Small Stone Records

As 4-20 approaches, it’s only right that we pay homage to Small Stone Records, Detroit’s very own stoner-rock record label. With great bands like Five Horse Johnson, Puny Human, Dixie Witch, The Brought Low, Novadriver and Men of Porn, head honcho Scott Hamilton has assembled a roster that is less a diamond and more a dirty great sandstone lying right in the middle of Detroit’s music scene. Hamilton spoke to us about what makes him tick…

What year did Small Stone start and what were your original intentions for the label?
It started in 1995 with the intention of starting a Sub Pop style label, based out of Detroit, taking in the scene here and in Ann Arbor at the time with Big Chief, The Laughing Hyenas, Mule, Slot, etc. I was way into that.

We had a lot of talent that I wanted to put out. What it is now is nothing like what it was when it started. The first record I put out was a compilation called “Detroit Rust City,” which – essentially -- mixed bands like Big Chief and Kid Rock. Just stuff that was going on at the time, all different genres.

What qualities do you think connect the Small Stone bands?
They all have a psychedelic factor, there’s strong musicianship and a creativity thing going on. It’s not something you download – it’s a piece of art. I mean, you’re welcome to download it and give me money, but you know what I mean.

What does the term ‘stoner rock’ mean to you?
Fat guys with beards playing Dungeons & Dragons, living in their parent’s basement (laughs). That’s my perception of the general audience. My opinion of the music is that it’s just a really amped up version of classic rock. People can actually play verse the new metal bands. And put it on at 11, not 9 or 10. But for sure, there’re a bunch of fat guys with beards in the crowd.

Who are your favorite bands on your roster right now?
It’s funny because it comes and goes. It’s like ice cream – one year you like one flavor, the next another. Right now, it’s The Shame Club because they sound like Jawbox and Aerosmith on drugs. It’s new and it’s just coming out, so that’s what I’ve personally been listening to. Also, a band called Brain Police. Those are the two that I have in my car. But that doesn’t mean I’m not going to put a Dixie Witch record on next week and think it kicks ass.

Are you doing anything to celebrate 4-20?
[On April 19] I’m working for Lynyrd Skynyrd at the Palace. Realistically, 4-20 will be spent riding bikes with my kids in the neighborhood. You can print that, because it’s funny.