#RvC Ask: Mark Sherry

The boss of Outburst Records, Mark Sherry, finally came to Jakarta last August 2016! Before his performance at Colosseum Club, we sat down with him to talk about his work in record labels. Even though we only talked in a short time, we got a glimpse of what is Mark Sherry do in managing his labels.

On August 2016, Bursting Out 2016 was released. What is the consideration for the artist to be featured in the album?
Bursting Out EP is the chance for me to push the new guys. The new breed of Trance producers starting to come through. Guys like Johann Stone, James Kiedis, and the rest of the guys as well. I’m trying to push a lot of big artist in the label, as well.

I can remember how tough it was when I was start producing. How difficult it was to trying get your music sign to a label, to get your name out there. With Bursting Out EP is all about pushing the new names.

As a record label owner, what makes you think that one particular artist need to be supported by your label?
I like to think that my music has quite original sound. I’m trying to make Outburst different from other Trance labels. For me, there is so much generic in terms of sound. Same bassline, same percussion, same kick, same sample. All sounds the same. With Outburst, I’ve always try to be different. When I received the demo, I’m always looking something unique. Something that makes me think that I never heard this sound before. That’s what attracts me for an artist or demo. I always try to push boundaries and trying to be different with the label.

What is the challenge managing your own record label?
It’s really difficult. I’ve got three labels. I’ve got Outburst for Tech Trance track. I’ve got Outburst Twilight for darker and edgier music, the kind of music you will listen on 4 AM. I also got Techburst for Techno track. I’ve got great team, from managing my online media and label stuff. Every time we’ve released new stuff from label, the team will do the stuff. The main thing for me is to keep my head down on the studio, work as hard as I can with my own production. The more help I can get with my record label, the better. The one role I will never give to somebody else to do for me is A&R. I can speak and discuss with the artist about the track. I’m always going to have connection with the artist. While the management stuff is handle by the team.


​We hope his words can inspire lots of aspiring producers to keep making original and unique sound. Stay true to yourself and it may reflect to the music.