Firstly, when did the
label begin and what is the purpose of the label?
The label has been a project I have been dreaming to get off the ground
for a while now. I probably came up with the concept back in 2005 (which
was around the same time I started getting into the production side of
djing). I was so inspired by the possibilities
of electronic music, and all the cool toys and software that could make noise
from a computer, that I was instantly attracted to it all. I was very excited to learn and absorb any
aspect related to the music, and with this keen interest I wanted to learn what
was involved in the business side of the music, too.
I came up with the basic idea to start a label as a platform to
showcase my own music as I wanted to, without having to conform to another
labels "sound" or expectations.
Slowly along the way to setting
up my business (through completing my studies, and saving up every cent to
spend on gear to setup my studio) I was exposed to meeting a lot of cool local
DJ's. Through gigging and attending cool
events and kick ons, I soon realised there were a lot of passionate, motivated
and switched on underground artists in Sydney whose sound and productions were
really cool, vibing and steering their musical endeavors in the same direction
as myself.
Building friendships with these rising DJ's in the scene, expanded the
focus of the label to not only include, but pride itself on focusing to release
and support Australian and local talent as one of our prime functions.
How did the Trojan theme
come about?
Well my father is Greek, and growing up I was exposed to a lot of Greek
culture, so from a young age I fell in love with all the fables, stories and
myths I was taught - tales of mighty feuding Gods, mythological beasts, great
warriors, and epic voyages. I especially
loved these stories as told over the years through artistic impressions
(whether it be an ancient painted vase, a classic poem, or a modern Hollywood
movie production).
With my love of this culture, it was inevitable to use an ancient Greek
theme for my branding concept. Armed
with all these stories, myths, creatures and Gods, I had access to an endless
supply of content for theming which I could use in a variety of ways - from
release names, to release artwork, to merchandise, to future special projects,
to competitions. That way I can use the
legends behind the music to further affirm the branding direction of the label.
Although branding is quite insignificant in contrast to the quality of
the music being released, I think it is vital to apply some extra attention to
the vision of the label to enhanced how the music is received in an over
saturated market.
What artists are
involved and what is your process in finding new artists?
Because the label isn't confined to a definitive "sound" per
se, I have a slightly broader musical acceptance of who I can sign. That doesn't mean I will start signing
artists outside the underground house and techno staples, but it does give me a
little more freedom to accommodate a wider range of artists.
I receive alot of demos from around the world, some are good, most are
not, and many dont even fall into our genres! but I have found the best way was
through Soundcloud and Facebook.
Basically if I heard something I liked and that I would play and
support, I would contact the artist, and tell them my intentions to release
their music on the label, or to complete a remix for us, or to send through
some new un-released work that they were looking to sign.
Current local artists on the label are Jaded, Cameron Cooper, YokoO,
Dan Baartz, myself and very soon Scuba Stew & Blake Brown, and Dean
Relf. We also have some really excited
DJ's from Sydney that will be joining the Trojan clan in 2014!
International artists include, Panos, Sami Wentz, Inxec, Vanilla Ace
& Donny Bravo, Dustin Nantais, Gutto Serta, Murat Uncuoglu, Spennu, Paolo
Driver, Ozzi, Richard Empire, Sascha Sonido, S-ampel and Whim-ee. Again we have some high profile international
artists and fresh up-and-coming producers joining the clan next year.
Which labels and artists
have influenced and inspired THR?
So many artists and memories over the years, there might be too many to
list really... Basically any late 90's/
early 2000s housey stuff really forged my affinity with electronic music. So add Sandy Rivera, Praise Cats, Armand Van
Helden, Kings Of Tomorrow, Felix Da Housecat, ATFC, Knee Deep, Full Intention,
Junior Jack, Mousse T, Danny Krivit, Alan Braxe, Groove Armada to the
list.
Other artists doing cool things that inspired the label include
Homework, SIS, Argy, Butch, Julien Chaptal, Solomun, Maya Jane Coles, Detroit
Swindle, Hector Couto, Darius Syrossian, Bicep, Kevin Over, Marlon Hoffstadt,
George Fitzgerald, Gorge...
Further inspiration from labels include Rebirth, OFF, Bpitch Control,
Hot Creations, Great Stuff, Strictly Rhythm, Exploited, Get Physical, Noir
Music, and especially Beef, who are a smaller imprint but doing all the right
things to stay competitive with all the bigger boys out there!
Also Murat Kilic, not only as an artist but also as a business person,
whos successfull endeavours over the years proves that hard work, dedication
and commitment can be rewarded with a viable living from the small underground
music scene in Sydney.
The Medusa EP is your
first vinyl release, how often do you plan on releasing on vinyl?
Medusa is our debut vinyl release (THRV01), and each year we will be
releasing an exclusive four track 12" vinyl EP. Our vinyl EP focuses on
showcasing the versatility and avant garde side of the label with some truly
unique music which strays slightly from our usual dance floor oriented club
tunes. Each release, aptly named in ode
to ancient Greek mythological gods and creatures will feature two original
tracks from an artist whose style adopts unusual or unorthodox arrangements or
production techniques. Adding to the
strength of the release, each original will be accompanied by a powerful remix
by a Trojan House Records artist.
Where can people go to
hear music from THR?
Our new website is up! so check it out for all our latest music, news,
podcasts, exclusive interviews, merchandise and competitions. You can currently grab a **FREE** track off
the Medusa EP - Whim-ee (Feat. Coolwaiss) - Your Eyes (Panos Spanakopita mix)
if you sign up to the Trojan Mail newsletter this month!
Trojan House Records is invading your crate now!
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