72 Records

Interview with Hue

- When and how did you start 72 Records?

We started in 2003. At the time we had a lot of tracks finished including one with Biz Markie & Mr. Complex and it really needed a home. Our style is definitely straight-up hip hop. Some people may call us a little bit Leftfield but that’s just because they are used to listening to normal ordinary stuff. When running a label, I really respect what Stonesthrow Records are doing. I also liked how Rawkus Records started up, but not how they are presently. I was also definitely influenced by the way independent mid-90’s hip-hop labels were starting up and I tried to follow that style with 72 Records.

- What direction do you want to take your label?

At the moment we are known for our high production value. For example the sleeve art is of great quality, we try to use the best people for the mastering and mixdowns of the music. We press our vinyl in USA too as they have better manufacturers there. I think at present, it’s very easy to make a record and many labels are releasing vinyl of an average quality and are substandard along every point of the manufacturing/production process. It may take us longer to come out with the final product compared to these companies but at least we are proud of everything we release. It ends up being great for the artist too as they can feel confident that their whole package is better than alot of what is being released today.

- Who do you use the most for sleeve artwork?

I like to use a designer called Parra. He is based in Amsterdam and owns a clothing company called Rockwell. His style is quite fresh and it feels like it’s breaking new ground. Another artist I really like is Cam Kennedy. He used to draw for 2000 AD (Judge Dredd Comic) & some Star Wars Comics. He has just made us the 3 elephant frontcover for “Beyond There” feat. Arcee, Yungun & Jehst.

- How do you find music artists for your label? Is it through connections?

In the beginning, it was through working at Mr. Bongo record shop in Central London.

I met many artists directly through that place and whenever I would hear a good artist in the shop, on radio or through the vinyl, I would try and contact them. Some attempts were successful, others not. Even people like Tony Vegas from the Scratch Perverts used to work there when I did.

- What sort of artists do you deal with?

At the moment, it’s Beyond There, Mr. Complex, Binkis & L*Roneous They are the main core, but we are also working with Yungun & Jehst who have just formed a new super-crew called “World Service”. There will be a whole LP being released for that project with other artists joining in like Biz Markie, El-Fudge, Kaiser, Ty & Rodney P.

- What are your thoughts on the present UK music scene?

I think the UK music scene is the strongest one in the world. In many different genres from Indie to Hip-Hop to Dance music. We have the most vibrant scene where there is always new things happening and new trends being created. However, the problem is that we don’t support each other enough. We actually get most support from other countries. For example, you could release a really great album in the UK and hope to sell 1,000. Europe will actually account for 2,500-4,000 albums sold. The UK ends up being creators, rather than consumers.

- What do you expect for the future of the UK hip-hop scene?

I feel that the UK hip-hop scene is a little quiet at the moment. However, scenes can change in the UK in as little as 6 months so there will always be a core group of supporters and hopefully others in the future. I hope that our music will stop being pigeon-holed as a good “UK Hip-Hop” record and be considered as just a good “Hip-Hop” record.

Myspace : http://www.myspace.com/72records

Written by Selph