Brille Records

Interview

- Can you tell us about the history of Brille?

I had been an A+R person at UK indie XL Recordings for 12 years. I found a new band Envelopes which XL didn’t really like but which I loved, so I decided to start a new label to release their records. Our first release 'Envelopes' ‘It Is The Law EP’ was out in September 2004. Since then we have released approximately 20 singles and albums by Envelopes, The Knife, Operator Please, Good Shoes and Whirlwind Heat.

- Describe your label’s style and what have been your direct influences on the creation of the label?

We prefer not to have a specific style, preferring that our artists’ individuality speak on our behalf.

But I guess I like pop music that’s a bit left-of-centre and if possible different from everything else so that probably comes through. I guess I try and sign ‘Marmite’ bands - you either really love them or you really hate them. Of course, I love them.

- Can you introduce some of signed artists in Brille? And why do you think they are special?

"The Knife" are the most exciting electronic music artists in the world since Kraftwerk, somehow taking their dance music origins into some seriously unique emotional areas.

Youtube : Envelopes - Sister In Love

"Envelopes" are a very idiosyncratic, uncompromising, creative, psychedelic, surrealist punk-pop band influenced by Pixes, Os Mutantes, flaming lips and Talking Heads but sounding really like none of them. Their songs are fantastically catchy and you wont have headr anything like them before.

"Good Shoes" are a great punk band from London. Their songs are about what its like to be a teenager in this fast-food no-effort culture where its hard for kids to find a sense of real value. Plus you can dace to them!

"Operator Please" are a teenage pop band from Australia reminiscent of the B52’s or Bugsy Malone. Amandah, the singer writs these amazing, fast paced, speedy songs that stick in your brain, but also has a more sensitive side that really shows the depth of the bands talents!

- Who do you use for most of art work, includes sleeve, music video, flier/poster and website.

Sam in our office does it, usually in collaboration with the bands themselves or their friends. Sam is a genius and an obsessive.

- Is Brille popular abroad? In America, Europe or Asia?

Not yet, we haven’t really had any record out internationally except The Knife in America, where 'pitchformedia.com' voted it the best album of 2006. And Good Shoes just came out in Japan.

Youtube : Good Shoes - All In My Head

- What do you think of the UK music scene at the moment?

It was feeling very exciting about 2 years ago, but rtight now things feel a bit stale and conservative. Things always happen this way.

- What’s the plan for Brille in the near and distant future?

To continue releasing records of which we are proud.

Brille Records: http://www.brillerecords.com/

Written by Selph