All Crews - New Blood
Book Chapters / Author Comments
Bailey 1Xtra: "Never let it be said that we don’t rep for the freshest unsigned talent."
The strength of new producers around the UK was demonstrated when Bailey arrived for his live 1Xtra slot without a single tune announcing, "This week’s show is going to be driven entirely by MP3s that you e-mail us." This gutsy, never attempted before move was like watching someone walk a tightrope – without a net. Within minutes the studio’s inundated.
Undercover Element’s "Frontline Pill" and Anger Management & Chef’s "Devil’s Time" was the kind of track with no end of interesting twists, turns and surprises. Listening to ‘Frontline’ and ‘Devils’ on headphones in the genteel surroundings of the British Library, it took much self-control not to brock out in the aisles.
DJ Massacre introduced a new producers slot similar to 1Xtra's. He rolled the tunes. The studio mobile went crazy. I texted, ‘Someone sign this guy immediately.’ Meanwhile, on Radio One Groove’s drowning in music from unsigned artists, imploring, "We’ve got to do something… something… with all these artists." Thankfully L Double's Cuttin' Room slot has morphed into 1Xtra's free DnB Download section. It’s become an arena for new artists to be heard and signed.
For ten years Hospital Records has continued nurturing a growing stream of international artists. And they've just launched the Med School imprint showcasing the deeper, techy, more experimental sounds coming from the likes of Brazilian genius SPY and Polish sorcerer CLS. Their former 'newcomer' High Contrast is topping the D&B chart with his remix of "Gold Digger". Labels can't afford to ignore the new blood.
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Words: Bryan Belle-Fortune
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