After 92 releases, the Hamburg-based independent label is ceasing its activities. Arctic Rodeo will continue to offer many lovingly designed vinyl releases at bargain prices via the store for an indefinite period – in bundles or individually.
In 2005, Frank Georgiadis and Frederic Klemm forged a daring plan – at a time when vinyl was still on the verge of a major comeback. Their long-standing friendship coupled with a wealth of exciting ideas, good connections in the scene and sheer boundless enthusiasm demanded that they offer a forum for music they had discovered themselves or that had been recommended by others. The idea of Arctic Rodeo was born.
Daring? Indeed it was. “What is now mainstream across the scene was dismissed by many at the time as simply insane,” says Frederic Klemm. “The music industry was in decline and sales of physical recordings were falling drastically. The reactions to our idea at the time were something between astonishment, admiration and skepticism.” On the one hand, there was nothing to suggest that the concept of releasing lovingly designed records in limited editions on colored vinyl could be successful. On the other hand, there were still many fans out there who had maintained their enthusiasm for this very idea and were passionate about the classic format.
The fact that Frank and Frederic were able to implement Arctic Rodeo and continue to run it for so long was primarily due to three basic requirements: Trust, friendship and no dependence on profit. For the two operators, the latter meant independence from commercial success – in other words, being an independent label in its purest form. “We just wanted to do what we loved and nothing else,” says Frederic. “So we were able to offer releases at fair prices, realize charity releases and never had to ask ourselves how much this or that would bring in financially – beyond break-even, of course”. However, the other components were also of great importance. Arctic Rodeo would not have worked without the trust of all those involved. The good relationships with the artists have often led to long-term friendships, recommendations and expanded networks. Musically, the main interest lay in the genres that had shaped Frank‘s and Frederic‘s taste over many years.
Rival Schools guitarist Ian Love was the first to put his unconditional trust in the label due to Frederic’s relationship with Walter Schreifels (Quicksand, Gorilla Biscuits Youth of Today, Rival Schools) and released his solo album on Arctic Rodeo. This was followed by albums by Kevin Devine, Far, Matt Pryor (The Get Up Kids), House & Parish (with musicians from Texas is the Reason, The Gloria Record, The Promise Ring), Solea (with musicians from Samiam, Texas is the Reason), and Walter Schreifels’ solo album and a deluxe reissue of his Walking Concert project would later be released by Arctic Rodeo. The label has a long-standing friendship with Arty Shepherd (Mind Over Matter, among others), who also runs the legendary Saint Vitus Bar in Brooklyn, through the releases of his bands God Fires Man and Errortype:11, as well as with Jawbox singer and guitarist J. Robbins, from whom Arctic Rodeo has released Channels, Burning Airlines, Report Suspicious Activity and, of course, Jawbox, as well as Adam Rubenstein from Chamberlain, for example, resulting from their collaboration on several solo and band releases.
The friendship with Drew Thomas (Into Another) and Garrett Klahn (Texas is the Reason) even led to the release of the album by The New Rising Sons, which should have been released by Virgin Records many years ago. Knapsack, Pilot to Gunner, Skeleton Key, Able Baker Fox, The New Amsterdams, Garrison, Horace Pinker, Retisonic, Joshua, Garden Variety – the list of other well-known independent bands from the punk, emo and post-hardcore scene that Arctic Rodeo has worked with is long. At the same time, there has always been room at Arctic Rodeo for unknown talents and newcomer bands such as In the Pines, Southerly, Daria, The Pauses, Juta or Jonathan Inc., whose releases Frank and Frederic are just as proud of as the albums of better-known artists.
Why is it over now? The conditions that Frank and Frederic have set themselves for running Arctic Rodeo can simply no longer be maintained. As much as the two of them valued the independence of Arctic Rodeo, the structure of professional and family obligations now offers little room for running a music label at the level that artists deserve. “Unfortunately, a lot has changed for Arctic Rodeo in recent years. The structures of the music industry itself, but also the family and professional environment,” says Frank. “Priorities have shifted, making it increasingly difficult to find the necessary time and energy to run a label – albeit a small DIY label by our own standards – as ‘professionally’, successfully and enjoyably as possible.”
