|
TOM
@ RED EYE INTERVIEW
|
Red Eye Records was established in 1992. Ten years on, and it is one of the biggest Drum and Bass stores in England, and has its doors open 24/7 to the world of the Internet. We caught up with Tom, Owner and founder, to tell us a bit more about running such a successful store.
BAZZY B - Q1 - Red Eye has become one of the most popular drum and bass stores in the country, what is it you offer that
other stores lack?
TOM: We like to give people a personal service, we have a very positive attitude towards our business and we want to prove our worth. Stock, prices and all that, are not bad either.
BAZZY B - Q2 - What has been the overall key to your success?
TOM: Apart from what I have mentioned above I would say hard work and luck, we got into the internet thing at the right time.
BAZZY B - Q3 - How have you seen record sales rise for DnB over the years?
TOM: Sales have obviously become quite crazy in the last few years and they continue to rise. When we opened in 1992 we would sell about 50 of a top tune, something like tic tac toe at the time. Planet dust (our best seller to date) has done over 1,000 so far and is still selling fast. Since about 94 we have only sold drum and bass so I have nothing to compare it against, we decided to do what we like and do well with it rather
than try and specialise in too many things.
BAZZY B - Q4 - Whats been your happiest memories when running the store to date?
TOM: After near on a decade I have a few; taking the first trips to distributors buying stock, the opening day, the five years party, all the ups and downs of trying to keep it going, the label, opening the site, lots I can't think of really. We have a had a fucking good laugh along the way.
BAZZY B - Q5 - The Internet 24/7 service helps people order much faster and more efficiently, how hard has it been to
maintain such a service in high demand?
TOM: Sometimes it has been very difficult, mainly when there is a big release. To make sure we get every order out on the day it was placed, we have to work almost around the clock, I quite often work until midnight and begin at five going on to midnight again...... . these days there are three of us full time
but untill last April I worked on my own.
BAZZY B - Q6 - Do you feel without the internet Red Eye would not be as successful?
TOM: Without the internet site we would exist as a shop only, things have changed so much for shops in the last few years. having said that, red eye has always been a good shop (IMO) and being on the net has given us a chance to let more people see how we do things.
BAZZY B - Q7 - How many people help out at Red Eye and how long have they been there?
TOM: Apart from me there is my good lady Becky, Clive and Baff who is part time. Beck and Clive arrived in spring and summer last year, Baf in December.
BAZZY B - Q8 - What future plans do you have for Red Eye?
TOM: Nothing too grand, just to keep on improving where we can and enjoy the ride. if something come into being then so be it, I have no idea at the moment though.
BAZZY B - Q9 - Have you seen a change in the quality and quantity of tunes being produced in your time at Red Eye?
TOM: There are alot more releases these days, alot from overseas which must be a good thing. There are times when I feel there is too much out, and releases that have some real quality don't reach the sales they should because they are not well known labels/artists, it's a shame and I hope it does not deter people. I believe the music is as good as ever, I don't have a favorite period or anything like that.
BAZZY B - Well thankyou for the interview Tom, its been interesting.
TOM - Yeh, I'd just like to say thanks to everyone who has helped and supported me over the years - it's yours!
For more info on Red Eye Records, check out their website:
www.redeyerecords.co.uk
