Beg The Bug Records was started in November 2000 by Mihkel Raud, formerly known as the lead singer and songwrtiter of an Estonian band Mr. Lawrence, and Priit Kala, mastermind behind the highly successful Estonian pop festival called Pühajärve Beach Party Festival. After being involved in music industry as an artist for nearly 15 years, Raud decided taking the next step was an obvious thing to do.

"Let's face it. You can't pretend to be young and angry forever.After so many years of active music writing, performing and recording I found myself in a fairly bizarre situation - at the age of just 31 almost everybody told me I was too old to rock'n'roll. Sad and hard to accept, but probably true," says Mihkel Raud, also known for his media activities as a TV and radio host. "I would like to believe that the one and only reason for creating Beg The Bug Records is my undeniable passion for music. The idea of letting other musicians benefit from my experience in the business made it very tempting indeed. And last but not least - there is a lot of creativity involved in helping to build up other's careers".

Priit Kala, a well-established booking agent with solid record industry experience, was Mihkel's first choice as a business partner. "He's extremely good. His business knowledge exceeds mine many times over. While I may have a pretty good feel in terms of A&R, Priit actually knows how to run a business," Raud comments on his partner. "We have known each other since the days of MFM Records, the label to release the latest Mr. Lawrence album. I was more than impressed by his ability to find proper balance between art and cash. You really don't see it too often these days."

The company focuses on music which can be defined as non-mainstream. "Beg The Bug Records is about finding unique sounds in the flooded world of music. We work with artists who we believe are different. It is somewhat complicated to define our sonic orientation. We have been using the word "contemporary" even though the term fails to explain our philosophy in desired detail. Our goal is to grow with our acts and their fans," Mihkel Raud explains the Bug Philosophy.

"The "Sabbatum" project is by far the most interesting thing I have done in musical terms," says Mihkel Raud, a captive fan of Black Sabbath from as long as he can remember. "Working on these classic Sabbath songs was such a challenge for a fan like me. I'm proud to say I belive we have accomplished something very special. Judging from the more than positive response we have received, I'm not alone in my belief."

Contact Beg The Bug Records:

Mail:	Pronksi 7/9 - 56 Tallinn 10124 Estonia
Phone:	+372 50 88809
Fax:	+372 148 1910056
E-mail:	info@begthebug.com

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