For this reason, Arctic Rodeo is ending its activities after 19 years and is not planning any further releases. “When I look back on this time, I feel a deep sense of gratitude towards music fans, artists and the media who have supported us,” says Frederic. “You should stop when it’s at its best. And when I think about how many great people and great musicians we’ve been able to work with, we’ve achieved far more than I ever thought possible. It’s the right time to draw a line under it.” Frank continues: “The details are not as important as the realization itself – things change, that’s the course of life. We’ve always said: We want to do what we enjoy, what we feel like doing, without bending ourselves. I think we’ve managed to do that over the years and can be justifiably proud of what we’ve achieved together in that time. Of every single release.”
The label will not disappear completely: Arctic Rodeo’s online stores and website will remain online for the time being. They are currently also offering attractive vinyl bundles at bargain prices – because Arctic Rodeo’s warehouse needs to be cleared. Fans can secure various gems here for a small price.
Arctic Rodeo online: https://arcticrodeorecordings.com/
Arctic Rodeo Shop – special price bundles available: https://arcticrodeorecordings.com/store/en/
Arctic Rodeo Shop US: https://stickfigure-mailorder.myshopify.com/collections/arctic-rodeo-recordings
Artists say goobdye to Arctic Rodeo Recordings
“Sad to hear that after 19 years and 92 releases Arctic Rodeo has decided to bow out of the ever complex, expensive and often thankless job of putting out records but I get it. Against the odds, Arctic Rodeo has miraculously achieved their mission, which is always a good time to exit the stage. The mark of a great record label is to have an identifiable sound, an aesthetic that builds with each release, within a few short years Arctic Rodeo achieved that in spades, delivering hits to the faithful while never shying away from taking chances as well. I’m eternally grateful for the chances they took on me by putting out my solo record An Open Letter To The Scene and my band Walking Concert’s Run To Be Born, two of my most personal and favorite records. Like many, I’ll miss following their continually impressive creative arc but will take comfort in the many wonderful albums, beautiful packaging and unique artists that Arctic Rodeo brought onto our turntables and into our hearts, what a fine, fine rodeo it has been.”
– Walter Schreifels (Quicksand, Rival Schools, Waltking Concert, Gorilla Biscuits, Youth of Today)
“I’m sad to see the end of Arctic Rodeo. It was that increasingly rare endeavor (especially in the world of record labels): a true labor of love. Frederic and Frank did their work with such care, they made beautiful things, they used their label to try to do some good in the world, and they supported artists whose music really meant something to them, including my bands and my friends’ bands. When we thought we were just shouting into a void, it turned out they were listening, and they gave our signals a boost.”
– J. Robbins (Jawbox, Burning Airlines, Channels, Office of Future Plans, Report Suspicious Activity, Government Issue, Magpie Cage Recording Studio)
“After years of joyfully grinding gears as a NYC-based post-whatever band, frustration set in and the engine gave out on Retisonic. We split across coasts to sulk, but only needed a breath to dive back in and self-recorded an album that made us psyched again. With no label, no prospects, not even sure it would want to be heard, finding a partner in Arctic Rodeo was a godsend. Frederic’s enthusiasm is infectious, and they had already released a treasure trove of music from our contemporaries and friends (Ian Love, Walter/Walking Concert, vs. Antelope, and later Pilot to Gunner, Burning Airlines, etc.). Thank you, Frederic and Frank, for putting a bit more gas in our tank, enabling our swan song to exist and be heard… and for not making us change its name from “Robots Fucking.””
– Jason Farrell (Retisonic, Bluetip, Red Hare, Swiz, Sweetbelly Freakdown)
“During the course of Skeleton Key’s 20 year career when had the good fortune to be on some very reputable labels but none felt more personal or supportive than Arctic Rodeo. Their genuine enthusiasm for music and willingness to accommodate us was deeply felt and appreciated.”
– Erik Sanko (Skeleton Key)
“Arctic Rodeo have been amazing partners over the years—tirelessly dedicated to putting out records they love, and admirably doing it with very little help! Proud of the beautiful vinyl we’ve made together, both as a solo artist and with Chamberlain. Forever grateful for Frederic and Frank’s belief in the music, and for giving myself and so many friends an incredible platform to distribute their art.”
