London punk/alt-rap duo Bob Vylan is set to release their third album, Humble As The Sun, this April. The album follows their debut chart-topping album, Bob Vylan Presents: The Price of Life. The biting lyricism that the band is known for still reigns in the new album with tracks like GYAG (Get Yourself A Gun), which condemns the injustices of capitalist society. However, the album also has optimistic moments that encourage empowerment and knowing one’s worth amongst negativity.
Bob Vylan’s DIY ethic and independence from record labels is still present in the new album, released on their own label Ghost Theatre. Frontman Bobby Vylan stresses that this approach is more prominent on the business side of things rather than the creative side. Being DIY means that they can create whatever they want without any label or third-party influence, ensuring they have a direct and fair relationship with their distributors such as Rough Trade.
The band has always had a personal connection with Rough Trade stores, with their relationship built on trust and fairness. Their exclusive variant of vinyl and a direct partnership with Rough Trade’s Sean Forbes has only strengthened their relationship. Bob Vylan also aims to extend Ghost Theatre’s reach beyond their own music, providing a stepping stone to earn the necessary knowledge and experience to appropriately execute and promote the art created by other artists.
Their music and business conduct resonate with individuals who appreciate fair compensation for the time spent creating music while acknowledging the importance of giving credit where it is due. They believe in staying true to their DIY approach, ensuring a fair and just relationship with distributors and third-party collaborators. Their continuous growth and learning may have led them to chart the release of their third album, but it is their DIY ethic and independence that got them to where they are now
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