I love Epitaph, I love Hellcat. They have put out some of the memorable bands I know and love - and they are one of the few companies that can introduce me to new music, based basically off of their past performance rate. So, I jumped at the chance to talk with Jeff - who heads A&R.

A mini intro:
Jeff Abarta has been at Epitaph for over 15 years (March of 1991). He's had the honor of working closely with bands like Bad Religion, NOFX, Rancid, The Offspring, Pennywise, Tom Waits, Merle Haggard, Michael Franti & Spearhead, and many, many more. Find out what he's listening to now at www.myspace.com/jeffitaph

What was your first job in the music business?
My first job was here at Epitaph. I didn't know anything about the industry, but I knew about shipping and receiving because of my job prior to that (check out "The Epitaph Story" on Punk-O-Rama DVD vol. 1). I answered phones, read fan mail, etc…learning other things along the way, such as publicity, radio promotions, sales, artist relations, etc.

What is your current job and title?
My official job title is Head of A&R, but we aren't structured like most other labels. I do a lot of A&R tasks, but my job encompasses more than that. I'm a project manager primarily, and the head of artist relations.

Briefly - What are you responsible for?
I'm responsible for working with the artists, and helping them to make the best record that they can make, both within a given time-frame, and under budget. I am also in the loop on all of the marketing that goes on with the bands that I work directly with, so that when a band or their manager has a question, hopefully I can answer it.

How many hours do you usually work a week?
I'm not sure, because technically, going to shows is work (not bad, eh?!). In the office, I work 40 hours. I also do a lot of e-mail at home and on weekends.

How many concerts do you usually go to in a week?
It depends on how many of our bands are in town or on tour. I go to about 10 shows per month. I don't go to more than that, because I've got a young son at home. He comes first!

What is the largest band you've signed to date?
At Epitaph, only our owner signs bands. All of the Epitaph employees are invited to present Brett with the bands that we like, though.

How many demos and press kits do you get in a week?
I can't count that high. Especially if you consider e-mails that have links to MySpace pages…

What is one thing NEVER to send you?
One time, someone sent a letter that was addressed to Bad Religion. At that time ('92 or '93), this particular person firmly believed that BR had "sold out". There was a piece of paper with "FUCK OFF" written from top-to-bottom, over and over again, single-spaced. It was actually done on a typewriter, too. Inside of this sheet of paper was a piece of toilet paper that had POOP on it! Please don't send me poop.

Do you read the band bios or press clips that come with a demo?
Only if I like what I hear.

What is the best thing to send you to get your attention (i.e. a demo with only 3 songs….)
A decent photo, so I can see what you look like. Not that we judge looks before the music, but the fact is, a band has to have the "whole package".

Do you look for new bands on MySpace? If so, what is the most important thing for a band to have on their MySpace page?
They usually come to me. First, I look for good songs. I also look for pictures that I can actually stand to look at. It seems like some bands are hiding behind blurs, etc…I like to see what they look like.

What is the best advice you can give to a newly unsigned band? To a newly signed band?
To all bands: don't break up! Don't kick people out of your band, etc…stick together. Especially if you've just been signed. To bands that are just starting out: please try to be original, and don't just copy some other bands because they are popular. The best, most long-lasting bands in rock history are the ones that don't sound like other bands, but have bands that mimic them instead. Use your faults to your advantage! This can help you create something really magical.