Psylence is the man behind both Ingredients and Mars Recordings. Both labels are setting benchmarks for soulful drum & bass in 2012. Whilst we at HTF appreciate d&b from across the spectrum, we are very excited to be able to bring you an interview with the inspirational Psylence. Find out about the labels here, and read on for details of an amazing competition!
HTF: Hi Psylence, thanks for taking the time out. Let us know a little more about your background and experience in the music game.
P: I’ve been heavily into music since I was about 8 years old. I was making my own remixes of tracks using tape-to-tape decks and recording and pausing certain parts to create my own versions. From there I bought a pair of decks when I was 16 and have always been a bit obsessed with music & mixing.
I did a radio show for 5 years in London & have DJed for 15 years.
I’ve worked in a record shop for 3 years, record distribution for 8 years and ran labels for 3 years.
HTF: Let’s turn our attention firstly to Mars Records. Mars006 is out soon -tell us about the release, and the Total Science remix.
P: The record is by two guys from Nottingham called dRamatic & dbAudio. Their track with Grimm on vocals called ‘Far Away’ was out on Mars earlier this year. I asked Total Science if they’d like to remix it, and they’ve delivered something really special. On the flip is a new tune by the Nottingham duo called “Days Running Out” which has a real disco edge.
HTF: Is there a vibe behind Mars? Why have you chosen to go this way for the label?
P: Yeah I wanted to do a label a bit different to Ingredients. I loved LTJ Bukem & Fabio around 1994-1996 & used to go to their night in the West End called Speed which was at the Mars Bar. So that’s where the name derived from and the attitude to the music policy too.
HTF: How do you plan to develop the label?
P: I want to keep it special. Every 12″ so far has seen coloured vinyl & a really nice sleeve, with great music. There’s possibly an artist album on Mars in 2013 too.
HTF: And how about Ingredients029 – what’s going on with this one, and who are the people involved with it?
P: “Mise En Place EP pt.1” will be in stores on September 17th and features two new artists on Ingredients alongside two remixes. dBridge has remixed a Kodo track and Villem has remixed Foreign Concept, both tracks originally on the label. It’s a fantastic EP in my eyes.
HTF: What do you see as the role of Ingredients?
P: To keep finding new good producers and throw some competition into the genre, it keeps it healthy. But my main focus has always been on the music, as long as I’m totally into it then I’ll try to release it.
HTF: The packaging and recipe cards make a big difference to the product which people buying the releases get – what’s the idea behind this side of things?
P: It’s to make the records stand out. It’s really tough competition these days with so many producers and labels, so I thought it’d add something fresh. Also I think it’s nice for the people buying the records to know a bit more about the producers, even if they eat beans on toast, it’s good fun!
HTF: Ingredients seems to have a very freeing, zero attitude outlook – is that important to you?
P: This music was in fields & barns not too long ago & I think the spirit of that has never gone away from me. There is an obsession by many to sign artists once they are a safe bet & this causes animosity between labels & I don’t see the fun in that.
We’re not on this planet too long, we may as well enjoy what we do & I get a real buzz from signing an unknown artist & watching them grow, it’s really rewarding.
HTF: You are offering some goodies as a competition prize – what’s up for grabs?
I’ve got one test press of the EP! There are only 5 of those in the world.
HTF: Finally, can you give us some non-d&b artists to look out for?
P: Wow! Well I spend most of my week engrossed in d&b demos so that’s a hard one because the rest of my time is spent listening to older music by Radiohead, Joy Division or The Smiths. I’ve recently really enjoyed Disclosure, Dusky, The Field & Caribou. But none of those are hot off the press!
To be in with a chance of winning the test press, please leave a comment below with your email address. Competition will end on 22nd September. Good luck!
