In a city brimming with musical talent, one independent label has carved out a unique niche by turning live performances into polished recordings that help local artists break through. Fishbowl Records, co-founded by Ryan Chavez and sound engineer Dan Merker, has been quietly building a bridge between Mobile’s thriving live music scene and the broader music industry.
From Live Venues to the Recording Studio
The concept behind Fishbowl Records grew organically from Chavez and Merker’s deep involvement in Mobile’s entertainment landscape. Merker co-owns Soul Kitchen Music Hall, and both partners are involved with The Alabama Music Box. Merker also runs AM Entertainment Productions, a production company with a growing roster of clients.
After years of working together, the pair began experimenting with live recordings at both venues and discovered they could produce sound quality they felt rivaled major-label live albums — all at a fraction of the cost. With bands already performing at their venues, offering affordable live recording sessions was a natural extension of their work.
Notable Collaborations
Fishbowl Records’ early breakthrough came through partnerships with established labels. Working with Rock Ridge Music, they recorded live sets by Ingram Hill and The Benjy Davis Project at Soul Kitchen. A collaboration with Epic Records followed, capturing a live performance by Natasha Bedingfield at the WABB radio station in Mobile.
The label has also worked extensively with rising local talent, including singer-songwriter Kristy Lee, vocalist Elley Duhe, and the band The Sunshine Factory, whose live album was slated for digital release in early 2011.
More Than a Recording Label
While live recordings remain the core of the business, Fishbowl Records has been expanding its role into something closer to an independent A&R agency. Leveraging an extensive network of music bloggers, entertainment lawyers, publishers, talent buyers, and festival producers, Chavez and Merker work to connect developing artists with the contacts and opportunities they need to advance their careers.
The finished recordings serve multiple purposes for the artists involved. Some use them as demo material to pitch to major labels, others incorporate them into promotional videos, and several albums have been approved for radio airplay or commercial release through partner labels.
A Deep Bench of Local Talent
When asked which local acts he would most like to work with next, Chavez rattled off an enthusiastic list that included UgliStick, singer-songwriter Gregg Fells, El Cantador, the Underhill Family Orchestra, Josh Ewing, and blues artist Lisa Mills — a testament to the depth and diversity of Mobile’s music community.
Fishbowl Records continues to accept submissions from artists looking for affordable, high-quality live recording services and broader industry support in the Mobile area.