Interview: Ferret Music founder Carl Severson talks label relaunch

Over 15 years after closing its doors, Ferret Music has returned. The beloved label launched bands such as Every Time I Die, Boys Night Out, and Killswitch Engage, and now they're looking to showcase some new talent with the recent signings of BORE and Wounded Touch. We had a chance to speak to Ferret Music founder Carl Severson about the label's relaunch and how they have to adapt to today’s landscape.

MP3s and NPCs: After over 15 years, Ferret Music is back. What's it like regaining control of such an influential record label?

Carl Severson: It’s rewarding. I’ve missed it. It’s been well received, which is encouraging and flattering.

MP3s and NPCs: With the news of Ferret Music returning, you've announced the signings of BORE and Wounded Touch. What drew you to bringing those two bands into the label?

Severson: We’d been talking to them both via Good Fight, both bands just do what I’ve always loved. It’s aggressive and creative and socially critical. When we decided to bring Ferret back, I asked both bands if they’d be into that as opposed to GF, with the understanding they’d be the first bands on what essentially is a new label. Granted, we’re better set up at this point than Good Fight ever was, but it’s still new. I don’t know, either way they were immediately excited at the idea and have proven to be the perfect bands to light the torch for this era of Ferret.

MP3s and NPCs: Alongside the new signings, Ferret Music announced plans to press select albums on vinyl. What was the process like in deciding which albums would get the vinyl treatment for the relaunch?

Severson: There’s a bunch that goes into it. What we love (and we have to temper that against real world realities because we want to do so much), what there’s demand for, what bands want to be a part of it (we won’t do them without the bands involvement because that just isn’t fun), legal s**t, etc. That said, there’s lots coming.

MP3s and NPCs: After leaving Ferret Music, you started Good Fight Music. Unlike Ferret Music, Good Fight expanded to include sports athletes. What have been some things you learned from this venture?

Severson: Haha… way more than I’ll get into. GF started because to continue with Ferret meant leaving the entire staff behind. There’s a lot to that, but that was the gist. WMG wanted to continue with me but in terms that were untenable. So, GF really started as what Ferret ended as…New name, same people. Sports was really the only new aspect. Ferret had already grown into management and touring (Sounds Of The Underground, $10 for $10, $2 Brawler with Monster). The addition of sports, which I didn’t handle directly, was awesome. I grew up riding BMX and skateboarding. Getting to work with and hang with those guys and go to those events was just really fun. I ended up friends with Mike Vallely. F**king career highlight. But, in the end, we weren’t built to reach those goals. So, most of the term of Good Fight was the label and management. Let’s just say I learned enough.

MP3s and NPCs: The New Jersey music scene has still been running strong with bands such as Lorna Shore and Bayway. Many people wouldn't expect a deathcore band from the Garden State to headline the Theater at Madison Square Garden. What's it like always seeing a slew of great bands from the state?

Severson: I expected that The Gaslight Anthem would headline PNC [Bank Arts Center]. I watched a kid I met when he was 16 pack that place. NJ has always been a wealth of music among other things. Punk, hardcore, and metal especially. People might sleep on NJ, but those who know, know and everyone involved in music in NJ wears it with a great deal of pride because they know who came before them, who inspired them, lead the way, and built what we have here. Bayway wants to and is growing that like others before them. It rules. Lorna Shore are a sick band, love watching them grow and grow. Good dudes that weathered some real storms to get where they are and they deserve it. So yeah, bring on the Garden for more NJ bands. I’m here for it.

MP3s and NPCs: Growing up in New Jersey, I thought it was cool that two of the biggest labels showcasing grand hardcore punk and metal bands when I was in high school were from the Garden State (Ferret and Trustkill). When Ferret Music was in its early years, did you think the label would have such a great impact on the scene?

Severson: Not a clue and it still is flattering to hear that. And if it’s true, it’s something I’ll always be proud of. Josh from TK, Mike from Burnt By The Sun (and now Disembodied, and endeavor and For The Love Of before that), and I grew up together. It’s kinda surreal to take a step back and think about what 3 guys from a random town in NJ have done since skateboarding and going to shows together in high school. Our teachers sure as hell didn’t have any idea that the three of us would do something that would resonate throughout musical counter culture the better part of the world over.

MP3s and NPCs: Back in those days, record labels used to have free MP3s of select songs, sampler CDs, wallpapers, e-cards, street teams, Quicktime music videos, and message boards. Nowadays, those things don't really exist anymore. How will you try to introduce Ferret Music to the newer generation who didn't get to witness what made Ferret Music such a fantastic record label?

Severson: That’s the trick. Finding new ways, but doing it with the creativity and enthusiasm that built us. We’re trying. Early days yet. But one staple that is very much still one of the most viable means of spreading the word of ours that bands wave the flag. Jay and Bayway do that for TK, BORE and Wounded Touch do that for us, and we hope to add more to the fold as we go. And who knows, maybe we need a Progression Through Aggression Vol 3.

More information about Ferret Music can be found here.