An Interview With Richard Henry

Richard Henry Interview from POSR on Vimeo.

illson:
we’re here at House Wine on 408 Josephine to talk with a local scenester in the Austin music scene. Now people say that Austin is the music capital of the world. That’s so because of the work of these people. His name’s Richard Henry, and we’re going to ask him a handful of questions so that you get to know him a little better.

So, Richard Henry – in what way do you contribute to Austin’s music scene?

RH:
Ummm, I book a bunch of shows in town, usually talent-scouting around looking for new things that people will like – stuff that I listen to in my ipod – new music – and just bringing in new music from other cities into town and also doing the same exact thing … exporting and importing basically music. It’s kind of like coffee, but with music.

illson:
Do you have a production company, or a promo company, or anything we can recognize by name?

RH:
Yeah, I have this promotional company called Platypus Promotions. It kind of happpened by default, like everything else I do, and just had to create something to be more ‘professional,’ and it’s pretty much caters to everything, like all kinds of different genres of music. Umm, it’s everything ’cause a platypus is a little bit of everything. So is the company, its A & R … it’s different stuff. I don’t know how to explain it. It deals with reggae, umm … hip-hop, rap, umm … street music, dance music, umm … punk rock, rock. Pretty much everything that tickles my ear.

illson:
Do you still like music?

RH:
Absolutely NO! No, I love music. I’ve been into music since I was like a kid kicking it in my mom’s womb – to the beat, ‘woom buncha boom’ – so I’m a pretty big fan.

illson:
Any particular bands that you’re really into right now?

RH:
Umm … actually, yeah, there’s a few bands. There’s a band I found that out plays across my street. There called the Hex Dispensers. They’re really good. They’re garage, punk rock style. Another band is Fingaar Bangaar. They’re amazing. They’re part of Insect Records, by Butcher Bear & Charlie. They’re pretty good. And … I don’t know. That’s about it for local type bands and stuff.

illson:
Aside from money, what other essential traits should a promoter have?

RH:
You should do it because you like it. You shouldn’t do it just for the money. If you’re doing it for the limelight, (or) being on the cover of some local ‘zine or something like that, you’re doing it for the wrong reasons… Basically what I’m trying to say is that basically you shouldn’t mind about the money because the money will come if you stick with it, and just stick with something you like doing, because nobody wants to work a nine to five job. Fuck that.

illson:
What has been your creative outlet as of late?

RH:
My dj’ing. I used to be in a band a long time ago. We broke up. (So) Dj’ing. Trying to get into music production, and trying to recreate kind of like, uh … I don’t know how to explain it. Kind of like a garage type sounding music right now, I’m working on. And that’s basically how I got the promotion company. I have to create posters and all that stuff, and help people out of situations – so I could buy more gear. Basically that’s how I ended up (with it), by default. That’s pretty much it right now.

illson:
Finally, Seth Rogen or Bill Murray?

RH:
Bill Murray!

illson:
Allright. that’s one hot minute with Richard Henry of Platypus Productions. Keep an eye out for his work in the city and say hello when you see him. Thanks, Richard.

RH:
Platypus Promotions!

illson:
Platypus Promotions. Thank you, Richard.

RH:
You’re welcome.