Originally published in ‘zine issue #2, 1991
The name Mark Murray may ring a bell with those who have read his ‘zine or heard his compilation tape. More recently, he has launched his own label and released a handful of 7”es. Here Mark told me what was up with him lately.
D.U.: Are any copies of Brainwash ‘zine #1 still available?
Mark: No, they are all sold out (thank God)!
Did you discontinue your ‘zine simply to concentrate on your label?
It got to be a major pain in the ass, and I wasn’t having any fun. Plus, I wanted to devote all my time to my label. That’s why I stopped it.
Did you ever pursue your gore/horror/sleaze movie magazine?
No. Lack of time was the death of that. Too bad, because I really wanted to do that. I totally love movies. Lack of time was also the death of my book, Diabolical Mortification: A Study of the Bizarre, Inhuman, and Morbid Throughout the Ages. Kinda sucks, but you’ve gotta make priorities, and my label comes first.
Are any copies of A Date with Death Vol. 1 still available? Are you still putting these comps out?
No. (That’s the third question I answered with “no.”) Anyway, I stopped doing all tapes too. They are all no longer available.
Now on to your label. What made you decide to start Rotten Records in the first place?
I’d always wanted to start a label, so one day I just said, “Shit, I’m going to do this,” and I did.
How difficult an undertaking was it to get it off the ground?
The easiest part about doing a label is the first release, I think at least, because that’s all you have to pay for. Keeping the label off the ground is the hard part. You get tons of expenses, et cetera. And that takes a big chunk out of your wallet.
What bands are on your label and what do you have out by them?
My first two releases were 7”es by Apparition and Incantation. Those are sold out. Phlegm 7” is out. Meat Shits should be out by now. The Meat Shits/Anal Cunt split 7”, Agathocles 7”, Impetigo 7”, and other shit. I’m only releasing death/grind stuff.
What must a band have to be on your label? What type of music specifically are you looking for?
Well, so far all the bands I’ve already known and are friends of mine. But you must be brutal. I must like you. Shit, I’m basically putting out records for my friends, and their bands happen to rule.
How can one get more information about your label, such as a catalog?
Send me a stamp! If you want to hear a sample of my records, call my hotline. It’s a normal call, so a $10 charge or something won’t show up on your bill. (916) 783-ROTN.
A political question: Do you think that Mikhail Gorbachev has lost a lot of power as a political force in his country and/or the world, in light of recent events?
I don’t really know much about the situation, but I think he has lost some of his power. But I also think he is a hero to his people.
Do you think the underground extreme metal scene in general is as vibrant as it was around five years ago?
Well, it’s a lot bigger, but it’s turning into a stupid trend. It makes me sick sometimes. Let’s try to keep Napalm Death off the cover of SPIN! Thanks a lot, Richard. Stay rotten! ■
