Ipecac Recordings On 20 Years Of Music Business Success [INTERVIEW]

A rare feat in a challenging industry, Ipecac Records has managed to successfully turn a profit during each of its twenty years in operation. Here, founders Mike Patton and Greg Werckman sat down to with The Orchard to discuss the label's origins and what the future might have in store for it.

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Guest post by Meredith Nadeau of The Orchard's The Daily Rind

Ipecac Recordings celebrates 20 years in business this year, each year of which they have successfully turned a profit. Founded by Mike Patton of Faith No More and Greg Werckman, Ipecac was founded as a small solution for side projects and since then has snowballed into a full-fledged record label with noteworthy releases from artists like the Melvins, Daughters, Eagles of Death Metal, and Fantômas.

The label’s overall goals are simple: to offer an artist-friendly home to promising acts that don’t necessarily fit the mold of a traditional record label. Ipecac offers an honest, no-frills business that puts all creative control in the hands of their artists while maintaining a low operating cost. The concept has drawn many side projects and experimental albums that allow artists to break out of the box and make music for the sake of art.

We spoke with co-founder Greg Werckman about Ipecac’s perspective and how Ipecac became the label to help “purge you of the drek that’s been rotting in your tummies.”

The Orchard: Tell us about the early days of Ipecac. What are some important takeaways from those first few chapters?

Greg Werckman: Mike and I were not setting out to create a fully functioning record label. We were looking to set up an outlet for Mike’s projects outside of Faith No More. We thought it would be a very niche thing. As we started putting it together we heard from other musician friends were either not happy with the labels they were working with or did not have a home for a particular project. One of those bands, the Melvins, quickly asked to be a part of it by releasing a trilogy of Melvins records over the course of one year to kickstart their Ipecac output. Having two of Mike’s side projects (Fantômas & Maldoror) and the Melvins trilogy immediately turned things into a “real” label. That first Fantômas record sold way more than we expected out of the gate — it’s still one of our best selling releases. We quickly realized there were music fans around the world who were up for challenging, unique music: Music that was not intended for radio or that didn’t receive loads of media coverage. We built a loyal fanbase and have been very fortunate to keep most of our artists onboard. We also found out that if you are honest with artists and send them statements and royalty checks on time most are very happy. Something as simple as a royalty statement should not be taken for granted. We did not ever want this label to be about us; it has always been and will continue to be about the artists.

You emphasize creative freedom. How would you define your version of creative freedom?

The way we define creative freedom is to include the artist in every step of the process if they wish to be a part of it. Obviously the creation of the content but also the design of the artwork and packaging as well as the promoting, marketing, and advertising of each release. Our deals are one record licensing deals so the artist never loses ownership of their work. That IS creative freedom.

What’s your favorite part of the process when releasing new music (ie brainstorming, planning, recording, release day)?

I’m still a music lover, so the best part is getting introduced to new and unique music from around the world and then getting that chance to share it with others. It’s also very nice becoming friends with so many super talented artists and sending them royalty checks.

If you could work with any artist (past or present), who would you collaborate with?

For me, without a doubt, it would be Sigur Ros.

In your twenty year history, what has been your proudest moment?

Well, in all honesty, the proudest moment is having so many artists that enjoy working with us and that want to be part of the Ipecac family. Our business is not set up like most. We don’t “own” any of our releases, we borrow them from the artists. Music “professionals” might think that’s insane. Sending a royalty check to someone that has been in the music industry for awhile and has never seen a royalty check or, in many cases, a royalty statement, is a moment of pride. And yet we are still around and going strong.

What are the biggest challenges you face as a label?

Easily the biggest challenge is breaking or finding a fanbase for a new artist. It’s not as easy to get attention.

Looking ahead, what’s next for Ipecac Recordings?

We will continue to embed ourselves in music and good people. At this point we have a collection of friends/artists that continue to make music and introduce us to other talented artists. There is plenty in the works from Patton and the Melvins as well as exciting bands like Daughters, Spotlights, and Human Impact that we are helping build. You can expect the next couple of years have very cool and surprising projects in the works. In no time we will be celebrating our 30th anniversary. A couple of old guys still promoting unique art.