26 November 2011 (released)
26 November 2011
Ryan Ashmore and Liam Webb, appeared on BBC2 show Dragons' Den in September hoping to secure a £50,000 deal to expand their business RKA Records.
The pair, who started the business in October 2010, faced a number of frank comments from Dragon Duncan Bannatyne before he offered to invest the cash for a 79 per cent stake in the company.
Now as 2012 approaches RKA is being touted as one of the record labels to watch. Reality TV guru Dean 'Midas' Maynard spent some time chatting with one of the co owners Mr Ryan Ashmore.
Q: Before I go on what was it like standing in front of the Dragons and the television cameras with so much at stake.
A: Surreal! As a huge fan of Dragons’ Den anyway I always see them on my TV at home, it was so overwhelming to be standing a few feet in front of me. It doesn’t matter how many times you practice your pitch and practice your numbers as soon as you have walked up the stairs and you are in front of the dragons and cameras you just forget everything. I think people forget that the dragons can completely change your life and that is something that does not sink in straight away.
Q: When did you (Ryan Ashmore) and Liam Webb decide to set up the record label?
A: I was on holiday in Spain with my friend and his family and on the last night we went to this tiny little bar for a ‘few’ drinks. I heard this guy singing from the bar so I thought I would go and have a chat with him. I have always wanted to work in the music industry but I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do. Me and Mark (the singer) got talking and he explained to me how he was not with his label anymore and he was unsigned. That’s when I decided to start a record label, easier said than done I later found out. We exchanged contact details and I told him I would contact him as soon as I was home the next day. After I had spoke to Mark and he told me he lived in Germany I didn’t really feel comfortable flying there by myself so I asked my lifelong friend Liam to come with me. After we both heard Mark working on original music in his studio we knew this is what we wanted to do.
Q: One of your artists is boy band ReConnected, as one of my 'Midas Acts' I know a lot about these guys, what plans have you got for them in 2012.
A: We are planning to release their debut single early 2012 with full details being announced soon!
Q: What would you say to any acts considering getting in touch with your label?
A: Please send your demo in we would love to have a listen! We aim to respond to everybody who sends in a demo but due to the amount we receive it is hard to do that! We are very honest and if we think there is a space for you in the music industry we will not hesitate to take things further.
Q: What are your plans for the label in 2012
A: With ReConnected’s debut single being release early 2012 it’s set to be a good year. If 2012 goes as well as 2011 then we will definitely be a major player in the music industry!
Q: If you had one wish for RKA Records what would it be?
A: The music industry is quickly changing and we need to adapt to that to ensure RKA is a huge success. One wish I have for RKA Records is that we give people the opportunity to live their dreams!
Q: Finally who would be your dream signing for the label
A: We have already signed our dream act for RKA Records ‘’ReConnected’’ but we have our sights on X Factor’s Janet Devlin!
Thanks for your time Ryan. Best of luck for 2012 and beyond.
For more information on the label please visit www.rkarecords.com
Photo: Left to right: Ryan Ashmore, Duncan Bannatyne & Liam Webb
