Interview

Charlie Gaylord of Cornmeal Records - Making Waves in the 207

Charlie Gaylord, of Cornmeal Records, has been a mainstay in Maine's music scene. Charlie hosts "Greetings From Area Code 207," a live radio show heard every Wednesday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m. on WBLM 102.9 FM. The show, originally on WCLZ, promotes and features local music and musicians. Cornmeal Records has also recently released their seventh compilation of "Greetings From Area Code 207," featuring tracks by Ray Lamontagne, The Lomax, Phantom Buffalo, Sara Cox, Jason Spooner, As Fast As, Varsity Drag Rustic Overtones. The disc's (mastered by Grammy and award-winning engineer Adam Ayan) proceeds go to the Lawrence Arts Center in Portland to create an affordable and accessible venue for arts and culture, nourish neighborhood community and preserve the historic landmark. The compilation has raised around $100,000 for the center over the span of six volumes. Performer talked with Gaylord about Cornmeal Records and Maine's music scene.

Q: What can you tell us about Cornmeal?

A: I started the label in 2000 in order to release the sampler disc. I had no label experience but I had produced a few CDs and it seemed like I could promote and sell them as well as anyone locally. All of the proceeds from our compilations go to local non-profits. I figured I wouldn't be making much money from local CD sales so my business plan was to break even, giving whatever profit to worthy causes. We have raised over $100,000 for a local theater, The St. Lawrence Arts Center, and we have also raised money for The Kennebunk Coffeehouse. I like promoting quality local music. Just because it's local doesn't mean it's good so I try to search out the best stuff.

Q: Are there many artists?

A: Along the way, I have released for-profit CDs for a few artists but the only one that turned a small profit was the Diesel Doug CD, after Stephen King wrote a full-page article praising them in Entertainment Weekly. That was a hoot. I got fan mail from around the world on that one.

Q: Are you trying to get more artists?

A: I usually work with an act if it seems like I can add some value to their project with the PR I do. I have had a few acts back out at the last minute due to disagreements, but that was cool because I'm only interested in situations that make sense. I'm about to release the new Darien Brahms CD, "Four", which is ridiculously good.

Q: What is the Maine music scene like?

A: Southern Maine is extremely arts oriented and Portland is full of music. You can't throw a rock in Portland without hitting a singer/songwriter. In the 1990s there was a big alt-country and blues scene but that has evaporated over time. Rustic Overtones have been a huge influence over the past decade with their unique sound. We also have some great studios and engineers and of course we have Gateway Mastering. So there's a little musical bio-dome up here where bands can make great CDs without leaving greater Portland.

Q: What do you hope to accomplish in the future?

A: I hope to continue to break even.

www.cornmealrecords.com

In The News

Maine-based indie label Time-Lag Records will be hosting a show at the Meg Perry Center in Portland on July 3. Acts include Sharron Kraus, a banjo player who strums hauntingly hippy tunes from the UK, and United Bible Studies, a band from Ireland who's tunes are just as chilling but with a grunge edge. More bands are to be announced.

www.time-

lagrecords.com

Ellis Paul will be performing at two locations in Maine this July. Paul is one of the leading pop-folk singer/song writers in the Boston area, and he will be performing some of the songs that earned him 13 Boston Music Awards. Paul's music is optimistic, with it's cheery lyrics and upbeat tunes, which are no doubt inspired by Woody Guthrie, seeing as the tattoo Paul has chosen to permanently adorn his arm twitches every time he strums his guitar. His music often is found in movie soundtracks, proving that he has successfully combined the traditional folk sounds of artists like Guthrie and Pete Seeger with the pop sensibilities of today. Ellis Paul will be performing at Jonathan's Restaurant in Ogunquit on the 26th, and at the Full Circle Fair WERU in Blue Hill on the 27th.

www.ellispaul.com

The 19th annual Full Circle Fair will be taking place this year in Blue Hill on July 26 and 27, rain or shine. The event celebrates community radio stations such as WERU radio, which is sponsoring the event. The event features performances by local bands as well as national bands, covering bluegrass, folk, reggae, rock and more. The festival will also feature vendors and performances for children. A labyrinth (sans David Bowie) and an open mic stage, as well as all of the great food expected at a good ole' community fair, will be there too.

www.fair.weru.org

L.L. Bean is putting their hiking boots to use this summer for the tenth time, as they are sponsoring the L.L. Bean Summer Concert Series in Freeport throughout July. The series includes music from pop artist Darryl Hall to the smooth acoustic country twangs of Kathy Mattea, a performance by the Portland Symphony Orchestra, and a 1950's rock `n' roll band called Buddy Holly's Original Crickets. The concert is free; just remember a lawn chair and some L.L. Bean catalogue poses.

www.llbean.com/

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