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BERRY | 2006-09-13 >>>
MONSTER NATION "If
metal, then only on vinyl!"
a n i n t e r v i e w w i t h M i l o š
K r a t o c h v í l
Metal fans interested in Czech metal vinyl scene must notice that (after
a long period) the oldest Czech bands launched their new albums also
on vinyl. There is no need to introduce bands like Root and Törr. We
decided to speak to Miloš Kratochvíl, the owner of Monster Nation. We
bring you an interesting interview, which is the first
Interview ever here at Vinyl Disk
Musick.
When did you hold a vinyl
record for the first time ever in your hands? Had you met your fate
this way already? And what was the first record you bought - does this
record still mean something special for you today?
You mean the very first one, right? Well, I know that… I was 5 or
6 years old and it was, don´t laugh please, it was the single of
Michal Tuèný (Czech country music
 legend).
Fortunately, there was not anything fatal for me. But nearly at that
time, my brother told my patents to buy me LP Olympic - V Lucernì as a
gift for my 6th birthday. It was just out, yeah, 1982. The LP was
released with a huge poster. On its back side, there was a history of
the band and lyrics. I remember well that I was reading the lyrics
while the record was playing. This was much more decisive. But the
main was still to come in 85 and 86. I bought LP AC/DC - Fly on the
Wall, bys the hardest album of the band. The following year, Citron -
Plni energie was released and everything was clear. This LP I like to
listen to this day, although not very often…
Ok, this was the beginning. Let´s skip over 20 years, to the present
days. I would ask a similar question: what was the last record you
hold in your hands? And which 5 LPs arrived latest in your collection
- do you numerate your records somehow?
I have just brougt another record to make my collection little
more complete… so it is this one which I had in my hands as the last
one. It´s Tarantula - Peklo pro všechny. I had been searching for this
record for years. And the other new arrivals… must remember…
Annihilator - Set the World On Fire, Chroming Rose - Pressure,
Evildead - The Underworld and The Haunted - Revolver. My records do
not have any numer, I even don´t knot how many records I have. It´s
not imporant…
 I
also don´t know, how many records I have. I just wished to open the
interview with the hope, that you will tell me something more about
your collection. But we will talk about it later anyway. To be honest,
I expected to hear in your answer Silent Stream Of Godless Elegy –
Relic Dances, which you just released…
Yeah, sure. This one was added to my collection of 15th August,
the official release date. I was the first man on the Earth who had it,
hehehe. Of course, I prepared and sent some packages with this one,
but those mantioned above arrived really recently…
I thought so. It must be a different feeling to have an LP which you
bought and an LP which you released…. How much time left between your
first idea to release records and the first record released?
A lot! There certailny was something many years ago… it was
somehow hampering, you know, so many great albums only existed on CDs
and I just missed them, as I was (and still I am) only collecting
vinyls. Then I came to idea to release something, just for fun, to
keep a copy in my collection and to sell the rest. The only missing
thing was… money. Moreover, I was not any strongly decided to do that,
to spend all my savings (after finishing my studies, I really had not
have much to spend). And - it was not enough anyway. Then I eventually
borrowed some money…
 The
first record which I did myself, it was Root – Black Seal. The
preceding 7inches, they were co-funded by my friend, Thomas from
Sweden. In fact, Monster Nation is Czech-Swedish label, although me
and Thomas work mostly independenty on eachother. He releases
something, I release something, then we help eachother with
distribution. But we already don´t release anything together neither
we do not borrow money to eachother… you would this anyway, haha.
That´s right. Nevertheless, can you tell me something more about the
roots of Monster Nation - when and how it happened to meet Thomas, who
was the autor of the label name etc…
In the begenning we just traded records. That´s the most valueble
thing on records collecting – you recognize many friends all over the
world. Well, most of them you will never meet, but sometimes you do. I
met Thomas for the first time in Wacken, many years ago. Then we came
to the Czech Republic, I came to Sweden, he came here etc.
