About Family Records

Who We Are

Family Records is a small but tenacious music company based in NYC, run by artists infected with the moon-headed notion that songs can improve the world. Along with releasing albums by a tight family of talent, Family Records acts as an independent management and artist development firm, helping their musicians cultivate fruitful careers with artistic freedom and longevity.

Our Objectives

1. To develop long, sustainable careers for our artists, without compromising their musical integrity.

2. To create vibrant and emotive music, the kind that changes the people who hear it.

3. To approach our business in a way that empowers our artists, galvanizes our customers, and disrupts the conventions of the music industry.

What We Believe In

Creativity, innovation, technology, integrity, word of mouth, long-term thinking, flexibility, partnerships, change, genuine connections, data, empowerment, boot-strapping, customer service, you, ourselves, and most of all: beauty and truth.

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FAQ

I saw a great show the other night by one of Family Record’s bands, but I was broke so I wasn’t able to buy a shirt or a CD. I just found a $20 bill in another pair of pants and was wondering where can I can buy those now?
We recommend checking out the Family Records store.

How does an artist or band get signed to Family Records?
In addition to the obvious, great music, we look for artists with a strong work ethic that mirrors our own. Other very important things include, a love for performing and connecting with music lovers, and an entrepreneurial knack. Being creative and full of ideas doesn’t hurt, either. Being nice is kind of a requirement. We talk to our artists almost every day, and no one likes talking to people that aren’t nice.

Can we send you our demo? Are there any requirements?
It should sound good and be special. Another thing you can do is send a concise e-mail describing what you’re about as an artist, what you’re trying to achieve and have already done, and a link to your Myspace page or website.

What does Family Records do for their artists?
We work closely with all our artists, their management, booking agent, publicists, street teams, and are generally involved in every aspect of getting the music out to as many people as possible. This includes album promotion, distribution, art direction, tour promotion, merchandising, etc. In some cases we are the artists’ management and booking agent. We help in every way we can.

Gosh, I really love what you folks do at Family Records and especially the music that you release. How can I help or get involved?
First of all, thank you. That’s a very nice thing to say and offer. We’d love if you’d start by telling your friends about the bands you like. Make them a mix cd (or playlist), bring them to a show, send them a link, etc. We also are always in need of passionate street teamers and interns that can help by designing or passing out flyers/posters/stickers/etc. Tell us what you’re doing and we will come up with ways to reward and help you. If you want to get involved in your local music scene and be involved in that way by hosting artists, putting on shows, getting involved with your college radio station, scouting artists, being involved on message boards, etc. then get in touch! If you have the passion and the work ethic, we will be glad to help! Just let us know.

What’s this I hear about the Secret Customer Delight Program? What’s all that about?
We started this program so that people will know when they come to our store that they’re not just clicking on downloads and getting a t-shirt sent to them from a website. We’re watching and appreciating, and we’ll find a way to let you know. A couple of times a month you’ll be seeing posts like these two, and if you’re active with the Family Records, you’ll probably be seeing yourself in one soon.

How do I get an internship at Family Records?
We are currently only accepting submissions from North America, and applicants must be able to be in NYC for the duration of the internship. Email your resume, a cover letter and your current favorite unsigned band (with a link to them) to internship@thefamilyrecords.com.

Meet The Family

Lauren Glucksman | Director of Artist Relations and Operations
What is something you wish you knew how to do?
In this order:
Play a musical instrument WELL.
Surf.
Skateboard.
Speak a foreign language ROMANTICALLY.

What is your favourite tradition?
A family holiday to the same destination every year.
Wishing on eyelashes with obscenely long wishes, to the point where people get bored waiting.

What are your Top 10 albums of the last 10 years?
(in no order)
Land Of Talk – Applause, Cheer, Boo, Hiss
Jay-Z – The Black Album
Bon Iver – For Emma, Forever Ago
Metric – Live It Out
The National – Boxer
Laura Marling – Alas I Cannot Swim
Tegan and Sara – So Jealous
Amy Winehouse – Back To Black
The Maccabees – Colour It In
Ryan Adams – Heartbreaker (TECHNICALLY this is 11 years ago, but no one like a “stick to the rules Sally”)