Paul Vincent & the Invisible Panthers

ScrapIron26 Music helps expand music industry in Bakersfield

Growing up around parents who were heavily involved in music, it's only fitting that Erric Walker would want to pursue a career in that industry as well.

"My parents sang in a mass community choir called the Golden Voices of Triumph, which was part of the Bakersfield Singer's Association. I traveled with them, all over California, Washington and Oregon," said Walker.

Not only did he observe them, he was also part of GVT's children's choir and enjoyed singing with the youth choir at St. John Missionary Baptist Church.

Music was in his blood, and during his time at San Jose State, he began traveling through the Bay Area with the band of a talented musician called Protege.

"For many years, we seemed to be very close to getting a major recording deal, but things just didn't pan out," said Walker. "We were totally a self-contained band, but it came to a point, where it was so difficult to find someone to represent the band that we could trust, we eventually disbanded."

That's when Walker decided to turn his passion into a business rather than just a hobby. In 2013, Walker and Anthony Randolph started ScrapIron26 Music, a label focused on finding "good quality" music in Bakersfield. The two have been collaborating on music since high school, and the record label seemed to be that next step in their friendship.

Walker wears many hats as manager, PR officer, A&R, accountant, lawyer, travel agent and secretary. He is also involved with almost every aspect of the music label, with music pre-production, copyright documentation, ASCAP documentation, label marketing, and promotions and budgeting.

"I can have control of what goes on with the label," he said. "(I) also surround myself with a team of producers, musicians and artists whom I can trust."

Right now, the label is working with its first client, Paul Vincent, whose complete album will be released in March. Walker noted that while working with Vincent, he had to understand the musician's passion for singing and writing lyrics.

"I understand the struggle of trying to make it as a recording artist. I wanted him to have his freedom but realize that music is infinite," Walker said of the soulful vocalist. "I want the artist to feel good about what they are doing. As I watch him grow as an artist and a person, it makes me proud to know the positive effect we can make on this business. This label represents a legacy of people from our past, present and future."

Walker and Randolph plan to produce and release a tour with a bigger roster of artists in the future, putting out more of that "good quality" music.

ScrapIron26 is always looking for new talent, and Walker said he likes to check out new music and artists on SoundCloud. For aspiring musicians, Walker has some tried and true advice.

"This is hard work," he said. "There is no entitlement when it comes this business. Take care of your paperwork first." - Shelby Parker