Inspired by “I’m a Craft Brewer” Video

I Am A Craft Brewer from I Am A Craft Brewer on Vimeo.

This video gave me goosebumps. It might be due to the fact that I saw this video after drinking 2 Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Stouts (13% alcohol) and the fact that my passion for craft breweries runs a close 2nd to my love of independent music. I love the community that surrounds craft breweries and I can’t help but compare it to that of independent music. Much like the small brewer, small, indie labels are slowly closing the gap on the mega conglomerates that force feed whatever they think they can sell. Indie labels put out music they are passionate about. That love and attention isn’t lost on music fans. Here are a few quotes from the video that I want to share:

“(mega conglomerates) are only focused on how much they’re selling instead of what they’re selling”

“If you want lowest common denominator beer, that is up to you, I won’t have any part of it.”

“We must educate those who seek to understand”

“We must honor and hold true to our integrity”

I can go on and on, but if this video doesn’t inspire you, you shouldn’t be following this site. I found myself getting emotional watching this video and thinking about how we as independent music labels need to band together, reinforce our strengths, and spread our message to those who are receptive. Independent music inspired me to take the path I have taken. Corporate music just leaves a bad taste in my mouth. I know that times are tough attempting to sell a product most people get for free, but I sincerely believe in what we as independent record labels are attempting to do. I don’t believe in a higher power, but there are times that I feel as though I was brought into this crazy world to spread the idea that independent music is relevant and powerful. I will never stop spreading my love of independent music doing all I can do to spread the word of my artists and like minded labels around the world. Who’s with me? Let’s grab a craft beer and cheers each other for our love of independent music!

“I Am A Craft Brewer” is a collaborative video representing the camaraderie, character and integrity of the American Craft Brewing movement. Created by Greg Koch, CEO of the Stone Brewing Co. and Chris & Jared of Redtail Media…and more than 35 amazing craft brewers from all over the country. The video was shown to a packed audience of 1700 craft brewers and industry members at the 2009 Craft Brewers Conference as an introduction to Greg’s Keynote Speech entitled “Be Remarkable: Collaboration Ethics Camaraderie Passion.”

Andy,Caroline,Virgil featured in 9 News piece on local coffee shop

On most afternoons, some segment of our office walks to our neighborhood coffee shop, Studio 6 (on 9th and Santa Fe), to get our afternoon caffeine fix. They make great coffee at affordable prices and everyone there is nice. Little did we know that Mike, our barista, is also a coffee artist. He is one of those folks who can draw portraits in your latte. We went in yesterday to get our afternoon coffee and there was a film crew there filming him do what he does. Little did we know that we would end up on Channel 9 news in the segment. Brandon called me to tell me we were on there and this morning I caught it for myself. 9news.com also has the video streaming so I have it embedded here for your viewing pleasure. You can see Andy and Caroline at the very beginning, then at the end you see Caroline and myself walking out. My Lagrecia shirt got some good face time.

Help us win the Odell brewing Tap Handle Design Contest!

Good evening to you All.

If it isn’t obvious Already, we At Vinyl Collective Are very fond of well mAde beer. In doing so we have become very fond of some of the local breweries in ColorAdo, and one of those breweries hAppens to be Odell brewing in Ft. Collins.

To mAke A long story short, over the pAst month Odell hAs been brewing A beer who’s every detAil wAs chosen by poll via twitter. One of us becAme a little obsessed over the outcome of the polling (BrAndon) And After deciding to brew a GermAn schwArzbier And nAming it “BlAckbird” it has come down the the finAl poll to decide the design of the tAp handle which will be unveiled At the BlAckbird releAse pArty on MAy 30th.

BrAndon submitted his design for the tAp hAndle, And would be honored if you could help mAke his life long dreAm of hAving a tAp hAndle he designed A reAlity by voting for the letter A. ThAt’s All it tAkes! You don’t hAve to sign up for Anything! Poll closes on the 29th! Tell All your friends!

LINK TO THE ODELL TAP HANDLE DESIGN POLL

Remember! Letter A!

cheers.