– Adam Rubenstein (Chamberlain)
“In the early to mid 2000s the music industry wasn’t exactly popping off and finding a label was pretty tough. Garrett and I had a second record with our band Solea….and despite the idea that he was the voice of Texas is the Reason and I was the main ‘composer’ (heh, heh for lack of a better term) of Samiam…well, it was a hard thing to find. In fact, in america we never found a proper label for this release. We sort of lucked out with the band and secured a Japanese label to pay for recordings we made, but if it wasn’t for Arctic Rodeo I don’t know if anyone in Germany or Europe would have cared enough to deal with our silly asses. I am so thankful that Freddy supported us, and was a bit guilty that almost immediately after reelease we broke up. At least Garrett continued on with Atlantic Pacific with the label, which was a great fit. I’ll always feel gratitude for having this home in Europe for one of my, although largely forgotten or overlooked, band that I look back on with such fondness. Thank you Arctic Rodeo.”
– Sergie Loobkoff (Solea, Samiam, Knapsack, Ways Away)
“Frederic is one of the nicest people on planet earth and a true music lover. I have had the pleasure of working with him on releasing bands from my own label, DeSoto Records and with Jawbox. He takes incredible care with each release, especially on the creative packaging ideas he comes up with. When you receive the final product, you can see what a labor of love it was. Sad to learn that Arctic Rodeo will not be doing future releases but what an incredible run. Thanks for everything!!!!”
– Kim Coletta (Jawbox, DeSoto Records)
“It’s sad to see Arctic Rodeo Recordings calling it a day. It was an honor for my band Joshua to be a part of their prestigious catalog, which included some of the most important and influential artists that I’ve ever come across. Their passion for what they did always shined through in every release. They’re on the Mount Rushmore of independent record companies in my view… Right up there with all the heavyweights in underground music history. I’m proud to call Frederic and Frank friends and so lucky to be included in their lasting legacy.”
– Dan Coutant (Joshua, Sun Room Audio)
“At a time when the record business was undergoing a massive shift away from physical products and musicians were typically getting the crumbs of crumbs of digital sales, Arctic Rodeo bravely continued putting out actual records, with innovative artwork and packaging and with business deals for artists that showed us all respect. I’ll miss new collectibles from Arctic Rodeo and miss having my old work continue showing up on vinyl! Best of luck to you all and thanks so much for all you’ve done for the community!”
– Bill Barbot (Jawbox, Foxhall Stacks)
“Arctic Rodeo Recordings provided an invaluable contribution to recorded music: they made available previously out of print records and new material by artists whose reputation was secure, but whose music had perhaps become marginal. I am both proud and grateful to have had my music released by them with such great consideration and care.”
– Zach Barocas (Jawbox, New Freedom Sound, Camorra)
“We are saddened to hear Arctic Rodeo is ceasing operations. It’s been a true privilege to work with Frederic and Frank; they always made sure we had records for tour, and helped us out by giving us a place to crash when we were in town. More than that, though, it’s been a dream come true to be labelmates with so many artists we’ve loved since we were kids, including Walking Concert and Frontier(s), and even to be on a benefit split with J Robbins, Rocky Votalato, and Bob Nanna. We’re sad to see them go, but will cherish the time we got to work together.”
– Jake Woodruff (Dreamtigers, Defeater)
“Freddy and the Arctic Rodeo team are lifers. They come from the same angle as the artists they worked with. The love & care they put into their releases over the years is obvious the second you pick up an LP. They leave behind a legacy that will be treasured for years to come.”
– Garrett Klahn (Solea, Atlantic/Pacific, Texas is the Reason)
“Wanted to take a moment to extend a debt of gratitude and to Frederic and Arctic Rodeo one of the most sincere, and welcoming owners of an independent record label that I ever had the pleasure of working with. You actually took time to listen to, release, and support some of our lesser-known bands and recordings, always championing it as if it were our best work. In a world of gate-keeping labels, with “what can you do for me” attitudes, Arctic Rodeo was a shining diamond in a see of coal. Thank you for putting out the Vs. Antelope LP, and all the best in your new endeavors my friend”
– Chris Daly (Vs. Antelope, Texas is the Reason)
“Frederic and Arctic Rodeo have been amazing partners for all the bands I’ve been involved with who have had the good fortune to work with them. Their attention to detail in the artwork and packaging of the Burning Airlines re release was nothing short of mind blowing! Will definitely miss working with you.”
