Today we’d like to introduce you to Rob Castellon.
Rob, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started Wiretap Records in 2014, really as what I believe to be a reaction I was feeling of being disconnected with new music. Although I worked in the entertainment/music industry, (alternative rock radio) I felt really disconnected with what was going on in small bars/clubs, in the punk/DIY music space, and in reality I was going through a time in my life when I stopped asking why?… and started asking myself “Why Not?”
My initial thought was more of a bucket list type scenario, and just put out a 7″ record with two local bands…and see how it went. Well, the first release sold fairly well, and here we are 4 years later… approaching 40 releases. Each release and each day has been a small step. I’ve been fortunate and above all patient with the growth and successes of the label.
Has it been a smooth road?
There’s been plenty of struggles. Finances. Time management. I’m a father of two, a husband and of course a day job. I’ve spent the last 4 years, putting in 3-4 hours after my kids go to bed, after working a 9-5 job and driving 1.5 hours to and/from daily to work.
Regardless, I’ve managed to keep motivated to keep doing it. There have been tough times and of course some really fun, amazing times. But like with any other better, there’s been plenty of times when I’ve questioned continuing. Like anything else, it gets tough.
Over the years, I’ve posted label news excitedly on social media and gotten 4 likes. I’ve put up preorders for a release and gotten 2 orders. I’ve gotten disheartened and said to myself.. fuck it… why bother? But I’ve also met some amazing people through it that all share my love for this community we all participate in. That’s what makes it worth it.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Wiretap Records – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Wiretap is an independent record label that primarily releases punk/pop punk/rock/alternative music, in both physical and digital form. I’m founded/started the label and still, for the most part, handle most duties. We actually recently added our first staff member, Jazmin, who will be handling Promotions/Marketing for the label. Some of the achievements I’m most proud of is, our bands have played festivals like Punk Rock Bowling, Warped Tour, FEST, Pouzza Fest, Musink, they’ve gotten radio airplay, have been placed on websites’ Top Albums of the Year lists.
Approaching our 4th year anniversary this September, I’d like to think we’ve assembled a roster of hard-working bands that we truly love and have helped further extend their music and exposed them to a wider audience. The one thing I’ve always told myself was I never wanted to work with a band that didn’t want to work with me. Wiretap bands are truly a family of bands who may or may not sound similar in sound, but regardless, they all share a common thread in punk/DIY music that is really everything this label is founded on.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.wiretaprecords.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @wiretaprecords
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/wiretaprecords/
- Twitter: @wiretaprecords
Image Credit:
Jazmin Lemus
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