Drongo Records

Something that deserves to be celebrated about the local music scene of Norwich is the incredible community that exists within this, complete with an abundance of friendship, help and support!  

From the staff who work in the range of grassroot music venues we have on our doorstep (and the abundance of music lovers who visit them for amazing nights of live music!), to the range of record labels and promoters who strive to support the growth of musicians, duos and bands- it is clear that there has never been a better city than Norwich for aspiring musicians! 

Last week, I caught up with local record label ‘Drongo Records’, to discover the journey of their record label, as well as how they plan on continuing to support the abundance of musical talent from our fine city! 
 
When did Drongo Records begin? 

We started back in 2019. 
 
What inspired you to launch this record label? 

The label was initially created as a platform to release music from various bands I was performing with. 
  
Does your label focus on one genre of music? 

I wouldn't want to pigeonhole the label genre-wise. If the music touches me emotionally in some way, or the live performances are top tier, that's what I'm particularly interested in. This month for example we have 2 single releases, one of them from lively alt-rock band Eat Your Own Head and the other from Takeda - Beautifully gentle folk with tints of grunge. Eat Your Own Head new EP 'The Trawler' out May 31st. 
  
How do you work with/ promote the growth of the artists you sign? 

Drongo aids progression with its artists by focusing on strengths, improving on weaknesses and actively seeking out opportunities for that artist. 
  
What has been key to the success of the growth of your label? 

Good music and hard work has been the recipe for success so far. We’ve consistently put out quality music and we also run events in the city. This is a great way we can expand our artists reach by booking them into support suitable headline acts.  
  
How important are the relationships you craft with the artists you sign? 

Very important. I’m yet to work with a band or artist that i don’t know personally in some way. They’re normally friends by the point of working together.  
  
Social media- friend or foe for the music industry? 

This is deep and could be a whole interview on its own! The answer in short, I believe, is both. It’s essential for new artists these days starting out, unless you’ve got that silver spoon handy.  
 
What power do you believe music holds? 

Special powers. For me, it’s the one thing in life that doesn’t waiver. The natural high.  
  

How important do you believe it is to support the local music scene of Norwich (and how can we show our support?!)? 

If no one supported the local music scene, we wouldn’t have one. I think a place or city quickly loses all personality when art forms are stripped away. Go to your mates bands gig, buy a t-shirt, tell a buddy, and the wheel goes round and round. 

Have you got any plans for the label in 2024? 

2024 is shaping up to be a busy one. We have new releases from Eat Your Own Head, Takeda and Rad Pitt. We’ve got some events in the pipeline this year and looking ahead to Norwich Rock Fest 2025.