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Mammoth returns to Carrboro

Posted on April 23, 2009 by Staff

It’s kind of a strange birthday celebration. Had it survived the consolidation and various net-driven gyrations of the music industry, Mammoth Records would have been 21 this year. It didn’t, of course, but that hasn’t stopped those associated with this one-time wildly successful enterprise from at least throwing a party.

This Saturday, Cat’s Cradle is host to a celebration of the label that was home to The Pressure Boys, Dillon Fence, Squirrel Nut Zippers, Seven Mary Three and many others.

Dillon Fence headlines the show, which also includes Jason Ross and Thomas Juliano of Seven Mary Three; Katharine Whalen, Chris Phillips and Stu Cole of the Zippers; the Blake Babies’ John Strohm and a few surprises. Showtime is 8 p.m. and tickets are $15 in advance.

The label was originally located on the second floor of Carr Mill Mall, with its art department across the street above Nested, in a row of offices that also included Merge Records and Start Booking. Former general manager Steve Balcom said the company was “all about Carrboro,” which was a much sleepier little town back then, with no Weaver Street Market, Cradle or other signature landmarks.

With success, the company grew and moved into the old Broad Street Coffee building. It outgrew that as well, and had handfuls of offices scattered around the downtown.

When the label shut down in 2000, Balcom and art director Lane Wurster opened up The Splinter Group, a Durham-based advertising and marketing firm, which recently moved back to Carrboro.

“Moving back here has been incredible,” Balcom said. “We’ve always felt a part of this community and are proud to again be based in Carrboro. What’s changed? Well, the food is better (thank you, Neal’s Deli, among others), there are more local businesses, and the same DIY spirit.”

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