We talked together pretty often and we found out that we both had the
same idea – to release some record. We were considering how to do it –
to have enough money and to be able to sell the records. You know, if
we were not able to sell lit, we would never release anything else.
Thomas organized a festival in Sweden, with Sabbat among others. Their
show was
 recorded
and after some discussion with the band, we decided to release a
7inch. There are two songs, Svart Eld and a Bathory cover. Of course,
we made many mistekes in the beginnings which cost us a lot of money,
time and nerves. But at the end, the invested money returned. Later we
wished to release some Czech band, and again, we were only able to
make a single. We had chosen Puls. Their 80s recordings had never been
released until the band did it itself, few years ago. We picked one
song from this CD and one unreleased. The cover design is quite simple,
today I would do it different, but…
As I was thinking about the next release, I realized that price/minute
rate is much better for LP than for EP. I simply refused to release
more singles – it seems a bit paradoxical, but releasing EPs is a big
luxusy (unless it´s made in simple b/w cover).
Facing the fact, that vinyls do not sell too well in our country, for
the first release I must choose a band, which is famous in abroad. I
have contacted Root, we discussed the terms and Black Seal was
released.
Concerning the label name, it was Thomas who suggested Monster Nation.
I was not involved in this, I was already looking forward and
preparing the first release, distribution etc. But of course, I like
that name.
In any case, Monster Nation sounds well. What was the reaction of Root
for your suggestion concerning Black Seal on vinyl? I dont ask about
the terms, but… how could you, unknown and justbeginning label, deal
with a band that is one of top bands here and maybe even in the world?
As far as I know, Root had no other offer for vinyl release at
that time. Sure, Root is cult, but the negatiations were very friendly,
I really cannot say anything bad. Moreover, they gave me two bonuses
to place them on the record.
To tell really everything, label was new, but we have already known
eachother a little. It was much sooner than Monster Nation came to
exit… Root played in Sweden at the festival organized by Thomas… by
the way, this recording appears on 2LP Capturing Sweden.
 Well,
the connections… Is there any response to 2LP Root - Capturing Sweden,
which is, as you have just sais, a live album? I mean, can you see any
diference as this title only exists on vinyl? By the way, except this
2LP and those EPs, Monster Nation so far released „only“ licenced
titles. Will you release some more exclusive stuff or will you prefere
licenced albums?
In fact, this is first official Root live album. It sells slightly
better than the licence albums. So I am very pleased. Exclusive stuff…
you mean stuff which does not exist on CD?
Yes.
Mmmm, not really much. Definitely not a new album. Bands want to
have new albums on CDs, no wonder. Moreover, it is not possible to pay
the studio works just from the money which you get for vinyls. Maybe
some other live album or some old demos. But I have not considered
this too much. Maybe it would be attractive, but for the bands the
past is… just past, you know. But never say never.
What is your key to choose bands for Monster Nation? Let´s say, there
is a band with one or two albums, on regular CD. Would there be a
chance for a vinyl release? Hard Core labels very often release only
those bands, whose members are their good friends. Does it work this
way on the metal scene as well? And what about Monster Nation?
Well, you cannot say it like this. Sure, it would be great to
release some vinyl just because of friendship. But on the metal scene
(at least here in our country) vinyls are not very common, they are
still something unusual, bizarre.
It´s a shame, but I have to think as a businessman, to count with that
fact, if the band is known in abroad. And this is not the case of my
near friends. Maybe later, if some of my titles earns money, I would
do it. But it is not very likely.
The HC attitude is missing in the metal scene, shame. It differs in
this matter.
Are you familiar with HC scene? Are you interested in their vinyl
releases?
No, I am not in a contact with HC scene. Sometimes I talk with my
friends from its „inside“, sometimes we listen together, but I dont
know Chat happens there.
