Rhythmethod Distribution managing director Peter Baker talks about his role in the music industry and the future of music.

"Obviously there will always be music, it’s just that the ways in which we consume it and the methods it’s being delivered to us have changed so much in the last few years."

What do you do - paint a picture of your typical day.

Each day is different, depending on what releases we currently have in the marketplace, what releases are due out soon and what is ahead of us in the coming weeks. We’re a small company, so we all answer the phone, talk to customers, pack boxes, have fun etc etc.

Why is your work an important part of the music industry?

We are the gap between an artist completing their finished work and it then getting into stores, there are many varying stages in that process and we try to help as much as possible along the way.

How and when did you get into it?

I started Rhythmethod nearly ten years ago; I’ve been involved in independent distribution in New Zealand for nearly 18 years.

How has your role evolved since then?

When I first set out, I was a one man band, handling all roles myself, with the growth of the business and the changes in the industry, I’ve obviously had to learn many skills relating to keeping a small business going and moving with the ever changing sands that is our industry.

What advice would you give to others pursuing it as a career?

Depends which part of the music industry they might be looking to get into, it’s a great industry to be involved in, but it can be one that’s hard to get a break in, on main levels.  Like any industry, make sure it’s the one you feel passionate about and are committed to.

What does a band/artist need to have sorted before approaching you?

That’s a really big question, there’s so many things to consider before getting to release day. The biggest one for me is to be patient, they’ve taking a couple of years to complete their recording, yet they rush the release, don’t take the time to set the release up correctly and often away from that release too quickly.

What are the rewards and challenges of your job?

They are many rewards and challenges, the biggest reward is working with like minded people in an industry that seems to attract a great number of really good sorts, whether they be staff behind the counter, bands and their managers or my current staff at Rhythmethod, they are all bloody decent people and they make what I do truly pleasurable.

As for challenges, there are many, especially in the current climate (local economy, current state of the music retail and the constant state of flux the music industry is in), my biggest challenge is ensuring our business survives and our model is reflective of artist and industry needs in years to come.

What are the current challenges and opportunities in the industry - NZ and international?

Like all industries, the recent global recession has had an incredible effect, let alone recent localised natural disasters, as for the music industry, there are many hurdles ahead of artists, retailers and us as distributors, out of difficult times people do tend to come up with new ways of doing things and this period of time is generally great for creating or inspiring new styles or genres of expression.

What’s your favourite project so far in your career?

Can’t pick one to be my favourite, there are many achievements I’m so so proud of, to still be here is one, certainly our ongoing working relationship with Fat Freddys Drop (Management & Band) is something I will always cherish! But when you really sit down and think about it, it’s not actually the projects or achievements, it’s the relationships I’ve made with many many wonderful people I’ve met along the way, many of whom I’m blessed to count as good friends!

Who do you work closely with?

Gosh, there are perhaps too many people to name, we work closely with so many people, that list would include International Labels, Local Artists and Managers, Local Publicity Companies, Retailers, Media and Promoters.

Do you play music, or what are your musical influences?

Sure as hell can’t play an instrument and many colleagues will confirm I can’t hold a note, as someone once told me, some people are born to make music and others to listen to it.  I’ve always loved music, being exposed to new music in my early teens, I’ve long been a fan of Independent Labels & artists, especially those involved in the heady days of New Wave & Punk, I’m a huge admirer of Factory Records (Joy Division & New Order) and much of what we do & the ethos we work with is heavily influenced by the late Tony Wilson.

What’s the future of music? What’s the future of your role?

Don’t really know and if I did, I think I’d be able to retire on knowing that, obviously there will always be music, it’s just that the ways in which we consume it and the methods it’s being delivered to us have changed so much in the last few years.  As for my role, I’m sure there will always be a need for a Distributor like us here in New Zealand and as long as that’s the case, then I guess there’s my role.

What’s your big idea for 2011?

To still be here in 2020.

• Rhythmethod Distribution (New Zealand)

From humble beginnings some ten years ago in a single-car garage hidden deep in the suburbs of East Auckland, Rhythmethod have grown into New Zealand’s largest and most successful independent distributor.

Managing Director and Owner Peter Baker, with his twenty-odd years experience in music retail both here and in London, a senior role at Flying In and five years growing the roster and as Sales Manager at Border Music, Pete has a firm knowledge and understanding of NZ retail, is well respected and has great relationships with customers, suppliers and artists.

Peter finds the most exciting and rewarding aspects of being a distributor is dealing with local musicians and helping them to realise their goals and dreams – through a firm focus on sales and strong promotional support.

From multi-platinum selling acts like The Black Seeds and Fat Freddy’s Drop, to the chart-topping likes of Shapeshifter, Tiki and Flight Of The Conchords, to firm local favourites such as Ladi6, Pitch Black, Tahuna Breaks, Pacific Heights, Don McGlashan, The Clean, Opensouls and plenty more.

Rhythmethod also deal with noted international labels include the Beggars Group (home to XL, 4AD, Matador and Beggars), Sub Pop, Victory Records, Sonar Kollektiv, Stones Throw, Ubiquity Records, Tru Thoughts, Century Media and Fabric – alongside Australian partners Inertia, Stomp and CVibes, with whom they work closely on a large number of licensed releases.

Peter was appointed as the RIANZ Independent Delegate in 2010 and was on the committee for the 2010 NZ Music Awards.