Label Focus – Dr Dubplate’s ec2a

Dr’s orders

WHAT’S THE NAME OF YOUR LABEL, AND WHO RUNS IT?

ec2a and it was founded by Dr Dubplate 

WHEN & WHY DID THE LABEL START?

During Lockdown, I didn’t get furloughed so I thought now is the time to do something. Having been involved in music for the past decade plus my dad’s links to Plastic People. I thought it’s now or never. I got £250 together for a brand pack from a mate and basically I just set up ec2a from my living room as a record label. 

GIVE US A BRIEF SUMMARY OF WHAT YOU’VE RELEASED SINCE THEN….

The list is vast with a number of series of diffrent releases over the five years from digital only series, Original Pirate Material (OPM), Bootleg Bandits, the VA and our USB. Our Dubplate series will reach 100 in the summer with artist who have released including N4TEE, IsGwan, Waxx Off to name a few. Our digital only series has included likes of Thelma who is seeing likes of Alarico playing her track, Club Angel, Silva Bumpa. The list goes on but over the years we have released Main Phase, Bakey, Interplanetary Criminal, Introspekt and so many more.

WHAT QUALITIES ARE YOU LOOKING FOR IN THE MUSIC YOU RELEASE?

For all tracks we pride ourselves on working with artists that use unique sample choices within their music. As well as individuality which comes through their production, making it unique to the artist and their sound. 

Interesting to see how people are able to reuse the same samples and strictures but the track gives their own flare and creativity.

Considering the heavy use of samples throughout the music the label showcase, Interesting to see how people are able to reuse the same samples and structures to give their own flare and creativity to them.

WHAT KIND OF VISUAL IDENTITY DOES THE LABEL HAVE (ARTWORK, VIDEOS ETC) ?

Over the years ec2a has formed an asthetic which gives homage to my youth with the MSN, Y2K era and this is reflected within everything we do. With every piece of animation or artwork, there will be specific elements implemented linked to artist but also aligning with this theme. 

WHAT’S BEEN YOUR BIGGEST SELLING RELEASE TO DATE?  TELL US A BIT ABOUT IT AND WHY YOU THINK IT WAS SO POPULAR.

Cotto – Bring Tha Hard House from a digital perspective.
Vinyl wise probs one of the latest Bootleg Banditz.

IF YOU COULD SIGN ANY ARTIST, ALIVE OR DEAD, WHO WOULD YOU CHOOSE AND WHY?

Quincy Jones, he is the legit GOAT.

WHICH OTHER LABELS DO YOU ADMIRE AND WHY?

Hardline Sounds as it’s our boy DJ Cosworth label. Similar to ec2a it’s fully independent and really making moves in the industry. Bringing through of emerging talent from across the speed garage, tech house and techno scene.

WHAT CAN WE LOOK TO FROM YOUR LABEL NEXT?

We will be continuing to release tracks and working with emerging and established artist. We have a lot in the pipeline that’s super exciting. We are also doing more events to showcase the artists that have been part of our journey over the five years plus our merch game coming in strong for the summer drop