How two CU grads made an outlet for undiscovered talent in Boulder.

Interview with New Something Records

“I had this idea several months before I pitched it to him, I just wasn’t sure when the right time would be, or if it was a great idea,” said Daniel Longworth, co-creator of “New Something” record label. “This moment, where I picked him up from the airport, at the start of the spring semester, when I [told him], it was just like electricity, you know, it’s just like a magic moment,” Said Longworth about pitching his idea for a record label to his friend Chris Weir. 

In 2019, electronic musicians and CU Boulder grads, Christopher Weir, aka “Weir” and Daniel Longworth aka “Tripleset” founded “New Something” record label.  

“I’d always longed to be a part of a community of artists, where we could help each other, build each other up so I wouldn’t be alone anymore. So that was like the spark for creating. I was like, You know what, why not do it myself?” Said Longworth. 

New Something record label is by the artist for the artist, the label’s mission is dedicated to supporting undiscovered talent, creating unique live music experiences, and, most importantly, providing something new for the ears. While supporting major artists, New Something has created a sense of community, raised money for foundations, and has successfully created music sets that are “more than just a party.”

Both Weir and Longworth began their love for music early on in life, playing instruments themselves and exploring the band route, they felt themselves becoming inspired to make their own music, and host their own parties. “it became an addiction… where I was like I’m not going to classes, I’m going to make music. So it sort of took over my life.” Said Longworth.

Weir agreed, “it’s just a matter of throwing our own parties and just starting that kind of scene because we couldn’t get into these venues or anything. We’d throw a party at our house and somebody would come up to us after and be like, ‘Hey, can you DJ at my house next weekend?’”

Prior to the creation of New Something, both Longworth and Weir remember having a desire to play at local Boulder venues like Boulder and Fox Theater, but never having the connections or opportunities to do so. The co-creators began hosting their own parties and their own events. Because of their lack of opportunity to play at local venues, they feel it is very important, as a part of their mission, to be an outlet for undiscovered talented musicians like themselves. “As we’ve gotten more into this brand, we’ve met so many more people that are so talented, that are dealing with pretty much the same kind of thing where they don’t know how to get their music out…or get into a situation where they can perform” Said Weir. 

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For the two CU Grads, they knew when creating their label, they wanted it to be structured more like a community. A community of artists, producers, and talented creators. They steer away from the typical record label technicalities and use their platform to seek out undiscovered musicians who need a boost in the world of music. 

The creators used their CU experience in a lot of the behind the scenes aspect of the brand. Weir, who studied strategy and entrepreneurship at Leeds, and took classes surrounding how to build a business, scale business, and digital marketing, feels that experience encouraged him to look into the entrepreneurial side of the business, which led him to the creation of New Something. Both Weir and Longworth said a huge part of their brand is embracing the diversity of music in Boulder and Denver. They feel both cities have so much to offer in regards to genres of music. Having a wide variety of music means there is always something playing and no matter what you’re into, you can find something to enjoy. The men feel the connections they developed while going to CU, and having others in their community who appreciate the creation of music, has been crucial to their business. 

“The music scene here is phenomenal. It’s underrated. Not only in Boulder, but also Denver. And you know, as a freshman, sophomore, especially, I was going to a ton of shows. And that’s how I made a lot of my really close friends,” said Longworth. 

These connections eventually led New Something to be able to host their own event called “High Hopes”. “it’s crazy to think [my friend and I] had this hybrid engineering business course. And then that eventually led to them playing a High Hopes and then actually joining the team” said Weir. 

High Hopes, a charity music festival hosted by New Something, housed close to 150 people in The Rocky Mountains. The attendees came for the music and stayed for the sense of community, the laser, light, projector shows, campfires, hammocks, and CBD snow cones. “It was really, really special, just the whole production that we put on having sponsors, raising money for the High Hopes or raising money for the Children’s Home Project,” said Longworth. 

High Hopes was a level up for the New Something community. It gave a sense of what the label was about, it showcased not only their talent in producing music, but producing a show and a performance, all while keeping the sense of inclusivity.

Having a successful stage presence for Weir and Longworth was an initial driving force to create the company. This presence can be observed through High Hopes and playing places like the Larimer Lounge. The co-creators knew they also wanted an online presence, especially now with COVID-19. 

“It was like, how do we get our music online? How do we get it on Spotify, Apple Music everywhere,” said Longworth. “Now, we all have it wherever you stream music. So that’s huge. It feels good.” 

New Something records have worked hard on developing their brand, online store, and other online music strategies like live streaming events, and blogs. New Something as a label wants to be able to put every ounce they can into their music, they want to see New Something be successful as a full-time job.

As far as the future of the business, Weir and Longworth think their digital presence will set them up nicely to be able to keep the ball rolling when COVID halts. They will continue to work on branding both New Something and their individual artists. 

Longworth feels post-COVID will offer a change in the music industry, and predicts things may not be the same. However, both men feel confident that they will be a part of that change, and adapt with the industry. 

“I’m cautiously optimistic that we’ll see an evolution of the music industry in the next few years, you know, though the hurt is going to be hard for some time, but cautiously optimistic,” said Longworth. “We’ll see a rebound. And we’d love to be a part of it.”