A label that grew out of a studio
Lathe House (sample) started in 2014 as a rehearsal room with a tape machine. The first record we put out was made by a band who had booked a weekend and ran out of money for the pressing.
We release what we would buy
Two of us run the label and the studio (sample): one engineers, one looks after the records, the shops and the pressing plant. Everything is decided at the kitchen table in the control room.
Most of our artists first came in as paying studio clients. Some records are made here and released elsewhere; some are made elsewhere and released here. Both are fine.
How a release works
From the day we say yes to the day the records reach the shops: about five months (sample).
Agreement
One record at a time, no options on the next one
One page
Recording
We pay for up to ten studio days if you record here
Here or anywhere
Pressing
Black vinyl, a printed inner sleeve and a download code
300 to 1,000 copies
Money
Profit after pressing and postage, split evenly and paid twice a year
50 / 50
Rights
You keep the songs and the masters; we license the record for five years
Yours
Sample terms; every agreement is discussed in person.
Who is on the label
Six artists from towns within two hours of the studio (sample).
Marlow Fen
Four-piece, slow-burning folk rock
Springfield
Hester Vale
Songs for piano and voice
Eastport
The Quiet Arcade
Five-piece indie pop
Northgate
Ostler
Composer, piano and small strings
Millbrook
Juno Pell
Singer and guitarist, short songs
Springfield
Kestrel Lane
Soul trio, organ, drums and voice
Kingsbridge
Send us a demo
We put out four to six records a year (sample), so we listen to everything and say yes rarely. Three songs is enough; a phone recording is fine if the song is there.
What we listen for
- Songs that still work with one instrument and a voice
- A band or artist who plays live, or wants to
- Something we have not already put out this year
Come and hear the rooms
Most bands visit before they book. Ask for a time and we show you round between sessions.