Come and read what Mark Lee Townsend and Mark Mattingly had to say about the label they operate : Brave New World.

Who are you?

MT: Mark Lee Townsend
MM: Mark Mattingly

Tell us a bit about the label's history?

MT: Formed from the ashes of a failed label group in 2005.
MM: I met Mark T. while I was at Mono vs Stereo. I liked him, he liked me. So I helped him re-launch the label in May 2006.

What made you create the label?

MT: We saw the need years ago for artists to be developed outside the traditional label means because we felt the music business was going to change and not support the thinking of the major label model.

What is your label's vision?

MT: To sign and support artists who we feel have major label talent and an entrepreneurial work ethic but also have a realistic grasp of the decline of the industry. We are looking for artists to work with us in all phases of the business to further their careers and ours. If an artist wants a big advance, their ego stroked, someone to do all the work for them or smoke blown up their tails, we are not the label for them...
MM: ha. To work with artists and make a difference and have fun in the process.

Did you go through hard times, difficulties?

MT: We are still crawling out from under the implosion of the failed label group we were a part of. It was based on the traditional model and it failed miserably, lost a lot of money and wasted time and talent. It’s a hard thing to be held back by other people’s failures, but we are dealing with it and in time it will be overcome.
MM: The industry is changing a lot and I think people are over thinking it, music is art but its also entertainment and people want to be entertained. We (as an industry) need to create those new ways.

What makes you different from other (Christian) labels?

MT: That’s a hard question. I think we have a specific vision of the kind of artist we will sign and not sign. We are very selective on A & R, which makes it different from the labels that sign 50 bands and throw albums into the market to see if they will hit and then don’t return phone calls when they don’t sell. We try to have a longer term vision for an artist, much like they did in the 60’s or 70’s. It’s a less profitable way to work up front, but in the end we believe we will be rewarded over time. In our system, if we are making money, it’s very likely our artists will as well, because we don’t purposely try to keep them in a state of non recoupment.
MM: Yeah, this is a tough question cause we are friends with a bunch of other labels in town and don’t think we are better, maybe just different. I’d say we make sure we are open to the bands opinions, it’s not just our way our the high way. With everything we like to keep the band involved.

Where is your label located?

MT: Nashville... Don’t hold that against us.
MM: Country music capitol, we are a country label you know that right?

Tell us something no one knows about your label?

MT: We currently have the worlds smallest label office...
MM: ha yeah we do.

How many people are working in the company?

MT: Either 2 or 5 currently, depending how you count.
MM: Mark and I.

How many bands have you signed?

MT: 2 over the last 2 years. We have several in the hopper waiting for us to expand the label.

Who are your highest profile bands?

MT: The Wedding and Deas Vail.
MM: Both bands and as we grow we want each band to be “high profile” bands.

What album sold the most? And how many?

MT: The Wedding sold over 26K on the first album. Not bad for a small indie.
MM: We have 3 releases in the market place and they are all doing well for where the market is.

Say I'm in a band and want to get signed by you. What would make the difference? (Attitude, lyrics, music, etc)

MT: We look for specific qualities that appeal to us figuring it will appeal to others in the end. A quality vocalist is a must. We’re not looking for American Idol, but some quality that reaches out and grabs us. John Lennon would not make the first round of AI but he would be plenty good for us. Well written lyrics are important to us. More important than all of that, we are looking for quality believers in Christ that are committed to their faith and holiness to represent our label ideals to the masses.
MM: Be different, there is so many ways to differentiate your art. Everything sounds so similar these days, we want to hear things that are catchy but different. Every band has their influences but there is a difference in influences and ripping off other bands. Also, a band has to want it, in today’s industry they have to work just as hard. Like Mark said, we are not a label who will just hand everything out to a band on a silver platter. The bands that work hard will be the ones who make careers.

What are the dreams your company embraces?

MT: For our artists to be successful because that means we will be successful...
MM: To be where the Lord is pleased with our work in and out of the Church.

Your final word?

MT: It’s a tough time to be in the business but a great time to make music and impact the world for Christ. We know we will make mistakes like everyone else, but at the end of the day, it’s about having integrity and the music. The business will take care of itself in the end.
MM: Thanks for the interview and stay tuned to what is in store for Brave New World.