On EP386 of And Now The Band, Tom sits down with Gavin Zollo to discuss the modern music industry, independent releases, record labels, underground music and the creation of In the Key of Doom, a new doom-focused festival built around community rather than corporate festival culture.Gavin and Tom begin with a discussion about how dramatically technology has changed the music business. Artists now have access to recording, distribution, promotion and direct-to-fan platforms that make it possible to release music independently without relying entirely on traditional record labels.They acknowledge that labels can still provide valuable resources, but the conversation focuses on how independent artists can use self-releasing, PR companies and modern digital platforms to build audiences while maintaining greater control over their music.The conversation then moves into the underground festival world and Gavin's philosophy behind In the Key of Doom.Rather than immediately trying to build a massive festival, Gavin chose to start with a two-day event in a 450-capacity Brooklyn venue, following his production company's philosophy of “big loud music in small dark rooms.” The goal is to create an intimate environment where the music, bands and audience remain at the center of the experience.Gavin talks about the importance of keeping ticket prices reasonable, paying bands fairly, using local gear and artwork, providing quality food and hospitality, and keeping as much money as possible circulating within the underground music community.He also explains why he considers himself a producer rather than simply a promoter, and how his approach to festivals is based on creating a memorable experience for both musicians and fans.The festival's concept originated with Gavin's personal playlist “Meditations in the Key of Doom,” which became the inspiration for Friday night's Meditations portion of the festival. The lineup includes bands such as Bongripper, while the second night, Celebrations, provides a contrasting experience built around shorter and faster songs.Gavin also discusses the challenges of festival curation, including losing High Desert Queen because of medical issues and bringing in Heavy Temple as a replacement. Rather than booking bands strictly according to popularity, Gavin describes building the lineup around sonic progression, creating an experience that introduces audiences to bands they may not already know.The discussion covers Insomniac, Howling Giant, Spotlights, Bongripper, Heavy Temple and other bands connected to the underground doom, stoner, sludge and doomgaze communities.Tom and Gavin also talk about the importance of experienced local organizers and consultants, including Gavin's decision to bring in Ryan, who works with Ripple Fest. They discuss festival logistics, backline equipment, minimizing gear changes and maximizing the amount of time bands actually spend playing.The inaugural In the Key of Doom festival is scheduled for October 2–3 at The Meadows in Brooklyn, with the industrial setting allowing bands to play at high volume without the typical outdoor festival dB restrictions discussed in the interview.Gavin also talks about the realities of selling festival tickets in the post-COVID era, including the trend toward last-minute ticket purchases and the difficulty of relying on early presales to determine whether an underground event will break even.From independent music and record labels to doom metal, festival production, artist compensation, venue selection and building community, EP386 goes behind the scenes with someone actively working to create a different kind of underground music experience.
