How did HHBTM start?
Happy Happy Birthday to Me records started out as a one-off compilation CD to be given away with the 4th anniversary issue of the Bee's Knees zine in July of 1999. I asked lots of bands that I had interviewed in past issues, and that I knew to contribute songs, and almost all of them did. I then shopped the CD/Zine to some distributors, and it presold more copies than I had planned on pressing. So I upped the amount pressed, and had so much fun doing the CD, I then decided to jump right in to doing a 7" singles club. While working on the club, I released a few CDs, and the rest is history... it was never really meant to be a label, it just sorta happened. The name for the label comes from the first compilation title Happy Happy Birthday to Me. The first CD was a celebration I threw for the zine for making it to the 4 year mark. So the name just stuck.

Where should I send stuff, or who do I contact?
Happy Happy Birthday to Me Records
P.O. Box 742
Athens, GA 30603 USA

mike@hhbtm.com

How do I get copies of HHBTM titles for my radio show, magazine, zine, or blog?
Yum Yum Publicity handles all my publicity and radio promotions.

yumyumpublicity@hhbtm.com

Who do I contact to book a HHBTM band for a house show, club show, or festival?
If you'd like to book any of the HHBTM bands, please email your info to: mike@hhbtm.com

Who distributes HHBTM, and how can I get added to the list?
A list of the fine folks who carry HHBTM products are listed in the order section of the website. If you are a record store, mailorder, or distributor that would like to carry hhbtm titles, please drop me an email at mike@hhbtm.com.

I would like to send my demo in for consideration, what should I do?
First of all, right now I'm not taking in any new bands, but if you want me to check it out anyway, then read the following. Without reading the following, I can almost guarantee that the demo will be passed on.

Yes, we do listen to every demo that is sent in, but it is rare that we actually release anything we get in. In case you want to send us a demo, then here are the rules:

We only listen to CDs, CDRs, vinyl, or cassettes. NO MP3's period. So if you send an email saying check out my MP3, it will never be listened to. I like to get mail, and opening a package with a nice handmade sleeve for a CDR or cassette is so much cooler than downloading a song.

If we like what you sent in, we will get in touch with you. Please don't email a million times asking if we got your demo. I really like to listen to all demos for a few weeks before I comment. Sometimes it can take a few listens to really tell if I like something. Then I let Eric and Leslie hear it, and see what they think.

Try to include some info about yourself with your demo: what you are into, what your favorite records are, stuff like that... Also, if you have any press, send that as well. Be sure to let me know about yourself, as well as your band. I usually become friends with the bands on the label, so getting to know each other is a good start to working together.

The most important thing of all, be sure you know the type of stuff I release. I hate getting demos by emo, americana or math rock bands who just send out a million different packages to millions of labels. If you don't own an HHBTM record, then please pick one up to see if this is the right label for you first.

HHBTM bands help each other out. If you don't think you can help a fellow labelmate out with booking a show or two for them, or a place to crash for a night while on tour, then this is not the label for you. We all treat each other like family, and always try to do the best for each other.

Please include a list of shows you have played, and maybe even shows coming up. HHBTM only signs bands that play shows at this point. The label can only do so much, and bands really need to get their music out there by touring. So if you don't plan to tour, then forget about even sending a demo in.

I will get back to you about your demo, so be sure to include contact info...

Can I feature music from HHBTM releases in my podcast?
Please do! Consider this a blanket license for podcasts. And thanks for wanting to shine some light in our direction. Some rules of thumb: Don't use more than two songs from the same album on any one podcast. Never use more than half of the tracks from one release in any number of podcasts. Please mention that your listeners can buy the album at www.hhbtm.com and see performances by the artist you feature.

I have an mp3 blog. Can I post a song file?
Yes. Same rules as above apply. Always give your readers a highlighted link back to us. At the end of the day we can't do what we do without selling some records. Blogs, in our view, help us do this, just like radio play would. If you would like to be included on our special mailing list of bloggers who receive links to electronic demos, please send us an email with a link to your blog and any traffic stats you might have.

Are you looking for interns?
Right now the label is still pretty small, but if you want to help stuff envelopes, and are in the Athens, GA area, then get in touch, and you will be paid in HHBTM products.

What is Athens POPFEST, and how do I get to play?
Athens POPFEST is an annual event that takes place from 5-6 days each second weekend in August in Athens, Georgia. I put together a series of shows in two or three locations with over 50 bands playing each year. It's pretty much like an indiepop summer camp where people all come and meet each other, and find about some fun new music. I mainly ask bands that I already know to play, or bands that I really want to see play live. Every year I hold open a few slots for bands that I don't know. So I take submissions for people playing popfest around the year, but the rules of sending in demos from above still applies. If you ask me to check out an MP3, you are not playing. It does take some effort to play popfest, and simple email is not much of one.