Label Spotlight #007 - Love & Other

Since it’s inception in 2014, Love & Other have been responsible for releasing some serious heat. Over the past couple of years, the imprint has picked up tracks from huge players in the UK dance scene, from Illyus & Barrientos to The Golden Boy and has been instrumental in breaking the careers of artists including TIMANTI, Apres, Riton, Bearcubs and Kokiri. With 2017 on the horizon, the label shows no signs of slipping on the A&R front. We sat down with Callum Davis, who is the label manager of Love & Other to chat about what’s coming our way in the near future.

We are very pleased to award you guys with this label spotlight! Could you please give us a little bit of background on the label and what your influences were / are?

Love & Other was first fathomed in 2014 during the renaissance period of deep house. The bass was slick and the shuffle was rife. We had our sights set on providing a platform for boundary pushing up-and-comers and the aim was to demystify the sound of the present day. There is a certain veneer to house music and after a while things get stuck in a blueprint mechanism telling you “this is how we do it”. Breaking these restraints is something indispensable for us. Now in 2016 the label frequently touches on house, electronica, and several other bass driven genres, highlighting the cutting edge sound of the UK’s dance floor crossover territory. Formerly we have esteemed several labels as authoritative figures of influence; namely Strictly Rhythm, Nervous, Get Physical, Fat! Records, Armada… In reality the label’s sound is true to itself. Working a theme as oppose to a genre. A community spirit with a common goal. The way the label looks aesthetically has always been just as imperative to us as the music it accompanies. Our visuals often nod to the innovators of our era; Warp Records, Ultramajic, Numbers…

Tell us a bit about what’s coming up for the label

2017 is big for us. We’re expanding the roster more so than ever. We’re both initiating new gang-members as well as refining the sounds of key associates within the repertoire. I’m keeping names close to my chest at the minute but believe me 2017 is poppin’.

What have been your favourite releases from the label over the years?

There’s a few noteworthy projects over the years that have been particularly significant Kokiri – ‘Turn Back Time’ and Blinkie’s ‘Don’t Give Up On Love’ were ones that very much put us on the map. Not just as a home-grown record outlet with a passion for good music. We proved that we (and the artists) have the ability to push a record into commercial territories whilst still maintaining credibility in our field. Another artist that we’ve worked closely with is Apres. Suffice it to say he is a world to be explored. He’s a great composer and arranger – the songs are epic. Drink once and thirst no more. 2017 is his year doubtlessly.

If you could have signed any record in the world for the label, what would it have been and why?

In terms of dance music there’s so many records I wish that I’d signed. There was one record earlier this year that we had as a demo that I probably shouldn’t mention. Basically we didn’t snap it up quick enough and 3 months later it’s absolutely crucifying the UK charts. We cried for weeks… That one aside I think Burial – Untrue had the most resounding effect on me. The roughest diamond in the mine. Astronaut music at it’s finest. That said it would have been cool to work for EMI in the 60’s.

Any tips for budding producers looking to get signed to the label?

My tips for budding producers would be… try to do something different. Using an interesting sound pallet is essential. Don’t be afraid to take influence from other genres. Cross-pollinating styles often breaks the mould. Get your music heard by as many people as you can and take constructive criticism. Make it as easy for the label when sending demos…

Love & Other Networks

Traxsource | Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud | Instagram