Yes, New England is full of talented artists and bands, however, the unsung heroes of the scene are the people who put on the shows these artists play at. In the underground music scene of Providence, perhaps the most dominant booking and promotion agency is Rambudikon Productions. Mike Carp is the engine behind the ever-progressing company and an incredible force for the Rhode Island local music scene. He told us a bit about his experience with Rambudikon and his opinions on the music scene in general.
What made you want to start Rambudikon, and how did you start it up?
In 2012 we started Rambudikon Booking & Productions for the sole purpose of trying to revitalize this scene and do things different than what we were currently witnessing in the scene. We wanted packed shows.
Brian Cauti (formerly of Lions Lions and, currently, Royal Street) started the company with me in 2012. We started booking shows with bands we were friends with at The Middle East in Cambridge, MA and Firehouse 13 in Providence, RI.
What has been most rewarding about running Rambudikon?
Packed shows! No better feeling than when a show runs smoothly and the crowd is in full force.
Any major downsides to running a booking and promotion company?
Every single job has downsides, but I prefer to focus on the positives. When you are your own boss, it's kind of pointless to complain to yourself!
Do you have a favorite show that you booked? Why was it your favorite?
Rambudifest 2013 was one of the craziest shows I have every thrown. We sold out the 3065 Live at 350 people. We had Vanna, Lions Lions, Our Last Night, Auburn, Longshot — so many relevant names played that show in New England. It was an amazing show.
Where did the name 'Rambudikon' come from?
My best friend since second grade committed suicide at age 24, and his last text to me read "Rise Of Rambudikon." I guess you could say I ran with it in his honor. He always pushed me to follow my dreams.
Any bands or musicians that you've been listening to more than others lately?
I listen to a lot of Coheed And Cambria. They are my favorite band; but I also really enjoy Dance Gavin Dance's new album and I will always love Underoath.
If you could change anything about the music industry today, what would it be?
I would give more opportunities to more bands! So much talent out there.
I think the music scene is evolving in all sorts of directions, and it's hard to really pin down anything I would really want to "change" simply because everything is constantly changing.
I would like to see them replace "Mayhemfest" with another big festival in tribute to the old Ozzfest days which were highly successful. Warped tour is absolutely amazing, but there really needs to be a separate traveling metal tour each year. I wouldn't be a big fan of it all blending into one tour each year.
What is the craziest stage-antic you've seen?
A while back I had a small touring act through Providence at the old Simon's 677. The singer was a wild man hanging all over the place and he jumped on the bar sang some lyrics about being a tramp to the club owners girlfriend at the bar, gave her a kiss and jumped off the bar. Needless to say, I had to eject him from the gig.
Other than that, I have seen my share of blood on the dance floor at heavier shows!
Do you lift, bro?
I sadly do not. Dad bods for life.
A guy cuts you off in traffic. What's your reaction?
Not going to lie, I would more than likely be heated and flip him/her off.
When booking bands, what do you look for before adding them on the your show?
It has to make sense. Even in mixed genre, the bands must be able to play well together and create an event out of it. It's about bringing scenes and crowds together, and when everyone combines a serious effort, including myself, on a show, that's when you see the packed crowds.
There was some controversy on social media about pay-to-play venues/shows. It seemed that every booking agent/promoter in New England was under fire. Any comments on that?
A lot of people like to point fingers and place blame. Fact of the matter is that we have built our business on transparency. We make sure that every band knows what they are getting themselves into on every show. We make fair mutually agreed upon deals before gigs are accepted.
This allowed us to quickly dismiss the pay-to-play hype and keep moving forward putting on good shows.
Speak to the crowd, tell people why they should be engaged in the local music scene.
Be engaged in local music because it literally is the future. Bands have been coming out of Providence for many decades, and it isn't going to stop today. The local scene is the cornerstone of the music scene. In general, everything grows from the bottom, and it is important that you go out and buy tickets for shows because that is what is going to keep this scene alive and well for years to come.
Any long-term goals for Rambudikon?
Bigger the better. We want to keep working with bigger acts and bigger productions. The sky is the limit, and we have much ground to cover!
Anything else you'd want to say? Shout outs? Any shows coming up?
Within The Ruins Firehouse 13 Feb. 11th.
The Venetia Fair's Last Show w/ Trophy Wives & Que Sera @ Fete Ballroom Feb. 20.
Vanna/Lions Lions @ Firehouse 13 March 5th.
Big shout out to everyone who supports Rambudikon and this scene in general. It means a lot to see all the faces in the crowd and to know that this music scene is alive and well!
The Providence local scene is thriving. Take advantage. All the talent that comes out of New England and the people who put on these amazing shows help keep the music scene alive. Be engaged in your local music scene because people out there like Mike are working their bodies to their bones so that we can enjoy the experiences, the bonds and the friendships that come with it!
