The IDMf Netlbabel is re-branding - Enter Glitchpulse Records

[Manton]

Dear Community Members,

We are excited to share an important update with you. The IDMf Netlabel, known for its commitment to artistic integrity, community involvement, and experimental electronic music, is evolving. For 18 years, our label has focused on IDM and related genres, releasing diverse and innovative music for free. We’ve highlighted the incredible talent within our community through collaborative projects and compilations, supporting emerging artists and pushing the boundaries of electronic music.

As IDMf moves forward, we are rebranding as Glitchpulse Records. This new name resonates with the modern music landscape and distances us from the contentious term “IDM” and the outdated “netlabel.” While IDM will remain a significant part of our identity, Glitchpulser aims to expand our focus on innovative and cutting-edge sounds within electronic music. This rebranding marks a new chapter where we celebrate the eclectic and the experimental, driving forward with a fresh, modern identity. IDMforums will still be the conduit to the label but won’t be the only source of contributing artists and musicians.

Link to website

Thank you for being a vital part of our journey. We look forward to continuing this exciting evolution together.

Best regards,

Nick Manton
Glitchpulser Team

Glitchpulser Introduction

[Manton]

FAQ:

Will the label still be releasing music for free?

No. Things cost money and we want to make this project work for you guys. Without some kind of funds, the label cannot run.

Will you still be offering free mastering?

Yes. Mastering will be done by Millenium Mastering in Sydney, Aus. (See IDMf Retrospective Vol. 2 (IDMf068) for reference)

Do the artists get paid?

This is TBA.

What about licensing?

We will still be working under Creative Commons for now.

Will the music still be owned by the artist?

Yes, you still own the copyright to your music, and you are free to put it up wherever you want. We only ask that you shout out to the label.

Will you promote the music?

Yes, various efforts will be made to promote your work, mainly through social media. We will make best effort to extend the reach into other mediums.

Do we need your music?

Yes! Please submit your music if you have something. Bear in mind we will only be accepting high quality music. Please also tell your friends.

Will we still be running “open-genre” compilations?

Ideally, yes. Once a year should suffice. But this requires your participation. Efforts will be made to extend the participation to other sites like r/idm on Reddit and other forums.

Where do we send our submissions?

glitchpulser@gmail.com

How many releases per year will you be doing?

At the moment we really only have the bandwidth to be doing one per month. If we have a bigger team, and we are making more money, then this will allow for more releases.

What is happening with the Retrospective Volumes?

We will still be doing these up untill the end of the year, and the goal is to release them or at least in part on vinyl ready for Christmas. These will be the last of the IDMf cat numbers. Everything else will be released under GPR0xx

Do you have plans to release more physical media?

It is on our discussion board, but again, this involves a lot of cost.

More FAQ’s will be added later.

[bfk]

Wishing you all the best.

[Manton]

Tv - There’s quite often a reason for everything. So i’ll do my best to response in the already little time that I have. I apologise for my curt response earlier.

1. • Brand Confusion: The proposed name “Glitchpulse” is too similar to “glitch.cool.” This similarity can make it seem like the label is riding off the namesake of another label, which undermines its uniqueness and originality. A distinctive name is crucial for standing out in a crowded market and establishing a strong, independent identity.

We love the name, and I think it’s fair game to use generic terms that pertain to the experimental language such as Glitch.

2. • Website Imagery: Upon visiting the new site, the first thing visitors see is a piece of Pioneer equipment. This could give the impression that the label is sponsored by Pioneer, detracting from its unique brand identity. The website should clearly convey the label’s ethos without undue emphasis on third-party products.

Ok, sure. We will address this to it more appropriately fits the vibe. What you have to understand is, this is a generic landing page that is autogenerated by godaddy. You have the option to write one short line of text and the type of website it is, then it gives you 7 images to choose from. Most of the images have nothing to do with music. You can’t refresh the selection either, so trying to get something that works is a mundain, nigh impossible task. This was the closest. The only other option at this time is to take the site offline, until it has more substance.

3. • Maintaining Followers: Rebranding should mean a name change only, not starting fresh. Losing existing followers and engagement metrics would be a significant setback. It’s crucial to ensure that all social media accounts retain their current followers and engagement to maintain momentum.

We are not starting fresh. Nowhere is this stated. All accounts will be the same.

4. • Consistency Across Platforms: Ensure that the new branding is consistently applied across all platforms. This avoids confusing fans and helps maintain a cohesive image, reinforcing the label’s identity.

Yes of course. It’s not all done right now, but it will be. It’s a process, one that takes a lot of time, to make sure not just usernames and links are changed, but graphics. Some sites have different requirements for graphics etc. IDM forums will remain as is though. It does not need to be changed.

5. • Reaching a New Demographic: The new name should appeal to a broader demographic. If the goal is to expand beyond IDM, consider a name that resonates with a wider audience and reflects the label’s vision to attract more fans.

IDMf has always expanded beyond IDM. The name, however, did not suggest this. The name stays.

6. • Market Positioning: The new name should clearly position the label within the market, differentiating it from competitors. It should reflect the label’s evolution and appeal to a broader network of potential fans.

Have already commented on the name

7. • SEO and Online Presence: A name too similar to existing ones can harm SEO efforts, making it harder for fans to find the label online. A distinct name improves searchability and online visibility, ensuring the label can be easily discovered by new listeners.

Glitch is one of the most searched words in relation to IDM (more so than IDM itself) so we intend to use that to our advantage.

8. • Repairing the Brand: Rebranding presents an opportunity to repair and strengthen the brand. Consider addressing any past issues that might have affected the label’s reputation. A refreshed and positive brand image can attract new fans and retain existing ones.

