NEUROTRONIX RECORDS’ RICK DEMKO – AN INTERVIEW

NeuroTronix Records is an independent label based out of Seymour,Ct. According to their website NeuroTronix Records “represents artists of multiple genres of music and provides worldwide distribution services to hundreds of online music retailers“. Since being founded by Lauren Demko (CFO) in 2019, the label has amassed an exceptional roster and reputation.

The team at the label is also quite impressive. NeuroTronix Records is headed up by president and Senior A&R rep Richard Demko (Rick, Rick D Keys). Also on board are Vic Steffens (Horizon Music Group) and Amanda DeFilippo (Photo/graphic arts).

AMP was able to corral Rick Demko for an extensive interview about his mission at NeuroTronix Records.

AMP: You have a very varied resume. Give AMP a quick rundown who Rick D Keys is.

DEMKO: I’d like to start off by thanking you for this wonderful opportunity. Rick D Keys is the stage name that I’ve been known as. It dates back to the days I performed with Electric Mayhem as their B3 and keyboard player. Electric Mayhem formed in 1999 as a funky jam band. Although we are not very active these days due to family and work obligations, we still get together from time to time. We play a show here and there. The band is actually working on perfecting some old recordings. We are trying to create a masterpiece album from some of our older unreleased songs. I never really thought of how diverse my resume is until now that you ask. I engineer, produce, write, play multiple instruments, do session work, book, promote and everything in between. I’ve been in the game for over 20 years. As I’m thinking back I’m realizing that every experience I’ve had revolving around music has led me to where I am today.

AMP: What was your motivation in forming NeuroTronix Records?

DEMKO: Playing and listening to music has always been a passionate hobby of mine. I learned the art of engineering when Electric Mayhem went into the studio to record some tracks 20 years ago. When the session was over , we packed up and the rest of the guys went home but I never did. I literally slept on the couch at the studio for days on end. I wanted to learn how to record music and create great albums and I did whatever I could do to accomplish that goal. It was very fortunate to have learned basically everything along the lines of studio engineering and the art of production from my good friend and mentor, Vic Steffens at Horizon. I started as an intern and worked my way up to an assistant engineer. Soon I was starting my own sessions. I began learning how to do things in the studio and teaching myself what to listen for. Along the way I met a lot of industry professionals. I absorbed everything that was talked about. I heard stories about being on the road, how major labels worked, personal experiences and changes to the business end of the music industry. Last year Vic and I were talking about the lack of companies in the New England area that can handle management, promotion, distribution and bookings. There was a void that needed to be filled. Using my experience as an engineer coupled with my knowledge and connections as the booking coordinator at Toads Place for a few years, I figured I would do what was needed myself. Thus, NeuroTronix Records was born.

AMP: What satisfaction have you had as an artist, producer and record executive?

DEMKO: As an artist, i find satisfaction knowing that people actually listen and like the things I write. If my music can bring one person joy then I’m happy. As a producer it is satisfying to hear the songs I produced in their final versions. For me there is nothing quite like hearing something that I’ve poured every ounce of creativity into played on FM radio. As an executive I take great pride in making sure the artists I work with and represent are successful. The label cannot be successful if the artists are not finding some degree of success themselves. Another satisfying aspect is that throughout my involvement in the industry I’ve met and hung out with some really awesome people. Way to many to list but some of the more memorable hangs were with Chris Robinson of the Black Crowes and Greg Allman. A few others were Melvin Seals, who Electric Mayhem opened for at Toads, Kasim Sultan and Blondie Chaplin. I actually played B3 on a few of Chaplin’s tracks he recently recorded and have maintained a very good relationship with him ever since. Though out the years I have interacted with countless major A&R executives in the industry. These are the guys who can make or break your professional music career. The guys who can make your dreams come true. These guys have signed some of the biggest artists around. I have an enormous respect for them. If I was to list everyone and every experience I’ve had over the years, it would be novel the length of War and Peace.

AMP: NeuroTronix Records has an eclectic group of artists. Is there a particular genre of music your A&R staff is looking for?

DEMKO: For me, it’s really doesn’t matter what genre the artist is. I work with and appreciate everything from Rap and Hip-Hop to Country and Metal. My thought process behind signing an artist is that they have to be really good and have at least one song that has the potential of breaking. They should have somewhat of a decent following and the determination to succeed. Also, be in it for the right reasons and becoming rich and famous is not one of them. Most important of all is being able to handle the long haul. Sending a positive message through their music to their fans is a plus.

AMP: Who are some of the artists currently on your roster?

DEMKO: The label is separated into two sections. The first section is the artists side. These are bands and artists that are signed to a contract and are offered everything the label has to offer for a percentage of their sales and streaming revenue. Right now I have Cara, who is a amazing pop artist, Passing Strange, a very unique piano/drum duo, Cardboard Dream House, an indie punk project and Amy Ozols who is working on her first Country pop single. I also released two projects that I perform with: Electric Mayhem and Demkovic. Demkovic is a Christian metal unit fronted by my good friend Suzanne Vick. The second part of the label consists of artists that employ our services. They are called affiliate artists. These services range from management, booking, promotion, and PR based around the specific needs of the artist. We are proud to represent some of the areas’s finest bands and artists. We work with Christine Ohlman, Frank Viele (who is a favorite son of AMP), Steve Rodgers, the Name Droppers and many more.

AMP: What are some of the pluses and minuses of being an independent label?

DEMKO: I really enjoy checking out new talent and hearing new sounds and ideas. I also enjoy meeting and working with new people. I wouldn’t say there are many minuses. Maybe finding the time to listen to the enormous amount of submissions I receive in a week. I had two releases come out during the pandemic and I’m sure the physical sales took a hit. There’re no outlets to hold a traditional release party. I guess that constitutes a minus. We have made the best of it and are continuing to be creative in ways to reach the masses. Nothing will beat a live show for promotion and record sales. For now we have to sit tight until thing open back up and people feel comfortable going out to see live music again.

AMP: Leading right into the next question. What are some of your thoughts concerning the state of music and the current pandemic?

DEMKO: The pandemic without a doubt changed the industry. A lot of great venues won’t survive the economic impact. Musicians will have to find creative ways to keep their music in the spotlight. Working musicians have always found it hard to get by. It breaks my heart to see so many great people struggle. Moving forward, it’s my belief that it might be awhile before thing get back to normal. Prior to the pandemic, the Ct. original music scene was probably the strongest it has been in my lifetime. I am confident that once this pandemic is over the music scene will come back even stronger. Until then, small outdoor social distance concerts, videos, social media live streaming, and digital releases will be the new normal. It will be important to build upon these concepts. I am fortunate to be able to maintain through all this. I am busy doing remote mixing and mastering for my clients in the comfort of my home studio. I’m doing album PR and social media campaigns and other little things that have generated enough income to stay afloat.

AMP: Kind of a lighthearted question. As an elected Justice of the Peace have you ever officiated a wedding ceremony involving one of your artists?

DEMKO: Ahh!, I was very fortunate to have been elected a JP. However my term doesn’t start until January 2021. It would be cool to officiate a wedding for one of my artists. Love and music are two of the most powerful things in this world and right now we need more of both. A lot more.

AMP wants to thank Rick for his time and energy. Rick and NeuroTronix Records are a huge success and a boon to the New England music scene. Please support their artists in any way possible.

NeuroTronix Records artist roster

• Cara
• Passing Strange
• Cardboard Dream House
• Amy Ozols
• Electric Mayhem
• Demkovic

NeuroTronix Records affiliated artists

• Christine Ohlman
• Frank Viele
• Steve Rodgers
• The Name Droppers

 

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