by Dave Miller

I started the label sometime in December 2008, when I decided to record material after two years of just playing local shows. I mainly started it because I had an interest in packaging and of course, music. I wanted to share what I had with other people, however I never expected it to mature to the extent where I now have the pleasure of releasing other people’s work.

Printing was the main problem; I had an inkjet printer, which I already knew was unfit for what I was doing. Luckily I’ve been using a much better printer for the releases. I didn’t have a paypal either, so rarely did I ever hear from people. Managing school time around Calypso Hum was a constant challenge as well.

Sound, art, and even shipping practices have all changed within the past few months, all for the better.

I thought that the name of a label should represent what it released. Nothing was put out yet so I thought that a visual interpretation for the kind of music I wanted would be the hum of a flower, of which I chose calypsos.

More tapes; though I don’t mind cdrs, analog sound is so much more rewarding and significantly less synthetic--be it cassette or vinyl.

I have a lot of respect for a label when it has a consistent aesthetic in its art or any style other than sound. Not to the point where the aesthetic becomes predictable in the subsequent batches, but consistent enough to the point where the listener feels at home with the releases.

Calypso Hum could share similar artistic styles as some labels, however I don’t think it’s mundane. We always try to branch out with what we’re doing.

There are several artists that I would love to work with. I’ve recently been listening to Pink Desert and Thoughts On Air (or any other Scott Johnson project for that matter), and I would love to put out tapes of theirs if I ever get the opportunity to; truly beautiful offerings from both.

Experimental music seems to be growing more and more with age. I highly doubt it will ever reach the mainstream, as other independent music or culture has. However it has most certainly reached a wider audience; I’ve met more and more people just as interested in experimental music as I am. Calypso Hum may gain more recognition as time goes on, but I can’t be certain of that.

I’m always willing to listen to your music, though of course I can’t guarantee anything.

Remain open-minded.