Independents days
Dave Jaffer
|
Mayes: Doing what labels no longer can
|
Winnipeg's Romi Mayes says it's the right time for fight time
What we call indie, in the music world, isn't strictly independent. Too often, calling something "indie" is just to say "not on a major label." As terms go, it's not exceedingly accurate and leaves a lot to be desired. Winnipeg's Romi Mayes is an independent artist, beholden to no label, and that comes with its particular struggles and joys. "I work my fucking ass off," she says. "I've been on the computer since 7:30 this morning, and it's relentless, and it's constant, and it burns me right out. But, at the same time, this is the only way to maintain full control over my career."
"Now it's the most valuable time to be an independent because the labels can do nothing for you."
What's cool about the Mayes way? When top-shelf producers like Gurf Morlix (Lucinda Williams) work with her, as he did on two of her most recent releases, they do because they want to sidle up to a top-shelf talent, and not because some deep-pocketed Daddy Warbucks type hired a Learjet and stocked it with gold bars and Cristal.
"He wanted to work with me in the end, but I pitched him," Mayes explains. "Sweet Somethin' Steady and Achin' in Yer Bones were made in Winnipeg, which is cool, because it takes a lot to get Gurf out of his [Texas] home. That's where he records everything."
For the uninitiated, Mayes' talent goes hand-in-hand with her edge. And, whether her bad-ass country-rock
broad reputation is deserved or not, one thing's for sure: Mayes is much more Lou's Tavern (Fight Club) than Lilith Fair. This may be the secret to her success."I really learned to survive a certain way," she says.
Yeah. The hard way.
Romi Mayes CD Release
@ W/ Luther Wright
Black Sheep Inn
$10
