TM:  You have answered this in other interviews, but for the sake of clarity, could you tell me a little about your musical background and how your work as a publisher and artist evolved the way that it did?

DL:  I had an early interest in classical music and fine arts as a child, so this probably set the foundation for the pursuit of sound art, graphic design and curatorial publishing later on. I had eventually developed an interest in production and recording labels which lead to starting a label called Manna in 1990 with the manager of a band I was involved with at the time. After that came a label called æ, which was started in 1994 with another friend. In 2000 I started a short-lived label called Overheard And Rendered of which and/OAR was the sub-label. My current sound work is a natural progression from early bedroom / basement tapes of electronic / ambient / experimental music that I created while playing in various rock-oriented bands. It’s funny how the sub-activity to rock music has turned into the primary activity, with rock music currently not in the picture. 

TM:  Can you tell me about some of the music you are really excited about 
releasing in the next year? What draws you to it?

DL:  Of course I’m excited about all of it, but the new either/OAR division is probably where the most excitement is right now. So far, four stellar releases from Jim Denley & Kim Myhr, Dropp Ensemble, Olivia Block & Kyle Bruckmann and Tomoko Sauvage. With the main division of a/O, there is the upcoming double CD various artist project for Michelangelo Antonioni; a double CD release by Richard Garet called “Four”; a triple CD release by Luigi Turra that will feature a better mastered version of “Enso” a longer version of “Ancient.Silence” and an unreleased third part of this trilogy called “Ki” ; and a field recording release by Ernst Karel entitled “Heard Laboratories.” For the mOAR division there are great upcoming CDs from Billy Gomberg, Marihiko Hara and a fantastic departure release from Art Bleek who is usually well known in house / techno / dance circles. 2009 promises to be solid for the label, so I hope everyone will give everything a chance with open ears and an open mind.

TM:  What are your thoughts on the music industry as it is today?

DL:  My thoughts are on my personal goals, not so much on what the music industry is doing. I try to stay informed as to what is going on, but don’t buy the doom and gloom that people get addicted to. It may sound corny, but people need to be the change they want to see in the world. Everything else will fall into place. Really.

TM: How do you think that the ambient/experimental genre can survive in the current economic crunch, and do you have any advice for young musicians coming up within this genre about thriving as an ambient artist in today’s world?

DL:  It’s your attitude and outlook on life that makes the difference. Even people who work for major labels are affected by this. Micro / macro – it all works the same way. “As above, so below.”

TM:  Can you say a word or two about how your spirituality and your work as a label owner and artist coincide if they do at all?

DL:  Like with everything else, they do coincide. I don’t subscribe to a particular religion, but I do believe in a universal life force and in universal principles which affect every aspect of our lives according to the actions and decisions we make.

TM:  and/OAR and its sister labels have released a host of really amazing artists. Can you say a word or two about how you attracted these artists to your label initially?

DL:  First, either/OAR and mOAR are not completely different labels from and/OAR as the term “sister labels” would indicate. and/OAR is divided into three sections. For example: even though the government has different divisions within itself, they are all still considered part of the government. In other words, there are three divisions within and/OAR, not two divisions in addition to and/OAR. The reason why I bother clarifying this point is to avoid proprietary complaints from other labels (or companies) with similar sounding names. You will notice that the name “and/OAR” appears on all the releases, regardless of the
division. This is why.

As for the actual question, you would have to ask the artists why they sent me their demos, although I would imagine that they sent them to other places at the same time. Perhaps it’s because I said “yes” before the other labels did? ;o)

TM:  Many artists are gripped by personal fear. In our conversations you have said a lot about overcoming fear. Would you share with the readers some thoughts about staying focused and believing in yourself enough to create?

DL:  Ok, but at the risk of sounding like a self-help “guru…” 
The most basic and important thing is to stay focused on the desired outcome of any pursuit. Forget about undesired outcomes. That which we focus our attention and energy on the most, will eventually happen. Pay attention to your thought patterns. Remove negative or self-defeatist thoughts and replace them with affirmations of accomplishing your goals. For example: instead of saying “I’ll never get anywhere,” say something like “I am creating great work that many people want to hear.” It’s also important to fuel these thoughts with positive emotions that back up your words. You have to really feel it in order for it to happen. An example of NOT feeling what you are saying is when someone asks you how you are doing and you automatically say “fine” when inside you feel bored, sad or want to rip somebody a new one. Know that you will accomplish your goal, but also stay open to opportunities that come your way, no matter how unrelated they may seem. Of course if a situation strongly feels wrong, then don’t do it, but our lives correspond to what we “put out there,” so keep that in mind.

TM:  Would you write a short haiku that sums up Dale Lloyd?

DL: Ok, for what it’s worth…

There, an open book.
Full pages await the sky.
Sunlight increases.

TM: Thank you Dale, for your beautiful haiku and your inspiring words. All the best to you and your labels in 2009 and beyond. Your presence here on this blog is much appreciated. Please help support Dale and and/OAR by checking out his impressive collection of music available for purchase.

interview edited by nicholas gish