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Column: LA Based and Signed v.2
The Band: Compilation
Label: Trampoline Records
The Album: Greatest Hits V.1
Release Date: September 3rd
Website: www.trampolinerecords.com
Trampoline Artists: LA based artists Peter Himmelman, The Minus 5, Mavis, Gary Jules, Pete Droge, Phil Cody, Jukebox Junkies, Minibar, Evan Frankfort, Pete Yorn, Gingersol, Jeff Trott, Ethan Johns, Rusty Truck, The Hang Ups, Xander Sky, Happily Ever After and Sake Sushi Orchestra.
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Interview w/ The Wallflowers Keyboardist, Trampoline Records Label Founder Rami Jaffee:
There is good reason why Rami Jaffee exudes a child-like enthusiasm about his latest project. “I have everything I could want,” he says after sitting in with the Jukebox Junkies at the Hotel Café, “now it’s time to be a mench.” It is almost midnight when Jaffee finally leaves the Hotel Café to call it a night. Although he is tired from a long day recording with the Wallflowers and jamming with his friends, he still flows with the same positive energy he did when we met nearly 12 hours earlier at his home. It was there where Rami and I sat down to discuss his fledging “Trampoline Records” which he co-founded along with Pete Yorn and Jukebox Junkie’ Marc Dauer. The label is getting ready to release its first compilation, the aptly titled, “Trampoline Records Greatest Hits Vol.1,” which features 18 artists including local favorites Peter Himmelman and Minibar. And while the label may be a grassroots endeavor, they are backed by an amazingly consistent compilation and a self-professed commitment to expose the world to good music.
Inside his recording studio, Rami Jaffee sits across from me scanning through the liner notes of “Greatest Hits Vol 1.” He points out to me pertinent biographical information of all the artists on the label. It soon becomes clear that the 18 artists on the record are key members of a musical community with which Jaffee, Yorn and Dauer have surrounded themselves. A good majority of the artists involved in Trampoline’s first project have collaborated with each other and/or the labels three co-founders. “There are stacks of CD’s in here, and all of them are from great songwriters and friends,” explains Jaffee, as he points to loose records around the studio. “For this first compilation it took Pete, Marc and I only three and a half hours to pick the18 bands.” The quickness in which the record was compiled is also a testament to the trio’s shared musical interests. It is this convergence of musical tastes that Jaffee believes will make future Trampoline releases successful brand name products. “From what I notice, with any small label like [Trampoline Records] you want the people to depend on [the product] they are going after.” He continues, “Its great that there is three of us whose tastes, although diverse, still meet up somewhere within pop, singer/songwriter or even slightly eclectic.”
More than a balls out, bang for the buck record label, Trampoline Records is a project built around love and community. It gives independent artists who were not properly represented by the major labels a chance to broaden their fan base, while it affords other musicians like Ryan Adams’ co-writer/producer, Ethan Johns, an outlet to share their own music. The compilation, which will be available via the Trampoline website, can also be purchased beginning September 3rd at Barnes and Noble. And while the idea of a compilation usually leaves a bad taste in one’s mouth, “Greatest Hits Vol. 1.” avoids the usual shortcomings. While most compilations play like a rag-tag collection of songs, “Greatest Hits Vol 1.” manages to play like a cohesive record. Instead of focusing on an assortment of musical genres, the album showcases artists who are willing to explore the broad confines of the pop genre. “I stand behind all these bands, and I just want to share it” Jaffee asserts. “ I mean you get to a certain point and realize it only costs a buck fifteen to make a CD with art work-that’s amazing; I’d hand them out all day.” He begins to chuckle, “Obviously, that might change after I hand out 4000 of them and realize we’ve given away 4000 dollars. Then it may be like, lets not hand any more out.”
Beginning August 31st, the label will launch its first “Trampoline Records Night” at the Hotel Café. The night is virtually an extension of the popular “Rami Jaffee and Friends” jams, that had been previously held at The Mint, Viper Room and Canter’s Kibitz Room. Several prominent Trampoline artists will appear together on these nights showcasing the labels communal aspect. More information about Trampoline Records and its upcoming events can be found at www.trampolinerecords.com
Article by: Scott Dudelson
Email: ScottD@thelamusicscene.com
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