Microphone company Ear Trumpet Labs announces the celebration of its 10-year anniversary in August (2021).
What began as a “passion project” in founder Philip Graham’s basement has turned into a premier mic company for both live and recording applications, with notable artist users, network and award show placements, and consistent increases in sales. The company’s line of condenser microphones are also known for their distinguished retro styling.
To mark the occasion Ear Trupet Labs will celebrate with a pre-recorded concert airing on its YouTube channel and Facebook page featuring notable users such as The Milk Carton Kids, Amythyst Kiah, Gangstagrass, Sierra Ferrell, Darlingside, Rainbow Girls, Lisa LeBlanc, Foghorn Stringband, and Bill and the Belles. There will also be other announcements throughout the month, including a limited run of special edition mics, 10-year merchandise, and a giving event the last 10 days of August where 100 percent of profits earned will be donated to MESO (Micro Enterprise Services of Oregon). MESO aims to elevate and empower historically excluded and under-resourced entrepreneurs with tailored business assistance and flexible capital to build family wealth through small business ownership.
More than a decade ago, Graham quit his job working in coding and began building microphones in his basement and garage. In 2012 he hired his first employee and in 2014 expanded to the current workshop. In 2013 the brand made an impact on the bluegrass scene with the popularity of models designed for a single-mic approach, increasing sales year after year and expanding into virtually every genre. The company also states that throughout the pandemic, it has experienced some of its biggest sales to date, pivoting with its team of six hand-building the mics from their homes and focusing their marketing efforts towards musicians livestreaming and recording at home.
In 2020, Graham was able to see the company’s success through a different, more community-focused lens: “I am so proud of what we have built and accomplished; however last year it became clear that this path was overwhelmingly easier for me than it would be for many people in our community with equally good ideas. That is why partnering with MESO is especially important for us at this 10 year milestone. We want to look back 10 years from now and see more diverse companies thriving in the pro audio industry and beyond.”
