Born and raised in Atlanta, GA, Gage has occupied a few different southern spaces before setting roots in California where he launched, back in '05, one of the most unique and voice driven music publications of all time, Aquarium Drunkard. Nearing its 20th anniversary, AD hosts a trully consistent forecast for the divine, the original and above all, the creative talents of artists, musicians, film makers, authors, etc. all under one cosmic roof. Its a matrix community of folks that appreciate rich culture, incredible human talent and above all, sharing these elements with their dedicated readers. It was a real pleasure speaking to the man behind it all about his humble beginnings, how he's sharpened his wonderful taste in the arts over time and what keeps Aquarium Drunkard going strong after all the years!

Born and raised in Jamestown, NC, Rayborn is a North Carolina legend. Having started TLR almost 25 years ago, Rayborn has made happen some of the greatest album releases this generation has ever had the pleasure of witnessing with works from Steve Gunn, Wooden Wand, Sonic Youth, Bardo Pond, SBHOTM, Hush Arbors, Daniel Bachman and countless others. In this interview we explore Rayborn’s youth growing up, getting into music - seeing Pylon play with R.E.M in ‘89, moving to the Durham/Chapel Hill area before relocating back to Jamestown, starting TLR, what’s on the horizon for the label and its artists and much much more.

- http://threelobed.com/tlr/

Michael Dixon lives and breathes vinyl recordings. He runs multiple successful vinyl companies – based on his longtime love of education, records, outsider art and repurposing junk into handmade art pieces. He makes records by hand, one at a time, on 1940’s record cutting lathes. He runs several record labels and travels the world teaching crowds at events and festivals the secret art of vinyl record production. Michael's vinyl mini-empire is delivering living documents that are deeply rooted in a rich history and treasured artifacts that travel well into the future.

From Dixon’s site:

Born in Seattle, WA before settling in Venice, CA, Hale was influenced by The Beatles, more specifically McCartney in his formative years. As his music taste sharpened and horizons expanded, he found himself gravitating towards bands such as Radiohead and Wilco. Having worked with the folks over at KCRW, Hale knew he wanted to be involved with music in someway and thus his friendship with Justin Gage (Aquarium Drunkard) and Gold-Diggers emerged! It was great talking to Hale about his childhood growing up, getting into music, his career in radio and more recent all his work at the LA venue Gold-Diggers!

Born and raised in West Texas, Brown was influenced in his youth by groups such as Smashing Pumpkins and of course the golden boom of MTV in the early 90’s. Brown launched his label Hippie Scum in 2020 right before the world caught fire from the chaos of the pandemic. Showcasing and honoring wonderful artists such as the great Cactus Lee and ZZZWalk. Hippie Scum is unique, does wonderful things and I was immediately drawn in and inspired by their incredible work and vibe as we explore Brown’s inspiration from the heavy Texas vibes of the 70’s, the DIY culture of cassette tapes and much more!

Born and raised in Athens, Alabama, Collins quickly became enamored with music from the likes of New Riders of the Purple Sage, Doobie Brothers Marshall Tucker Band before beginning his own adventures in sound with projects such as If Now and Or Darkless Order of the Midlife Divine. Collins launched his very own label, Sun Cru in 2021 that has supported artist and musicians such as the poetic wizard Little Wings, Wes Tirey and Dave Heumann. It was a pleasure speaking to Collins about growing in the south, moving to California, starting a label and all the bright and positive things in the near future!