Inspiring Conversations with Gabriel Anderson of Sleepy Fest

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabriel Anderson.

Hi Gabriel, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Saman Khoujinian and I, Gabe Anderson, started Sleepy Cat Records in 2019. At the time we’d been collaborating in various bands for just over a decade, and figured if we couldn’t get on a label, we’d start our own. The label is a home-base for nurturing and growing a community of forward-thinking, creatively adventurous musicians. In addition to the traditional role of releasing music from artists whose work we find meaningful, we’re deep divers in the process of generating music from top to bottom – production, session work, engineering, mixing, mastering, art direction and design. Our releases span a variety of genres and embody our focus on thoughtful songwriting and unique production. We’re very much an artist-and-relationships-first business.

Sleepy Fest was just an extension of this approach, working with friends and small businesses, to make the festival we’d want to play. This year we’ll be celebrating 6 years as a label and 4 years of Sleepy Fest! We’re so grateful for the many people and businesses that have supported us this far and couldn’t do what we do without their generosity. Small businesses like Carrboro Coffee Roasters and Twin House Music, and many more, sponsoring our festival each year. Sound people, designers, photographers, and videographers, donating time and effort above our budget. Festival hosts Jessie Gladdek with Down Yonder Farm, and Heather LaGarde with The Haw River Ballroom, for believing in our festival and putting their all behind getting it off the ground. Of course our artists have helped us get this far by believing in what we do and how we’re doing it, enough to trust us with their music. I could go on forever!!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s been a fairly smooth road, slow and steady. Our biggest challenge as a label has probably been generating enough revenue to invest at the level we’d like to. Starting a festival is no small feat! We’ve had to develop everything from the ground up, and we’re lucky to have experienced partners and mentors guide us through things like insurance, stage building, contracts, food and beverage, sponsors, and more. Year 3 was challenging because we moved locations from the Hillsborough countryside family farm to Saxapahaw’s downtown. This move brought with it new obstacles like figuring out how to intentionally integrate into an already thriving community. At the same time, though, the move relieved us of other obstacles by having so much infrastructure like parking, bathrooms, electricity, stages, and more.

We’ve been impressed with Sleepy Fest, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Sleepy Fest is an all day music and arts festival in Saxapahaw, NC on October 11th. Things kick off with our free-to-the-public Artisan Market and performances at the Haywagon Stage in the spirit of the long-running Saturdays in Saxapahaw series. Ticket holders will have access to the main festival grounds near the Ballroom, enjoying performances between the Ballroom Main Stage and the Amphitheater. In addition to the shops in town, we’ll have food and beverage vendors, as well special programming by participating local businesses.
As in Sleepy Fest’s past, you can expect a diverse lineup of Sleepy Cat and other artists and one-time collaborations and improvisations. We’re planning visual installations and other non-music arts elements similar to last year’s quadraphonic performances, projections by dance artist Brooks Emanuel and Dye Vat DJs, as well as our Vendor and Artisan Market, Kids Zone, and more! We believe that this event will once again bring a day of joy and music-immersion to attendees, and will continue to foster a deeper appreciation for the wealth of culture and community in our area.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
People can get in touch via our general email: [email protected]

We’re currently seeking sponsorships for this year’s festival.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sleepycatrec.com/sleepyfest
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sleepyfest/