Label Profile: Immerse Records

Label Profile: Immerse Records

30 June, 2010 | 8.38AM

• Written by: Beatportal
• Filed under: Music News: breakbeat, bristol, drum & bass, immerse, kidkut, kontext, trg

Founded in 2006 by the DJ/producer Kidkut, the Immerse label traverses the darkened passageways linking dubstep, drum & bass, breakbeat, and techno. It’s steeped in the musical history of Bristol—home to many of bass culture’s most exciting mutations over the years—but it’s hardly stuck in place, with a roster that ranges from Russia to South Africa to San Francisco.

The roster is unusual in other ways, as well. While Immerse has featured heavy-hitters like Benga and Horsepower Productions, many of the label’s releases have been given over to relatively obscure names, often presenting their debut release. But it’s also become a meeting point for artists affiliated with other labels as well: October, Sigha, Gatekeeper, Appleblim, and TRG have all lent their efforts towards giving Immerse its unpredictable (yet remarkably consistent) sound.

We asked Kidkut about the origins of the imprint, its roots in Bristol, and what advice he has for labels just starting up. Read on—don’t miss Kidcut’s selection of 10 essential Immerse tracks at the article’s end—and dive deep into the world of Immerse.

Numaestro & 23Hz, ‘Galleon Dub’

Stylistically, Immerse has ranged from dubstep to drum & bass to techno. What is it about a given track that makes you decide it’s right for Immerse?

Whatever is signed to the label is a indication of what I have been listening and playing six months prior, that’s my A&R process. I wouldn’t say there’s anything specific I look for, but I’ll consider the idea ahead of the technical side, as that can be worked upon (to some extent).

In the past few years, dubstep has gone through a series of identity crises. Do you consider yourselves a dubstep label, and if not, how do you describe the music that you guys put out?

I consider Immerse a music label aimed at representing breakbeat and sub culture, and it’s within that spectrum that the music we put out resides.

Andy Skopes, ‘Otis Drumfunk’

Your first release featured Benga, and you’ve also had Horsepower Productions do remixes for you. Was the “nu dark swing” sound of early ‘00s garage a big influence for you?

I have a great love for swung and syncopated beats, going back to jazz and right through to modern day garage. I can’t get enough of the classic breaks and drummers like Bernard Purdie, I always want that groove present in my music.

How important is Bristol to Immerse’s identity?

I think it’s been (and continues to be) important in its development rather than identity. I have lived here for 12 years and most of my friends have gone on to do really interesting things in a variety of scenes. That, coupled with the scene here, has really helped the label’s spirit of invention and development.

Borg, ‘Frogman’

With the exception of Kontext and TRG, most of the releases on the label are one-offs, at least so far—in fact, I’m pretty sure you’ve got more artists on the label than you have releases in your catalog. Where do you find your artists—are they friends? Do they send in demos? And will you be focusing on developing particular artists at any point?

In the beginning they were people who I booked to play at nights I used to run or friends. Now we have been around a little longer it’s sometimes been artists I’ve approached who I have admired or have approached myself. Stan (Kontext) is an artist I was amazed by and wanted to get fully behind. There a couple more artists that I’ll be looking to do this with going into next year so keep your eyes peeled!

Which record labels most inspired Immerse?

Certificate18, Goodlooking, Metalheadz, and most important of all, Reinforced Records. The latter are responsible for so many artists and genres/sub-genres it’s quite incredible.

TRG, ‘They Know’

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned in four years of running the label, and what advice would you give to someone starting a label today?

Have a plan but don’t be afraid to change your mind if something doesn’t work out. Don’t plan your releases too far ahead. Always make sure you do everything you say will. Always make sure an artist sees some money, even if it’s only a token amount to begin with. A non-commercial route and success are not mutually exclusive, they’re just more difficult. Only put out music you love.

Do you do label showcases, have regular events, etc.? How does Immerse manifest itself beyond the music?

We have done nights in the past—I used to promote a few in Bristol—and we were doing a radio show, but with working on my own productions those have had to take a back seat (I also have a 9-5). You can book me or any of our artists to play, just drop us a line at bookings [at] immerserecords.com.

Kontext, ‘Convex Curved Mirror’

What’s the significance of the insect in your logo?

When I first set up the label I hired a company, Dirty Design, to come up with a theme and brand that represented the label name and concept. I liked the beetle insignia the most so they went about designs around that.

What do you have in store for your fifth anniversary, and what new talents will you soon be unleashing upon the world?

For our fifth anniversary next year (it’s actually May 26), I’m planning on doing a one-off event with all the label artists; haven’t decided where yet, though, as it’s a little while off. New artists to look out for would be Cloak & Dagger, more from Asusu, a really exciting project from Manaboo (Brendon Moeller & Shigeru Tanabu), and I’ll be dropping a few bits myself.

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