The following is an interview with Mike Park, founder of Asian Man Records.

Can you give us a brief overview of Asian Man and the history of the label?

Sure thing… Ok, where do I start.  Asian Man Records is run out of my parents’ garage in Northern California. I have one full time employee (Bob) and my mom helps out by picking up the mail at the post office. I began putting out records in 1991 and officially started Asian Man in May of 1996.  I think some of the general public have the wrong idea and believe we’re this huge record company with tons of employees, but we’ve only got one phone line (with no call waiting), a fax machine, and just recently purchased a second computer. Depending on how you look at things, this is either a good thing or a bad thing. For me, it’s the only thing (or in other words: “I LIKE BEING A LITTLE LABEL.” This is how the label will remain. I do this for the love of music, not for capitalist gain or status recognition.

What is your favorite thing about running a record label?

It’s fun to be able to be your own boss.  But more so in this case because I’m surrounded by my favorite hobby.  When people say they don’t feel like it’s work because they’re doing something they love, well I know what they’re talking about.  I love being involved in music.  Going to hundreds of concerts a year (that’s a job?), listening to mixes of new releases, designing artwork, and meeting tons of talented people.

Catch the rest after the jump!