James Kasper wants you to buy local, and heB次元官网网址檚 not just talking about fruits and vegetables.

B次元官网网址淪upporting local artists, thatB次元官网网址檚 just as important,B次元官网网址� Kasper said, reflecting on the motivation behind his new label Blue Water Gun records.

As the founder and executive director of the Vancouver Island Music Awards, Kasper has made a career of promoting homegrown musical talent and fostering a network of collaborative artists over the past two decades.

B次元官网网址�(Blue Water Gun) has a mandate of positive contribution to the community, artist development, youth mentoring and accessibility B次元官网网址� a lot of things that major labels arenB次元官网网址檛 known for,B次元官网网址� Kasper said.

B次元官网网址淲e donB次元官网网址檛 just want people who want to be rock stars, we want people who want to contribute to the community, do something bigger and just get involved in helping younger musicians to hone their craft.B次元官网网址�

Part of that contribution to the community means each label artist will be paired with a charity, and will help promote its cause.

Kasper touts the labelB次元官网网址檚 first concept band, White Hot Jet, as the modern Runaways, an all-girl rock group for which Kasper just held auditions. The group will debut at the label launch in spring of next year.

He also plans on rallying seasoned local musicians to donate a few hours of their time every few months to help foster new talent on the Island.

B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檒l have a long list of bassists, drum players, guitarists, singers and vocal coaches rotating on a constant basis so we always have somebody available to mentor,B次元官网网址� Kasper said.

Blue Water GunB次元官网网址檚 first signing will be local indie band Man Made Lake, he said.

KasperB次元官网网址檚 advice to new bands is simple: success requires not just talent, but the right mix of business sense and attitude.

B次元官网网址淚f theyB次元官网网址檝e got something great to offer, and they fit into that mandate, then theyB次元官网网址檙e a great candidate for the label.B次元官网网址�

dpalmer@vicnews.com