Independent music label dizzybird records celebrates second year

Dizzybird records just celebrated their second anniversary last month and the Grand Rapids independent music label doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon.

The label was started in 2014 by music content manager, Brian Hoekstra, and venue manager of The Pyramid Scheme, Nicole LaRae. LaRae recalls always being drawn to the music industry and energy of live music. With so many connections already in place, Hoekstra and LaRae came to the realization that, “If we teamed up, we could offer artists real opportunities,” LaRae continued, "that, and we are always sharing new sounds with friends, family, whoever will listen. Seems like we absolutely had to give the label thing a shot.”

It would be a label unlike many others, not with the intent to make money off the bands, but to share the music with fellow music lovers. As an independent DIY label, LaRae recognizes that there isn’t much money involved, but they do it for their passions for music. This value seems to be shared by supporters of the label and the musicians involved. Those who attend dizzybird’s events come as friends of LaRae, Hoekstra or one of the artists, but stay for the live music and positive energy.

Dizzybird’s roster includes Grand Rapids based bands Suzies, Coffin Problem, Hollywood Makeout, and Heaters as well other nonlocal bands such as Gringo Star from Atlanta, Cool Ghouls from San Francisco, Las Rosas from Brooklyn, and more. Although several of the bands are from Grand Rapids, the label certainly does not limit their search to just location.

When looking to sign a band, loving their sound is an obvious requirement, but the label also wants the bands to fit their style which LaRae points out, “we don’t necessarily have pinned down, nor do we want to.” Although the label doesn’t have a specific style yet, they’ve focused on a lot of what LaRae describes as “psych, surf, garage rock” style bands.

LaRae also describes the relationship between the label and prospective bands noting that, “it’s more that the artist would choose to work with us, and when they do we are honored.”

LaRae continues stating that, “We are not in the position to just pick up whoever we want, though we are grateful for all the bands that have put their trust in us.”

Dizzybird records hosts a number of parties at The Pyramid Scheme with bands they’ve signed, but are hoping to do more in the future as they expand and continue building their roster. LaRae says that, “We’d also love to get more involved in music festivals where our bands are playing as well as record fairs, pop up shows, etc.”

Releases from two of the Grand Rapids bands, Suzies and Hollywood Makeout are coming in 2017. Visit their website for more information on dizzybird records and their artists.