Each month we’ll be taking you on a tour of our favourite labels, from old school House mainstays to little-known vinyl-only imprints and selecting some prime cuts from their catalogues to help you navigate the musical spectrum.
We’ve decided to kick things off with one of our favourite labels – Phantasy
Erol Alkan, Daniel Avery, Ghostculture, Connan Mockasin.. Phantasy is a label that let’s it’s quality output do the talking. Home to a heavyweight selection of talent, we felt it was the perfect way to start the series.
Since it’s conception in 2007, Erol Alkan’s London-based label has grown from strength to strength. Weaving it’s way through the electronic and alternative scenes alike, deliberately not settling for either but rather creating a platform for open-minded music lovers to find brilliant new sounds. Phantasy’s catalogue stands to be diverse in genre, consistent in quality. Newbies prepare to be constantly surprised (even challenged) but never disappointed and certainly not bored. Welcome to Phantasy.
Must Hear: Daniel Avery – ‘All I Need (Roman Flügel Remix)’
Phantasy are well-known for their eclectic and brilliant remix A&R and this one was no exception. A genre-bending cut from a master of the scene, Flügel’s take on the ‘Drone Logic’ track was the soundtrack to Bestival’s Bollywood tent last year. It dominated the Beatport charts, finding itself equally at home in the record bags of Electronica DJs, Techno selectors and House veterans.
New Blood: Cowboy Rhythmbox – ‘The Natives Are Having Us For Dinner Tonight’
Taken from Cowboy Rhythmbox ‘Fantasma’, this is a weighty, cerebral, down-tempo slice of percussive goodness that’s layered with synths and contrasted with subtle vocals that’s at once confusing and pleasing and an all-out assault on the ears, in a good way.
Words & selections: Ysanne Reid
cafe1001.wordpress.com 