Ground Zero: First Time Starting A Record Label with Liam Toms

Today's article is on the latest episode of Ground Zero with Liam Toms where we look into his first time starting a record label. First, let's hear from our Guest Liam.

Meet Our Guest -

Hello, my name is Liam. I’m Communications and Engagement Manager at Grapevine, an employee-owned business providing a complete managed service for all of our clients’ IT and comms requirements.

Being a part of the growing community of employee-owned businesses in the UK means a lot to me. Community and a strong D.I.Y ethic is in my roots. Aside from my degree in communications, I learnt most of what I know from being a part of a local music scene. We were putting on our own shows, booking our own tours, recording our own music and releasing our own music.

All of this led to me starting a label, Saint November Records in 2011. I took my experience from the punk rock upbringing, combined it with the professional skills acquired in higher education and launched a business (with all the fun the comes with registering as a limited company!).

In my conversation with Ben I talked about the muddled state of the music industry in the 2000s/2010s and how my friend – sorry, ’business partner’ and I spotted the unexpected trend of vinyl making a comeback in the so-called digital age.

Ultimately, we were unable to build our full-time hobby into a business that could pay the bills. The dreams achieved along the journey made it all more than worth our while and I had a great time chatting with Ben about some of the memories I’ll treasure forever.

You can read about my latest extra-curricular activities over on my Substack page at liamtoms.substack.com

Unpacking the Episode -

In this episode, we dove deep into Liam's incredible journey from a music enthusiast to the mastermind behind a record label. Honestly, I didn't know much about the inner workings of the music industry, but chatting with Liam was eye-opening and downright fascinating.

We got to hear all about how he stumbled into the world of running a record label as a hobby, managing bands, and even hitting the road with them on tours. It was like stepping into a whole new universe of creativity and passion.

Liam's story wasn't just about the glitz and glamour; we talked about the ups and downs, and the challenges he faced as the industry shifted over the years. But what struck me most was his resilience. Despite the twists and turns, he's still got that fire in his belly, talking about making a comeback to the industry.

Reflecting on our chat, I can't help but feel inspired by Liam's journey. It's a reminder that sometimes the most unexpected paths lead to the most rewarding adventures. Here's to embracing the unknown, chasing our dreams, and finding the courage to keep going, no matter what.

Let's Wrap Up -

Wow, wasn't Liam's journey just incredible? From his punk rock roots to founding his own record label, Saint November Records, his story is like a rollercoaster ride of passion and determination.

I mean, who would've thought that vinyl would make a comeback in the digital age? Liam and his friend/business partner saw that trend coming, and they jumped on it, even if it didn't turn into a full-time gig.

But you know what? It's not always about the destination; it's about the journey. And Liam's journey is packed with memories and lessons that are worth more than gold.

As we say goodbye to this episode, take a minute to thank Liam for coming on. Make sure to take chances, follow your heart, and make memories that'll last a lifetime. Until next time, keep chasing those dreams!