About Popular Noise
Popular Noise is a community-based, artist-focused, record label. It’s our mission to partner with artists to make records, images, and ephemera - but most importantly - we help get the artists work into the hands of the people who want it. Through our network of creative collaborators we facilitate every step of the process from producing music to marketing to selling online.
Making.
Our community of producers, engineers, mixers and musicians has the resources to assist artists at every step of the music-making process. And our talented team of visual creatives is available to design merchandise and album artwork, provide photo art direction and produce shoots.
Promoting.
Our community-based mindset means that everyone gets involved when we have a new release. By leveraging individual networks of our collaborators, we reach a wider, more engaged audience of both existing and new listeners.
Selling.
We offer worldwide digital distribution with 100% of streaming / download revenue going to the artists. We also sell both records and merchandise in our online store and provide a streamlined fulfillment service. From producing vinyl and apparel to tracking inventory and shipping, we work together to make the selling process easy, so that our artists can focus on doing what they love—making music—not packing orders.
To learn more contact us at info@popularnoiserecords.com
History.
2006 - 2010 The Journal of Popular Noise
Popular Noise was founded in 2006 as an experiment to marry concepts of graphic design, ‘zine culture, pop music and sound design. As the landscape of digital music was rapidly changing, The Journal of Popular Noise served as a reminder that physical objects mattered. The Journal received worldwide critical acclaim and was featured in publications like Art Forum, Frieze, Nylon, Spin, and Print, among others. The editions were presented as a set of three 7” vinyl records packaged in a limited-edition, hand numbered, letterpress printed broadsheet. Each record was an original composition based on a single set of instructions provided by Popular Noise to every contributor.
2010 - 2014 Popular Noise Magazine
Following the success of The Journal, Popular Noise was reimagined as a traditional printed periodical - Popular Noise Magazine. As music journalism shifted toward the digital space, print magazines were forced to evolve. Popular Noise Magazine offered a fresh perspective on what a music magazine could be. With the initial support of Refinery 29, Chloe Sevigny for Opening Ceremony, DFA Records, Unearthen, Crown Social, and hundreds of individual contributions, the magazine launched in 2012 to widespread success.
2008 - 2020 Popular Noise Records
Popular Noise has always supported our creative community by assisting our contributors with traditional releases. We focus on creating timeless objects and providing quality service be it photography, design, production or distribution. We believe that in today’s world, it’s more important than ever to support each other, come together as a community, and connect through our shared love of music.
About the Founder
Byron (neé Brian) Kalet is a Seattle native currently residing in Brooklyn, NY. As a musician, he is a multi-instrumentalist and producer whose work has ranged across genres. Kalet has also worked as a Creative Director for fashion and luxury brands like Dior, Berluti, David Yurman, Michael Kors, DVF, among others.