We recently had the pleasure of speaking with Brent Lakes, owner of Cincinnati, Ohio -based Broken Circles Records. Broken Circles Records is a regular reissuer of rare late-90’s and early 2000’s albums on vinyl – in most cases, records that were never before pressed on wax (but should have been from the beginning).
TVD Cleveland: Why start a vinyl record label?
Brent: As of 2008, there still were many rock records of the late 90s and early 2000’s that had never been on vinyl. So, I started contacting the labels who had released some of the albums I was a fan of. Some were not interested, but a few wound up being really great to work with. Tooth and Nail has been a great partner from the beginning.
TVD Cleveland: So, is the concentration on reissuing vinyl only?
Brent: That’s how it started. The reissues help to build a customer base. But, Broken Circles is now releasing several new releases on vinyl, digital, and cassette. Deadhorse’s We Can Create Our Own World [currently in production at Gotta Groove] is an example of a new release coming soon. I also do a lot of cassettes.
TVD Cleveland: So, you clearly have an analog niche.
Brent: Yes, National Audio Company is a great place to have cassettes manufactured. There is also a place in Columbus, Ohio called In The Pocket that makes cassettes, including variety of colors. But, Broken Circles also releases downloads of everything for convenience.
TVD Cleveland: Where can consumers grab Broken Circles releases?
Brent: Primarily though the website and mail order. However, I recently have begun selling through distribution – Revelation and ILC (Independent Label Collective).
TVD Cleveland: What is the first record you ever bought?
Brent: Overcome’s Overcome 7” on Face Down Records.
TVD Cleveland: What, in your opinion, is the best album of all time?
Brent: Pedro The Lion’s Control is my personal favorite.
You can listen to and purchase all of the Broken Circles Records via their Limited Pressing page.
