Blind Pig Records Relaunch
Originally founded in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 1977, Blind Pig helped launch and preserve the careers of artists including Muddy Waters, James Cotton, Tommy Castro, Magic Slim, Luther Allison, Deborah Coleman, Elvin Bishop, and dozens of other blues legends.
You may already know that back in December 2023, Jeff Schroedl was selected to lead the relaunch of Blind Pig Records, one of the most respected independent blues and American roots record labels in history. Here’s the story!
Jeff Schroedl
After several years of relative inactivity following its acquisition by The Orchard (Sony Music Entertainment’s distribution and artist services company), Schroedl was entrusted with bringing the label back to life. His vision is to honor Blind Pig’s legacy while investing in the next generation of authentic blues and roots artists. He has emphasized that the label will remain artist-focused, placing exceptional songwriting, genuine musicianship, and long-term artist development ahead of chasing trends.
Under his leadership, Blind Pig has signed and released music from emerging artists such as Sonny Gullage, Jovin Webb, Amani Burnham, and Meaza Joy, while continuing to support established acts including Altered Five Blues Band.
BEFORE BLIND PIG
For many years he served as Executive Vice President at Hal Leonard, the world’s largest publisher of printed music, educational materials, and instructional media. In that role he oversaw music publishing, artist relationships, content creation, licensing, and product development for musicians worldwide.
Earlier in his career, Schroedl was editor of Guitar One magazine during the 1990s, giving him experience in music journalism, artist interviews, and the guitar industry.
He’s best known to blues fans as the guitarist and co-founder of Milwaukee’s Altered Five Blues Band, a group that has spent more than two decades touring internationally. The band earned national recognition with albums reaching the Billboard Blues Chart and won the 2015 International Blues Challenge’s “Best Self-Produced CD” award. Blind Pig Records signed the band in 2017, giving Schroedl firsthand experience working with the label from the artist’s perspective.
WHY BLIND PIG CHOSE HIM
When Blind Pig Records went largely dormant after its catalog was acquired by The Orchard (Sony Music’s distribution company), Schroedl saw an opportunity to revive one of blues music’s most respected labels.
According to Schroedl, he had been discussing the idea with executives at The Orchard for over a year before proposing a full relaunch. He also sought and received the support of Blind Pig founders Jerry Del Giudice and Edward Chmelewski before moving forward.
Label founders Del Giudice and Chmelewski commented on the relaunch: “We’re proud of the impact Blind Pig Records has made in preserving the music of traditional blues artists as well as in discovering and recording highly gifted musicians who further expanded the definition of American roots music. We’re happy to know that with Jeff’s expertise and commitment Blind Pig’s rich history will continue.”
5 questions with Jeff Schroedl
Being lifelong Blind Pig fans, BluesForever reached out to Jeff recently to share our joy at the Blind Pig relaunch, and to ask him a few questions about it!
BF: Jeff, you’ve experienced the music business from nearly every angle—as a touring musician, magazine editor, publishing executive, and now record label president. How have those experiences shaped the way you lead Blind Pig Records, and what lessons have proven most valuable?
Jeff : “I’ve been fortunate to touch so many sides of it over the years, and I’d like to think that’s given me some perspective, for whatever it’s worth. There’s so much that goes into this—writing, recording, performing, publicity, design, e-commerce, physical retail, managers, booking agents, publishing, and more. The more angles you can see things from, the better chance you have of actually helping an artist. I don’t know if I’ve mastered any of it, but I think having been on both sides—as an artist and now running a label—is probably what’s helped me most”.
BF: Blind Pig Records has a legendary legacy in blues music. What inspired you to take on the challenge of reviving such an iconic label, and what convinced you that now was the right time to write its next chapter?
Jeff: “I’ve always been passionate about creating and putting out quality content, and as a lifelong blues and roots fan, Blind Pig was a label I’d always admired—it’s got a history and reputation that means something. I felt like I had something to offer, and I believed I could help carry that legacy forward. As far as timing goes, it just happened to line up with where I was in my own life at the same time, so I decided to reach out and see if there was an opportunity to make it happen”.
BF: You’ve said that discovering and developing artists is at the heart of Blind Pig’s mission. When you hear a new artist for the first time, what qualities make you want them as part of the Blind Pig family?
Jeff: “I want to connect with exceptionally talented artists and help them reach their potential. I’m drawn to real, genuine artists—and honestly, someone I can see myself enjoying working with, because this is a relationship. But it really starts with the songs, and usually a special voice, exceptional musicianship, and some kind of charisma. When those things come together, that’s when I know I want them to be part of the Blind Pig family”.
BF: As someone who once signed with Blind Pig as an artist, you understand the hopes—and sometimes the frustrations—musicians experience with record labels. How has that firsthand perspective influenced the way you build relationships with your artists today?
Jeff: “I try to be upfront, transparent, and fair. Rather than make big promises, I’d rather be honest about the real challenges and the actual progress along the way. Labels sometimes get a bad rap, and honestly, some of it’s deserved—but I try to be the exception. We only release three or four records a year, because I want to put real time and attention into each one—I try to genuinely partner with our artists, so they feel like they’ve got real support behind them”.
BF: Looking five or ten years into the future, what will define success for you personally as its leader?
Jeff: “Success, to me, will be songs and records that stand the test of time—music that’s still meaningful years from now. I want to look back and see artists who’ve truly reached their potential and grown because of the time we put in together. I’d also like Blind Pig to still be finding great voices, whatever stage of their career they’re at, while carrying on the label’s tradition and reputation. If, five or ten years from now, Blind Pig is still a place artists actively want to be part of, that’s success in my eyes”.
Looking to the future
“We’re thrilled and grateful for The Orchard entrusting us to carry on the great legacy of Blind Pig. We look forward to developing and investing in the next generation of talented and creative artists,” said Schroedl, adding, “The label will embody the same independent spirit as its founders, focusing on exceptional artists and great songs, with a personalized approach.”
As longtime fans of the label, we look forward to seeing them keep growing. Click right here to pay them a visit and shop for great music! Be sure to tell ’em that the folks at BluesForever sent you 🙂
