Ste Roberts

Initials interview (with David Elkabas and Ste Roberts)

How did the three of you get together to set up Initials? How does the label differ from Hypercolour?

D: I was working on label management for Hypercolour with Alex and Ste already and we all enjoyed working with each other so this was a logical step.

S: Yep as Dave says.  Hypercolour is me, Alex and Jamie.  Jamie started his own little projects, so me and Alex decided to get a little baby on the go, approached Dave and away we go.
 
Tell us about your second release Jay Bliss ‘The Art Of Doing Nothing EP’?

D: For me the kind of record we want to be releasing and what Initals is all about.

S: Jay Bliss is an old artist I have worked with in the past, and has become a good friend.  On Skype one evening he decided to send me a draw dropping demo where pretty much every track hit the spot.  One thing led to another, we snapped them up and decided to go all out with a Romanian vibe, and who better to approach then Pedro!  So far it has been smashing the vinyl stores.  Sold out at the distributers so all in all… HAPPY DAYS.


 
What’s coming up from Hypercolour?

S: Just to throw a few out there… Groove Armada, Mosca, George Fitzgerald, Alex Jones with Larry Heard remixes, etc… You get the jist.
 
What club nights are you currently running?

D: Label Events mainly but there are rumours of Initials parties this summer.

S: Yep, keep your eyes peeled for some up and coming Initails parties.  Hypercolour parties are already in full swing.  I also have a club night in my neck of the woods, Leeds called Lowbrow.
 
What advice would you give someone thinking of starting their own label?

D: Call me

S: Call Dave 🙂


 
What would you say are the positive/ negative aspects of Dance music in 2012?

D: Positive: there is still exiting music being created and the scene keeps throwing new bits in to the mix just when you think it’s getting a little monotonous, there’s a real reverence for House music form the past so the longevity of what we do seems to be cemented. Negative: the word/phrase EDM just sounds so awful – like a disorder for some kind.

S: Positive… Hypercolour, Glass Table, Losing Suki, Hype_Ltd & Initials.  Negative… Well, haha… Na I can’t say!
 
Not only has the tempo changed in House but songs/vocals are prevalent once again. Why do you think this has happened now?

D: For me House music came from disco, Soul & funk and for years the vocal was the most powerful part of house music, It’s hard to think of house music becoming what it did with the voices of Robert Owens, Barbara Tucker, Michael Watford and many more. Vocals in house are nothing new but there are lots of “new ears” out there who will find it like we did all over again.

S: Well my personal analysis is music is on a merry-go-round.  Good music will work all the way through, but realistically it always comes back round, but with a modern take of it!  This is how old and new work, it will always work! Hot tip, keep hold of all your music, because before you know it you will be dusting off the cobwebs, and reaping the glory.
  
Outside of House which artists/music has inspired you?

D :Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morison, Qunicy Jones
S: Bez… The lad had technique.

http://soundcloud.com/initials-1

https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Initials/277052469028075

http://www.juno.co.uk/products/the-art-of-doing-nothing-ep/452400-01/

 

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reviews:46

 

Jamie Jones
feat. Art Department
Our Time In Liberty
Crosstown Rebels

What else needs to be said of Jamie Jones meteoric rise? Nothing, apart from that you need to listen to this. Powered by dark, brooding stabs this pulls no punches whatsoever combining not only a sense of urgency via Kenny Glasgow’s hot vocal: I Know It’s The time, but also by a devastating succession of deep, pulsating beats and rumbling basslines which make it feel never less than anthemic. In one word then: HUGE. Russ Yallop continues the prediction by running the classic chord progression over yet more outstanding atmospheres, which only serve to enhance the experience still further. In other words: equally HUGE. 9

release: April 30

http://soundcloud.com/jamie-jones

http://soundcloud.com/russ-yallop

http://www.crosstownrebels.com/

 

Dog Days
Dog Days EP
Gruuv Records

Great release from Audiojacks’ Gruuv Records however I’ll try to spare you the references as the first track is called, 92. Of course it’s time related but who cares – that much – as this has a funky JB snare break sounding irresistible over fuzzy pads and timely voices. Uplifting, and yet very tastefully deep. Pol_On provides the Edit with an impressive alternative take on the bass plus thumping toms coupled with inspired cinematic strings, and with such an unhinged arrangement this can really only be described as excellent. Next is the fiery, Mia which lifts the tempo and atmosphere while hitting more 90’s notes in the course of refocusing your memory to youthful times – see jealous. Rodriguez Jr. provides exemplary remixes that only heighten the dancefloor appeal with excellent percussion fuelled by big-time keys and MK styled vocals. Perfect. 9

release: May 1

http://soundcloud.com/gruuv/sets/gruuv-016-ep-dog-days-pol_on/

http://www.facebook.com/gruuv

 

Jay Bliss
The Art Of Doing Nothing
Initials

Alex Jones and Ste Roberts (also of Hypercolour) along with Dave Elkabas have formed the Initials imprint and the deceptive, The Art Of Doing Nothing is their second release. Jay Bliss, having previously released on Bang Bang and Dynamic, gets straight down to business with low-slung bass and old school sensibilities pitted against moody organ and an edgy vocal loop. An easy formula for sure but one that works a treat – the bassline is extremely hypnotic. Second track, X continues the text with deeper tones and evolving keys feel just that bit more poignant. Petre Inspirescu then reinterprets X over the course of fourteen minutes and astonishingly there is never a dull moment in all of its electronic sequence. Added to the digital release is bonus, Atonement which isn’t as sombre as it suggests and certainly re invigorates you with pulsating rhythms and excitable keys. 8

release: April 26

http://soundcloud.com/initials-1/sets/initials002-jay-bliss-the-art/

https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Initials/277052469028075

 

Dan Ghenacia & Shonky
Close To The Edge
Apollonia

The labels second release from two of its talking heads’ is somewhat of a killer combining energised dancefloor sensibilities with breezy melodic appeal. It’s all about the drums, the bass and the voice here, and this cool combination of all three feels instantly infectious along with a hefty sprinkling of funky guitar – indeed, you can just picture the smiling faces on the dancefloor. The Mole then turns it all upside down with a feverish remix transforming the elements into something moodier, darker but no less intoxicating. 8

release:  April 30

http://www.lola-ed.com/artists/dan-ghenacia

http://www.lola-ed.com/artists/shonky

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