hen I was growing up, I remember sneaking into my older sister’s room and listening to her vinyl records while she was away on dates. Every Friday and Saturday night I spent my evenings lying on the floor, listening to The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and Van Halen over and over again. She had an amazing collection of wax, and I won’t lie, I made great use of it! Instead of hanging around arcades or malls, I imagined myself someday being the lead guitarist for my own band. Every time a guitar solo came on, I’d reach for a cane, a broom stick…anything I could find, and play the meanest air guitar you’ve ever seen.

 

I had found an escape, a place where I could dream…I found sanctuary. I discovered something that was bigger than me…my passion. This love affair with Rock & Roll didn’t subside…it grew and grew, until I found myself listening to something almost all the time. I hummed songs, whistled guitar solos, and was drawing pictures of guitars on everything I could find. I will admit that I was a ‘Music Junkie’—and this was by the ripe old age of 10. The only way I was ever going to become a ‘guitar hero’ and change the world was to get a guitar of my own. Needless to say, I bought my first guitar at age 12, and so began my career in music—a road that I am still on today. When I listen to a song, I get swept away in the emotion, the story, the melodies the instruments are singing…I float away. I still listen to music just like I did as a child, and it is still the center of my universe.

 

There are some amazing bands out there, producing some unreal music…but sadly no one is their champion, and most never get the recognition they deserve for their sonic contributions. These musical groups rot in obscurity, while less deserving bands reap the rewards of popular success, and the money that goes with it. While this may not sound right, this is how the world of popular music is set up. Producing another piece of cake is more important than filling the hungry bellies of those who are starving for something more. The practice of reducing music to a commodity, and making it ‘background noise’ sickens me, so I’ve decided to do something about it. I founded Melodrama Recordings Ltd., to give the world something it can never have enough of: passionate music by impassioned people. I wanted to create a vehicle that tiny voices could be heard, and realize their musical dreams. I envisioned a recording company that would choose substance over sales, and one that would nurture the artist within. I am a Romantic, and I will not apologize for it. I believe that through music we can accomplish amazing things, and that we can become closer to that which binds and protects us. It is our obligation to discover and nourish this truth, and by supporting inspired artists, we too become more connected to our surroundings and those who share our lives. The future of music is now, won’t you join us?

Musically yours,

Carter Hartsell

President

Melodrama Recordings Ltd.