A new record label has launched in Frome to support musicians in the town and across the South West.
IL Records has been founded by two local residents, Jonah Brody and Henry Gibbs, who bring professional music industry experience to the venture. The pair are passionate about helping local artists—particularly young musicians—release albums and take the next steps in their careers.
“There are so many musicians in Frome and across the South West,” said Jonah, a professional musician and composer with 20 years’ touring experience, including performing with bands like Depeche Mode as a keyboard and bass player.
“Frome has long been a magnet for artists, a town where creativity is a way of life. IL Records is here to keep that story moving and to make sure the music being made here finds the audience it deserves.
“The main reason for launching the label was because when I was starting out, it was amazing when you found someone who would be like, ‘Wow that’s interesting’ let me give you a boost. When you are starting, you want to get signed by someone but that’s often further down the line or harder these days. I am trying to give back a little bit and give people a little encouragement to keep on doing what they are doing.”
Based in a space on Bath Street, IL Records currently offers mastering and PR support, with potential for vinyl pressing services. Jonah says the label is also exploring opportunities to use the Bert Jansch Studio under its community rates scheme.
“It’s incredibly difficult to be a musician. It was hard when I was doing it but even harder now.
“We’d prefer to do more creative collaboration with people too,” Jonah added.
As part of its mission to support local talent, the label will also organise live music events. However, Jonah says these gigs are not-for-profit, with all ticket income going to pay the artists.
The first live event takes place on Tuesday 28th May at The Lucky Chance on Portway and features Cornish artist Daisy Rickman, with support from Frome-based singer-songwriter Izzie Yardley.
While neither artist is signed to IL Records, the label’s debut release is Jonah’s own track, Brotherhood.
He said, “The song is already gathering album of the year plaudits and is currently on heavy rotation on BBC radio. It’s available now on all streaming platforms.
“The primary thing is to support people who love to do it, work really hard and are doing something that’s interesting and passionate. My goal is to take it really slowly and release two albums over the next year.”
“We don’t have a particular genre that we are supporting; we much prefer to find young people and I’d prefer to find people who are experimenting with the form whilst writing catchy songs.”
Tickets for the 28th May show cost £18 and are available from www.tickettailor.com or by scanning the QR code on the event poster. Doors open at 7.30pm.
For enquiries, email: weareilrecords@gmail.com
Pictured: Henry Gibbs and Jonah Brody with his son, Zev
