Unlike other careers people choose, the music industry is one of the strangest anyone does. Although nothing is guaranteed in life, the path to become a doctor, engineer, accountant, etc., has been traveled by many before and is a reasonably safe journey. When you enter the music industry, there is no path. You only have a vague map to your destination, whatever tools you have with you, and off you go. When you talk to others that have entered the music industry, they can only tell you what worked for them. Sometimes that will work for everyone or it will only work for them. Sometimes you have a guide to point you in the right direction or you won’t have anyone. Sometimes you just throw your hands in the air and see where the wind takes you. It takes a certain kind of person to take on a business like this.
So this is an on-going series for those who are working in the music industry and for people trying to break into it.
While the Band is Playing
by Jesse Davidson
In this edition, we will be interviewing Paul North. Paul North is currently a tour manager for the UK Subs and runs a vinyl selling and tour service business called North Records in the UK. WE caught up with Paul after the UK Subs recent West Coast tour in America.
JD: Can you give you give us some background info about yourself and how you got into the music business?
PN: I’ve always been a music fan, I saw the Damned/ Adverts when I was 14 in 1977. I consider myself lucky to work for the bands I watched as a kid. I had pretty high-end retail positions when I was very young. I got a job with a record company in London but got sick of living down south. I moved back to Blackpool where there was no work available and I started to sell records full time. I started selling records at punk festivals and from there started driving band, selling merch and learned from there. I haven’t had a proper job since ‘89.
After the show in Berlin. Charlie Harper (Center).
JD: Did you have a mentor or anyone to help you out?
PN: Not especially but your always learning when you’re both selling records and working for bands. My dad had no idea what I did but he was self-employed and was always there just to have a chat or lend me cash if I needed it. He was a calming influence on me.
JD: I’ve been checking out the North Records website and I’m really intrigued by it. Can you tell us about it and take us through the day to day of running the business?
Our mail order business is shit. Because, neither me or my business partner have enough time to dedicate to it as we are always working away for our bands. We update it as much as we can but I have lots of vinyl customers I can call up. So most doesn’t get online. We spend a couple of days a week on it, which is all we can do. My job is to find new stuff. Ig (my business partner) puts it on eBay or our site. We account every 6 weeks and split the profit after costs. Very DIY!
North Records: Very DIY!
JD: You and the UK Subs were really cool and professional when I had the chance to work with you, which is what I admire in bands that come through town. What are some ways you feel have helped maintain that reputation with you and the band?
PN: I have a few simple rules.
I only work for people I like.
I don’t work for arseholes.
I only work for bands I would watch as a fan.
We are on time. We do our job as best as we can do.
If you do those things, you won’t go far wrong.
Oh and be honest with the bands. Keep them informed and get them as much rest as possible.
JD: It seems out of any form of music, punk is one of the most unpredictable and wildly exciting forms to work in as a musician, sound engineer, tour manager, etc. What are some pros and cons you’ve experienced working in it?
PN:
Pros:
(+) It’s the best form of music.
(+)There’s less industry nonsense.
(+)The vast majority of people are cool especially with the smaller bands I tour with; where the promoter feeds us and puts us up at his own place. Usually, at his expense. I don’t think that happens in other genres as much..
Cons:
(-) Well there’s not much money for bands
(-) USA and UK venues don’t treat bands well (there are exceptions).
(-)Van breakdown issues are the worst and can destroy a tour financially.
But as a rule, even after a bad tour/gig, you can’t wait to do it again.
On the way to a gig. Lots of this on tour.
JD: How do you manage the stress that can come with being a tour manager and business owner?
I have the best job in the fucking world! If I have a bad day, I think of all the people doing normal jobs. I feel ok then!
Just another day at the office.
JD: After meeting you, I was reminded of Ian, the tour manager character from This Is Spinal Tap. Is there a lot of similarities between the movie and what you experience on the road?
PN: You won’t believe this but I’ve never seen it! But everyone says I should and it’s very relevant! I’m sure it is and one day, I’ll watch it!
JD: Do you have an advice for young people entering into the music business?
PN: Be brave. Give up everything for your band at least until you’re 30! Get one honest organized person to look after money, etc. Split money evenly between band members, the crew, and the manager. Be the absolute best you can be on the stage and not be an arsehole off it!
JD: Thanks again for taking the time to talk with us and for playing in Lancaster!
PN: Well touring the west coast with the Subs was a challenge! But we came through relatively unscathed, and the vast majority of people and promoters we met were great.
We had a ball! Thanks to all!!
If you’d like more info on North Records, check out
