We figured since the city was basically shut down we might as well join the rest of the crazies yesterday at the bar for a little social lubrication and random body-sledding on the way home. Well, we’re back with The Deli’s Label of the Year, Punk Rock Payroll. We had a chance to catch up with PRP’s godfather Frede Zimmer to toss him a few questions that you should definitely check out.
Frede Zimmer: First of all, everyone involved with Punk Rock Payroll would like to thank everyone who voted for PRP, it is truly an honor to be voted The Deli’s Label of the Year in Philadelphia.
The Deli: What are your feelings about the Philly music scene?
FZ: I love it! I think that at this point we have all the right components to become bigger and better. Recently I was tour manager for The Extraordinaires for a few dates with Gogol Bordello, and everyone we met on the road was telling us how much they love bands from Philly and how nice everyone from Philly is. It made me realize that the reputation Philadelphia bands are carving out for themselves outside of Philly is a very positive and innovative one, and I’m happy to be a part of it.
TD: Will your headquarters always remain in South Philly?
FZ: I can’t say that it will always remain in South Philly. After 5 years of Punk Rock Payroll functioning out of a cramped two bedroom apartment at 9th and Jackson, we just moved in to our new, much more spacious headquarters at 18th and Moore about a year ago, and we have no intentions of going anywhere. Now we’re located in a section of South Philly called Newbold that’s South of Washington and West of Broad. Everyone at the label, and the bands that are signed to the label, pretty much live around this area now, so we definitely feel a sense of community. The area south of Washington is completely malleable right now. It’s a new frontier for artists and musicians to start to shape into a brand new area that’s not already defined by established venues and pre-conceived notions about what kind of music or art comes from the area.
TD: We love your innovative packaging/marketing ideas. Any cool things that we should be looking out for? Any releases that you are excited about, or new artists that you have or are planning to sign?
FZ: Thank you. There are definitely some new packaging designs and new artists and releases that we are very excited about at the moment, but it would be a bit premature to let the cat out of the bag at this point. We’ll be making a few big announcements on the Punk Rock Payroll website very soon.
TD: Your history is well-documented on your website. What’s been your proudest moment so far?
FZ: I’m constantly proud of Punk Rock Payroll and all of the people behind the scenes who keep it running: the interns, the people who work at the label and of course the bands on the label. I feel really lucky to be surrounded by so many gifted people. It feels like I have a "proudest moment" just about every other day.
TD: Besides artists on Punk Rock Payroll, what local performers do you enjoy listening to?
FZ: I have to admit I am generally listening to the bands on the label, but I really enjoy The Armchairs, Sweatheart, Need New Body, Sun Ra, and a few more that we currently have our eyes on.
TD: What national/international acts do you currently listen to now?
FZ: The Roots, Against Me, Gogol Bordello.
TD: What’s your favorite thing about Philly?
FZ: The energy you feel just from walking down the street. Philadelphia is the birthplace of America, and I truly believe it lends itself to be the birthplace for many new and groundbreaking artistic undertakings.
TD: What annoys you the most about Philly?
FZ: The disrespect for the city some people voice by throwing their trash all over the streets and the violence, especially the gun violence…we really shouldn’t have to watch our backs when we’re walking or riding over to a friend’s house to hang out. At some point, this behavior became the norm, and that definitely annoys me.
TD: What’s your poison?
FZ: BRUNIC’S ! It’s my favorite diner hang out, and it happens to be at 17th and McKean, which is only a few blocks from our new spot. It seems to be the underground hub for all things South Philly.
TD: What’s your favorite thing to get at the deli?
FZ: Hmm…it definitely changes from day to day, but today I would have to say veggie/cheese hoagie.
– The Deli Staff