Label Focus – DJ Kepler’s Perspective Records
Leeds based DJ Kepler gets some Perspective
WHAT’S THE NAME OF YOUR LABEL, AND WHO RUNS IT?
It’s called Perspective and it’s a solo project from me (Kepler). I like the idea of running a label by myself, because I think it can get tricky sometimes working with others when selecting tracks for a release. Perspective is truly an outlet for music that resonates with me.
WHEN & WHY DID THE LABEL START?
The label started almost six years ago now and it was originally started as a place for the great music I was being sent from friends.
GIVE US A BRIEF SUMMARY OF WHAT YOU’VE RELEASED SINCE THEN….
My tastes are broad and I think that’s reflected in the music the label has released over the years. Like my own productions, it’s had a journey from minimal, through electro, to more rolling early UK influenced tech-house.
WHAT QUALITIES ARE YOU LOOKING FOR IN THE MUSIC YOU RELEASE?
I think it’s hard to say, but I know straight away when I listen to a demo whether it’s right for the label or not. Ultimately, I’m looking for something that breaks the mold, or makes me feel a certain way. I try not to follow trends, and I certainly don’t put together releases just based on whether I think they’ll sell or not. I have to love the music.
Nine times out of ten I’m reaching out to friends or artists I respect for releases, but what is really special is that the next two releases have come out of the community of my online music teaching platform (Studio Orbit). It’s a real pleasure to have students of the community present work on my label.
WHAT KIND OF VISUAL IDENTITY DOES THE LABEL HAVE (ARTWORK, VIDEOS ETC) ?
We’re about to kick off with an entirely fresh identity, but the theme has been carried over into the new brand and artwork. The idea was always to have an optical illusion on the centre sticker which fit with the idea of ‘perspective’.
WHAT’S BEEN YOUR BIGGEST SELLING RELEASE TO DATE? TELL US A BIT ABOUT IT AND WHY YOU THINK IT WAS SO POPULAR.
Each release has sold out within a few weeks, which is great to see, but Perspective 002 went crazy. The Discogs prices soared to £100+ at one point.
It was a VA packed with dancefloor tackle, but for me, the pick was the A1 from the very talented Ilyes from France. I still play that track now and I have done since I got the original demo.
NAME ONE RELEASE THAT YOU THINK DESERVED TO GET MORE ATTENTION THAN IT DID
004 from the very talented LVCA was received well, but I think that record is very special.
Luca is a seasoned producer and it shows across these four tracks. I love the B2 especially, I remember how excited I was when I got sent these demos and for me, this is what it’s all about.
IF YOU COULD SIGN ANY ARTIST, ALIVE OR DEAD, WHO WOULD YOU CHOOSE AND WHY?
I would absolutely love to release music from some of my inspirations from the early tech-house era. The late Nathan Coles would be at the top of the list, but I also have huge admiration for artists like Pure Science, Silverlining and Gideon Jackson.
WHICH OTHER LABELS DO YOU ADMIRE AND WHY?
Labels like Wiggle, Eukahouse, Pagan, Surreal, Plastic City and Swag all released some of my favorite tracks of all time and I admire these labels because they created a blueprint for what all of us in this pocket of dance music are doing right now. But recently, I had the honor of releasing on Enzo Siragusa’s FUSE label, which is a label I have huge respect for. Despite their huge rise in popularity, the principles have remained the same and they have pushed a sound that has developed into something special over the years.
WHAT CAN WE LOOK TO FROM YOUR LABEL NEXT?
We’re about to re-launch with a new distributor (Subwax), and an entirely new brand and artwork which symbolises a new chapter and a change in sound too.
The next release comes from Bulgaria-based Philip Chernikov who is an artist I discovered through my Studio Orbit community. He sent me some tracks for feedback and I signed them on the spot. It’s really exciting to bring someone fresh onto the label at the start of their career, he’s got a really great sound.
I’ve then got an EP coming from an Australian artist after that, which is packed with really nice deep rolling grooves. I’m also working on a couple of collaborations with close friends that should end up on the label and a solo record from me too.