Meet Jamie, owner of Reta Records a DIY rock n’ roll, vinyl only record label based out of Saskatoon and Montreal.  She is also a bass player in a band called Pale Lips, described as drippy mascara slopped rock n roll with sprinkles.  I was introduced to Jamie by owner of Red Spade Records, and Women in Vinyl contributor Robyn Raymond.  The newly launched Women in Vinyl podcast was lucky to be able to feature one of Haley in the Crushers songs ‘Church of Flag’ on our first episode, check it out. 

When she’s not working on the label or playing bass she also works in a restaurant. She loves reading, hanging out with her rabbit, Charles, gardening, and drinking way too much coffee. 

How did you get into your industry / What motivated you?

I just kind of dove in, to be honest. I always wanted to play music and make music. I grew up going to shows and wanting to be a part of it from a young age. My mom always encouraged me to play music, so when she passed away, I figured naming a record label after her was a nice fitting tribute.

What is a day in the life like?

These days, I wake up and have a coffee or two and then hang out with my rabbit Charles while I answer emails and plan my day. Usually I am quite busy jumping between work, jamming, hanging out with pals, writing, and planning my next project. Right now with the lockdown, I have a lot more time to write music and plan for the next year. I am pretty stoked to get my garden going shortly here!

What has been your favorite / the coolest thing you’ve worked on?

Everything with Pale Lips has been a dream, really. With the label – the latest release was done with Robyn from Red Spade Records. We teamed up to create some true works of art for Hayley and the Crushers. I have honestly never seen such beautiful records! I love working with Clampdown Records, also – we did these very fun watermelon splash records for the latest record by The Sorels.

What has been / is the most difficult part of your job?

Finding distributers was pretty challenging in the beginning. Now that I have made some connections, that has become less of a challenge.

What advice do you have for someone wanting to get into pursuing what you’re doing?

Don’t expect to make money making records! This is totally a labour of love. Keep your day job. 

YES! I love vinyl so much. I love seeing the physical media and the art and everything come together to represent the music. I really felt that there was a need for a woman run label that focused on putting out records (though not exclusively) with femme content. And FUN records!

What types of things are happening in your industry / with vinyl that you’re excited or worried about? i.e. innovation, or trends you’re seeing.

I keep hearing that vinyl is making a comeback, nothing could make me more excited. I am really into the idea of special edition vinyl, lathe cutting and stuff like that, I didn’t know much about it until I met and spoke with Robyn at Red Spade, so I am really stoked to have made that connection and to do more limited runs of things in the future.

During this time we’re currently in, what message do you have for music and vinyl fans? How can we support you, the industry?

Buy records! And tell your friends to do the same!

Tell me what you’re currently listening to:

I have been really into the new Death by Unga Bunga record. And the Linda Lindas!

Find Jamie:

Instagram:

Jamie: @jamieradude

Label: @reta.records

Band: @palelipsband 

Facebook:

Label: @reta.records

Band: @palelips

Website: www.retarecords.com