More about: KornAsking AlexandriaSumerian-Records

Sumerian Records founder Ash Avildsen says he will never sell the label on to a major, because it wouldn’t be fair to his artists.

The progressive metal label, started in 2006 and based in LA and Washington DC, scooped the best independent label award at the Metal Hammer Golden Gods ceremony at the 02.

“I'll never sell the actual company to a major, because I always have existing contracts for bands in the future and most of the artists on the label are personal friends,” he told Gigwise, “I wouldn't be able to tell them 'sorry guys, I just took a cheque and now you've got to deal with someone at a bigger corporation who may or may not be there next week, who has no emotional attachment to your music and your history. So I'd never do that.”

Avildsen said that while he enjoyed the trappings of wealth, the payoff for selling up wouldn't compensate for the things he would lose.

“I've been fortunate to make money but however much money you have it's just a number on your app. It's nice to have nice things and all that. But I still want to hang out with my friends, eat burritos, kick a ball around, listen to music and be creative. So the money's not really something that I would do it for.”

Asked why he thought the label had become so big, he joked: “It's the blood sacrifices, the rituals behind closed doors and just the overall focus on black magic. After that, the artists play a significant portion. Without the bands, I don’t think I'd be here and I'm very grateful that I've been able to work with so many talented musicians.”

Asked which other label bosses he admired, Ash pointed to Epitaph Records owner, Bad Religion guitarist Brett Gurewitz, especially as he has to balance running a label and being in a band. Old skool music mogul David Geffen also came in for some special praise:

“If you can get Led Zeppelin top reform when you die, you must be doing fucking something right.”

More about: KornAsking AlexandriaSumerian-Records