Most record labels find artists who already have an audience and then use their talent and following to make money. What if the business model worked a little different, and the label had the time to invest in helping an artist to develop their art and grow as a professional businessperson at the same time? That’s the same question Tobi Parks with Station 1 Records, which operates as a non-profit in Des Moines, had. During this hour, she talks with host Charity Nebbe about the label.
Lily DeTaeye, an Iowa City based singer-songwriter, also joins the conversation. DeTaey recorded her forthcoming EP over spring break this year, after someone from Station 1 saw her playing on stage at 80/35. She’s been working with Parks since January and says Station 1 has really helped her grow as an artist and as a business person.
“There’s this whole side to the business that I don’t know anything about, so it’s nice to have people to trust to look out for me,” DeTaeye says.
She’s also been working collaboratively with other Station 1 artists. Hear their new track Barely Breathing below.
