Rob Da Bank Tells Us About His Music Label

DJ, broadcaster, record label boss and festival promoter Rob Da Bank is one of the UK’s most successful young music entrepreneurs.

Guided by his finely tuned ear for eclectic, alternative dance music and new bands, Rob has a knack for breaking new acts on his Radio 1 show and his excellent record label and club night, Sunday Best. Perhaps his greatest achievement is the apparent ease with which he has established Bestival, the late summer Isle of Wight fun-fest known as the UK’s most beloved outdoor music weekend outside of Glastonbury.

What inspired you to make a career out of music?

It was the only thing that really made me feel that school was worth attending! If I hadn’t been able to talk about music, listen to it and play it at school I’d probably have become a dustbin man at the age of 16.

What was your first move towards being enterprising?

I used to walk 4 miles to and from a local marina to wash boats for a few pounds when I was a kid. I’ve never been scared of hard work and couldn’t believe the kids at school who’d lie in until midday at the weekend – my dad would have me up for 7am raking leaves or moving the garden shed 3 inches to the right.

So you were an enterprising youngster?

I was never given any pocket money, so if I wanted some dough I’d have to work for it. I used to sell windfall fruit from a little table outside my house and I planted a vineyard with my mate for his dad to get some pocket money.

How did you start your first label?

I was lucky that a mate of mine, Massimo, already had a label. He was looking to do some fresh things, so he kind of started Sunday Best for me and with me. I’ve never been into the administration side of things and now Sarah, my right hand lady, runs all of that, as she has done for years. I do the A&R and my wife, Josie, does the sleeves and artwork.

How did you get the finance together to release that first record?

Massimo kindly incorporated my first couple of records into his profit and loss and since then we’ve just lived hand to mouth. We’ve been offered money by people but we want to stay independent.

Is it important to have a unique aspect to your project?

Totally. I think that’s the only reason Sunday Best the label and club, my festival Bestival and my radio show have survived. I’ve never wanted to do the same things as anyone else although I’ve been inspired by lots of people.

What was the vital ingredient that made your sound, music and business so special?

Probably that I didn’t take myself too seriously. Everything I do has a bit of humour in it and the festival’s definitely the most fun one out there. We also work very hard on making it the best product we can and my wife Josie’s artwork makes us look unique.

What kind of skills did you have when you first started?

Nothing special, just tenacity. I wouldn’t give up on going after what I wanted.

Was networking important, and did you bring friends in to help along the way?

I spent 6 years at Muzik magazine as a journalist working my way up from tea boy to Assistant Editor and during that time met most of the djs, producers and promoters I know now. Networking for the sake of it is annoying to the person being networked unless you’ve got something interesting to say!

And what important lessons did you learn on the way?

Be humble and not cocky.

Any advice on how important it is to balance the business side with the fun and exciting side of music?

Luckily I’ve had people like Sarah and my manager Ben who I can trust and have always run my business side. It’s crucial it’s well maintained, but if it’s not your strength work with someone else who is good at it.

How different is the market today compared with when you started back in the 90’s?

Very different for the majors, a real struggle probably. But we’re still a small indie label selling music to a hardcore of people who love music. So in that sense, not too much has changed. I also think there are even more amazing songs and tunes around thanks to the internet mainly!

Was it easy to set up your company? Did you receive advice along the way?

I couldn’t have done it without my mates who knew what they were doing; like I said before, stick to your strengths.

What advice would you give for young entrepreneurs wanting to launch a career in music now?

Work for someone else in the area you want to work in first so you can check it’s as romantic as you think it is! Music is still the most amazing communicator on the planet, so if you think you can survive off it, then go for it!