Love Rhombus Records
Free Recording Resources and Helping One Another in the Music Community
picture of felix
INTRO
What’s your name, your pronouns, and Instagram handle?
Felix, he/him/they, @realitysoda
So, you decided to begin this journey as a non-profit recording label. That’s exciting. Do you have a name for it or plan on having one?
Love Rhombus Records
What instruments do you play and which one is your favorite?
Guitar, bass, drums, piano, banjo, and sitar. My favorite one is a tie between bass and piano, or like synth.
What genres have you explored when producing music?
So far, indie, shoegaze, death metal, drum and bass jungle, house music, bossa nova, neo-soul, and a few others I can’t think of, at the moment.
What online platforms do you use to post your music?
Bandcamp for now, but I will begin putting my music on all streaming platforms sometime this year.
felix holds up his middle finger in front of a speed limit sign
QUESTIONS ABOUT GETTING INVOLVED IN MUSIC COMMUNITY AND THE PROCESS OF RECORDING
Why did you decide to create this non-profit recording label and do you have any partners?
I decided to do it because it’s been so hard to record for myself, so I can imagine how hard it is for others to access recording. I just want to give everyone I know the opportunity to record since they trust me and I trust them. We can build a relationship together. My friends Jeff (@tetsusaiga_scrotus) and Anthony (@tonyjoe_666) are my partners. These are like my main two people that have helped me with recording, like mixing and mastering.
Who influenced you to do this?
First, I would like to say my friends. Mark (@biiiig_dookie). My friend Jeff because he records his own music and beats. Same thing with Anthony. My friend Jay (@suave_youthe_plug). That’s like directly from people I encounter. Outside of my direct connections, Flying Lotus, Scientist, Squarepusher, ThunderCat, Jameszoo, Jah Shaka, Mikey Dread, Pachyman, and countless others have inspired me to record.
Is there a location for it or are you mobile?
I am mobile right now, so that my equipment is kept safe, until I move into my own place.
What is your setup? What equipment did you invest in now that you have made this official?
Tascam 32 track recording system, but we also have FL Studio and Ableton to record with, as well. And a couple of mics that I don’t know the names of right now. And for programs, we have superior drummer, which goes with FL Studio and all that, too.
picture of recording equipment
How many artists/clients do you have lined up now for recording?
Twelve.
Are you charging for this service?
No, I’m doing it just for the experience to build relationships with the artists and to have a safe space for them to create music. But donations are appreciated. I don’t charge anyone, anything.
Since it is free, what are the steps a musician will need to take in order to record with you? How will they need to prepare before making a scheduled appointment for a recording session?
You can reach out to me to schedule a session through Instagram. Let me know what your preferred pronouns are. Just knowing what you want recorded makes it easier because I don’t have to find out as I go. Show me some songs you have, so I get a sense of what music you want to make. Show me what artists influence you, so I know what to bring. Or if you’re a solo artist, let me know what instruments to bring, so I can help in any way I can, if needed. You will need a 32 gigabyte SD card, so I can save everything on there for you, or I can email it to you.
gif of felix eating and smiling
How do you make network connections in the music scene and how do you help each other out?
Well, in this current state, there are no shows happening, so it’s been about finding people on Instagram. Sharing people’s music has been helpful. I’ve been in the music community for over ten years now, so I’ve built a lot of relationships and made connections. After going to shows and stuff, I’ve been exposed to new artists by friends who have played with different artists. Just being exposed to different artists, playing with bands and liking what they do musically has helped me stay involved.
You told me last weekend that your mailman delivered your recording equipment and said he wants to make music with you when you’re settled with your recording studio. Can you talk more about this nice, little story?
So yeah, the mailman was interested in my recording unit and asked me what I was going to do with it and I laughed, like, “what else am I going to do with it?” We both laughed. We talked about basses and guitars. He showed me some music and some bands. He built pedals and wanted to keep in contact. His instagram is @reveriecircuitry. He said he may be moving to Portland, so I’m not sure what’s going to happen. I’m sure we’ll cross paths because I have friends up in Oregon.
What general tips would you give to people who want to get involved in the music scene?
Ask questions. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. That’s what I felt helped me the most. Because I’ll go up and ask “what gear do you use?” Ask what gear they use and influences they have. Pick their brain. Get Nardwuar with them. Somebody knows someone who can help you with something. Just don’t be afraid to ask.
Don’t be discouraged if you’re not able to get shows at first. It is pretty hard. Just keep trying.
Again, build good relationships with other bands and local bands. Show your support and hint like “Hey, I play music too”. Show them stuff that you’ve recorded, whether it be on your phone or on GarageBand. It’s always good to reach out.
Respect everyone.
Be alert and aware of weirdos. I don’t really know. There’s a lot of sketch people out there, too.
The more you put yourself out there and talk to people, the better exposure. Once you expose yourself, they’ll be like, “oh shit, I remember you!”
Be actively involved in your local music community. Even if it’s not local, like another county or whatever. Still make an effort to make connections and meet with these people because they can be something to your music community that’s lacking.
Be open to all genres, because someone might want you to play guitar or bass on a particular sound. Whether it be a hip hop track or a dance song, always try new things because it opens up opportunities. When it comes to music, listen to everything. You might not like it at first, but it’ll grow on you. There’s always something you can get from any kind of music, you know?
FELIX’S OPEN DISCUSSION:
Do you have anything else you want to add that you feel is relevant that I did not bring up?
I want everyone to know I’m here to help them to the best of my ability and to work with different levels of musicianship. I’m only here to be supportive, let you do what you want to do, and give you the freedom to create your music and passion. If you need help, I’m always out there to listen and just help you in any way I can, period. I have friends send me music at night and ask “what do you think of this?” and “do you want to add anything?”. We’ll come to a resolution with the song. I’m always creating myself, too. So, if I hear something I think would work well with your song, I’m here to collaborate with you in any way, shape, or form.
And I hope all of you that are reading this, I hope you have a wonderful day and all that is going on in the world right now, we will get through this. Create a better world for further generations, so stay positive and keep on fighting for what is right.
picture of felix outside holding up a piece of food
