These Go to 11: interviewing Shelflife Records

Back to our regular posts after the Indietracks experience, and our next guests to answer our questionnaire we have a very special couple. What would have been of this Blog without them? Matthew Bice & Ed Mazzuco, the Shelflife Records' bosses, one of our favourite independent labels. Mankind needs them. These Go to 11!

Ed Mazzuco & Matthew Bice, Shelflife Records

Ed & Matthew, making your ears
happy since 1995

Shelflife Records began in 1995, when Ed Mazzuco, a fan of 80's English pop and with mythic labels as Factory and Sarah Records as reference, launched the label in a southern California suburb bedroom, in conjunction with a mail order and distribution service. The goal: introducing foreign indie pop groups to the US. Shelflife's first release arrived in August 1996, the compilation 'Whirl-Wheels' which included tracks by Club 8, Boyracer, La Buena Vida, and Ed’s own band The Autocollants. A year later, Ed & the label moved to New York, and although the mail order and distribution service were discontinued, the artist roster continued to grow: Shelflife was a hobby no more. Recognition keep increasing, and the label's scope expanded, hosting the annual showcase The September Set, and in 2007, with Ed and Matthew Bice relaunching Shelflife blending art with music. To put it simply: one of the best indie labels out there, almost infallible. Here we go!

1. First record that you bought (be honest)

Ed: I think it was OMD's 'Crush'. Or maybe LL Cool J 'Bigger and Deffer'
Matthew: 'Me and You and a Dog Named Boo' by Lobo

2. First and last concert you have attended (be honest too!)

Ed: First concert was New Order in 1988. The last, Toy
Matthew: The first was Chet Atkins. The last, Primavera Sound 2014

Motown in the 90s? Ummm....

3. Guilty pleasure (song/band you shouldn’t like but you do, yes, it’s the embarrassing question)

Ed: 'Send The Pain Below' by Chevelle
Matthew: 'Motownphilly', Boyz II Men

4. Most precious music item you own (collector mode on)
Ed: Hard one… maybe Buba and the Shop Assistants 7"
Matthew: Signed copy of 'Blue Monday' 7”

5. Favorite lyrics (not yours)

Ed: Sometimes these words just don't have to be said
I know how you both feel the heart can rule the head
Jealousy is an essential part of love
The hurting here below and the emptiness above- The Wedding Present, 'My Favourite Dress'
Matthew: I think, yes. I’m doing a fine job Cocteau Twins, 'Summer Blink'

They want you (but don't dress like them)

6. Musician/s you would like to meet (should be alive, for obvious reasons, but you can choose a dead one too)
Ed: All of the Shelflife bands I have never met
Matthew: ABBA

7. Favorite artwork album (not yours)
Ed: OMD, 'Dazzle Ships'
Matthew: 'Satan is Real' by The Louvin Brothers

8. Books or movies? Depending on your answer recommend us one (trick: you can choose both) 
Ed: Movie, 'Ski School'
Matthew: Movie, 'Toto the Hero'

Days 'Downhill'

9. Release (of yours) you are most proud of
Ed: Days, 'Downhill' 7”
Matthew: Days,'Downhill' 7”

10. What’s does it mean indie for you? (yes, the “serious question”)
Ed: Doing it your own way and not falling into industry traps
Matthew: Not letting “that’s not how you do it” get in your way

11. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Ed: Living where I can work less and enjoy life more
Matthew: Under a tree, petting my sheepdog

Zillion thanks Ed and Matthew!