HoZac Records is an independent record label based out of Chicago, IL. It was founded in 2006 and specializes
in garage, punk, psychedelic, sleaze-pop and any other kind of fringe rock ‘n’
roll sub-genres you can rattle off.
HoZac (short for Horizontal Action, a zine that pre-dated the label) has
been a huge fave of mine over the last few years. They have a strong catalog that features bands that are
mainstays with the label such as Radar
Eyes, Heavy Times and Rayon Beach plus a slew of one-off
records from bands such as Spider Fever
and Gentleman Jesse & His Men. The label has a strong affinity for
vinyl and the first 200 of each pressing is done in a ‘Gold Edition’ that
features not only gold vinyl (duh), but 7”s feature alternate artwork from the
standard pressing. Very cool. The latest batch of releases includes
LP’s from Puffy Areolas and The Limiñanas as well as 7”s from King Louie’s Missing Monuments and People’s Temple. HoZac also happens to have a fantastic
singles club known as the HoZac Hookup
Klub. Each 7” is limited to
500 copies and is only available through a subscription that’s on a
first-come-first-served basis at the beginning of each ‘Round’. Recent singles
from the Klub have come from artists such as Dan Melchior, Squish, Homostupids
and a few others. The label is
quite prolific and shares a spot at the front of the garagey-punk pack with
peers such as Goner and Dirtnap.
Todd, the main man behind HoZac, was nice enough to indulge me in
answering three questions that you’ll see below. I plan to wrap up future spotlights in similar fashion. Much thanks to Todd and go check out
HoZac Records if you haven’t already for cryin’ out loud!
Three Random Queries For Todd Of HoZac Records
1. Who
designed your 7” center labels?
"That was me, we decided to make a
classic 60s looking a-side with a uniform logo b-side and the band name printed
both upright and upside down in case you're trying to read it while it's
spinning."
2. What is
the most annoying thing you have to do for the label?
"Probably
dragging endless boxes to the post office, and/or getting our pictures taken."
3. What is your favorite record store in Chicago?
"There's so many good ones, actually, Permanent and
Reckless probably get the most votes (and are closest to my place) but there's
others like Dave's, Laurie's and Cyclopx that are really good too. When I first
moved here in 1996, it was Dummyroom on Grand Ave just west of Ashland that had
the best selection, then RAW Records in Evanston took the title around 1997
after relocating from their Voodoo Jive store out in Bannockburn. RAW was
probably the best record store I've ever been to, anywhere. It was just this
insane selection of everything I was interested in. They ended up selling their
entire stock to Amoeba LA when that store was in it's planning stages. I've
still never been to a store that would tell you to put stuff back ("ehh,
you won't like this," or "this looks way better than it sounds")
that you were trying to buy, that was the most sincere customer service I've
ever experienced!"
Thanks For
Reading...
Radar Eyes - "I Am" by HOZAC RECORDS
