On the latest episode of Danko Jones' official podcast, Adam Sewell (Stereo Dynamite Recordings) talked to Danko about working at Toronto's legendary music store The Record Peddler, playing in Monster Voodoo Machine, working with Simone Denny and managing Lacuna Coil.

Toronto-based pyschobilly punk band The Creepshow celebrated their 10 Anniversary in 2015. They made the move from the rehearsal room to the public eye thanks to bassist/founder Sean McNab hooking up with an unlikely fan, Adam “Doom” Sewell. Known first and foremost on the Canadian metal scene in the ’90s as the frontman for Monster Voodoo Machine, Sewell was also responsible for launching Stereo Dynamite Recordings and gave The Creepshow their first shot.

“My wife Tracey had signed Sean’s previous band Jersey to Virgin / EMI," says Sewell. "After Jersey had broken up, Sean told me about this new band he had put together, and it sounded like something that I’d really like. So, I continuously pressured and pestered him to hurry up and finish some songs, and to get a live set together so they could play at a small festival I was putting together. They never did play the festival, but the two song demo that they finally sent to me was absolutely fantastic. Stereo Dynamite Recordings had just launched, and even though they only had a handful of songs at the time I knew that I wanted The Creepshow’s debut album to be our first release. Things worked out, and a short time later Sell Your Soul became Stereo Dynamite Recordings #SDR001.”

The Creepshow’s popularity grew to such a degree early on that Sewell was forced to part ways with the band. He explains:

“Sadly, the label started at exactly the wrong time to start a small indie punk rock label, especially in Canada. By 2006 retail CD sales were falling off at an alarming rate, and I had to look for a way to redirect / expand Stereo Dynamite’s business just to keep afloat. Fortunately, we moved into management (Riot Rock Management) by taking on Italy’s Lacuna Coil – who we still manage to this day- and things have worked out. However, it meant that at the time that The Creepshow were really starting blow up, and getting ready to make their second album, I just knew that we wouldn’t be able to do a solid job for them based on where we were at financially. I think the world of those guys, and it was a no-brainer to want to see good people succeed, so I let them out of their contract. It hurt at the time but in the long run it was definitely the best thing for everyone.”

Sewell offers his thoughts on how far The Creepshow have come a decade into their career. Their achievements are noteworthy considering the band started when the music industry was just beginning to go to hell, and they’re now in the thick of the slaughter with illegal downloading et al essentially destroying an important source of income needed by a band to continue making music.

“It’s fantastic to see that they’ve become a headline act worldwide, and that such great songs have connected with so many people all over the globe. I wish they were bigger in Canada, though. More famous, more recognized, more respected here at home. But it’s hard to complain when I know that they’re out there doing what a million local bands will only ever be able to dream about.”

“I went to see them a year ago, and it was the first time that I’d seen them with Kenda singing. She was great and the band was on fire. Bands aren’t supposed to be able to survive when they’re on their third vocalist, but they seem to keep getting stronger, which is a true testament to how good they really are. They could become a legacy band. I hope they go for it.”

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