20 years ago today the Boston Globe wrote about a music collective called “Initech.” Located a block from Fenway Park in the basement below a Domino's PIzza and a Red Sox souvenir store, it was the mastermind of @ramathomasdavidmayo of @BigWheelRec, an opportunity for he and @aaronbturner (@hydrahead) & Mark Thompson (HH & Tortuga Recordings) to move their labels out of apartments and share resources in one office. I moved in as a Big Wheel employee and when @BridgeNine got too busy in 2001, started paying rent for my own corner for B9 and what would become @SullysBrand. After Rama moved to L.A, @xmattpikex & @mattgalle moved the Kenmore booking agency in. @BryanSheffield was also there working for Doghouse Records when he wasn't taking incredible photos & @JenMalone666's music PR company was upstairs. At the time, I was the least "experienced" person in the mix and had the most to gain by being surrounded by so many inspiring people. It was work, but in that environment you couldn't help but be motivated to grow and get better. Two decades later, everyone from this Class of 2002 seems to be thriving and continuing to inspire, here's to 20 more!
Photo from the shoot for The Boston Globe
This dilapidated door might not look like much, but it opened to an entire world.
Chris Wrenn in the shipping area of the old Initech office, circa 2002. Photo by Casey Davis.
Bridge Nine desk in the Initech office, circa 2002.