (both the public and music critics) will judge what you put out on Ardent Music in the future against both the rich history of Ardent's past and Ardent Records' more recent success in the Christian music world?
JS: Music critics see things and make observations based on many different angles...the music itself, players history, label history...to add depth to a story. I think the average listener hears a song and it either connects or it doesn't. For me, there can be a pretty impressive history and story associated with a piece of music but the bottom line is ...does the song make some emotional connection? Not too different from how we respond to food..are we crazy about it and can't get enough of it, is it pretty good, ok? Or don't think I'll try that again. All the peripheral stuff doesn't really matter.
MF: As far as signing other artists in the future is concerned- are you looking locally, regionally, and/or nationally? Is there any other artist that you're looking at that you could tell me about?
JS: The band/artist personalities and music connecting with those here at the label are the primary factors in our deciding to work with a band. The economics of a long distance relationship will play a role as well.
MF: What does the future hold for Ardent (this could include any label or studio projects)?
JS: With regard to the studio, Jason Latshaw is currently working with an incredible 3 piece rock band called Super 400. They are all great players that benefit from a "traditional" studio like Ardent as the space allows them to set up as a band, have eye contact and inspire each other as they play. John Hampton is just beginning a mix project with Chikuzen, a pretty cool Japanese pop R&B artist. As music taste turn back toward "performance driven" players I think studios like Ardent will benefit.
As for the label, finding the right artist that both connects with us, makes economic sense, and most of all, connects with enough people (sales) so that we all can continue doing this is challenging. We will see how our taste line up with the general public's.
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