Out of all the overseas record labels I have been in contact with, Tigerstyle records has easily been one of the most responsive and friendly. They put out some damn good music as well. I did this interview with Mike Treff by email.

Does Insound have 100% ownership of Tiger style???

Yes, Insound is the sole owner of Tiger Style. However, we all work together so it less like an owner-worker relationship and more of a partnership.

What brought about the decision for Insound to start up a record label???

With the type of business Insound was involved in and the relationships it had in the underground community, it was a logical extension of the business. Insound had already worked with so many labels, distributors, bands and most importantly, music fans, it just made sense. Plus there are so many bands out there that we feel get totally underrepresented and we wanted to help those bands take their careers to the next level.

How long have you been around???

We launched in December of 1999 and put out our first release in February of 2000, The Letter E EP.

What are the aims/goals for Tiger style???

It's thought to say as so much of what we strive for varies from artist to artist. Philosophically, we try to be a label that is responsive to our artists needs while working to build their careers brick by brick. Success would be to be able to continually put out music we like and help make music our artists full time careers.

What are some major problems you have found in running a record label???

Well, fortunately, there have been very few "major problems", more like hills here and there. It is hard to stay on top of everything and can get quite hectic, like when you have 5 bands touring and are releasing 3 full-length records in two months. We strive on that type of pressure though.

How do you manage financial problems such as debt???

We have been fortunate enough not to encounter that problem yet, as we are already a self-sustaining operation. Knock wood!!!

How many demos do you get a month???

A lot, too many to count!! I try to listen to them all, but it is hard, there are only so many hours in the day and there are only two of us!!

Have you ever signed a band upon hearing the demo they sent you???

Not yet, but I certainly have been into a lot of the demo's sent our way. I wouldn't rule it out. We would want to see the band live and meet the people, but it could be a good start to the relationship.

How important is the Internet for Tiger style???

I think it is very important as it allows a smaller indie to reach a far wider audience in a cost-effective way. It also allows fans and music lovers to rally around a band and spread word of mouth hype in a very fast and efficient manner. We try to have a substantial internet presence, but hopefully, our bands fans will really be the truth tellers and marketers online.

What are your thoughts on Napster???

To be quite honest, I am sick of the issue. I think as a tool to expose new bands, in theory, it works, however, the whole industry is based around bands that people want to listen to, who they know already. Therefore, Napster has very little effect on what we do, as an indie.

What does the future hold for Tiger style???

Immediate future holds new records from Ida, Mercury Program, The Album Leaf, and a remix record from Tristeza. Long-term, who knows, we will see.

Current play list???

Black Heart Procession - Three
Yume Bitsu - Auspicious Winds
Convocation of - s/t
Amon Tobin - Bricolage

Any advice for others???

No.