Tucked away in an attic somewhere around Tucson, Arizona is KEEP Recordings, and the creative guidance of label owner Jeff Bell.

KEEP releases have a sense of cedar chest treasure in packaging, and the latest release, keepsake 2 - a thirteen-track covers compilation - is exactly what I'm getting at. Limited to just 100 hand-numbered cd-rs, it's not just the package that will awe you.. . but it is the crowning touch to a very special album. With contributions from KEEP artists Brian Michael Roff (and his mesmerizing take on Carole King's "So Far Away") and Tony Moreno covering Springsteen ("I'm on fire") up to Portland's Al James aka Dolorean plucking his acoustic through "Help me make it through the night" - you're not being led on with the cover of this book and the artists rendidtions tucked inside.

Jeff and KEEP have much more to offer, and as we find out 2005 should see more goodness escaping this treasured nest in Arizona.

-------- sctas talks with Jeff Bell ---------

+ sctas : The packaging and design on keepsake 2 (all of the KEEP Records are in some way limited), all done by yourself, is not only quality but has an genuine air of nostalgia. Do you assemble and sew all 100 of these yourself?

Jeff Bell: Yes, I design and hand-assemble all the limited edition KEEP releases (as well a portion of the non-limited release process). My wife actually runs the sewing machine once I select and cut the pieces of fabric out. I've always enjoyed the nostalgic vibe, so thanks so much.

+ How much time do you suppose all that involves - I mean it's beautifully put together.. .

I can't really measure the time I actually put into a particular release, but can say that I put in the time required to get it looking the way I want it to look. One could say that I'm pretty particular with things.

+ The artists you have featured on this latest (keepsake volume 2 | covers) cd-r range from the signed artists (this busy monster, dolorean) to two of my favorites grumpy bear and brian micheal roff (who also released "In the Analog Woods" EP on KEEP). Did you contact each of these artists by choice or did they come to you after hearing of the project?

A majority of the artists on this volume of keepsake are indeed KEEP artists, which I of course asked if they'd be interested in submitting material. We also had a blurb on the site for a couple months explaining that folks could submit a song for possible inclusion. There were about 30 submissions to filter through. And I actually contacted a few of the other artists like Dolorean, Matt Bauer & Charlie Parr to see if they were interested. I'm extremely pleased with the end project.

+ How quickly did keepsake volume 1 sell out?

The first edition of volume 1 (100) sold out in about two months.

+ Any chance of another batch of 100 or more if demanded, or is it strictly a one-time doing?

In addition to the last question, due to popular demand I created another edition of 50 which took about the same amount of time to sell. I don't intend to do any more "limited" re-releases in the future. Although I haven't ruled releasing a larger run of a particular limited release.

+ Are any of your releases mastered, as in mass manufactured on silver-backed cd?

Yes, starting with the release of Tony Moreno's Grand & Failing (KR09), I jumped up to doing releases of 1,000. The limited editions of 50-150 are indeed CDRs and usually mastered as well, but some offer the lo-fi sounds that can sometimes get lost in the mastering process.

+ With the limited-ness of most of KEEP's releases, do you offer or even try to garner press?

I of course always try to garner press. I tend to send out 15-20 alternate promotional copies of the limited-editions to select media outlets. With the larger runs.. . it's all done on a much larger scale - media copies, radio copies, etcetera. KEEP has been very fortunate to work with such extremely talented artists which in turn garner wonderful reviews from some notable ezines/writers. I also find it helpful to visit a website, find a new artist, then be able to read reviews on a particular release, get some opinions that might help your decision on whether or not to pick it up. I myself am extremely picky with my music purchases, so visiting a label or band site that is user friendly & offers MP3s, reviews, etcetera is a great thing.

+ What motivates you to produced such lovely, limited collections? We have a desire to deliver the same type of collectible releases by hardworking, independent artists.. .

Well, I guess I'd have to say that what actually motivates me is to release and create the finished product. To come up with a design & packaging that compliments the artist & their music. The continued feedback from folks across the country as well as world commenting on how pleased they are with their purchase(s), as well as reviews are nice motivators as well!

+ Any artists you would like to work with in the future?

That's a really difficult question to answer. I wish to keep my association with the current KEEP clientelle. There are of course a few artists I'd love to work with, but don't want to jinx it. Surprises.. . everyone loves surprises!

+ You mentioned on the keep website that you will be releasing I Will Return by Josh Tillman - is there any set date for this release? Also - how did you first hear his stunning album? (one of my top 10 for 2004).

Al (James) of Dolorean suggested he send his albums to me and we chatted.. . the rest is history. Don't have a set date just yet.

+ What else is on the card for KEEP in 2005 and onward?

Well, 2005 looks to be an active year for KEEP. Up next are 3 non-limited releases by ANAMUDE - Pentimento, MORNING SPY - The Silver Age, BELTLINE - Welcome, Nostalgia, as well as a number of limited edition releases planned. Growth is on the card.

 

KEEP Recordings
P.O. Box 18972 | Tuscon, AZ 85731