– Pete Moffett (Burning Airlines, Second Letter, Foxhall Stacks, Wool, J. Robbins Band, Government Issue)
“I am so proud to have worked with Arctic Rodeo over the years as the quality of the product was always second to none. It enabled the world to hear our music and see a product with impeccable presentation. Their contribution to underground music and release of Vinyl for the true connoisseur is immeasurable. The first record I did with Fred was God FIres Man’s second album, “Lifelike” and it was absolutely beautiful. Free CD! Extra songs! It had it all. The second was the Errortype:11 Box Set that featured our 2 studio albums, an entire LP of unreleased songs and an amazing photo booklet all custom packaged in a tote bag. It was fucking epic and a collassal project but beautifully done. Last but not least was Ageist. That record should have sold millions. Special prints, different covers. It’s a masterpiece.”
– Arty Shepherd (Errortype:11, Ageist, God Fires Man, Mind Over Matter, Bad Trip, Saint Vitus Bar)
“My only regret about working with Arctic Rodeo is that we didn’t get to work with them more. Definitely one of best experiences with a label I’ve ever had.”
– Matt Wieder (Frontier(s), Mouthpiece, The Enkindels)
“Arctic Rodeo has been a huge supporter of Pilot to Gunner over the past 12 years. It’s a labor of love for them and we’re eternally grateful to be part of the Arctic Rodeo family.”
– Patrick Hegarty (Pilot To Gunner)
“Thank you so much for your friendship and your wonderful record label. You have been a home to not just my music but for some of my favorite people and artists and we have all been honored to be a part of the house you and Frank built with Arctic Rodeo. Your label is known in circles of music fans as always making the highest quality recordings and packaging and I have personally been inspired by your work and attention to detail over the years. I Hate Our Freedom was a band I held in high regard over the course of my several decade musical career and that band’s home was always Arctic Rodeo.”
– Joseph Grillo (I Hate Our Freedom, Garrison, God Fires Man, Her Head’s On Fire)
“Thank you and Godspeed Arctic Rodeo. We were lucky enough to have you on our side. From 2007-2013 House & Parish and Atlantic/Pacific crossed the corners of Europe with the help of our thruly unique and special record label. We are forever grateful to have been a part of the Arctic Rodeo lineage. I’m very sorry to hear this chapter is coming to an end. Fred and Frank, we love you and thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
– John Herguth (House & Parish, Atlantic/Pacific)
“Whether Frederic and Frank are aware of this or not, I believe that because of their true love for music and the musicians they have chosen to champion along the way, that they have carved a place in music history for themselves that is undeniable. Hopefully one day Arctic Rodeo’s archives will be properly recognized in the annals of music and further embraced by a broader audience of new fans. I am very honored to have my music included in the label’s catalogue and to have helped add an important chapter to the greater story of their artistic journey.”
– Kevin McGinnis (The New Rising Sons)
“It was such a joy and honor to be a part of the Arctic Rodeo family! What started out as a business partnership quickly transcended into a trans-continental friendship that has lasted to this day…Wishing the Arctic Rodeo Team all the best in their future endeavors.”
– Brian Malone (House & Parish, The Gloria Record)
“It was my greatest pleasure to collaborate with Arctic Rodeo in the making of the documentary “Endless Calls for Fame” The film chronicles the story of the New Rising Sons whose lost music Arctic Rodeo released in 2019. We were fortunate to be able to interview Frederic for the film, and his collaboration and support of the project was vital. The label’s continuous dedication to the dissemination of truly independent voices in music was unparalleled. I am so grateful to the whole team for supporting our film”
– Olivia Serafini-Sauli (Director/Producer “Endless Calls for Fame – The Story of The New Rising Sons”)
“Errortype:11 was fortunate enough to join the Arctic Rodeo family in 2018 when we released a 3xLP box set. This was the first time our full length albums were available on vinyl, and we couldn’t be happier with how they turned out. Frederic was so great to work with and we were honored to be on the same label as so many incredible bands, some of which were old friends of ours. Sad to hear Arctic Rodeo will be shutting down, but happy that we got to be a small part of such a great label.”
– Adam Marino (Errortype:11, Saetia)
“You guys have put out so many great albums and put so much care into doing it right for the bands and label. I can’t thank you enough for all the incredible amounts of work you put into Second Letter and the rest of the amazing artist you have supported throughout the years! I wish you all the best in the future and hopefully I can get out your way soon to visit. Extremely sad news for a label that loves art and believes in music. Amazing!”
– Rob Haworth (Second Letter, Farside, Inside Out, State of the Nation, Hard Stance)