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by Rob Moore
Today’s music industry has evolved into a very sophisticated
network of labels, music managers, public relation people, and
everyone wants to have a piece of the pie. Sometimes, actually
more often than not, it is impossible to break through the monopoly
of the big labels. They have a stranglehold on the top spots
and want the Brooks and Dunns, Papa Roaches and U2s of the time,
but not the smaller groups. Why not the smaller groups? Not
enough talent? Not really, it is about the money. Independent
labels, however, have been breaking that hold, and this label
is one example of success.
Recently, I stumbled on a fellow veteran who worked his way
into this spider web of labels and created one of his own. This
is a full-time job for him, and through his passion for music
and seeing fellow soldiers struggle to pursue their passion,
former active duty Army officer and Iraqi Freedom veteran Capt.
Sean Gilfillan took the energy from these soldiers and turned
their passion into a positive outlet for them to pursue.
Gilfillan had always been involved in music and with the help
of Sidney DeMello, a fellow Rhode Islander, they made their
dream come true by creating To The Fallen Records in the summer
of 2006. Their debut CD was “To The Fallen Records Presents
Hip-Hop: Volume I,” which was quickly followed by a country
version and a rock version.
The name of the label has a deep meaning for the two, especially
Gilfillan. They took the name from a tattoo that spans his shoulders.
It honors seven of his comrades who were killed in action while
serving in Iraq. Their honor has been carried through the talents
of soldiers from the Marines, Army, Navy, Air Force and the
National Guard, either on active duty or now a civilian. When
asked what it’s like working with different members of
the armed forces, Gilfillan said, “It doesn’t really
matter. I’m in the Army, and it’s all one in the same.
Once you serve, it kind of goes across the board for the guys
and the girls and you are a veteran.”
According to Gilfillan, “No matter how hard they try,
no traditional record label is willing to make an investment
in them.”
This is sadly a very true statement and one built around the
mega millions these huge labels feel they need to make to survive.
One major reason these guys and gals can’t get signed is
because they have full-time jobs.
Gilfillan says, “No label can sign them or put them on
tour--their schedules are too crazy. So, they’re forced
to give it up, or do music on the side. This can wear an artist
down. With To The Fallen Records, these talented guys can get
back to their first love. While continuing with the stability
and pride that comes with military service, they no longer have
to set their dreams aside, and their voices can be heard.”
How does the new label find the talent? “They usually
come to us,” Gilfillan said. “The soldiers usually
find out about the label through friends, media, Military Times,
or one of our events, and they usually come to us through word
of mouth. If we hear about an artist and they are good, we will
actually approach them.”
A lot of focus is placed on getting these soldiers to events
to showcase their musical talents. “We do our own tours
through the family, morale and welfare recreation programs,”
Gilfillan said. “We are open to anything.”
They will set up the event with an artist, or artists, with
the requested genre-say hip-hop, country, metal or other genres.
“We have about 2,000 active artists in our database,”
Gilfillan said.
This is a very solid number to select from and it really raises
an eyebrow to think there are this many people whose first love
is music in the military.
To The Fallen’s concept is, “It’s not about
politics, it’s about music.” The soldiers making this
music have earned the right to do so regardless of their political
persuasions. They have earned the right to free speech, and
To The Fallen Records has given them the outlet to do it through
music. To The Fallen Records puts out quality music and makes
it a point to put out music with several opinions of people
with no political agenda in mind. It is also a way for them
to heal from losing a friend in battle and telling their interpretation
of that event.
A perfect example is the song “Walk with Me” on To
The Fallen Records Presents Hip-Hop: Volume I, in which soldier
and rapper Soldier Hard acts as a war tour guide, giving the
listener an intimate diary of his daily struggles in Iraq. Likewise,
rocker and Army drill sergeant Merq wrote “Don’t Try
to Save Me” for To The Fallen Records Presents Rock: Volume
I, describing a particularly intense Iraq mission that reveals
a dark side of the experience that you won’t hear anywhere
else.
Gilfillan, along with DeMello, have created a solid foundation
for soldiers to send their message out to the world. “The
artists get excited when their music is on the shelf for sale
and it is a very rewarding feeling for us, as well,” DeMello
said. “This is ongoing, and military musicians will exist
as long as wars do. Their unique perspectives deserve their
own place to congregate–To The Fallen Records. We don’t
plan on going anywhere.”
You can find the CDs online at www.tothefallenrecords.com,
Green Beans Coffee, or at various military installations. New
talent, active duty or veteran, can also submit a sample of
their music online for the company to review. In addition, the
label gives back to the military by donating a percentage of
proceeds to organizations dedicated to honoring the fallen,
or assisting disabled soldiers and their families.
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