Chances are, if you've been in the Denver scene for any amount of time, you've heard of Dave Vendetta. As a record label, owner, DJ, and promoter, Vendetta has been one of the driving forces in the Mile High City's dark scene. On August 12-14, Vendetta is bringing the Until Death festival to Denver. Neuweltmusic caught up with the man behind the music to discuss the festival, his label, various dance nights, and his thoughts on the current state of the industry.

First off, thank you Dave for taking the time to do this interview with us.  No problem. I should be thanking you!

You've been a prominent figure in the Denver scene for some years now; first as a record store owner, then as a DJ, promoter, and label owner- but there are those who might be unfamiliar with you- could you give us a brief introduction to who you are.  I'm never comfortable with labels like "prominent figure." I'm just really into music and that's why I do what I do. I never want the focus to be on me.

So, Until Death- what was the inspiration behind the festival? How did it come together?   Originally this was going to be a one day event. A couple I'm friends with, Tim & Faith, are getting married, and to celebrate they wanted to put on an industrial show on the day after their wedding, Sunday August 14. Tim gave me a list of some bands he wanted to perform, as well as the financial backing and I volunteered to put it together. It dawned on me that this was on the second weekend of the month, with Deathwish being that second Friday; so I had another promoter come in and do Saturday, and- voila!- you have a 3 day festival.

In previous years, we had Vendetta festival- what makes Until Death different from Vendetta fests of the past?   The three day line-up is different than previous Vendetta festivals. The first day is a club night with bands and a special guest DJ. It's also in the summer- very rare for the US to have a summer industrial/EBM festival. It's the only one this year.

What can attendees expect?   Some things I’m looking forward to: the Kick-off party at Deathwish (Tracks Denver) Friday night, featuring guest DJ Sebastian Komor (of Komor Kommando, Icon Of Coil, Zombie Girl, etc) and 3 awesome, hard-hitting bands in Heaven’s Lounge: Sinsect from Texas representing the Crunch Pod label, Fractured Transmission from Los Angeles and Endif from Nevada on the Tympanik Audio label. Aside from an awesome Combichrist performance headlining Sunday night, a reunion of Icon Of Coil headlining Saturday, both headliners follow an eclectic combination of local, regional, national and international talent. Mono-Amine from the Netherlands, W.A.S.T.E., Dead Hand Projekt, Cervello Electtronico and Cursed Chimera from the L.A. area, Komor Kommando from Canada, Northborne from Norway, The Strand and Super Stereo from Arizona, Diverje from New Mexico and Kontrolled Demolition, Torso and Blackcell from here in Denver. I can’t stress enough for people who are attending to get there early because all the bands performing are worth checking out. Don’t be afraid of the unknown. You might actually like it.

On to some of your other projects- you've had a monthly dance night called Deathwish for the past year or so; it's an event that's continued to grow since inception- in fact, Until Death is kicking off on Friday at Deathwish- what prompted you to start it?   2 ½ years ago a fellow DJ and I were looking for a night that would set a standard for an Industrial club night. The door of opportunity opened when Tracks, a premiere night club, gave us the chance to do a monthly night. It has been a success ever since and the crowd continues to grow.

How would you describe a Deathwish dance night to someone who's never experienced it firsthand?   We have a little bit for everyone: themed events with deco and costumes, the Deathwish Dance team keeping the energy high, and the Deathwish resident DJs Starr, myself and Gustavo each bring our own dark dance favorites. And of course, Tracks is an excellent venue for a event: the light show and sound system rival any dance club.

In addition to the dance nights, you're also the owner of Vendetta Music- a label you started in 2007. Vendetta has a sizable roster that includes artists as diverse as Unit 187, November Process, The People's Republic of Europe, W.A.S.T.E., and Dead Hand Projekt. Why did you start the label and how have things changed since it began?   What can I say? It’s always been about the music. How has it changed? These could be a long answer but to keep it short, technology, ie: downloading, peoples buying habits, the loss of physical stores and shrinking distribution channels. Things are much worse now and indie labels are disappearing- I cannot imagine trying to start a label now.>br>
Is there a particular "ethos" by which you run the label?   Our tagline has always been ‘Polluting the Mainstream’. That speaks for itself.

You also have a "side label," called 10:15 Records. Can you tell us a little about that?   It's still too early to release details on that.

As a record store owner, and now a label owner, it's safe to say you've seen the ups and downs of the record-buying market over the years- what are your views on the future of the industry?   The future of the industry, as with other media, like books and newspapers, seems to be going the way of downloading and carrying your entire library in your back pocket. Unfortunately, not all these downloaders are paying for their libraries and from what I’ve seen in the past few years, it’s a losing legal battle for music labels, including the big ones. It’s too hard to prove their case and the expense of fighting it in the courts is not prudent. It’s an evolution I’m sorry we’ll all have to face, hopefully later than sooner. Another trend I see is labels picking up bands and collecting them like trading cards and trying to dominate the touring market which is one of the only things left that make money. I better stop now, no need making any more enemies at least before the festival ;)

With all these projects- the record label, the dance nights, the festivals- it goes without saying that you've been a huge supporter of the Denver dark scene- what is it about the Denver dark scene that you feel makes it unique?   I don't know. Is it unique? I guess the size of it for a city like Denver. There is a goth night every night of the week so that is unique.

Anything you'd like to add?   Thank you for the opportunity to talk about my favorite subject, MUSIC. I hope to see everyone at Deathwish and the Until Death... Festival. It’s going to be crazy weekend.