by Dave Miller

The label started off pretty slow at first, just releasing a couple things by bands I was involved with to have on hand at shows. Early in 2009, it slowly evolved into a vehicle for me to release music by other artists that I admire as well as more of my own material on occasion. I am deeply inspired by other like minded small labels (Stunned, Digitalis, Housecraft, Existential Cloth, Cloud Valley, ExBx, Peasant Magik, etc...) who continue to impress me with high levels of commitment to craft and individuality.

My wife has a T-shirt with the words "Kimberly Dawn" printed on the back. I believe it came from a thrift store and was most likely customized for a particular person. I think the name has an odd ring to it- combining the mundane with the otherworldly.

I am so fortunate to be able to release music that inspires me. I love artists that work from their own peculiar point of view. I appreciate music of many different styles, but I am mostly interested in sounds that relate somehow to the subconscious, dreams, and unusual interpretations of personal inner worlds.

The first couple things I released were on full size CDRs, but I just fell in love with the look of these little discs this year and I've been kind of obsessed with the aesthetic of putting these tiny packages together. I like the challenge of trying to limit the releases I put out to short EP-length material. I think it can make a nice, concise statement. Also, a lot of people outside the underground music community are pretty amazed that these things even exist.

That said, I love tapes and vinyl too and I'm definitely not opposed to doing something with either format sometime in the future when the moment is right. The tiny discs will always have a place in my heart though, and I'll probably stick with them for a while longer since I'm kind of in a groove with putting them out.

I'm trying to stay on top of things and keep putting out a batch every couple months or so. I've got some really amazing material from Archers by the Sea, Inhibitionists, Calves, and Froe Chair that I'm anxious to get out there soon. There are even more things in the works too...

I think just being in contact with so many inspiring artists has influenced my work as Sparkling Wide Pressure. When I hear and see the great things that others are doing, it makes me want to craft my work even more considerately. I feel there is a wave of artists moving through the current stream of underground music that is keenly aware of the ability that music has to create a space around the listener and to uniquely translate personal experiences. It's a magical thing to experience, and I hope that in some way I can make my own unique contribution to this process.

It all works pretty organically for me. I'll take a break from making art to work on putting packages together or stamping discs, or I'll take a break from cutting inserts or something to go work on some new music.

I wouldn't do this if I didn't enjoy it, and I really like being at the level of exposure I am. This just wouldn't be possible for me to do if I had to work with editions of 1000 or something like that. With this size there really aren't too many difficulties other than committing the time to put things together. I mean, I go to the post office a lot more than I used to, but it's still pleasant. I don't really mind it.

You just get to meet so many interesting people. Everyone I've had contact with through the label has been very kind and responsive. I love getting to send things all over the world too.

I'm always open to hearing new things, but I can't guarantee that I'll be able to release anything. Demos are okay, but I want it to feel real and not forced.

2009 has been a great year for underground music, and I'm happy I could play some small part in it. Thanks for taking the time to ask me some questions.