Brian Slagel

Interview by Randy Mallett

July 2009

Brian Slagel is Chairman/CEO of Metal Blade Records (probably the most famous metal label on the planet) and most widely known as the person who got Metallica their first big break. If I had to do this interview over, I could come up with a thousand better questions, but unfortunately, time was limited. I want to thank Brian for doing the interview on such short notice. - Randy

BP: Well, I guess most of my readers will know you as the person who founded Metal

Blade Records, but most probably don't know that the infamous Metallica compilation

actually came before MBR right?

BS: The first record I did was Metal Massacre and that was the first Metallica song ever on there.

BP: What made you want to put together a comp cd back then?

BS: There were a lot of good bands in L.A. at the time and no one was paying attention. So I thought it would be cool to put out an album so people could hear them.

BP: I did the same thing here in Missouri but it didn't work out as well, haha. Did the cd's success attribute to the founding of Metal Blade Records or was this something you had been working on?

BS: No, I had no intention of starting a label. Since the album did well a distributor told me they could give me a print and distro deal since I had no money at the time.

BP: Obviously, you've had a relationship with Metallica for many years. Do you still talk to the guys very often?

BS: Yeah I talk to them quite a bit. Just saw them at the RNR HOF and talked to James last week.

BP: So what do you think of their new record, 'Death Magnetic'?

BS: I love it. Sounds like old school Metallica.

BP: I concur my friend. Who were some of your favorite bands you worked with in the early 80's?

BS: Slayer, Omen, Fates Warning, Lizzy Borden, Bitch, Cirith Ungol, Trouble so many....

BP: Twenty seven years later (wow), MBR is still going strong! Who among the current roster impresses you the most?

BS: I love the new bands like As I Lay Dying, Black Dahlia Murder, Amon Amarth... all great to see how well they are doing. Also a new band named Lazaru A.D. too...

BP: Right on. So what have been some of the latest releases you'd like us to check out?

BS: For sure the Lazarus A.D. album, plus new 3, Goatwhore, Job For a Cowboy, Behemoth lots of good stuff out and coming out.

BP: What would you tell someone who wants to start up an indie label these days?

BS: Do it for the love of the music. Also make sure you have a good business background - as it is a

business. This is a great time for Indie labels so be careful and love the music.

BP: Good advice. Have your own personal musical tastes changed in the past twenty years?

BS: A bit, but I still love metal just as much now as I did. I do like the newer extreme scene a lot as well.

BP: So, no plans to start an offshoot pop label in the near future?

BS: Nope!

BP: Yeah, I wasn't counting on that. What are some of the most difficult decisions you have to make while running a label?

BS: Always the money issues. We want to support all the bands as much as we can, but sometimes you have to make tough decisions based on economics.

BP: Walk me through your average day. What's it like to be Brian Slagel?

BS: I wake up and go straight to my email to see what is happening. Then if I am on the road, I am meeting up with people. In the office I am dealing with staff and paperwork. I check my emails all day and night as there is always stuff going on. Talking to bands, etc. I do have to get a daily walk in wherever I am at.

BP: Tell us about the Brian Slagel show. 

BS: It is an internet radio show I have been doing for almost ten years now. It is on www.hardradio.com. I just play a bunch of songs I like and talk about the songs (and) bands. I try to turn people on to some obscure and rare things when I can.

BP: You're also a huge hockey fan right? What did you think about the Stanley Cup this year?

BS: Since I am a huge Pens fan, I could not be happier! It was a great season and I am so happy the Pens did it!

BP: Yeah yeah... (my Rangers choked, so....;). Anything else you want to talk about or mention Brian?

BS: Just keep supporting metal. Thanks to all the fans who support the music. It really is important that you do this if you really love the music.

BP: Thanks Brian! Keep up the great work!

Visit MBR at www.metalblade.com

Photos courtesy of MySpace

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