Today we’d like to introduce you to Patrick Barrow.
Hi Patrick, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I grew up in Houston and made my way out to Austin as a student at Texas State University in San Marcos. That’s where I got started with playing in bands and finding my way around the music scene in Central Texas. Worked my way up to getting booked for shows with my indie rock band Chill Russell in the Red River Cultural District of Downtown Austin, which led me and longtime music friend Marc LeFebvre to co-founding our own indie record label: Green Witch Recordings. Eventually we began organizing unofficial showcases at the 13th Floor and then we were picked up by SXSW to host an official music showcase each year in March.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’d say that our journey as a record label has been built on all the experiences that myself and Marc have had from playing in bands and working in the music industry. We learned a lot about the process of writing, recording, promoting, and marketing independent music, and how to do things the right way. Our mission as a label is to help our artists grow, promote their work, and help them achieve their goals. We do a lot of work on the backend with finding new acts and researching artists, which does take some time. I also built our online store so that we can sell vinyl records and ship them globally, which has been an ongoing process to manage.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Marc is a practicing music attorney in New York City and I’m the project manager for the label here in Austin. I built the website, help with album art design using Adobe Photoshop, create promotional content for social media, and handle the backend accounting and physical vinyl order fulfillment.
We are known for having unique handmade vinyl records which come from a specializer supplier. Lately, I have begun working in artist management with Austin-based artist Chief Cleopatra, who has been previously interviewed by Voyage Austin: https://voyageaustin.com/interview/daily-inspiration-meet-jalesa-jessie/
I’m most proud of all that Green Witch Recordings has done so far and that I’m able to do it with one of my best friends. Hosting our SXSW showcase and attending the daytime music panels each year has been a wonderful experience that we hope to continue for many more years.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
For anyone starting out in the Austin music scene, I would suggest that they check out Joining All Musicians. JAM is a community-driven networking and resource platform for musicians, producers, and industry professionals of all skill levels. They have regular in-person happy hours, open mics, and jam sessions designed to help artists connect, find bandmates, and share their creative journeys.
Learn more here: joiningallmusicians.com
For anyone who attends South by Southwest, I would highly recommend that they register for some of the Music Mentor sessions offered during the conference. SXSW Music Mentor Sessions provide badge holders with 15-minute coaching meetings with seasoned music industry professionals. The music industry panels are also a great way to meet people and network with them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://greenwitchrecordings.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greenwitchrecordings/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreenWitchRecordings
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/greenwitchrecordings
- Other: https://schedule.sxsw.com/2026/music_fest_presenters/2205479
