We aim to bring you new music starting with Lyttelton's own, THE EASTERN “Good music is good music, it’s not about genre or locality for me” says Paul Huggins,
owner of Wellington’s new boutique record label, Rough Peel Records. It’s a
philosophy that Paul has remained true to throughout his career in the music industry. One only has to take a glimpse into the projects he’s mentored and nurtured a
long
the way to understand this. His first foray into the local music scene came about from his desire to see Wellington
band Trinity Roots remain independent, assisting with the release of their first full
length album “True”. Paul went on to manage the Recloose Live Band, organising
gigs for the band culminating in the release of the cd: Recloose Band Live at the San
Francisco Bathhouse (released through Rhythmethod). He also stepped into a
managerial role on for Grayson Gilmour (individual artist and one part of indy success
So So Modern), booking gigs and organising the recording and release of two cds for
Gilmour (Phantom Limbs and You Sleep We Creep.) Huggins moved to Christchurch in 2006 and established himself within the scene there
through his role as manager of Real Groovy Records in CHCH, and Trustee of CHART. He bought Real Groovy Records in CHCH in 2008 after the parent company went into
receivership. Unfortunately all best laid plans were put under pressure with the
onslaught on earthquakes in Christchurch (which damaged the store beyond repair). Huggins made the decision to move back to Wellington in 2011 and opened his own
retail outlet Rough Peel Music (RPM) in September 2011.
“When I look back now and reflect on what I’ve done for the artists I’ve been
involved with over the last 14 years, I guess you could say I’ve been running a label
for a while now,” Huggins smiles. “2012 finally feels like the perfect time to make it all
finally official”. Rough Peel Records is very excited to announce that the first release on the label will
be from The Eastern. Their new album, a double length feature called “Hope and
Wire” wll be released on Monday 5 March 2012.
“This is just the start, the first of many releases for the label.
