Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathan Stout.
Hi Jonathan, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m the founder and owner of the Cincinnati based DIY recording label, Lo Fi City. Eight years ago, Lo Fi City began as a small collective of Cincinnati based musicians who traded instruments for multiple music projects. The first annual compilation, released in 2013, featured a humble 10 tracks. The label has grown immensely since then to showcase artists from all over the world. The eighth compilation, released in November of 2021, featured a record breaking 35 tracks, consisting of everything from indie rock, alternative, hip hop, folk, experimental electronic and more.
During the pandemic, our artists have focused heavily on writing and recording. As a result, we’ve had our most prolific era to date. In addition to our compilations, we’ve also released limited-edition cassettes of new releases by Patchwork (Cincinnati), Mythical Motors (Chattanooga), Nightmare Frontier (Chicago), Sleepy Drums (Cincinnati) and more. We’ve refrained from holding our annual release parties for the last two years due to COVID, but hope to return with live music next year.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road certainly hasn’t been smooth. The first version of the compilation was actually titled “Lo-Fi For An Unwilling City” because we were so frustrated with our inability to break into the local scene and gain exposure. Over the last eight years we’ve laid a very solid framework and grown many important long lasting friendships and partnerships. It’s been slow progress for sure, but it’s a labor of love and determination.
We’re all pretty dedicated to creative control and can be rather uncompromising as a result. We recognize a lot of the music we put out isn’t for everyone, and that’s ok! The acceptance and realization of that has helped me develop and gain more confidence in the venture.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My general mission with Lo Fi City is to bring attention to underground artists and to unite the work of like minded artists to help them gain exposure to audiences who are unaware of their work. I spent a long time struggling to book shows at worthwhile venues, or share the stage with worthwhile bands. I learned the value of anyone who wants to help you with pure intentions. They’re often few and far between. The media/entertainment industry in general is fiercely competitive, and you feel the ripple effects of that in every sector. All too often there’s an “every man for himself” attitude among bands, which I’ve always felt is counterproductive. I’ve always been far more inspired by great music scenes than a single great band. In able to foster a scene you have to support and help your colleagues rather than attempt to defeat them. I think we could all use a greater sense of unity these days.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I’ve been lucky to have many different artists show interest in being a part of Lo Fi City in recent years, but if it wasn’t for my core group of collaborators I definitely wouldn’t have made it this far with the venture. Rob Santel of the band Sack Lunch has contributed greatly with his collage artwork and graphic designs which have been used for many album covers and flyers. Matthew Archibald has served as a very reliable music collaborator to me personally, and has helped Lo Fi City keep up a steady schedule of releases with his prolific work from his band Mutt Fuzz. Chicago based artist Sean Victory has also provided us great content with his Nightmare Frontier and World Hum projects. In addition, Sean has helped by getting many other musicians from the Chicago area involved who I otherwise wouldn’t have had contact with. Dave Cupp of the band Siren Suit has been an integral part of our operations within the last couple years, helping with the design and layout of our physical releases.
Finally, I must thank the members of my band, Sleepy Drums. Michael Hamilton, Joshua Bradbury and Chris Berning have stuck by me for over 5 years now, through good and bad, and I’m very thankful for them. Also, my partner Angela Stout who has always supported, encouraged and collaborated with me.
All of the people listed above are dear friends of mine and I appreciate them all.
Pricing:
- Cassettes: $5-$10
- T-Shirts: $10
- CDs: $5-$10
Contact Info:
- Email: loficity@gmail.com
- Website: https://loficity.bandcamp.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loficitycincy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loficitycincy/
- Twitter: @JonathanStout19
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgZQ9QYH3X3E-Q1ukewPCpA/videos
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/lo-fi-city
Image Credits
Angela Stout
Chris Potoka Waveform
Lori Ann Vail
J. Stout
Rob Santel