Let´s go back to talk about metal. I will ask… can you estimate how
many people here and in Slovakia collect metal vinyls? You must know
it…
What a question… I would like to know it myself. It depends what
you mean by collecting and who is a collector. Of course, I know some
people, but this says nothing about all the country. Certainly not.
I think there are tens of such people. But it is just… it says nothing.
It´s impossible to know. Look, there are people who only collect,
let´s say, black metal. Or only Iron Maiden, or only US 80s thrash
metal… they have nothing in commen, there is nothing they could tell
to eachother… difficult to speak about this.
 I
thought… more generally, not only metal, but rock etc… in that case we
could estimate hundreds, but let´s leave this topic, there is nothig
exact to add.
You sell your LPs at some metal festivals. Which festivals have you
visited? Do records sell better at festivals than via mailorder? Do
foreing visitors buy more vinyls than Czech people? Do you have any
explanation for that?
Slow down, too many questions… Ok, festivals. As I said, vinyls
are still perceived as something strange. Soon I realized that it does
not worth to bring vinyls to smaller festivals, that did not work. So
I only think on two biggest ones, Obscene Extreme and Brutal Assault.
Comprared to distros with CDs or DVDs, my sales are funny low. But I
dont care. Sure, festivals help a lot, I sell more than via mailorder.
It seems to be better for the people, they can see the records.
Moreover, it´s fine to meet some people who you only know via emails.
I have almost no foreign customers, and if, they but only Czech stuff.
Because they can buy the rest in their countries and not to pay
international postage – which is very high for sending records.
You mentioned internet… Do you think it is unavoidable to have an own
website? How often do you update Monster Nation pages?
For me it is a must. But there are people who run their distros
succesfully even without own web site. My web is updated irreguralry,
depending on what new I have to offer. Most often I announce new
arrivals for sale.
How often is it recommended to check your webstore, not to miss
anything? I guess you have many records in one copy only?
You´re right. Most of the records are available in one copy.
Especially those 2nd hand records. New arrivals do not come daily,
sometimes there is a bunch in one day. Sometimes there are weeks
without any news. I think, if you do not check the webstore, let´s say
2 weeks, you won´t miss anything.
Of course, if you are searching for some specific LP, the best thing
to do is to ask. Some people do it this way, and as soon as the record
appears I contact them myself.
 Concerning
your releases, do you manager to sell them or do you mostly trade them
with other labels? In fact, would it be possible to run a label
without trades? Do you trade with anyone or is there any criterion?
Maybe too many questions again…
Yeah, I´m already used to. I guess, 90% of each edition is traded.
Only few records are sold directly. So you can see, without trades
there would be no chance. I know there are some underground labels
which manager it without trading, but I am not one of them.
I pick out records which I would like to get in trade for my releases,
not labels. There are not so many labels which release vinyls and at
the same time willing to trade.
Nevertheless there are many interesting records in your offer. Now,
please try to say something more about each of your releases, try to
review how successful they have been. And by the way, who makes the
cover layouts?
I will start from the last question. Usually it is the band itself
who makes the layouts. Or their mother labels (I am not very skillful
in this work). There is an advantage – they have it according own
wishes and ideas. I only add my logo and it´s ready. Only the 7“s
layouts were made by Thomas.
The latest release, Silent Stream of Godless Elegy. In fact, it was a
chance. Initially I wanted to release something else, but in the last
minute the band said no. Then I was talking to my friend, who is a
boss of Redblack Records and I complained a bit, because a lot of work
was done about that release and at the end there was no result.
And it was his idea, he suggested me to release SSOGE. And I agreed,
with pleasure. I tis still too soon to say if this release is
successful or not, it is just out. In a way, it´s gonna be a new
experience for me, as I think this release will be interesting (I hope)
for other people than those who buy Root, Törr or Lunatic Gods.
Success… more than whatever else, it´s a matter of time. Titles
released first are sold out first. I cannot compare 2003 release with
2006 release. But I am still a beginner, I made some mistakes with
each release… still learning.
