Velvet Blue Music Turns 30

This month marks the 30th anniversary of the release of Rainbow Rider’s We’ll Last So Long 7″ single, which also means that it’s the 30th anniversary of one of the finest indie labels around: Huntington Beach’s very own Velvet Blue Music. To help celebrate the occasion, I’ve unlocked my VBM-themed subscriber playlists along with their related podcast episodes:

Also, check out all of my VBM reviews from over the years.

Founded by Jeff Cloud (Starflyer 59, Joy Electric, Pony Express), VBM has slowly but steadily established an enviable discography that features the likes of Fine China, LN, Map, The Lassie Foundation, Jetenderpaul, SS Bountyhunter, Kat Jones, the aforementioned Starflyer 59 and Pony Express, and many, many others. In all, VBM has released over 270 albums, EPs, singles, and compilations, not to mention music videos, short films, and even some old school print zines.

A 30-year run for an indie label seems downright miraculous in today’s music climate, and VBM’s ongoing success is a testament to both Cloud’s independent spirit and ear for interesting music, as well as the community that’s sprouted up around the label. (More than a few VBM artists have guested on each other’s albums.) So congratulations to Cloud and the VBM crew, and here’s to many more years of indie music par excellence.

On a more personal note, I’ve still got my copy of Rainbow Rider’s We’ll Last So Long (in mint condition, of course).

I’ve been rocking with VBM since day one, and I’ll keep rocking with VBM until the very end.