Questions by Andy Harris
 
Osmose Productions is one of the most powerful and honest labels in the underground, while having some of the biggest bands within the black / death genre.  Here's an interview with the founder of the label, Herve...
 

Lately you have been signing old-style black thrash bands (INFERNO, BEWITCHED, etc.) Explain your reasons for this.

- Apparently, there is no real reasons why we did sign BEWITCHED, GEHENNAH, INFERNO, etc.  In fact, BEWITCHED have signed with us since September '95! So, it's already a long time ago!  Nowadays, and even back in '95, we couldn't find black metal bands we enjoy, so we were looking for different kinds of bands, BEWITCHED arrived, etc....

How did the label form?  What were your reasons for starting a label?  What funds were invested to start Osmose?

- Just like a fan who wanted to create something else, something different back in '91.  It was a challenge to do it, to give a fuck anways and to establish the company, and it is still a challenge now!  There was no money at the beginning.  I still had my job up until '93 and was working in the night into the morning every day!  First was SAMAEL «Worship Him» and was pressed in 1,000 LPs/1,000 CDs.  
 
SAMAEL was your first band.  What led to their signing and why did they leave having done only one LP?

- We signed the deal with SAMAEL for one album only.  We were trying to keep them but we were not strong enough at that time.  It was probably one of my best memories!  The first album!

What's the best selling Osmose band?  What was the label's biggest dissapointment?

- The best seller so far is actually IMMORTAL «Battles In The North» but not for a long time, as the «Blizzard...» will crush everything.  And the biggest dissapointment is certainly the last MYSTIFIER.  I am still trying to understand it (and I can’t understand at all why such a brilliant album failed miserably, when it comes to selling. Perhaps, the lack of promotion? Or maybe the stupid criticism in Kerrang! and others of that ilk? Or fans are too stupid to get into «The World...» CD, preferring such crap as IMPALED NAZARENE’s «Latex Cult»? There may be thousands of reasons... - ED). Anyway, that is what the band wanted, so...

What is a typical day for you, from beginning to end?

- Screaming, listening to music at the maximum volume, spending 6-7 hours on the phone everyday and working like hell, 80 hours a week!

If you could release any album or sign any bands, what would they be?

- Hmm, maybe MOTORHEAD or EXCITER or PILEDRIVER .  Yes, that's my dream!  In the past it was BATHORY, but not at all anymore, and I don't know why. Maybe due to «Requiem» and «Octagon» (try «Blood On Ice» - ED)

Any comments on your fellow French labels, such as Evil Omen, Empire, Listenable, and Holy Records?

- Evil Omen: craziest fan in the world!  You won't believe it and he's a close friend.  Empire: don't know.  Listenable: funniest fan in the world and oh well, a close friend.  Holy: are okay.

What are some hopeful signings to Osmose?

- None!  No, just completely unknown bands since I love building bands and putting them in the high level. 

What do you see as the biggest obstacle for Osmose?  How big would you like to see the label grow?

- There is no obstacle, since I love crushing obstacles.  Without problems, I'd better stop now!  I enjoy a lot of problem solving, etc.  It's about how we grow, we don't care until our bands are satisfied with our job!  It's the most important thing we focus on.

When will we see Osmose with American distribution?  Why has it not happened yet?

- Hopefully, our office will open soon in Los Angeles.  We actually worked on it and why we couldn't get it before is because we couldn't find the right peoples.

What are your future plans for the label?

- No plans, just work... day after day and drink a lot every Friday night at a bar in our area!

O s m o s e   P r o d u c t i o n s
B.P. 57
62990 Beaurainville
FRANCE