Virgil Gets Inspired By A Craft Brewer Video

I Am A Craft Brewer from I Am A Craft Brewer on Vimeo.

This video gave me goosebumps. It might be due to the fact that I saw this video after drinking 2 Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Stouts (13% alcohol) and the fact that my passion for craft breweries runs a close 2nd to my love of independent music. I love the community that surrounds craft breweries and I can't help but compare it to that of independent music. Much like the small brewer, small, indie labels are slowly closing the gap on the mega conglomerates that...

force feed whatever they think they can sell. Indie labels put out music they are passionate about. That love and attention isn't lost on music fans. Here are a few quotes from the video that I want to share:

"(mega conglomerates) are only focused on how much they're selling instead of what they're selling"

"If you want lowest common denominator beer, that is up to you, I won't have any part of it."

"We must educate those who seek to understand"

"We must honor and hold true to our integrity"

I can go on and on, but if this video doesn't inspire you, you shouldn't be following this site. I found myself getting emotional watching this video and thinking about how we as independent music labels need to band together, reinforce our strengths, and spread our message to those who are receptive. Independent music inspired me to take the path I have taken. Corporate music just leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

I know that times are tough attempting to sell a product most people get for free, but I sincerely believe in what we as independent record labels are attempting to do. I don't believe in a higher power, but there are times that I feel as though I was brought into this crazy world to spread the idea that independent music is relevant and powerful. I will never stop spreading my love of independent music doing all I can do to spread the word of my artists and like minded labels around the world. Who's with me? Let's grab a craft beer and cheers each other for our love of independent music! - by Virgil Dickerson (Suburban Home Records) And don't forget to that Virgil is headed to NARM today to do some deals and share his experiences with Hypebot readers.  Now that yu know how much beer inspires him, it would be almost criminal if you didn;t buy him one.

"I Am A Craft Brewer" is a collaborative video representing the camaraderie, character and integrity of the American Craft Brewing movement. Created by Greg Koch, CEO of the Stone Brewing Co. and Chris & Jared of Redtail Media...and more than 35 amazing craft brewers from all over the country. The video was shown to a packed audience of 1700 craft brewers and industry members at the 2009 Craft Brewers Conference as an introduction to Greg's Keynote Speech entitled "Be Remarkable: Collaboration Ethics Camaraderie Passion."