Jen and James Bort, founders of bettyElm Records, should be herald as rock n’ roll missionaries.
When the couple attended a live music performance in Rochester, they were shocked that the band they were viewing, Fowls, didn’t have an album. Experienced musicians themselves (Hotel Reverie; Gracious Sakes Alive) they knew the importance of having an album to reach broader audiences. They realized that there was a need for Fowls and many other bands that could benefit from their personal experiences.
Like a divine message, they were struck with the inspiration of starting their own label, and in the spring of 2013, bettyElm Records was born – and with it the Bort’s personal mission to bring a vast array of modern rock artist to the attention of the world.
After only two short years they have signed four acts, (I– an experimental and surreal pop exploration, Inclusive Or– Omaha-influenced indie rock, Fowls– a bouncy math pop group, and Phantom Chemistry– a high intensity psychedelic alt-rock outfit).
bettyElm has released three albums: Fowls, Into the Wild (2013), Inclusive Or, Cocktails in Purgatory (2014), Phantom Chemistry, Whiskey Slurs (2014). They are in the pre-production phase for a fourth album to be released this year (I, currently untitled). As the label heads in to the next year, they will celebrate with a full showcase of their musical acts at Funk ‘N Waffles Downtown on Friday, April 3, starting at 9 p.m..
bettyElm plans to focus on recording an album with I and getting the other bands on tour. They also feel that they have learned some valuable lessons as they follow their path of bringing great music to everyone.
“We’ve learned perseverance is important,” said Bort, “So is maintaining the original vision, which is to keep it close-knit. Kind of like the relationship between Cuba Gooding, Jr. and Tom Cruise in Jerry Maguire.”
Listen to I’s “fear rest” below:
When the couple attended a live music performance in Rochester, they were shocked that the band they were viewing, Fowls, didn’t have an album. Experienced musicians themselves (Hotel Reverie; Gracious Sakes Alive) they knew the importance of having an album to reach broader audiences. They realized that there was a need for Fowls and many other bands that could benefit from their personal experiences.
Like a divine message, they were struck with the inspiration of starting their own label, and in the spring of 2013, bettyElm Records was born – and with it the Bort’s personal mission to bring a vast array of modern rock artist to the attention of the world.
After only two short years they have signed four acts, (I– an experimental and surreal pop exploration, Inclusive Or– Omaha-influenced indie rock, Fowls– a bouncy math pop group, and Phantom Chemistry– a high intensity psychedelic alt-rock outfit).
Phantom Chemistry performing at the Westcott.
Photo: bettyElmRecords.com
