Label Nothing Else Matters have launched a brand-new Home series with its first release from Josh Butler’s new alias Denton. Under the banner of the new Home series, Nothing Else Matters are switching gear to release records more suited to home listening, an initiative that rose from the continued closure of clubs. The focus is set around productions that are eclectic and vocal-focussed yet still categorised as electronic.
The Denton project also came about for the same reasons, and is now launched alongside singer Lauren L’aimant with their brand-new single ‘Give It Up’. Over a timeless 4/4 beat complete with nostalgic stabs, crisp drums, deep bass rolls and delicate melodic flourishes, Lauren’s vocal is rich and alluring. ‘Give It Up’ is a glorious debut, and a tantalising glimpse at what Denton has planned for the coming months.
During the lockdown period, Josh Butler worked in collaboration with a variety of vocalists and is set to release many more vocal-focussed productions under his new pseudonym. His records as Josh Butler will be firmly fixed in the deep and tech house domain where he has created a solid following over the last few years.
Lauren L’aimant has performed across the globe in live shows alongside renowned acts such as Icarus, Rüfüs Du Sol, Cubicolor and Lane 8 as well as securing releases with leading labels Anjunadeep and Toolroom amongst many others. She creates songs that are relatable, soulful and heartfelt, and her work on ‘Give It Up’ is no exception.
We spoke with Josh Butler about his new alias and the collaboration with Lauren L’aimant. Enjoy!
WWD: Hello Josh, and welcome back to When We Dip!
Good to be back, thank you guys.
WWD: Let’s dive straight into your new alias, Denton. What can you tell us about it?
The idea behind Denton is to have an outlet that allows me to explore more song based dance tracks. People who have followed my career will know theres sometimes been an element of vocals there but this gives me a platform to really dive into songs and more traditional arrangements. I will of course continue to make underground house and techno under my own name, Josh Butler.
WWD: Why did you feel the time was right to release music under a different name?
Its something I’ve thought about for a few years, dividing my styles into separate projects however I just didn’t have the time before, I was on the road for most of 2019. Of course 2020 has been much different and given me much more studio time.
WWD: What was it like working with Lauren on the record?
An absolute pleasure. I love working with Lauren, you can expect a few more collaborations from us for sure!
WWD: Did you get a chance to meet or was it all done remotely?
Unfortunately we couldn’t meet, in fact couldn’t technically leave out houses as we were in lockdown when we wrote ‘Give It up’.
WWD: Was Nothing Else Matters the obvious choice of label for this record?
Yeah, Danny and his team at NEM were the first to get the demo so Im thrilled we could make the debut Denton release happen together! Hopefully the first of many.
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WWD: Does this mean we can expect more music from Denton… is there any more stuff in the bad already?
Without a doubt, already working on a few ideas. Its now a case of finishing them and picking the best ones.
WWD: Aside from Denton, what has kept you busy for the last few months, and what can we expect for the rest of the year?
My next solo release under Josh Butler is out now on Solid Grooves, then October I’ll release an EP on my own label Origins Rcrds. Im starting to get bookings for these socially distanced events and there are talks of real tours commencing in 2021.
WWD: Finally, what’s your favourite record released under an alias by a well-known artist?
Kerri Chandler had an alias called Dick Dickler. I highly recommend you check out the ‘A night with Dick’ EP. Absolutely hilarious samples at the start of them too, brilliant house music with some comedy gold at the beginning.