With 2014 coming to a close, we caught up with our good friends Soundspace to get the lowdown on a big year, how to swing a feature, the budding Belfast dance scene and their major plans for the coming twelve months. With Soundspace already a well established media and YouTube platform, 2015 will see it delve into the label business, we’ve got all the details and more below!
WWD : Soundspace has come a long way in the last year but tell us about what inspired you to get it started?
Thank you, I guess it started after several failed attempts at running channels, promoting tracks without permission and ignoring YouTube’s guidelines. After many issues with copyright and claims, I decided to launch a channel that would only feature music and images that we got full written permission for, after around a year of running the channel, the site seemed like a logical next step and here we are.
WWD : 2014 has been a big year, what would make 2015 a success for you guys?
Our label is just about to launch early next year, so having some releases chart on Beatport or Juno would be nice, I also want to take things to a new level with our mix series, I’m working hard to secure amazing guests, though it’s very hard when you aren’t Mixmag or Fact Mag.
WWD : We hear big things are in the pipeline with regards to a label?
Yes, our first release will be coming in either January or February, it features three massive tech tracks from Berlin’s CutOff!CutOff!, we also have a remix EP to follow, just back from mastering which feature remixes from JC Williams, Bodné, Fede Lng and BlackGirl/WhiteGirl. We’re also talking to some amazing producers like Tom Ferry and Fion, so hopefully you’ll see something from them in 2015 also. Part of the reason for starting the label is from the frustration of seeing how badly some PR agencies and labels handle the artist behind the release, you have these labels putting out 40 tracks per year, but they have less than 1,000 followers on Soundcloud and they probably sell 20 copies per release, we are working hard to set up our own proper PR, we want to bring as many followers and new fans to the artists as possible, and build strong relationships with outside platforms, Black Butter and MTA Records are two of my favourite labels for this reason, it’s not just about selling some records and moving onto the next release, it’s about building a family vibe and launching peoples careers.
WWD : When you’re wading through the promos and demos, what do you look for in an EP/track if it’s to be featured by you guys?
When I open a submission, I go straight for the link, without reading any press or ‘hype’. After hitting play I usually know within the first 30 seconds if I’ll feature it, if it’s not technically great, I reply to the email and let the person know that there ideas are good, but their mixing knowledge etc just isn’t there yet. If I like it or I’m not sure, I’ll play it a few more times, and if I’m sold on it, I’ll request more info on what placements are available etc.
WWD : You’ve got S.Jay & Ostertag compiling your year mix what can you tell us about that?
We had the guys in for a mix earlier this year, it blew up and is almost at 13,000 plays. So when looking for a year mix it seems like the smart thing to do in asking them back. They have to stick to tunes released in 2014, but the track list is their decision, so I’m anxious to see what they come up with.
WWD : We were lucky enough to visit Belfast recently and the city was vibing. How would you describe the house & tech music scene there at the moment?
Great, there’s a lot of people releasing on labels both local and international, for a city of less than 300,000 the music scene is strong.
WWD : Any local talent worth keeping an eye on?
Lots, JC Williams, OneKnown, Vagrant and of course there’s the bigger guys like Bicep who have given people a new appreciation for Belfast.
WWD : We’re closing out the year so some quick-fire questions for you!
Your Top live performance in 2014?
SHED at Tw!tch.
Your Top three tracks of 2014?
Joy Wellboy – Before The Sunrise (Dixon Remix)
Recondite – Levo (Club Mix)
Sia – Chandelier
3 guys you expect to turn heads in 2015?
Tom Ferry
Cristoph
OneKnown