Label Profile & Interview: Beats Broke Founder Ryan Goeller

Besides being the founder, what is your role at Beats Broke?

At this point, I pretty much am Beats Broke. I do it all single-handedly (Executive Producer, A&R, Marketing, Design, Distribution, Licensing). The only thing I don’t do is record. My goal is to build this up and bring in another person or two to really develop it properly. I’m smart enough to know that I can’t operate solo at 100%. I’d be holding everyone back, including myself.

I also have to admit that I have some fantastic artists who basically manage themselves. They come to me for advice sometimes, but they’re mostly self-sufficient in their own careers. We’re lucky enough to see eye to eye, which enables us to co-exist in our missions and work.

Kapabel & Inf by Roel Determeijer

Since I was a teenager, I’ve always had a fantasy of working at a label. Though, for some reason I never thought I’d own one. Of course, back then, I had visions of hanging out backstage with Wu-Tang, and being interviewed by Rolling Stone. Now, I’m fighting for blog coverage and scraping for money. I’m still waiting to share beers with the RZA.

I started Beats Broke informally around 2004. We became a legal entity in the spring of 2007, and we officially launched with our first album by Kapabel & Inf in December 2007.
The biggest obstacle to date just happened late last week. We released the new Skiggy Rapz album worldwide, and had to recall the entire pressing after it shipped because of an uncleared sample on his soon-to-be single “Today.” Skiggy pulled the sample, re-recorded the track, and is re-mastering the album now. I’m going to have to repress all the CDs, swap them out with from the existing stock, and re-release the album as soon as possible. When I heard the news, it just killed me. But, the single is poised to be a potential hit in Holland and I’d rather be inconvenienced than sued.

All the press on Beats Broke (that we encountered) points to Dutch hip hop - are you primarily a Dutch hip hop label? If not, what are your thoughts on being pigeonholed as that so far?

All our artists, with the exception of Max Fischer, live in Holland. I guess you could call me a Dutch hip-hop label, based in Austin. I don’t like that, but that’s what I am right now. Of course, I’m paranoid with the thought of being typecast. I want to work with more US artists, and I want to release more music outside of hip-hop. I’m currently working on an electronic album with a guy from Amsterdam, which is going to be fantastic. I’m also digging around for other artists I’d like to work with.

I also have to say that the Dutch cats I’m working with are not just random artists. They are all friends with each other. I was fortunate enough to tap into this incredible scene in Utrecht, Holland just crammed full of talent. It’s like the Omaha of indie rock. That being said, I have to make sure my existing artists love and respect any new artists I bring on board.

Skiggy Rapz by Roel Determeijer

The short version of the long story is one of Max Fischer’s friends studied abroad in Holland. He met Inf, and brought Inf’s album back to Max. They connected right around the time I started helping Max get organized in 2004. I got to know Inf through emails, and over the course of a few years we became great friends and the label developed as a way to support those two artists. Inf just brought his Dutch friends along for the ride.

I’m a pretty open-minded guy when it comes to music. If the vibe of a genre fits our aesthetic, I’m down for whatever I stumble across. Of course, our core is always based in the foundation of hip-hop…funk, jazz, rock, soul. But if someone like Joanna Newsom came to me and freaked me out singing over a harp, I’d be totally into it.

Are their any local artists on your label? Anyone in town you'd like to bring on board?

There aren’t any local artists on Beats Broke, which is something I’d love to change once I find the right fit. Locally, I’m really digging the Octopus Project, and would love to work with them on something. Also, tell Chris Simpson I’ll talk if he records End Serenading 2.

The music industry seems to be in a state of turmoil of late -- what words of wisdom would you impart to new artists and young labels?

I’m still a newbie, so I’m looking into the mirror when I say this. Do it all yourself. Don’t wait around for a deal, make it happen now; no excuses. The economy is in shambles and everyone steals music. If you can endure these times, there’s no doubt you’ll be successful in the long term.

Thank you speaking with Austinist.

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