Surprise Cast #106 Nathaniel Cramp (Sonic Cathedral)

Welcome to this exciting episode of Surprise Cast, where I sit down with Nathaniel Cramp, the passionate owner of Sonic Cathedral record label. Known for its dedication to shoegaze, dream pop, and atmospheric soundscapes, Sonic Cathedral has carved a niche in the music industry by nurturing artists who craft introspective and layered sound experiences. In this episode, Nathaniel shares his journey from his humble beginnings in North Devon ("it was boring...nothing really happened") to becoming an important figure in the music scene.

Nathaniel opens up about his personal life, including childhood memories and family dynamics as the youngest of eight children. ("by the time I was a teenager, I was kind of on my own"). He reflects on his early influences, from schoolyard embarrassments to discovering music through his siblings and the iconic 'Top of the Pops'. ("We had a record of bad ABBA covers...my dad liked playing organ music."). We learn about his formative years in the indie music scene ("my older brother would have these OMD records..."), his early years of going to concerts("the first I went to see was the Soup Dragons") transition into sub-editing ("making other people's words make sense") at NME ("I was only a freelance"), stint at Rough Trade Records, and the serendipitous beginnings of Sonic Cathedral including an important event. ("we did a show as a 1-off...got the Radio Dept. to play").

He takes us through the evolution of Sonic Cathedral, sharing stories of the label's inception, its notable releases, and the challenges and triumphs along the way. He discusses the label's ethos, the importance of genuine passion for music, and the delicate balance of running an independent label. ("I didn't know what I was doing...I didn't know where to get a record pressed...it felt like a whole new world"), and how he handled the business during COVID-19. The conversation delves into his thoughts on success, creativity, and the future of Sonic Cathedral as it celebrates its 20th anniversary ("I don't know where it has gone") with exciting events and releases. Quite exciting!

Join me for a captivating exploration of the indie music world, filled with personal anecdotes, industry insights, and Nathaniel's unwavering commitment to championing music that resonates. This episode promises to offer a unique perspective on the power of music and the community it fosters in a grand business fashion. What a precious jewel!

Follow Sonic Cathedral:
https://soniccathedral.co.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/soniccathedral/

https://x.com/soniccathedral

https://www.youtube.com/user/soniccathedral

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