I recently had the opportunity to interview Sean Patrick Rhorer, from Blood and Ink Records to learn more about the label.
- Who are you?
My name is Sean Patrick Rhorer and I help run Blood & Ink Records, along with owner and co-founder Jamie Nester.
- Tell us a bit about the label's history.
Blood & Ink Records started as the collaborative effort of Jamie Nester and David "Burrito" Villalpando to help release music by friends. Eventually, Burrito left to pursue other endeavors and Jamie took full control of the label's direction. Throughout the label's existence, the focus on being a Christian label has been vital... and continues to be so today. Jamie and myself have both experienced the power ministry-driven music can have on our lives and the lives of others, so we truly believe in offering others the same.
- What is your label's vision?
As I've mentioned, we place a large emphasis on being a Christian label. In fulfilling that, we seek out who we feel are some of the best Christian musicians presenting interesting and innovative takes on their respective genres. Ultimately, we'd love to expand our audience to as many people out there who are willing to give us and our artists a chance.
- Did you go through hard times, difficulties?
I can't help but sort of laugh/smirk at that one... running a label could easily be called one big "hard time." It's challenging to be a small independent label these days, especially since the music industry as a whole is fighting to stay afloat. Nevertheless, we believe in what we're doing and I think our faith helps bring strength to our efforts.
- What makes you different from other (Christian) labels?
Well, if you remove those parentheses from around Christian you'll have what makes us different. I think one of the most troubling things about so-called "Christian" music these days is the true lack of not only Christian messages, but also people living the life to back it up. All too often we hear stories of bands who say one thing on stage, but are living an entirely different way the rest of the time. We don't play that way. Jamie and I consistently pursue furthering our faith in our personal lives and we encourage our bands' members to do the same. Additionally, we will stop working with bands that persistently turn their backs on living the way God would want... and we have. I don't think you'll see very many other labels make those kind of tough choices, especially when they can inevitably mean making less money or gaining less notoriety.
- Where is your label located?
We reside in the city of Richmond, Virginia and we love it.
- Tell us something no one knows about your label.
We don't have an office... people find that kind of bizarre sometimes. Jamie and I just work from our homes.
- How many people are working in the company?
Currently, it's just the two of us, although we do have a number of people who help from time to time with various tasks.
- How many bands have you signed?
Overall? I think we're at just about 25 bands, with a few signings in the works... big surprises ahead!
- Who are your highest profile bands?
That'd probably be xLooking Forwardx (now on Facedown Records), With Blood Comes Cleansing (now on Victory Records), and Burden Of A Day (now on Rise Records).
- What album sold the most? And how many?
Between the original pressing and the reissue, xLooking Forwardx's "What This Means To Me" has sold almost 5000 copies I believe.
- Say I'm in a band and want to get signed by you. What would make the difference? (Attitude, lyrics, music, etc)
Obviously, the first thing is being good/talented. After you've jumped that hurdle, good lyrical content and positive Christian attitudes are a must. A willingness/eagerness to tour regularly would also be a huge advantage.
- What are the dreams your company embraces?
Honestly, I think the responses we occasionally get about how our label impacts people in a positive way fulfills our wildest dreams.
- Your final word?
Thanks for taking the time to ask me some questions and supporting the label. It means a lot to us!
God bless you.
Sean Patrick Rhorer
sean@bloodandinkrecords.com
Blood & Ink Records, Inc.
