words Sixty Gelu

Rinse FM controller Alexander Nut hijacks the airwaves every Saturday with his ‘mixed nuts’ show. Broadcasting a diverse array of sounds, ranging from hip-hop, dubstep to soul; Alexander also co-runs Eglo records. He took a moment to check in with Beatnik to shine some insight into the label, and it’s function within the wider music marketplace.

Sam Shepherd (Floating Points) writing his PhD on “the neuroscience of pain.” How is the music put out by Eglo reflective of an intellectual appreciation of sound?

We don’t intellectualise things too much. I can’t deny that Sam’s interest in science somehow filters into his music. Ultimately, the academic subject matter is in his head, and that carves a method to his creative approach to making music. Sam is also a classically trained musician, with an extensive knowledge of jazz music. These aspects bleed into the sounds he creates in a big way.

As a selector for Rinse FM, what record labels inspire you personally?

Def Jam, Warp, and Stone’s Throw have always been inspirational.  There’s a raft of new labels too. Outlets like Lucky Me, and Clone have some cool stuff out at the moment. These labels function with a certain type of identity that extends beyond their artists.  There’s a bigger picture to their mission statement, and this really inspires me.

If there’s a creed behind Eglo, how can you interpret it in your words?

We all respect that there’s a connection between what each of the team does for the label, and their appreciation of certain types of musical frequencies. All of us at Eglo crossed paths out of the life choices we’ve made. Be it from doing Rinse FM, playing Plastic People, to hanging out at certain record stores. It’s a bit of Transformers dynamic in that respect!

When it comes to DIY labels, ‘Keeping it in the family’ can prove to be an effective working motto. With the likes of Funkineven and Shuanise on Eglo’s books, what acts would you like to have associated with your label?

We certainly have an extended family. People like Kyle Hall do a lot of material for us. The Nonsense Boys: the club night over at Plastic People, and the Deviation crew have strong ties with Eglo. Musically speaking, we appreciate where Mala’s coming from. Ultimately Eglo wants its own identity to ring out.

Label signing Fatima is breathing new life into soul music. Her record ‘Warm Eyes’ was produced by Dam Funk. How did this come about?

Fatima is a nomadic traveller. She goes around various countries doing her thing. And because her talent is sick, the interest around her spreads pretty quickly when she’s in town. She’s been listening to Dam Funk’s music for a long time. She contacted him, and the first time he came to the UK to play a gig he shouted her out, and they performed on stage together.

Both Fatima and yourself will be hosting sets with Ben UFO (Hessle Audio) at Neighbourhood #4 at Plastic People, Wednesday July 13^th. Which venues appeal best to Eglo’s artist stable?

There’s a club in Germany called Horst. We did an Eglo night there in Berlin. After Plastic People, that’s possibly my second favourite place on the planet to spin records. Horst has a similar vibe to Plastic People, and it’s a lot bigger. The sound system’s rigged in a different way and it sounds amazing!

The Internet age has led to a surge in self-run indie labels. How is Eglo making its mark in an industry that is more competitive than ever?

Our label has a hardcore contingency of fans that exists primarily through selling vinyl in record stores. We pride ourselves on establishing our artists off their own creative merit, without drumming up hype. This is what’s missing in the industry these days. We put out digital releases too, and there’s a genuine substance behind Eglo.

As a business, how many people make up Eglo’s workforce?

Basically Sam Shepherd and I run the label.  We have contributing artists and designers on board too. These are the people who make videos, and put together artwork for instance. We support the people around us, and pay them properly for running with us.  Our operation is very community based.

Key radio tastemakers like Giles Peterson, and Mary Anne Hobbs have touted Floating Points. How proactive was the label in enabling this?

We were extremely conscientious about this. The number one factor here is Sam’s music. No matter which label he’d have been signed to, eventually he was always going to get recognised. We were able to help one another because I already had All Young Kings Promotions set up then, before Eglo existed. I’ve been supporting his music since I’ve been with Rinse FM.

Can you give us an insight into future projects and releases?

The Eglo compilation is due for release. This is a double CD that has exclusive material on it. Expect new LP’s from Fatima, Funkineven and the new Floating Points album is going to be out sooner than you think. Our website is just about to go live, which will include our online store. We’ll have a digital video platform too. We also have a few special guests featuring on recordings that I’m not going to reveal…there’s a lot to expect from Eglo and its extended family!

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Eglo Records website