Leftback Records

Leftback Records

Why did you decided to start up Leftback?
The label was initially set up to release our own music. We just wanted a platform that was no fuss and where we would have total control over the releases in terms of the output and the schedule.

How would you describe the type of music that Leftback releases?
Stripped back house and techno music to dance to in dark basements.

To anyone reading this who isn't aware of you label, what's the one release we should listen to that best highlights the type of music you put out?
To get an overall perspective of the music on the label we would say check out Leftback Vol.1 which is a mix CD that’s just been released featuring lots of exclusive forthcoming records that go from dubby and downtempo to more dance floor tackle

Can you tell me how you go about releasing a record – do you approach people who you know or whose music you are in to? Or are you contacted by people asking if you can put their record out?
We get demos but mainly it’s an organic process. As mentioned we started releasing our own music and have brought in friends and people whose music we are into and have worked with in the past; people who make the right kind of music for the label.

You don’t focus specifically on Nottingham-based artists do you?
No - all of the artists on the label are from across Europe and we have just signed one from Chile although if someone from Nottingham approached us with the right sound we’d be happy to snap it up.

Which Leftback releases are you most proud of and why?
Apart from the recent CD, probably Leftback 003 [LB003]. This was the first time that we had someone else work with us on a release for the label. OCH supplied us with a remix and we introduced a new design to our releases from a graphic designer we started working with who now does all of our branding. Also the main track on the A side was special as it took around 13 attempts to mix down and around 10 different masters to get it right. The first pressing was sent back to the plant due to the bass distorting which actually turned out the needle we were testing the release on was knackered (Dudley’s fault) 

What’s the hardest part about running a record label?
Doing parties that run alongside releases causes us the most stress. Actually releasing music isn’t too bad as it’s mainly our own music and friends of the label so it’s a relatively laid back process we also work with a great designer and do the engineering and mastering ourselves so it’s quite nicely contained.

And what’s the best thing about it?
Having total control over the product from the music to the artwork and packaging and having the flexibility to do things exactly how and when you want to.

What’s your advice on anyone thinking of sending you music for possible release?
Listen to the label first, we get way too many demos from wannabe cake throwing idiots that send us music that sounds like a skeleton wanking in a biscuit tin and absolutely nothing like anything we’ve ever released. Don’t just send us links with no info, actually take the time to tell us about yourself and what you’re up to and you’ll most definitely get a nice reply.

Do you have any tips for anyone thinking of starting up their own record label?
Get a durable filo fax and a good pen that’s comfortable to write with. Write everything down as you could have the best ideas in the world but that’s no good to anyone if you can’t remember what they are later down the line.

Where can we buy / hear Leftback releases?
All of the tracks are online on our Soundcloud and YouTube pages but you can buy releases from all good stores including Rough Trade in Nottingham.

What does the future hold for Leftback?
More records, good music and a fully stocked online record shop.

Leftback x Fly City takes place at Saltwater on Saturday 19 September 2015. Facebook event.

Leftback Records website