Jan 14, 2013 8 Questions With Jamie Strong
Jamie Strong has played key roles at some of the best indie record labels in the country, for well over a decade now. With five years at Ubiquity Records, followed by five more at LA’s own Stones Throw Records, Jamie was in the perfect place to co-found Innovative Leisure, a new LA-based label. 2013 promises new LPs from the imprint’s talented roster, including Nosaj Thing, Feeding People, Classixx, Rhye, Tijuana Panthers, Superhumanoids, Crystal Antlers, Bass Drum of Death & Gossamer, and Hanni El Khatib’s new album, which was notably produced by Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys. Jamie’s record expertise doesn’t end with publishing, as one of the co-founders of the Do Over events, he also helps throw one of LA’s most popular and enduring parties. The wildly successful Sunday afternoon event has spun into roving Do Over events around the country and around the world – 2012 included parties in Mexico, New Zealand, Australia, Spain, France, Sweden, and the UK, just to name a few. If you’re in LA and you’re interested in Innovative Leisure, check out their monthly label party, Lunch Beers, which Jamie describes as, “an anti-dance party” and “a good hangout vibe for all walks of life.” It’s the last Friday of each month, at Villain’s Tavern, from 2pm-7pm.
What are you currently working on?
It’s going to be a busy 2013. We’ve doubled the size of our roster at Innovative Leisure as well as launched a monthly party called Lunch Beers! which will be expanding to SF. On The Do-Over front, we are expanding into new markets across The Globe.
How would you describe your job?
As cliche as it sounds, it’s hard to call it a job when you’re having fun & doing what you love. For factual purposes though, I’m a partner in a Record Label called Innovative Leisure as well as an Event Series called The Do-Over
What does your average work day look like?
Not sure if there’s anything average about my days except that I always seem to be working from sun up to sun down, but each day is different.
Where do you find inspiration?
Music.
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grow up?
As a kid I always said I wanted to be a “digger man” which was a construction worker, but as I’ve grown older I was somewhat right. I’m still a digger man, but diggin’ for records nowadays.
What are you reading at the moment?
Too many emails.
What’s your favorite post-work destination?
Verdugo Bar. It’s the closest tavern to the office.
As someone who travels the world for a living, what’s the best thing about LA?
Sunshine & Tacos.
