Inspired by a fresh crop or regional artists and their music, Jim Adkins, front man for the rock group Jimmy Eat World, has teamed up with friend and longtime promoter, Charlie Levy, to introduce Western Tread, a new Phoenix, Arizona-based independent record label. The idea was hatched when the two commiserated at diner one evening over the lack of label representation in the Southwest. “It seems like every region has an indie label that really promotes its local talents, but didn’t have one,” said Levy.
“(Starting a label) has been something I’ve always thought about.” said Adkins, “Investing in what you believe in isn’t always as crazy as people make it out to be.”
With nationwide distribution and online sales at www.stinkweeds.com, the label’s first release was the vinyl of the smash, self-titled latest from Mesa, AZ’s Jimmy Eat World. Following close behind was an EP from a pair of young Phoenix, AZ newcomers, The Format. The first full-length CD release (as yet untitled) will come in the early fall from beloved area faves, Reubens Accomplice.
Adkins started Jimmy Eat World with a group of childhood friends in Mesa, AZ, where the band has remained based throughout their nine-year career. Levy, meanwhile had been a respected promoter and music venue owner in Phoenix for over a decade to switch gears with the upstart Western Tread.
Aside from what Levy jokes will be “Western Tread’s inevitable world domination”, the label’s chief goals are to showcase some of the fledgling talents in Arizona and the southwest with a steady state of CD, EP, vinyl, and 7-inch releases.
“We’d like to become a label with a track record for supporting music that’s both interesting and exceptional,” said Levy. “Eventually, we’ll probably release records from bands outside the SW, but fro now we’re focusing right here. I think we’re off to a good start.”
