By Bobby Forand and Alison Riendeau
“Twenty years!” – Mark MacDougall
75 or Less Records has seemingly always been a part of the RI music scene. Mark MacDougall (Slick) knew from the start that the label wouldn’t get him rich, so he turned his focus to giving local bands a platform to release their music to the world without any overwhelming expectations or objectives. Twenty years and over 350 releases in, they have become a go-to catalogue for local music, books, and etcetera.
“Some years have gone by really quickly, and others have gone by really slow because life was kicking my ass,” MacDougall says looking back. “Right now, things are good, and I plan on keeping the label going. The label keeps me busy. The catalog numbers for label releases are in the low 400s now, but there’s been lots of t-shirts, hats, pint glasses, posters, so we probably have released close to 375 albums.”
75orless Fest is a free celebration showcase at Myrtle featuring nine bands, with DJs spinning vinyl in between sets. The room is expected to be full of people and appreciation towards the label and the person who has brought them all together in camaraderie and friendship. The event kicks off at 2pm and parties until last call or the doors are locked.
“In past years, we have done multi-night anniversary shows at Dusk, News Cafe, and Askew with 30 bands playing,” MacDougall says. “We are only doing one night, so a lot of label bands I wanted to perform were left out.”
75orless Fest takes place on Saturday, September 5 at Myrtle.
2pm The Glare
3pm The Wire Chimes
4pm Blood Feeder
5pm Jets Can’t Land
6pm TV Models
7pm Future Stories
8pm Six Star General
9pm Groundhawgs
10pm David Tessier All-Star Stars
We asked community members to share their thoughts on the impact 75orLess has had on local music, in 75 words or fewer, of course. Here are some excerpts:
Ray Memery: Mark has almost single-handedly documented a large swath of local music that likely would’ve otherwise disappeared. He also makes you feel like a big shot because he actually cares about what we’re creating.
Jeff Danielian: “I’ve known a lot of folks involved in the local band scene over the years and Mark, “Slick,” is not only the most supportive, he also possesses a wealth of knowledge, both about the industry and music itself. Whether a musician, artist, or author, as I am, 75orless is there for you. Plus, what is local becomes national, given his impressive audience.”
Chris Guaraldi: Mark made putting CDs out actually exciting. The first few we did (Chris Evil and the Taints and Blood Moons) he screen printed himself. There was a DIY charm that let you know you were part of something special. The first time we really hung out was after playing a show at a ski lodge in VT (I believe set up by Emerson Torrey of Moustache Ride fame). I became friends with Mark and Kyle from SSG. After many beers and drinks, Kyle kept trying to tell Mark to put out a Chris Evil and the Taints CD, to which Mark was like “I can’t put out a band with ‘Taint’ in the name! My legacy will be ruined!” Fortunately for us “Taints,” he relented and released it. We’ve been proud to represent 75orless as one of several New Bedford bands he’s helped release music by”
Jose Raynwah: Mark has done a huge service to the indie rock/scene in RI. He has brought together a large community of musicians, who would have been locked in their individual bubbles, to a larger audience. He connects like-minded musicians, and introduces so many to good new music.
He is a lovable curmudgeon who has created some great records himself. It’s a lot of work to do what he does. He deserves all the accolades you can write about him.
Stephen Demers: 75orless has helped provide a voice for so many local artists that might not have one otherwise. Where would we be without Slick!? Happy anniversary!!
Mark Roberge / Suburbanite: I met Slick at the first show by my band at the time, Sweet Love in 2011. We were opening up for Six Star General at [the now long gone] The Apartment. I was a bit nervous, as not only was it our debut performance, but my first gig with an original band in about 13 years. I had a pre-show conversation with Slick that completely put me at ease and made me feel like I belonged.
Thinking about it now, my musical life would be completely different if Slick hadn’t been a part of it. I know that my experience is not unique to me, as Slick has helped so many of us, without pretension or profit motive. He wants to bring like-minded people together, connected by our shared love of music.
Kyle Jackson: I grew up around the corner from Slick, and we’ve been close friends for most of my adult life. I was writing reviews when 75orLess was a record review website, before it became a record label — so I’ve been along for this ride since the very beginning. I’ve also played in a band with him for the past 22 years, and I’m proud and lucky to be part of the label.
Slick’s support of the local music scene has never wavered in 20 years, and that alone is quite a feat. Indie labels come and go, but 75orLess Records is the one that’s stuck around. It’s always been a home for bands that don’t neatly fit into any one scene. More than 350 releases over two decades! Slick’s hands-on support of every band on the roster says everything about how much he loves this music and community.
75orLess Records forever.
Foul Weather Friend: What Mark has built at 75orLess is so much more than a label — it’s a community. His support for local music has been unwavering, and his encouragement meant the world to our band, even back when we were total rookies. Congratulations to Mark on 20 years of sharing bass amps, drums, and a whole lot of heart.
Bobby Oakes: 75orLess is the embodiment of punk rock all these years later. I am so happy to be part of the equation. Local rock & roll is where it’s at, and 75orLess has the area covered.
Eric Sampson: Slick has created a scene… over the years bringing together a welcoming community of talented artists in a time where music has become more and more impersonal through technology. He’s DIY; he’s honest, and cares about people making real art. I probably wouldn’t have made half the music I did without his help.
Alison R:
75 words aren’t enough to describe what Mr. Slick has done for the community. His unwavering dedication, honesty, and support rules. He also reminds us not to forget the departed. Remembrance with music.
His head is more than a filing cabinet – it’s an anthropological knowledge and love of art.
Who could not be incredibly proud of this label and his accomplishments?
75orLess Records forever.
Kraig Jordan: Mark has been instrumental in my musical life since the early ’90s.
His mantra of, “Yeah, I’ll put that out,” has encouraged me to explore multiple musical outlets. Some would never have happened without his advocacy.
I’ve released over 13 albums with Mark over the last 20 years, and he referred many more artists to me to record in that time. When I look at the catalog, it’s like looking at a scrapbook of my musical life.
We also share a deep affinity for Vincent Price. Mark is a positive force in the creation of music!
David Tessier: I, for one, am extremely grateful that we’ve got Slick and 75orless in our community. You can pick any song off of any record on the label, and you’re going to find something worthwhile and interesting. His willingness to work in support of artists is a priceless commodity. Thank you, Mr MacDougall.
Mark Cutler: 75orLess Records has been a great bridge for an artist like me (old and still in love with creating music) to stay connected to the younger artists. Mark and company have kept me involved and inspired by the very vital RI music scene. I love their irreverence and their “nothing is precious” sensibility. Because of them, I feel like I have a place for my post-major label music to call home. I hope people know how fortunate we are to have such a cool organization in our community. Hail 75orLess!