Although it required extra work and dedication beyond the classroom, former Western student Brandon Miles decided to fulfill a dream he has had since he was in the sixth grade.

In the summer of 2001, Miles and his fiancee, Owensboro senior Sarah Scanlan founded Bad Apples Records.

Miles, of Bowling Green, said his main goal for Bad Apple Records is to get exposure for independent bands. He said he promises listeners good music for an affordable price.

“Our record label is a tight knit family where all the artists support each other,” he said.

After many attempts to name the label, Scanlan suggested the name Bad Apple, after a song by the ’70s group, the Osmond Brothers.

“The Osmond Brothers’ first hit was called ‘One Bad Apple’ and it’s been one of my favorite songs,” Scanlan said.

Miles agreed with Scanlan.

“It sounded good, so why not?” Miles said.

The label signed two bands — Stellar Kin and The Redemption Song — and recording artist Nathan Morris.

Miles said Bad Apple Records doesn’t look for bands or artists of a certain music genre, but tries to sign bands that convey positive messages through their lyrics and actions.

Besides being the CEO of Bad Apple Records, he is also the bassist and vocalist for Stellar Kin, along with Josh Lott, who plays drums, and Derek Price, who plays the guitar and sings.

Miles said that Bad Apple Records helps bands make CDs. The label and the band split the cost of recording and duplicating the CD. Distribution of the CDs is also divided between the band and the label. The band and the label keep any money made from their copies of the CD.

The label’s bands sell their CDs over the internet and at their shows. CD Warehouse will also carry CDs on the Bad Apple Records label.

Running a small record label often has several challenges.

Miles said one such obstacle is the distance between its artists — Nathan Morris lives in Owensboro and The Redemption Song is from Evansville. Members of Stellar Kin live in three different cities — Miles in Bowling Green, Price in Greenville and Lott in Livermore.

To save money, the bands often limit their communication with Miles to e-mail instead of long-distance calls, Miles said.

Miles said that his label, which is ran from his home, often clutters his bedroom with CDs and flyers. Miles’ long-term plans for Bad Apple Records include an independent music store in Bowling Green that will serve as a venue for musical groups. It will also be the headquarters for the record label.

“(The record store will be) a great place to have a permanent address, phone number and office space,” he said.

Scanlan said she sometimes gets frustrated with getting the word out for the label.

“We’re trying our hardest for people to take us seriously, and to get noticed,” she said.

But despite these challenges, running a record label can be a very enjoyable, rewarding experience.

Miles and Scanlan both like going to the shows and talking to different bands.

“I love meeting new people,” Miles said. “And listen to all kinds of new bands.”

Price, who is also the graphic designer for the label’s website, said that he enjoys working on the label with Miles, his best friend.

“We intend on putting out good music, with a quality product,” Price said. “We want the listeners to be influenced by our spiritual music.”

INFOBOX:

Bad Apple Records — www.badapplerecords.net — to purchase CDs, find out about tour dates and hear news about its bands.

BANDS ON BAD APPLE RECORDS

Stellar Kin — indy-rock.

Redeption Song — hardcore music

Nathan Morris — pop rock.