If you can name a few things that have affected the labels reputation that need repairing, I’ll repond to this.

9. • Expanding the Network: If rebranding aims to expand the network, it’s crucial to ensure that the new name and image appeal to a broader audience. This involves not just changing the name but also aligning the label’s marketing strategy, visuals, and communication to attract and engage a wider range of listeners.

Our only aim is to expand to exsiting IDM and experimental electronic music networks, other than IDM forums. Please see FAQ.

10. • Logo Design: The new logo’s fonts look great together and clearly spell out the label’s name, making it easily recognizable. However, when I think of a logo, I think of an image, not just words. An iconic symbol could enhance brand recognition and provide a stronger visual identity.

Yep, Working on it.

Just to be clear. We are in the process of rebranding. You can’t just flick a switch and it’s done. We will take what you have written and make sure that it’s address when needed.

[Manton]

Yes, and I understand that, which is why I apologized and retracted my statement.

[wayne]

I had my ChatGPT formlate a response to your post, @TvMcC, but in the interest of saving time, I’ll give you my response.

The label has changed hands to many forum members a handful of times. some of those leaders had clear direction and some with little idea how much work goes into running this place before they decided to take it over. I don’t anything realizes it till they’re in it. “Let’s start a label” they said “it will be fun” they said. And it is! But sometimes it’s not.

Right now, both the netlabel and forum and discord are at their lowest member participation rate since probably 2006. This is an opportunity for us to rethink what we want this place to be and to do our best to see something we can all be proud of. The person seeing to that more than anyone right now is @Manton. I know more than anyone along with @RFJ how much work and creativity and thought he is putting into this. We encourage people to give feedback, but keep in mind that we do this for free at the moment. We (mostly Nick though) run this place out of love (and sometimes rage) with very little help from anyone, so please be patient as we smooth out all the kinks while we do our best to give the highest quality of underground electronic music (like yours!), professionally packaged, to the world!

[wayne]

And just for fun I had my ChatGPT respond to your ChatGPT

Thank you for your articulate feedback! My human master asked me to write a response to your general concerns.

Brand Confusion: You think “Glitchpulse” is too similar to “glitch.cool”? That’s like saying “Mountain Dew” and “Mountain Don’t” are the same thing. Names in the digital era are bound to have overlaps, and frankly, if a name’s uniqueness alone made or broke a label, we’d all be out of business. Plus, “Glitchpulse” is catchy and memorable, which is what really counts.

Website Imagery: Ah yes, because the moment anyone sees a piece of equipment on a website, they immediately assume sponsorship. If only it worked that way! The Pioneer equipment is there to symbolize quality and professionalism, not to suggest that Pioneer is secretly pulling our strings.

Maintaining Followers: Because followers are like houseplants that can’t survive a little move, right? Rebranding is a chance to refresh and attract even more followers, not to mention keeping the loyal ones who care more about the music than the name. Our strategy is solid, and our followers are savvy enough to follow the transition.

Consistency Across Platforms: No kidding. It’s almost like we have a marketing team that knows this is a basic requirement for rebranding. We’re not reinventing the wheel; we’re giving it a sleek new design.

Reaching a New Demographic: Broader demographic appeal with a single name change? If only marketing were that simple. “Glitchpulse” has a modern ring to it that appeals to a wide range of listeners. Besides, our vision and music are what truly attract fans, not just the label name.

Market Positioning: “Glitchpulse” clearly positions us in the market as innovative and forward-thinking. The evolution in our name reflects our musical growth and sets us apart from competitors who are still stuck in their old ways.

SEO and Online Presence: SEO is about much more than just a name. Our digital strategy includes targeted content, social media engagement, and more. A distinct name is great, but the whole package matters more. And “Glitchpulse” will carve out its own space online just fine.

Repairing the Brand: Rebranding is a golden opportunity to not only refresh our image but to address any past hiccups and come back stronger. We’re not just slapping a new name on old problems; we’re evolving and improving every aspect of the label.

Expanding the Network: We get it: new name, new look, and new strategy. We’re not just slapping a fresh coat of paint on things; we’re realigning our entire approach to draw in a broader audience. It’s a holistic process, and “Glitchpulse” is just one part of that.

Logo Design: Thanks for the compliment on the fonts! As for an image, logos can be both text and symbol. We’re focusing on clear recognition and readability right now. Iconic symbols can come later, but let’s not undervalue the power of a clean, striking wordmark.

[KvlT]

@wayne

“Mountain Don’t”

@wayne

Because followers are like houseplants that can’t survive a little move, right?

If this is Chat GPT I’m kind of amazed by the stank it put on this response

[wayne]

This is actually the nicest of the versions, they get progressively meaner.

[morphic]

I like Glitchpulse Records, it’s catchy.

[morphic]

Please post the bitchy version

[Manton]

Glitchpulser Introduction

[RFJ]

Stellar promo video there man. Obviously the music is phenomenal as is the production on the vid.

Loving what you are doing w the rebrand. I foresee good times and great music ahead.

Like a phoenix, from the ashes.

Long live IDMf.

[nose]

I remember years ago, deep in the weeds on the rebranding discussion with IDMf folks. Glad you guys found one that sticks, looks good. Nice new coat of paint also!

[Manton]

Thanks man! Yes, we are full steam ahead now. A lot of the thing’s you guys were talking about doing back then have been done now. Never too late!

[Manton]

Does anyone read any more? If you do head on over to igloo mag and check out our newswire!

IDMf > Glitchpulse Records :: Retrospective