I understand. But I expected some stronger words, for example „if I
could go back in time, I would never release this title“ or „I will
make a re-edition of this record“ etc.
Ok. I am very satisfied about all the titles I released. There is
nothing what I wouldn´t do again. But you can count, there are not
many bands, because there
 are
more titles of them. 3x Root, 2x Törr (LP Torritorium will be out very
soon).
I have such an emotional relationship to Puls. Today, I regret that I
didn´t make full length LP. But it´s too late. Only the single is on
vinyl, but I am happy for that. Puls is very underrrated heavy metal
band, unfortunately you cannot go back to 80s. The guys have just
memories… But due to the politoval situation here, they could not
release the LP when they was on the top of their popularity. The old
songs were released on CD (by the band itself) and the 7inch.
That single is my only retro release. I think it is not very commen in
the vinyl scene. Many labels release only (or mainly) old stuff. The
most important labels are OPM Records (USA), Dies Irae (Brasil),
Hellion Records (Germany), to mention also some labels releasing more
extreme music, there is Nuclear War Now! (USA), sometimes Iron Pegasus
(Germany) releases some retro stuff.
 People
who have been buying from you for a longer period can see that you
often change your address. Why? Will you ever settle down? Is it cause
by your job? Do you think you will manager it sometimes without a job?
You mean… to live from the records only? Hahaha. No chance. I
would be very happy if the costs return. Concerning the addresses,
soon it will be settled.
And can you tell something more about you? Do you have any other
hobbies? And does your wife and your family support or criticize you?
Hey, you are curious. I got support from all the people who are
somehow close to me. As you know, you cannot oppose fools. Monster
Nation is my spare-time activity. Aside from it and my job, I do
nothing interesting, I like reading for example.
Or giving interviews… ha ha. At the beginning of this one, we have
talked about your own collection. You said that you don´t know how
many records there are. But tell us which 5 Czech and 5 world records
are your arest ones.
Hard to say. How can we recognize a rare record? What makes a
record rare? Price? It is relative. A record which you could buy some
years ago for just a few crowns, cost today 20x more. But the prices
also decrease! Someone can find an old stock, then he starts selling –
and if people can choose between more sellers, surely they will buy
from the cheapest one. So the other sellers are forced to decrease the
price, otherwise they would not sell the record. The economists would
surely explain better.Hehe.
So if I mention some my records, which are in my opinion rare, it is
nothing more than my subjective evaluation, ok?
I understand. There is no objective measure for how rare records are.
 Yes,
exactly. Someone can assume those records as very common ones. But if
we talk about Czech records only, I think that many people would name
nearly the same titles. Root - Temple, Masters Hammer - Klavierstuck,
Arakain - Black Jack, Tarantula - Peklo pro všechny and let´s say Törr
- Chcípni o kus dál. Of course, I could continue. For example Masters
Hammer - Ritual on clear vinyl by Osmose…
As for the non-Czech LPs, it is very difficult to say, as I said, it
is subjective. Let´s name some records, maybe Darkthrone - Soulside
Journey (first edition), Morbid Angel - Abominations of Desolation (Japanese
release), the first three Blind Guardian albums, and to reach five, no
Iron Maiden - X-factor (2LP on clear vinyl).
Before we say good bye, can you name your all time most favourite
bands, both Czech and non-Czech.
Oh no, why are you asking this – I would prefere not to answer at
all. I would say something like… it depends on weather or so, haha,
but as I know you, you would force me again, am I right?
Yes!
Ok, just to make you happy. Let´s say Iron Maiden, Tankard,
Testament, King Diamond and Death, from the Czech scene surely Puls,
Arakain…
Come on…
I don´t know… Citron, Vitacit, Kryptor, …
All right. Is there something you would like to ask or to say
something? Well, in any case I would like to thank you for your time
and your patient answers.
Well, I would like to know, if someone was able to read the
interview up to here… No, I have nothing more to say. Have a nice
vinyl day.
I would be also interested… Vinyl with you! |
