Opus label is a new boutique record and fashion label based in LA causing some stir across the states.
Founded by the creative pairing of Miguel Angel Jimenez (World Coco, Cliché Magazine) and Jeremy Wineberg (Music Tee, “Purveyor of cool” – Flaunt Magazine) the label is releasing their first compilation ‘Opus Label One‘ on the 28th (Feb/28/12).
The guys had a chat about the label, the release, some fashion and the music industry in the 21st century.
Catch them tweeting on @opuslabel
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Hey guys, how we doing? First things first, introduce yourselves?
Hi, I’m Miguel and when I am not listening to new music on my white Beats by Dre headphones that Jeremy designed, at an art opening scouring the newest artists for ICON TEE or in the desert managing our street team for the launch of Desert Nights 3/29, I am having chocolate gelato and sitting by the fireplace with my Siamese cat name Ozy. Now I’ll pass the mic to Jeremy. Jeremy is a friendly ghost that handles the behind the scenes. When is he not writing his memoir, he is creating innovative and new concepts for Opus. Jeremy is also working on a television show called Inner Circle. We both don’t sleep, really we don’t. Only on Sundays.
Jeremy, you invented ‘The Music Tee‘ and Miguel your magazine, Cliché was the first magazine to have an app? It’s an impressive back story to the label.
Well we like to think we have come up with some cool things. But then Facebook started from a dorm room at Harvard. Jeremy did go to NYU and Miguel UCSB so we like to think we’re smart!
Starting a record label in 2012 must be daunting, with so much competition and piracy issues what makes you guys stand out?
Well, I wouldn’t call it just a record label. Miguel loves finding new music. Opus is an extension of Jeremy’s Invisible DJ Records that he launched from the floor of Ron Herman and Music Tee, but with a new twist. We have been friends forever so Opus is us having a great time. The money is not in the music but in everything else we’re doing like ICON TEE and Desert Nights. Well that, and I frequent the corner of Hollywood and Vine on random every other Fridays. But I am not sure if this is suitable to discuss here.
Music is just one portion of what we’re doing. Opus is a collection of everything we love. Opus compilations feature the newest in music today that we champion. ICON Tee is going to be a game changer in the art world and Desert Nights is breath of fresh air in the Coachella Valley.
You never know, a plug on here might get some more business to your corner.
What’s the main concept behind Desert Nights? Are we raving in the desert?
It’s Hollywood in the desert. There is a huge untapped market and LA is 2 hours away. So why not bring the talent of LA to the desert for live entertainment.
Opus, would I be right in saying that comes from some Greek mythology?
I am sure Opus is Greek. After weeks of brainstorming names, writing out meanings on poster board, Googling, we came up with Opus which means a literary work or composition. Opus is more about our Opus. This is our Opus to the music and art world.
Onto the important stuff, the record. Tell us about it.
My brain is hurting. To us music is about what flows. Turning up the volume at night while driving 80 on the 10 freeway. What grooves at the exact moment in time. As I am writing this “Walking in my Shoes” by Depeche Mode is playing. That is exactly what Opus is about. Creating a moment in time in music and fashion that people will remember and be influenced by. If one people is influenced at the end of that day, that is all that really matters. Our job is never done. Opus One is a collection of what’s important at that moment in time.
So what do you feel is important in 2012?
Finding new ways to market and sell music that are beyond what’s playing on your iPod. Music today is a tool to selling something else. It’s being realistic with what’s happening in music and instead of fighting it, being creative and finding unique ways to monetize and adapt.
What’s the Opus ‘sound’?
It’s quality.
Do you think people could make the comparison (without being pigeon holed too much) as you being the American Kitsuné , giving the style of music and the music & fashion combination?
I have always been a fan of Kitsuné and what they are doing is a positive thing. No one in the States really focuses on making compilations. Jeremy’s background is all about compilations and there is noting more epic then 12 tracks from various artists that make one great sounding album.
Couldn’t agree more, I’ve found countless bands that I know love after buying a compilation based on recognising a few of the tracks, it’s a great way of discovering new music. Leaves a lot of room for artwork too, don’t need to focus on the one bands ‘style’.
You’re based in LA, is all the glamour and glitz having an effect?
What glamour and glitz? It’s all a show and we work in the dark.
You must have some celebrity tales?
Only a few. Don’t google Miranda Cosgrove music videos or you’ll see Miguel playing guitar. Jeremy on the other hand lived in LA while getting his Masters at NYU. He would fly to and from NY every week to class. One story which is quite epic was when he was writing and article on the globalization of pop music with the subject being M.I.A. Well, she just so happened to sit next to him on the plane. 6 hours later and the rest is history. At the end of the day celebrities are just normal people like you and me.
Could’ve been a great pick up line.
Ha!
Any bands or designers you’d love to work with?
Miguel would love to work with New Order. Jeremy is a fan of Dior Homme. He can be found in there on any Sunday shopping with Sean his sales associate. Miguel likes Marc Jacobs.
Don’t trust anyone who doesn’t love New Order, they seem to be on a comeback, playing some festivals, it could happen. I’m a Tom Ford fan, though you still can’t beat an American Apparel T, urban Outfitters Hoodie and a pair of Nike Hi-Tops.
Street cred.
What can we expect from the label in the near future?
Expect nothing but the best.
Any messages aspiring ‘music entrepreneurs’?
Just follow your dreams and know all aspects of the business before getting into it. If you’re an artist, don’t rely on your manager. If your a manager don’t rely on your publicist. In any form, be prepared and in the know on handling all aspects of your career. The biggest mistakes is relying on other people to do the simplest things for you.
It’s been great chatting with you guys, look forward to seeing more from you in the future.
Thanks so much! It was a pleasure. You rock!
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@obscurepop
Opus Label One is out on Tuesday 28th February, get your copy here.
Is there anyone out there with any fleeting interest in electro who doesn’t get chills when they hear the opening of ‘All My Friends’? or who doesn’t feel that nostalgic twinge when ‘Daft Punk is Playing at my House’ bursts open with an ‘Oh oh oh’?
