City slicker builds new indie empire

Much music press coverage may hone in on the uncertain future of the industry, but that hasn’t stopped one Dubliner from planting the seeds of his own empire. Jim Byrne channelled his entrepreneurial nous and love of independent labels into founding Any Other City Records in early 2008.

The label is best known for unleashing the first Villagers EP and single on the world, but it has big plans – including albums by Irish bands New Amusement, Hired Hands and Hello Moon later this year. One-off releases from slacker-rock newcomers Squarehead and singer-songwriter James Vincent McMorrow are also planned for the near future. Byrne, who also plays drums for Villagers, told The Ticket that starting Any Other City had always been an ambition.

“The same way people have favourite bands, I have favourite labels,” he said. A regular Any Other City club night also began earlier this year, and is held Upstairs @Whelan’s on the last Saturday of every month. Playing on July 31st are Yeh Deadlies and Tieranniesaur.

“It doesn’t make a great deal of money, but it’s growing and it’s been really positive,” said Byrne, who is open to submissions as long as there is “honesty, a heart, a charm and energy” about the music. “And songs – really great songs.”

anyothercity.com