Scorpio: How did the idea of creating your own label come about?
Oupire: When I formed CRYPTHOWL, I decided that since nobody from the russian underground labels wanted to release my project's albums, I would release and promote my stuff by myself. Moreover, I felt that I simply couldn't hand my stuff over to some label, because I wanted to do everything myself and didn't trust anybody with anything connected to CRYPTHOWL. I think that in the '90s there were no good labels around here (except Metal Agen). Almost nobody did promotion for bands — everything was on an amateur level. I'm not going to claim that Oupiric Prods works on a professional level, but I think I do pretty good promotion for the bands whose albums I release... Er, what was I saying? Ah, yeah! So, when I founded CRYPTHOWL, I decided to also release some albums by bands that were close to me at the time. And that's how Oupiric Prods was born.
S.: The idea behind the name?
O.: OUPIRIC is an adjective formed from my pseudonym Oupire. Like "vampiric" from "vampire". Oupire is an ancient European word, a predecessor of the Slavonic "upyr" (vampire - ed.)
S.: Describe the process of cassette and CD publishing.
O.: The most interesting part is the listening stage (like a competition selection) and creating the album's design (in most cases I do the design myself). It's very exciting to work with young bands, to suggest things to them, give them guidance. In those situations I remember myself 10 years ago, when I was the vocalist of the young band FESTERGUTS — sending demo tapes, dreaming that some magazine would write something about us, or some label would offer us a deal. And now I'm proud that I help bands the way FESTERGUTS needed help 10 years ago... If we get back to the question, I'd say that the album production process is quite prosaic — you have to run around different factories, print shops, and companies that manufacture cassettes and CDs. Everyone tries to squeeze more money out of you, doesn't deliver on time, or pulls something else like that. But in the end, when you're holding the product in your hands, it's very satisfying to pack it up and send it to Ablaze or Brutallica for review, imagining how some overseas reviewer unpacks the promo and nods approvingly — well done, Oupiric Prods, another good release!
S.: Some people think that a man who runs a label must obviously be rich. What would you say about the financial success of Oupiric Productions?
O.: My financial source is my day job at a local TV company (I also do a metal show there, but for free, just for myself). The label is a hobby, into which I invest not only the money I earn from release sales but also part of my salary. To get rich, I'd need to release CDs regularly. Right now, I'm only preparing my first CD release. It's all in the future. And for people who think label owners are rich, I'd say there are different kinds of labels. Sure, I'm certain the boss of Irond isn't a poor man. But I wouldn't call a millionaire the owner of, say, URYUPINSK Productions, who spent all his money making copies of flyers that only serve to let people know his "company" exists.
S.: This year Oupiric will put out its first CD release and a video. Tell us more, please.
O.: On CD I've decided to release the album "Blood, Desire And Dead Nenuphars" by BLACK COUNTESS. All fans of CoF from the "Cruelty And The Beast" era will be very happy — the album is that strong (though not original). As for the video, the idea came up in 2000, and almost all the work is done, but I haven't had much time to finish it. It's like the "shoemaker without shoes" thing — working in TV, I can't seem to finally get it done. I hope it will be finished soon. The compilation OUPIRIC SLAUGHTER VIDEO will consist of music videos, interviews, and concert footage, featuring CRYPTHOWL, SIEGED MIND, DENIAL OF GOD, FESTERGUTS, GOTHIC SKY, and DYSANCHELY.
S.: If we look at the list of your label's releases, we could say that Oupiric Prods is a black metal label. Is that because black metal is your favourite music, or do bands from other styles just not send you promo stuff?
O.: From the very beginning, the focus was on black and horror metal, and now that more demo materials come in, I'm more selective about the style of the bands. Yes, Oupiric Prods is a specialized label — I don't think I'll ever release a grind album.
S.: What should a band do to get released on your label?
O.: They should play angry but melodic black metal with horror-themed lyrics. They should have a good recording, an acceptable image (that's important), corpse paint, a sense of taste, and competent English lyrics. The band just needs to send a demo recording (plus photo, lyrics, bio) to my address and leave their contact details. What I described above is the ideal band for my label's concept. Of course, bands that don't have one or some of these features are also welcome.
S.: Your assessment of the metal industry in CIS states. Your prognosis?
O.: I'm not a pessimist on this question. I think the metal industry in the CIS only lags behind the Western one by a few years. In five years, believe me, if things keep going as they are now, we'll have a metal scene like Germany's. And those aren't empty words. Remember, five years ago our labels only released cassettes; now they release CDs. Later, the budgets of the most successful labels will allow them to organize proper tours for their bands and also pay magazines for advertising. So the media will grow "fatter" too (in a good sense). Overall, everything is going to be great here!
S.: When do you think a major label will appear in the CIS — one that organizes tours, arranges interviews, and does proper promotion for bands?
O.: There already are such labels. And there have been. Metal Agen, for example. I personally contact magazines about advertising and interviews for my bands. But tours are tough nowadays. The Belarusians are very active in that area. It's not the best level, but let's wait — time will tell.
S.: Which young, talented, and interesting bands can you name?
O.: You know, a lot of good stuff has come in. SAMHAIN (true black — will be released in autumn on cassette), DRAMA, ETERNAL SIN.
S.: You're also a musician. Tell us about your project CRYPTHOWL.
O.: I've already described the "ideal band" for Oupiric Prods. Well, CRYPTHOWL is something like that. CRYPTHOWL currently has only one album, "Tragedies Beheld by the Cemetery", and I should note that I'm not 100% satisfied with it. Of course it's decent — fans and critics liked it. But the second CRYPTHOWL album will be heavier (the first is full of melody, and the aggression suffers). I don't have time for CRYPTHOWL right now because of Oupiric Prods business. We'll see what happens with CRYPTHOWL.
S.: Are you involved in other bands?
O.: Yes, I'm in the symphonic brutal death band FESTERGUTS, and I've been there since the band's founding. I used to play bass and sing; now I'm only the vocalist. FESTERGUTS is a very interesting band. We play fat brutal death/grind but also use keyboards and female backing vocals. The songs are great! If anyone has heard the last FESTERGUTS album "Bloodsoaked", the final bonus track is exactly what we play now.
S.: Your dream?
O.: I have many wishes but no single main one. I think everybody wants to be happy. But I don't dream about it — because I am happy. I have CRYPTHOWL, FESTERGUTS, and Oupiric Prods.
S.: Your final words...
O.: What are you standing there with your mouths open for? You haven't heard of a label called Oupiric Prods? Then run to the post office — buy russian stamps for 13 RUR, stick them on an envelope, and send it to my address — and I'll send you back the killer magazine-catalogue METAL IN MASSES! Packed with a huge amount of info and pictures. MORE BLOOD! MORE MEAT! MORE METAL!