Meet Bryce Kepner of Black Tube Socks in Mesa

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bryce Kepner.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve been involved in music since I was about 14. That’s when I started playing the bass guitar. That led to playing in bands, learning different instruments, writing and recording my own songs and with bands. One of my dreams was to run a record label. I always thought it would be something I do further into future when it was the “perfect” time. About six months ago, I had watched some people I admire to go forward with their dreams and ambitions and I just decided the perfect time was right now to get started. I started with the name and the idea. I then started reaching out to groups online about doing releases with the label. The beginning has been a big learning experience with lots of learning along the way. We have officially released two albums so far on the label with a full year of releases ready to go!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I would say the easiest part has been finding artists that share the same goals as the label. I have a group of artists that I’m working with. The challenges have been the nitty gritty details. We specialize in cassette tape releases so ordering cassettes, getting artwork completed and printed, etc. I always work a 9-5 job full time while being married with two kids (2 and 2 months). There has been a lot of learning as far as time management and deciding what to do when I have spare time. It’s been a great lesson for me. Besides that, I still make my own music so it’s another component that I have to figure out.

Black Tube Socks – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Black Tube Socks is an independent record label. We are currently specializing in cassette releases. My main goal is to help artists release their music physically. It’s very easy to record and release music online but there is still something special about holding a physical copy of your work. Cassettes are also a nice nostalgic piece and have been making a comeback. It has been well received by the artists and the fans so far as well.
It’s hard to pick out one moment as my most proud. There are lots of milestones so far for me. Picking the name, seeing the logo design for the first time, getting our t-shirts made, and also every time an artist I admire agrees to work with us it feels fantastic!

I wouldn’t say it’s specific to me or Black Tube Socks but every release we do is something that I have found and genuinely love. Since it’s music that I love so much, I will go to bat for any of the artists or releases we do. My goal is to make this the most inclusive and diverse label around, open to all people from all backgrounds and walks of life.

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I still see a major place for physical music. Streaming is big but it’s the current way to discover lots of music and that drives people to research more artists and eventually buy albums and merch to support those artists. I think technology has also made it a little easier for people to start and run a label. All of the connections I’ve made and all the solutions to issues have been through research and connecting online.

I also think cassettes will continue to make a rise. It’s never going to be as big as it was but platforms like cassettes and vinyl will continue growing.

As far as the label goes, I’d like to eventually expand to releasing vinyl. I’d also like to get into booking shows and tours for the artists. Those are a few of the plans that we will look at for 2020.

Contact Info:

• Email: blacktubesocks@gmail.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/blacktubesocks
• Facebook: Facebook.com/blacktubesocks
• Twitter: Twitter.com/blacktubesocks1
• Other: https://blacktubesocks.bandcamp.com/releases

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.