If you live in C-U, chances are you’ve visited a record shop at one time or another. Perhaps you were a frequent visitor at Record Service once-upon-a-time, or you’ve recently wandered through Exile on Main, or even stopped by to see a newer shop, Error Records, on Neil Street. This all-ages venue has late hours, new album releases, and live music several times a week. I spoke with Nathan Landolt, the owner of Error, and asked him about the upcoming Experimental Sounds and Poetry show.
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Smile Politely: Tell me about yourself! Where do you spend your time?
Nathan Landolt: I spend nearly all of my time at Error Records, as I am the owner. It’s an all-ages music venue, record store, label, and art space. I also work early morning shifts at Strawberry Fields in Urbana. The rest of my time is spent either sleeping or playing music. I’m currently in two bands, one being Earth Witch and the other Doomsayer.
SP: Busy, busy! Tell me about this Experimental Sound event! Who’s involved and how did it come to be?
Landolt: Local promoter, Ivan Catron, actually set it up. He came to me with a date in mind for the touring act, Billy Tee, and wanted to make this show a bit different. He wanted to host an all noise show, but also incorporate spoken work and poetry by Billy Tee (Chicago), Planet Farm, Shitzo, Aporia, and Borealis. There are also four readings by JR Jill, Fergus Lynch, Kaitlyn Bradshaw, and Jake Lee. The music will be in between the music sets.
SP: I was under the impression the poetry was over the music. Interesting.
Landolt: I think Jake Lee may be doing his readings [over] some guitar looping, but I can’t say for sure. This is the first time doing this sort of show for most of us.
SP: And it’s an all-ages show (and venue). How did that decision get made? Intentionally, or is that just how it worked out?
Landolt: All shows at Error Records are all-ages. The decision was very intentional. It’s something this music community needs. There were no actual all-ages spaces committed to doing shows on a regular basis, and it’s my intention to change that.
SP: What a great idea! What other shows have you done?
Landolt: There have been a handful of shows here already. They’ve ranged from hardcore, punk, indie, acoustic, noise, rock, metal, etc. I plan to always have a variety of shows, so there’s … something for everyone.
SP: What’s the admission like?
Landolt: Typically shows are $5. They can range from donation-based (free) to $8–10. It all depends on the touring and out-of-town bands that are playing. The money goes to the bands and the venue.
Even if the show isn’t free, most local bands from the area will play for free because they’re happy just to get to share the stage with touring bands. This is something that’s mostly an unspoken understanding in the DIY community: It’s for the music, not the money.
SP: Indeed.
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It’s quite a notion, this record store and its ideals. Error Records, located at 702 S Neil in Champaign, provides a place for adults and young students to hear a wide variety of music in a drug-and-alcohol-free environment. The store’s Facebook event for Experimental Sounds and Poetry describes “an enthralling showcase comprised of noise, drone and ambient sound performances, in addition to poetry and spoken word readings.” It should prove to be a unique and eye-opening experience.