Fernwood’s own record label

>> Ross Currie

Jamroom Records is a Victoria-based label with roots to Salt Spring Island. The founder of the label, Owen Hooper, relocated to Fernwood a few years back and formed it as an avenue for releasing music on a label, rather than self-releasing. The impetus for the label had its roots in promoting Hooper’s band Brothers, which he’s one half of, alongside his brother Shane.

“The coveted 2351 Fernwood Road was where the real manifestation of the current label began,” says Hooper, who’s one half of the Jamroom team, alongside Gordon Hunter. “I’ve always fashioned myself as the production side,” says Hooper. “I handle the audio, and Gordon handles the visual art.” The two recently did an internship with Victoria-based Amelia Artists, an artist management firm responsible for Tegan and Sara and The Funk Hunters. “When we were there, we were learning more and more about how to deal with the media, write a good press release, one sheets, and stuff like that,” says Hooper.

Jamroom features all the facets of promotion that come with running a record label: music videos, album artwork, live footage, and audio uploads to Soundcloud and Bandcamp. It also includes the usual social media suspects: Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. “At this point, it’s about brand recognition. The more bands we’re willing to volunteer our time for, the more people will hopefully pay attention to the label,” says Hooper, who is largely concerned with promotion over profits. “It’s a huge make or break for a band if you can actually get yourself out there.”

The label is open-minded in the music it chooses to release. “There’s not any one genre that we’re trying to represent,” says Hooper. The label was responsible for the press release of Leisure Suit’s record Easement in the fall of last year, and is prepping itself for a busy spring and summer with full-length releases by Brothers and Lovers Touch in the works, as well as music from Bad Actor and Bridal Party on the way. Jamroom Records appears to be keeping itself busy, making for a welcome addition to Victoria’s fruitful music scene.

[Ross Currie is the Editor of FEEDBACK magazine at CFUV 101.9FM.]