3 questions with…Sean from Daytrotter

Posted on | November 10, 2010 | No Comments

Daytrotter Sessions is a series “exclusive, re-worked, alternate versions of old songs and unreleased tracks,” from bands you know and others you never knew existed. I found out about them over two years ago after discovering that jazz trio turned rockers The Slip had recorded a session. I downloaded their set and was fascinated that Sean and co were able to pull off giving away music for free and being cheered on for it.

Each session includes a unique artistic depiction of the band. This is The Slip.

Take a look at their full archive. EVERYONE from hip-hop up and comer Freddie Gibbs to country singer/actor Kris Kristofferson have recorded sessions. Not only that, but they are also a true tastemaker exposing unknown artists to an international community of Daytrotter fans (including myself) who will absorb all the music Sean has to offer.

I asked Sean three questions. This is what he said:

1. Does Daytrotter fill a void in the music industry? if so, why?

You know, it really feels as if that’s not a question I can answer. Since the day that I started Daytrotter almost five years ago, we’ve really just focused on what we do and however we’re regarded out in the bigger world is not really up to us. I think what I’ve always wanted to have happen is every day new people finding our site and feeling right at home with it, feeling as if they’ve just struck upon something that they’ll not want to be without from that day on out. This goes for music lovers, collectors and all of the bands and artists that stop in. I hope we’re a source of inspiration because everything we try to do here springs from our true passion for music and art and nothing else. I hope we’re just doing something great, something that can be respected. I don’t think that’s really filling any kind of void.

2. How did you guys hook up with Wolfgang’s Vault and do you see them more as partner or investor? Why or why not?

They were fans of ours and approached us about partnering up. I do see them as partners more than anything. It’s been a great partnership and not only has it allowed us to expand and do more and more exciting things over the years, but having the great collections of Bill Graham, Ash Grove, King Biscuit and Newport Folk/Jazz Festival alongside the young bands that we’re taping on a daily basis feels like an incredible thing.

3. What are some goals and/or product improvements for 2011?

Gosh, we always have big ideas, but many of them fade or morph into other things. I fear that mentioning any of them will jinx their actualization. We are going to start pressing vinyl of a bunch of stuff soon so stay tuned for that and we’re hoping to sometime open a Daytrotter record store. Who knows what we might get ourselves into. Our main goal is to just continue taping our faces off and kill the world with kindness.

No one can say no to legal free music, so go to Daytrotter, find some bands you already know then take a chance on the most outrageously hipster-sounding band name and comment below.