New electro labels are ten-a-penny, but not quite so often does something with as much clout as Sinden’s new label, Grizzly, come along. With a raft of tempting releases just begging to be Beatport hits, I caught up with Sinden to discuss everything from his motivations for starting Grizzly, to his views on what’s most important in running a new label.
What made you want to set up your own label?
To be able to curate releases has always been something that has appealed to me. It feels good to be in the middle of so much great music at the moment – it’s exciting. For me it’s all about putting out music that is forward thinking and to not get caught up in making ‘bangers’ or ‘beatport records’. Its important to push music that doesn’t sound typical or fomulaic.
Is it intimidating stepping up as a label boss rather than simply a DJ?
I wouldn’t say intimidating. I think releasing music is the same as spinning music in a club. Once you are seen as co signing a track you are judged accordingly. I’m more excited about what’s ahead to be worried about it, the early signs have been massively positive.
What sounds do you look to release with ‘Grizzly’? / what attracts you
to potential releases?
There isn’t a particular sound, i’m inspired by what’s around me so I see the label changing and evolving all the time. The sound is not confined or restricted by genres or tempos or anything. The label is about attitude and signing just great music. I’m trying to bring back what I loved about buying 12′s and dance records when I started collecting music. Things like stripping back the content on the single – limiting it to only a few tracks per release and only having 1 or 2 remixes is important. I think the idea about having a B side is pretty lost now. I loved getting Atlantic Jaxx singles and there was a weirder B side that wasn’t always a dance track. These days is about packing the release with second rate remixes that all sound the same as the original. That puts me off, i wouldn’t even want to listen to that.
Had you always planned to begin releasing other people’s music?
Yeah i’ve had a bit of experience with this when Switch and me set up our own label, Counterfeet, a few years back. I was bringing in talent which I feel is my strength so it was only a matter of time before I got my teeth into my own label.
Does Grizzly mark a change in sound for you or simply a new platform
for tracks you like?
I don’t ever feel i’ve had a particular sound even though i’ve unfairly been grouped into music scenes in the past – just look at the tracklisting on my radio show or my DJ sets. Grizzly is simply a platform for music that i buzz off and get excited about. It’s about grey area sounds, music that doesn’t fit in boxes and a cross pollination of styles. If remixes do feature, they’ll all be disparate and interesting. I’m sure if there are people that think I have a sound, the label will surprise a few.
Will your personal releases all come through Grizzly?
At the moment, Grizzly will be the platform for my releases. I don’t see the point in tactically saving my own solo productions for other labels.
What releases do you have forthcoming? How did you get involved with SBTRKT and Brodinski ?
Forthcoming there are debut releases from WAFA and Bassanovva, plus a lot of up and coming artists. SBTRKT is actually a friend of mine from a few years back. We used to buy records together and be into the same music. Its funny how its come full circle. Brodinski is someone who i’ve known through the music circuit. He sent me an email to see if I would be interested in his unsigned production ‘Arnold Classics’ and I immediately signed it up.
Was there any particular reason for choosing the name ‘Grizzly’?
Well since i’m a rap fan it derives from the saying ‘on my grizzly’, when describing a hustle mentality or hard work ethic. So I took that and shortened it to grizzly. Also I think it has an attitude about it which I like.
What are your aims with, and what’s the future for, Grizzly?
To keep releasing quality music and to build the profile of the label. My aim for the future is for Grizzly to share the ranks with the classic labels like Planet E, Moving Shadow, West End Records, Strictly Rhythm – thats my main motivation
Brodinski’s ‘Arnold Classics’ is out now on Grizzly Records.
