Meet Mike Billups | Independent Record Label owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mike Billups and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mike, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started Coffin Curse Records as a way to distribute physical media – Vinyl Records, CDs & Tapes – for my band, and my friends bands. It is very hard to get physical media into fans hands in the digital media age, so small independent labels like ours are necessary for keeping the dream alive.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Coffin Curse Records is nearing our 5th year in business. In that short time we have released over 130 albums, promoted hundreds of concerts and drag shows, and helped dozens of small bands get their music heard by a larger audience.

Running a small business isn’t easy by any means, but running a small record label in the digital media age is even harder. The mass majority of music listeners rarely purchase physical media, so when your number one source of income is selling physical media times can be tough.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Coffin Curse Records is located in beautiful Knoxville, Tennessee. Knoxville has tons of wonderful independent Breweries, delicious locally owned restaurants, and no lack of venues for live music.

Folks are flocking to Knoxville for a safe and charming place to live, so with all of the pedestrian growth there seems to be new businesses open daily.

If I were to recommend somewhere to go for live music while you visit Knoxville I would direct you to The Brickyard, South Press Coffee, The Mill & Mine, The Concourse, and The Bijou.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Pistol Pete Records is another up and coming independent punk rock record label based out of Atlanta, GA. The label is owned and operated by Brody Wilson. Brody is the lead singer / guitar player for Punk band Billy Batts & the Made Men. His label is just a little over a year old, but already making huge waves in the scene.

Website: www.coffincurserecords.com

Instagram: Instagram.com/coffincurserecords

Facebook: Facebook.com/coffincurseknox

Youtube: youtube.com/@CoffinCurseRecords

Image Credits
Reckless Threat photo by Joshua Ricker