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AV:
Tell me about the original inspiration for going out and forming
Ceiba. Was it a spur of the moment kind of decision or did you ponder
long and hard before taking the leap?
PZ: It
was a very spontaneous decision to form Ceiba records, because at
that time there was no label in the U.S involved with psy/trance
music and we felt the need to create an outlet for this music, beside
we had a lot of tracks and that seemed the easiest way to get the
music out.
AV:
You mention the Mayan origins of the name Ceiba on your webpage, what
significance did this have for you?
PZ: When
we started Ceiba records we wanted a different identity than the
other psy/trance labels who at that time mostly used Indian names or
icons like Buddha's and shiva's etc.. Besides we found a lot of
inspiration in the Mayan culture, myth and artwork.
AV:
For those who might be considering doing the very same thing you did,
how hard was it to get Ceiba Records up and running?
PZ: The
beginning of Ceiba records was very easy and innocent. We just had
fun doing it. But after some time the *real world* reared it's ugly
head and dealing with the business side of it all is very time
consuming and sometimes frustrating. So if someone wants to start a
label he or she needs a lot of passion for it. Otherwise it will be
hard to overcome the difficulties of running a label.
AV:
Why was it that you chose the style of music that you did to release
on Ceiba? What kind of personal history with this music did/do you have?
PZ: I
was always intrigued by the origin of music, where did it come from?,
how did it develop? etc. When technology evolved to the point that
you could combine/mix any kind of music (with the help of samplers
and sequencers) from the past to the present, I found it very
exciting to emulate the tribal musical heritage with the sounds of
today. Beside I believe that the trance dance in its pure original
form and intent has healing powers for the mind and body,
AV:
Tell me about the other folks that were involved with founding the
label and those who help you run it on a day to day basis.
PZ: At
the beginning it was Adam O'hanna , Jonas Judd and myself. These days
the label is managed by myself and Tina Zimmermann who does all the
artwork and web design and who is also a permanent source of inspiration.
AV:
Who is it that decides what artists end up on your label and what are
some of the criteria for those choices?
PZ: I
make the final decision what is going to be released, but I always
check back with my musicians and dj friends for feedback and
comments. I want Ceiba records to have a certain musical identity and
philosophy which supports a more psychedelic and spiritual life style
as an alternative to the mainstream, commercial oriented labels but
without being narrow minded.
AV:
From the feedback you have received, what kind of reception has the
record buying public given to Ceiba?
PZ: In
general we get very positive feedback about our work and it seems
when people discover this kind of music and the parties that support
it, their lives seem to be enriched with an experience they did not
have before.
AV:
Are you an international label or do you pretty much stick to the
U.S. for your artists and distribution?
PZ: We
are definitely an international label on the distribution as well as
on the artists side.
AV:
Finally, what lies ahead for Ceiba records? What would you like to
accomplish over the next several years with your record label?
PZ: We
would like to grow on all levels that are involved in a record label,
but at the same time keep our vision and continue to be a source of
inspiration for our supporters and artists.
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