Bearded Label Love: Gizeh

Based in Leeds, and carrying an independent/DIY ethic to be admired, Gizeh Records could be metaphorically compared to a snowball rolling down a hillside, starting off as a simply crafted ideal, and as it goes on, it grows in size, yet maintaining the ideals that it was initially created. But hey, that's metaphors for you. Gizeh records started out as a way for Glissando member Richard Knox to release his own records, and over time, Gizeh has become a place for ambient beauty that is free from any handcuffed reigns holding it back.

Bearded thought it necessary to have a chat.

Hello. Firstly, who are you and what do you do?
My name is Richard Knox and I (attempt) to run an independent record label called Gizeh.

Where does the name Gizeh come from?
Well, it's an ancient pyramid in Egypt... there is no hidden reason for using it other that I really like the way it's spelt and the aesthetic of the word.

How did the label start out?
I started out with a small plan initially to simply release some CDr's by my band Glissando. There was never a grand idea to get it to the stage it's at right now.

How does the average day/week pan out for you?
It really depends on what is going on at any particular time. I usually try and fit in press work, general label duties, making music, designing artwork, booking tours into one week. As it stands I have a lot of press work to do because of the new Conquering Animal Sound and Sleepingdog records.
I'll sit down with a large coffee on a Monday morning and try and plan the week as best I can to ensure everything gets the attention it deserves.

"The aim of Gizeh has always been to create a family environment for everyone involved, to be able to play shows together and perform on each others' records"

How has your job changed since you started?
It's a full time job now so that's the biggest difference. I've obviously learned a lot over the years about how to run a label so you progress and change things as you go along to be more efficient - the label has grown year on year so that naturally brings with it more work.

You began wanting to put out hand crafted packaged limited CDs. Sounds very time consuming and not very cost effective. Was it more a case of passion for music ahead of a business plan?
Yes indeed. There's never really been a business plan as such... over the years it's become necessary to develop a financial head and the label is in quite a good place from that point of view. I still punish myself (and my girlfriend) by releasing extravagantly packaged items from time to time and swear we'll never do it again until the next exciting project comes up and we can't help ourselves.

In an ever changing world of music formats and distribution, how do/are you evolving and keeping current with the current scene, and where do you see the future of Gizeh heading?
Good question and one that I don't have a definitive answer for. Gizeh is progressing at a rate that I'm very happy with, it's making money and the artists are making money.
We have new distribution with Kompakt who are really great and that has definitely improved sales and exposure for us. I've never been one for trends or scenes so usually it's a matter of watching other people make horrific mistakes first before deciding where to go with things.

What have been some of the highlights and lowlights of your time at the label?
Many of both I think. The highlights are continuous - that's the beauty of releaseing records on a regular basis. Lowlights are probably the ever-present struggle to sustain any kind of normal 'income' from the label to enable you to live a some-what-normal life. That and the breakdown of various relationships with friends over the years due to egos and lack of understanding.

Leeds has seen it’s music scene flourish over the past year or so in particular. What do you think it is about the city and the scene there that makes the music so attractive to others?
I have no idea - to be honest there are only a handful of Leeds-based bands that I actually enjoy. It's nice to see some of the guys I've been friends with for years getting some recognition but I wouldn't say any of them have benefited from a 'scene', they have worked extremely hard over the past few years and that's the reason they have found some success.

"I still punish myself (and my girlfriend) by releasing extravagantly packaged items from time to time and swear we'll never do it again until the next exciting project comes up and we can't help ourselves."

What can you tell us about the “collective ideal” that you have running through the label?
Sure, it's quite simple really. The aim of Gizeh has always been to create a family environment for everyone involved, to be able to play shows together and perform on each others' records etc. I guess we don't have the separation that some artists/labels have. We are talking all the time about ideas - the artists are fully involved with everything.

Where would you advise someone to begin when wanting to discover the music of Gizeh?
Well, the most recent release Kammerspiel by Conquering Animal Sound is probably one of the most 'accessible' records we've put out. They've even been played on Radio One which is a little strange. There is a little something for everyone on this record I believe. Most of the records we have released are available for streaming through the website so that would be the sensible place to begin.

Any advice for someone wanting to set up their own label?
I'm getting asked this a lot recently. The more independently creative people/outlets we have in this world the better, but be sure you know what you want to achieve before plunging in head first, know you can trust the people you want to work alongside and be prepared to work really really hard for very little financial reward.

Do you carry an ethos or mantra?
I believe in working hard if you want to achieve something, working together to create something worthwhile that can be cherished for future times. Trying to make use of our time wisely in being artistic and kind and attempt to drag as many enthusiastic minds and bodies along with you on your way.