In a break from our usual posting, we have been contacted by Daydream Records, an independent record label based in San Diego, California. On their official website, Daydream Records describes the idea behind the label as such: “(We) want to press music we wish we had in our collection” (from Daydream’s official site). Daydream presses limited-run records, both from artists just coming onto the scene as well as re-issuing out-of-print releases. At the end of 2024, however, Daydream was made aware that their pressing plant, Softwax Records, filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in October of 2024 and shut down shortly thereafter, halting services to Daydream as well as all other labels serviced. This has led to over $11,000 in losses from down payments, including over $9,000 taken up-front for record preorders that can no longer be fulfilled. Softwax Record Pressing LLC has reportedly stated that they do not expect to be able to reimburse unsecured creditors, resulting in Daydream Records being faced with a total financial loss.
There is hope, however. This information on the situation regarding Daydream Records’ crisis comes from their GoFundMe page where they are reaching out to the community for help. As of writing this post, their fundraising goal is only 22% met, with $3,234 raised out of a targeted $15,000 goal. Any donation, no matter how big or small, will help Daydream recover from this unprecedented and faultless loss and allow independent artists to see a physical release.
Of course, there is also another way to support Daydream through this troubled time – purchasing a record or shirt from the label’s online storefront.
To encourage others to go and shop before supplies run out on these limited-run items, here is a short list of items I wish I could buy for myself that may catch the interest of our readers:
Cathedral Bells goth shirt: $25.00. Comes quick with an expected 2-3 week turnaround. Larges are sold out, medium size available.
Orchid Mantis “firestarter”: $35.00. Preorder, expected turnaround time of 4 months. Website mockup may not accurately reflect the final product after the plant shutdown, yet Daydream promises the best quality they can deliver to match the comfortable safe space of sonic liminality in the “possession pact”, brought to us by Thomas of orchid mantis.
Electric Angel: $30.00. One-time pressing, only 4 available. An iridescent blue vinyl with a white swirl holding an HD release of That Same Street, the color scheme matches the highly recognizable young idol from the minds of Crypton and YAMAHA: Hatsune Miku. As an accredited nerd of the Vocaloid genre, I also notice and appreciate the detail of this release’s name also being the name of a fairly popular song featuring Kagamine Rin and Len by Yasuo-P. Supplies are limited, so get your copy before they’re gone.
Whether you buy directly from the label’s store or donate to their GoFundMe campaign, please know that through your support, not only will independent artists have the means to release their greatest hits just waiting to be discovered, but classics that have not been recorded in wax for years can re-emerge and see the appreciation of a brand-new audience. Please consider supporting Daydream Records today, and most importantly, spread the word as much as you can! Independent music thrives partly on word-of-mouth, after all.
Thank you for reading and at least considering the plight of a label with an undeniable passion and love for the music they release.
Written by Alexei Lee
