This year, Vernhes has moved his A&R duties to the forefront with the launch of Rare Book Room Records. His first releases are due next month: a fragile, piano-based record from a New York artist named Lia, and another by a German performance- art duo called Palms. And despite the shaky time the recording industry's had of late, starting his own label makes sense to him: He can now control the means of production in multiple ways, while continuing to focus on artistic intent. "For me, it's the fact that a lot of bands came to me early on in their careers, when they were developing their sound," Vernhes explains. "I've always been curious about what happens to the records I make when they leave my studio." He adds that his work on the label so far has been "daunting— and very time-consuming. It's the kind of thing that, if I think about it a lot, I'll just want to close my eyes and run blindly." But that's not likely to happen.
Find everything you're looking for in your city
Find the best happy hour deals in your city
Get today's exclusive deals at savings of anywhere from 50-90%
Check out the hottest list of places and things to do around your city
