Exclusive Interview: Martin Ikin Launches Know Where Records

Martin Ikin, has long been known for his ability to bridge innovation with musical depth. Now, he’s embarking on a new chapter with the launch of Know Where Records, a label that aims to take tech-house to new heights. Through his visionary ethos and love for music, Ikin is inviting listeners to journey alongside him as he redefines what a tech-house label can be. In an exclusive Q&A, Ikin dives deep into the motivations, the sound, and the creative freedom he envisions for his new imprint.

Starting a label has been on Ikin’s mind for years, going back to the early 2000s when he closed his first venture, Soul Purpose Records. “It’s been something I’ve wanted to start for a very long time,” he explains. Though he knew he’d eventually return to running his own label, the timing had never felt quite right — until now. Collaborating with Toolroom, a powerhouse in electronic music, he finally saw an opportunity to make the dream a reality. “When the opportunity to collaborate with the Toolroom team on a new label came, I knew this was the right time and the right team to make this the best it can be,” Ikin shares.

The name Know Where Records holds a particular significance for Ikin, representing his creative philosophy in a playful, thought-provoking way. He enjoys names that spark curiosity, pushing listeners to uncover deeper meanings. “I love names that are a play on words, and the more common phrase when spoken is No Where,” he explains. “So when you realize it’s KNOW WHERE, it hopefully makes you think about it a bit more and then makes you ask the question, why is it called that?” For Ikin, the label’s name invites listeners to decide for themselves what Know Where represents, an open-ended approach that mirrors his passion for creative exploration.

Ikin’s extensive experience in tech-house — both as a DJ and a producer — has profoundly shaped the musical direction of Know Where Records. Known for his boundary-pushing sound and knack for creating memorable club anthems, Ikin intends to extend this same philosophy to the artists he signs. He describes himself as both selective and open-minded, looking not only for tracks he personally loves but also for innovative ideas that surprise him. “Obviously my personal journey in music will influence the label in the sense that I will be the A&R, so it’s going to be stuff I like to play,” he says. “But not only that, I’m keeping my ears open for anything exciting and fresh and boundary-pushing. When I hear ideas in music that I wouldn’t have thought of, it really excites me.”

The debut release, Out of My Head, a collaboration with Grant Nelson, perfectly embodies this ethos. Ikin describes how the track wasn’t initially intended as the launch single for his label; instead, it was a natural, unpressured product of two friends reuniting in the studio after years apart. “It was never made with the intention or pressure of being the first release on my new label. It was just my friend and I getting together in the studio for the first time since 2008 and seeing what we would come up with,” he recalls. “As it turns out, it was something that I started playing straight away and got amazing reactions every time, even though it was an unknown track.” After playing it for the Toolroom team, everyone agreed it was the ideal choice to introduce the world to Know Where Records.

In a market where new music is constantly emerging, Ikin is determined to prioritize quality over quantity. His commitment to a high standard of artistry is at the heart of the label’s mission. “In a world of musical saturation, especially in the dance music world, I believe the best policy is not to release music just to keep up with a schedule, but to release music only when the quality control is met, only when there is something special about the release,” he explains. This approach reflects Ikin’s deep respect for the craft and his desire to deliver music that resonates. “This is not a money-making project; this is a music-loving project.”

Ikin is known for his meticulous “road-testing” approach, a method that will continue to shape the releases on Know Where Records. For years, he’s rigorously tested tracks in clubs before officially releasing them, ensuring they connect with live audiences in the way he envisions. “It’s a tried-and-tested method for all of my own releases that lets me know the tracks are fit for the purpose they are made for… the club!” he says. In today’s fast-paced music landscape, where tracks often go from studio to streaming in a matter of weeks, Ikin’s commitment to road-testing sets him apart. “Having a strict road-testing stage is crucial,” he notes. “If things need tweaking, then they will be tweaked.”

Ikin envisions Know Where Records as more than just a label; he wants it to be a bold, pioneering force in tech-house. To him, pioneering isn’t about following trends — it’s about pushing them forward. “You can only be bold if you’re pioneering, and you can only be pioneering if you’re moving things forward, which means not making or releasing the same record over and over,” he says. For Ikin, every release is an opportunity to challenge the status quo and explore new creative territory.

The support of influential figures like James Hype and Chris Lake has already helped to establish the label’s reputation in the industry. Ikin recognizes the value of this endorsement. “People always look up to the big names,” he observes. “If those people like, support, or endorse your music, then it’s a huge help in spreading the word.” With this level of backing, Know Where Records is poised to reach a global audience, attracting both seasoned fans of tech-house and new listeners alike.

While the focus of Know Where Records will always be on quality music, Ikin has exciting plans for the future that extend beyond music releases. He hints at potential collaborations, including both emerging and established artists, while remaining tight-lipped about specifics. But fans can also expect more than just music from Know Where — Ikin has plans to launch exclusive merchandise and even host branded events. “Beyond music, we have plans in place for some super cool merch, which I personally can’t wait for. And, of course, our very own parties,” he shares, inviting fans to join him on this journey.

With Know Where Records, Martin Ikin is bringing more than a new label to the tech-house scene; he’s crafting an experience that celebrates creativity, quality, and an unwavering passion for music. Through this project, Ikin hopes to foster a community of like-minded artists and fans, united by a shared love for innovation and authenticity. In his words, “Will you be going Know Where with us?”