“I (feel) bad for the U.S. Postal Service,” Novotny said. “When you show up with so many things just day after day, it’s like, ‘I’m sorry.’ (Good thing) I have a good relationship with (them).”

Asthmatic Kitty began in 1998. It was named after co-founder Lowell Brams’ cat. Her name was Sara, and according to the record’s website, she was “a voluptuous orange and white longhair who wandered out of the woods in 1995, pregnant, starving, and afflicted with various parasites and ailments, including feline asthma.”

Brams funded the label for his stepson, Sufjan, the other co-founder. Sufjan was in college pursuing an English degree. The two lived 3 miles from each other in Michigan at the time. Sufjan was in a band, and Brams saw the talent. He always knew Sufjan was musically gifted. Both were very passionate about music, and decided to make the leap.

Brams, 64, has known Sufjan since he was 11 months old. He was married to Sufjan’s mother, Carrie, for five years before they split in 1985. The album “Carrie & Lowell” not only details Sufjan’s relationship with each parent but also has a photo of his mother and stepfather on the cover.