What does it mean to you to be celebrating the label’s 20th anniversary?
H: It’s crazy to think that we’ve been at this for half our lives, but it’s an awesome reminder of how many fantastic people we’ve met, shows we’ve gone to, artists we’ve supported, and cool stuff we’ve been fortunate enough to have released over the years.
Going back to the beginning a bit, how did this whole thing get started? Where does the name originate from?
S: I was in bands in high school and college, and labels were not interested. So I looked into the cost of producing records and just jumped right in. The DIY spirit combined with the adrenaline high from seeing the fruits of our labor enjoyed by friends, family and strangers kept us going. And then by the time we were 10 years in, there was no going back!
Has it just been the two of you from the beginning? It seems like the label is operated by close family and friends, how important is it to you to have such a group supporting the label?
H: Although Shahab came up with the idea to start a label before we met, I was there from the beginning, helping stuff that very first Intro5pect record. We’ve always worked with a tight-knit group of friends and family, with changes here and there, and it’s good knowing that everyone is on the same page about what we’re doing and why.
S: It’s humbling to see that we’ve always had a close group of friends who are willing to help out. We’re all volunteers for the good of the label and we’re all doing it for the love of music. Makes life worth living.
GC Records is a small outfit but with some great artist on it, what is it about being a small label that helps produce such talent?
H: Because we’re so small, we can get to know the bands and artists on a more personal level and can better collaborate with them.
S: We’re artists collaborating with artists. There is no board of directors to answer to, and so the raw talent can be experienced with every engagement.
What are some of your favorite albums, moments, songs, or shows from the last 20 years?
H: I’ll never forget our first time meeting Peelander-Z back in 2002 or so. We had only been in contact long-distance, but they were touring and we invited them to stay with us. We watched them perform before really getting to chat with them and they were crazy, running around, jumping on cars. How were they going to be in our little apartment? But they were the absolute sweetest guys, nicest houseguests, and even made me soup because I was feeling under the weather.
S: No lie, every single song on our Bandcamp is my favorite song. My only Spotify playlist is the GC Records playlist. I shuffle it a few times a week. We’re not ashamed of anything we’ve put out, and have a deep admiration for all of the artists we’ve worked with.
H: Absolutely! But that first benefit comp we did (Dropping Food on Their Heads is Not Enough) will always hold a special place in my heart. It was just after 9/11 and my home country of Afghanistan was again at war, but the women there had been suffering for years at the hands of fundamentalists. I had heard of this great organization called RAWA (Revolutionary Association for the Women of Afghanistan) and wanted to support their work. We were able to get a lot of fantastic bands and artists to contribute, including Jello Biafra, Anti-Flag, Randy, Bouncing Souls, Youth Brigade, and Shepard Fairey, which really helped us raise awareness and funds.
What is next for GC Records after 20 years?
S: More collaborations, more art, more music, more films!
H: Ditto! I can’t wait to see more collabs and creativity come to life!
