Nine Standalone Music Companies Breaking Barriers in the Realm of Electronic Tunes
In the heart of two vibrant cities, London and Bristol, a dynamic blend of innovation and community-driven efforts is reshaping the electronic music landscape. This thriving independent scene is home to a multitude of labels that are pushing the boundaries of sound, each with its unique identity and creative ethos.
London-based labels like Anjunadeep and Nice Swan Records are leading the charge. Anjunadeep, founded by Above & Beyond and James Grant in 2005, focuses on deep and progressive house music, becoming synonymous with quality and boundary-pushing releases. Nice Swan, established in 2016 by Alex Edwards & Pete Heywoode, is known for discovering and nurturing innovative artists who defy genre boundaries.
Bristol, renowned for its non-corporate, experimental, and independent music scene, is equally rich in electronic music talent. Saffron Records, a label focused on inclusivity and diversity within music tech and electronic music, plays a significant role in fostering gender balance and cultural change in the industry.
One of the most exciting labels in Bristol is Different Circles, run by Mumdance and Logos, which focuses on abstract-leaning bass, techno, and grime. The label has released tracks from a diverse roster of artists, including Airhead, Rabit, Strictface, FIS, Inkke, Shapednoise, Sharp Veins, and others. Timedance, another Bristol-based label headed by producer Batu, showcases the city's most exciting artists.
Her Records, which highlights the percussive-heavy hard drum music scene, and Coil Records, specializing in bassline and garage music, are other notable Bristol labels. Coil Records recently released the synth-heavy collaboration between Murlo and S-Type, while Her Records' latest release is the NKC's Tincture EP, featuring bruising kick drums and unrecognizable, sharp tones.
The independent label scene in both cities is highly proactive in producing innovative electronic music. Fractal Fantasy, headed by Sinjin Hawke and Zora Jones, showcases extraordinary sounds and offers interactive pages for sound creation. E-BEAMZ has released tracks from artists like DJ Boring, Hugo Massien, and DJ Seinfeld, while Brownswood Records, founded by Gilles Peterson, offers a diverse range of organic sounds, including experimental jazz and world music.
The current era is marked by the availability of tools for producing electronic music, making it easier than ever for artists to create and share their unique sounds. This accessibility, combined with the vibrant independent label scene in London and Bristol, ensures that the future of electronic music will continue to be shaped by a diverse and innovative community of artists.
In addition to releases, these labels often collaborate on club nights and events at venues such as the newly rebranded Electric Bristol (formerly SWX Bristol), promising a major hub for dance music and collaboration with labels and promoters. The Astral Black family, specializing in dark drill-style instrumentals, experimental grime, and sample-heavy hip-hop anthems, recently collaborated with Clash Magazine for a party at the Ace Hotel's Miranda in Shoreditch.
While some labels, like Her Records, may not have recently released new material, their existing catalogues are impressive and worth returning to. Others, like Coil Records and Different Circles, usually drop limited records, tapes, and merch, making each release a coveted item for collectors.
In conclusion, the independent electronic music scenes in London and Bristol are thriving, with a diverse range of labels pushing the boundaries of sound and creating a dynamic, innovative landscape. From deep and progressive house to hard drum and grime, these labels are shaping the future of electronic music, one release at a time.
London and Bristol's independent music labels continue to innovate the electronic music scene by promoting a variety of genres. New releases from labels like Anjunadeep and Nice Swan Records in London focus on deep and progressive house music, while Bristol labels such as Different Circles and Coil Records delve into abstract-leaning bass, techno, grime, and hard drum music. These labels often collaborate on events and club nights, providing an avenue for artists to showcase their unique sounds.
