The more you write the more I'm getting to like you Q. I totally agree that in a perfect world it would be 'great' to sign 'great' artists but at Roadrunner that might never be possible simply because, as you so rightly point out, we're a niche label and trying to turn that perception around is akin to halting a Super Tanker. Like all labels, and the majors are the worst offenders, by necessity we desperately try to figure out what the next cutting edge aggro rock trend will be. Rap metal? Stoner rap? Hip hop hardcore? Bizarre costume metal? Typically and Inevitably that trend usually comes from some completely left field source, one that catches most record co. folk completely on the hop. Look at Marilyn Manson...who saw that one coming?
Re the Toilet's...not a day goes by when I don't have the same thoughts. What will folk outside of New York, Lost Angeles and London make of such a flamboyant bunch of lower East Village reprobates? I always come back to the same conclusion though...who'd had thought Kiss or Twisted Sister would have made the grade...and if they won the day then anythings possible. One things for sure they're flippin' fantastic in concert and if we get the album right I reckon the world might just be ready for a good dollop of smoke bombs, rocket firing guitars and fire breathing 6' 6" wildmen playing souped up eighties rock . Great bunch of guys too...don't be fooled by the Tatoo's and Johnny Thunders leather pants... they're the most hardworking, level headed and decent musicians I've ever worked with.
Thanks too for the props about Gwin Spencer....she played me some stuff over the telephone and the solo's sounded like Billy Gibbons had plugged into a nuclear power station! She's got one song 'Addicted to The Motion' that's an all time rock classic...when I get a tape I'll do an MP3 and let you hear it.
I'm off for a well deserved curry.