This episode is work safe.
Nacional Records is an ADA/Warner Music Group-distributed label founded by artist manager Tomas Cookman. The label's philosophy is to bring the best in Latin alternative, Hip-Hop, and Electronic music to Spanish and English speakers alike. Among Nacional's releases are the solo debut from Aterciopelados frontwoman Andrea Echeverri, as well as albums from Aterciopelados, Nortec Collective, Sara Valenzuela, Nortec member Panoptica and a compilation produced in conjunction with KCRW entitled "Sounds Eclectico".
Interview with Tomas Cookman, founder of Nacional Records.
We discuss the success of Nortec Collective; what kind of label is Nacional Records and their roster of artists; how Nacional Records began and his role in the label; signing Aterciopelados and Manu Chao; how Nacional Records artist representation differs from other labels; what he's looking for when he signs artists to Nacional Records; my conversation with Lou Anders of Pyr about the effects of globalization of the music industry; how he met Bitman & Roban; why the rooster is part of Nacional Records' logo; aspects of how the music industry has changed in the last 10 years he finds the most useful or the more problematic; online music stores versus brick and mortar music stores; upcoming summer releases from Nacional Records; Camilo Lara of the Mexican Institute of Sound.
Featured songs are:
- "Tengo la Voz" by Nortec Collective
- "Answer 2 the Beat" by Bitman & Roban
- "Hey Tia!" by Mexican Institute of Sound
