CATAWOL Records presents: Real Figures Don't F.O.L.D
An upskilling and advocacy project in the form of a Song Contest, calling attention to bullying within adult and hobby groups: in particular, within the LEGO space.
Real Figures Don't F.O.L.D — About the Project
Real Figures Don't F.O.L.D combines SilentMode's interest in LEGO with music,
"artificial intelligence", web development and advocacy.
- Revisiting one of SilentMode's earliest Creations.
CATAWOL Records began life as a modular building, designed and built near the beginning of SilentMode's time in the LEGO hobby. - Embarking on an ambitious LEGO project.
Expanding on his existing skills as a Maker, Artist and LEGO Enthusiast, this is SilentMode's first project to fully incorporate music and AI/computer-generated content. - Creating the first ever anti-bullying campaign (that we know of) within the LEGO space.
An opportunity to highlight an important issue, affecting both children and adults, that has probably never been addressed before in the context of LEGO. - A live demonstration of coding ability.
Designed and built by SilentMode himself, the site uses Laravel with Inertia for the back end, and React with Tailwind for the front end.
About CATAWOL Records
CATAWOL Records is a fictitious music label, created as the subject of SilentMode's first ever LEGO modular building, back in 2011.
Overview
CATAWOL Records is a globally influential record label that has shaped the music industry for over seventy years. Founded in 1953 by industry magnates Henry Cardinal, Simon Tate, and Reginald Wolseley, the label has been both lauded for its altruism and criticised for its commercial approach to talent development. CATAWOL has played a pivotal role in launching and sustaining the careers of some of the biggest names in music, though not without controversy.
History
In its early years, CATAWOL Records was instrumental in introducing groundbreaking artists to the public. Originally conceived as an independent label with an artist-first approach, it quickly gained traction for its ability to recognise and amplify emerging talent. By the late 1960s, CATAWOL had established itself as a dominant force in the music business, acquiring smaller labels and solidifying its influence across multiple genres.
During the 1980s and 1990s, the label fully embraced the concept of manufactured celebrities, investing heavily in market-driven talent scouting, production, and branding. This approach allowed CATAWOL to maintain its commercial dominance, but it also drew criticism from purists who accused the company of prioritising profitability over artistic integrity.
Today, only one of the founder's families remains directly involved in the label, maintaining a significant role in its operations and strategic direction.
Business Model and Influence
CATAWOL Records operates as a multi-tiered entertainment conglomerate, encompassing artist management, production, publishing, and merchandising. The label has been known for its strategic partnerships with major media corporations, ensuring widespread promotion for its artists.
Despite its calculated commercial approach, CATAWOL has also engaged in philanthropic initiatives, funding music education programs and supporting independent artists through subsidiary labels. This duality – balancing profit-driven operations with charitable endeavours – has led to the label being described as a "necessary evil" within the industry.
About the Song
Real Figures Don't F.O.L.D is a song for those who have experienced bullying.
It was written from the perspective that neither the bullies nor their enablers are listening or will listen, and we can't expect them to change their ways — so the best thing we can do is stand up for ourselves.
The song can be interpreted in three ways:
- as encouragement to targets of bullying to be authentic and remain true to themselves;
- that "selling out" to attempt to join the "in" crowd (the F.O.L.D) is not an answer to bullying;
- as a reference to SilentMode's minifigure design, which stands upright and does not bend at the hip.
What is F.O.L.D?
The F.O.L.D describes an unofficial inner circle within the LEGO space, that appears inclusive on the surface, but acts in exclusive and controlling ways.
While the broader LEGO space is known for creativity, collaboration and fun, the F.O.L.D represents a quieter side of things: a group of individuals – ranging from prominent fans to people with connections inside the company – that decides who is included, supported, or sidelined.
Those who don’t align with their unspoken rules or preferred image often face exclusion, subtle discrimination, or are pushed out entirely.
While the F.O.L.D is specific to the LEGO space, their pattern of behaviour is also common across other hobby and interest groups.
The concept was introduced with SilentMode's 2024 SCREAMix project, first displayed at the Great Western Brick Show.
Who is SilentMode?
SilentMode is a Maker, Artist and LEGO Enthusiast based in London, UK. He has been active within the LEGO space since 2010.
As well as designing and building his own models, he incorporates 3D printing, coding and graphic design into his interest in the hobby.
He is passionate about addressing bullying, mental health and men's issues – as a survivor.
You can find SilentMode on social media @silentmodetv, as well as on his dedicated web site.
Credits
People
- Created by
- Drew Maughan (SilentMode)
- Song lyrics
- Drew Maughan (SilentMode)
- Inspired by
- Little L Bricks and Never2old4bricks
- Special thanks
- the members of Brick Therapy
AI Content
- Song creation
- Udio
- Lyric translations
- Generate Lyrics
- Imagery
- ImagineArt / Grok
- Content aid
- ChatGPT / Grammarly
- Coding aid
- ChatGPT
All songs are the property of Drew Maughan (SilentMode).
SilentMode, the SilentMode logo, CATAWOL Records, the CATAWOL Records logo, "Real Figures Don't F.O.L.D", "F.O.L.D", Act names and character designs are © Drew Maughan (SilentMode).
LEGO is a registered trademark of The LEGO Group, which has no association or involvement with ths project.
Designed and developed by Perfect Zero Labs. #givecredit
SilentMode, the SilentMode logo, CATAWOL Records, the CATAWOL Records logo, "Real Figures Don't F.O.L.D", "F.O.L.D", Act names and character designs are © Drew Maughan (SilentMode).
LEGO is a registered trademark of The LEGO Group, which has no association or involvement with ths project.
Designed and developed by Perfect Zero Labs. #givecredit