Design by Silvi Naci.
By Tommy Bohlen
HRR Director
Heavy Rotation Records is bar none the coolest experience I’ve had at Berklee in regards to my Music Business major. One of the reasons Berklee is such an amazing place to be is that we may split our time between music and the trades that go along with it, giving us a strong potential to succeed in the music industry. For many of us music is our passion, our gift and our sanity in this world of immense possibility. When we enter the halls of Berklee we are making a strong commitment that this is going to be the road we set out on and follow through wherever it may lead. Taking our passion to the gates of reality is no easy feat in a world of survival, but from here on we shall be well equipped.
“Heavy Rotation Records is an established student run record label at Berklee.” But what is it really about? For over 10 years now, HRR has been giving students a two semester crash course on the fundamental aspects of a major recording company covering departments like A&R, Marketing, Touring/Promotion, and New Media. Members of the class get to take on roles in these departments and gain real experience for whatever field they may get into in the real world. The departments are overseen by two student co-directors and faculty advisor Jeffrey Dorenfeld to make sure things run smoothly and professionally.
The main focus of the HRR staff is to release a compilation album of current Berklee artists entitled Dorm Sessions. 2010 marks the 7th installment of the album, which has previously featured notable artists such as Annie Clark (St. Vincent), the Click Five and Apollo Sunshine. The process starts every fall as the A&R teams brings in over 300 submissions from the Berklee community to be considered for the release. Usually only 6-9 spots are available on the album, which makes the selection process very difficult, but the listening is fun and hearing all the great music coming out of the school is a real treat. Once the finalists have been selected we create the album artwork, master the tracks and then prepare for the CD release concert at the BPC, which is held on February 10 this year. Running around town, yapping on the phone, attending countless meetings can run you dry, but the excitement around this project keeps us going strong with the mindset to do the best.
The BPC release show is an epic event. Every year it has been sold out and has recently showcased some incredible performances from groups like Nini+Ben, Re-Up, and Annie & the Beekeepers. The audience gets a solid and unique performance each time as the bands are put to the test in the 1,200 + seat venue. Every year gets a little more fun, and this year will be no exception.
The HRR staff’s job doesn’t end with the CD Release show. The marketing and new media groups help ensure the bands stay well known in the music community, and the touring group helps book shows for the bands. Often we get our artists to perform for industry giants, or as an act in a large festival. Each year HRR also sends their artists to perform at the renowned CMJ and SXSW music festivals. Keep an eye out for HRR in the musical world outside of Berklee, we get our name out there and this year will be no exception as great things are in store.
See you at the BPC on Wednesday!
