We had the good fortune of connecting with Matt Eskew and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Matt, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
When I started Generation X-Ray Films, I wanted to create a brand that reflected who I was. I wanted people to see one of our Music videos or short films and immediately know that it was created by us. Honestly, I was proud of the work we were creating and I wanted to fly our pirate flag over it. Now that my wife and I have expanded the business into a record label (Generation X-Ray Records) we wanted to take the same approach, Complete ownership and control of our music and product. Our belief is that no one is going to work harder to make your dreams a reality then ourselves. So once again, we hoisted the flag.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Generation X-Ray Records was created, like most things, out of necessity. My wife and I have a alt-punk band called The Hellflowers. We spent the early part of the band’s existence working hard to move the project forward any way we could. We pressed and promoted our own material, we booked our own tours, Created our own merch and gathered our own press contacts. Things were moving forward. The band signed to a small Bay Area label around the time we released our first full-length album and felt the roll out of the record was not up to our expectations. After some consideration, We decided to abandon that label and start our own, expanding our existing company with a new imprint; Generation X-Ray Records. It’s seems a daunting task to strike out on our own, But I have to admit we are excited to see where this road takes us . Generation X-Ray Records first release will be a split 7” with Scott Sorry (The Wildhearts, Sorry and The Sinatras) whose first solo album, “When We Were Kings,” debuted on the Official UK rock charts at number two. Sorry’s album was funded through Pledgemusic with his debut album achieving 437% of its initial goal. The split 7″ release is scheduled for August 4th 2021 The Hellflowers will be releasing a live EP in 2021 and their second full-length album as well as a covers record in 2022.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We’ll in the Pre-Covid times our out of town visitors would be dragged all over town! ARRIVE FRIDAY NIGHT: Dinner at Salsa and Beer, one of my favorite Mexican restaurants in the Valley! Then, off to The Redwood bar & Grill for a great Rock N Roll show! SATURDAY Start the day at SunCafe Organic on Ventura for the best Vegan brunch in LA, then record shopping in Hollywood at The Record Parlor. Later we tour the Sunset Strip. Stop for a drink at the Rainbow then catch a show at Whisky A Go Go! SUNDAY Take a trip down to Anaheim for a day at Disneyland followed by Tiki drinks at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar. MONDAY – A Trip to the Burbank to catch all the amazing shopping, starting with Bearded Lady’s Mystic Museum, Halloween Town, The Perky Nerd Comic book store and then off to Porto’s for some fuel! TUESDAY – A Trip to The LBC (Long Beach) to check out Retro Row 4th st. shops including favorite Punk Rock store, DeadRockers, then off to Alex’s Bar to catch a Punk Rock show! WEDNESDAY-Beach Day! there are so many to choose from! Matador comes to mind. Possibly a hang on the back Patio at La Cita bar, especially if we can catch Shit Show Bingo! THURSDAY Hike (Possibly to the Hollywood sign or one of the other amazing hikes around LA!) Head to downtown to grab some grub at the Grand Central Market (so many options). Head back to the Redwood Bar & Grill to catch another awesome show! Friday Get the Hell outta my house!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shout out to my mother, Rosalie Eskew, who constantly encouraged my every insane endeavor (like life as an artist). My wife Christina. who inspires me everyday.

Website: generationxray.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/generationxrayrecords/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/genxrayrecords

Image Credits
Darran Robinson, Chris Mastro, Scott and Karen Evanskey

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