Drain Records

Drain Records the place where genres collide!

The label, initially set up up for an indie hip hop project, under the name “Swampfoot”, has developed into an anything goes electronica hub, where quality, not genre decide releases. If it’s underground and well produced then Drain maybe interested. Ignore the pigeon holes and make your own mind up. If it's good it's good! Drain Records, somethings are just black & white! 

DTO speaks with label owner Tohm Tronic about the history of the label and future projects.

What is the ethos behind your label?

Drain records is about breaking down barriers. Ignoring pigeon holes and letting the music do the talking. So many labels stick to one genre or even style in that genre and I just wanted to have the freedom to release what I wanted. The up coming tracks are quite minimal, housey affairs, whereas the the album before was a hip hop project. XL records have always been a label I admire due to their anything goes attitude. You know, as long as it’s good it’s good.

What Dj`s are supporting the music on your label?

Well we’re quite new in terms of releases, but Hauswerks is supporting the new [sic] release along with the Rugkutta boys. Also we’ve had loads of support on the hip hop album to mny to mention.

What artists do you have signed and are there any you have your eye on for the future?

We’ve just signed [sic] a new producer coming out of Bristol. We’ve got the Swampfoot boys onboard. Along with some future releases from myself. One for the future is Steve Sessions and his Misters Meaner project. Some really cool stuff gonna be coming from them. Also I’m proud to have IO on board. A Three piece instrument band where live sounds meet electronica. There debut album is something I’ve produced along Mr South and is going to be really special. Watch this space.

Will you be releasing vinyl as well as mp3's?

Well we put the Swampfoot album out on CD with a vinyl EP. The new tracks are going to be exclusive downloads on DTO and we’ll see about a vinyl release later in the year.

Give us three words that sum up the style of the music on the label.

Electronica, underground, alternative.

What other labels and artists are you feeling at the moment and why?

Wow tuff one as I love so much music. Feeling Hauswerks at the moment a really good producer who’s working he way through the ranks. Gotta love the J-tek crew and what they’re doing. Man i could go on all day.

How often will you be releasing music through dto?

At least a new EP every 8 weeks maybe more.

Does the label host any radio shows?

Yeah with my bro under the name Secret Society. Breaksfm.com Fridays 7-9pm.

Why did you decide to start a record label and do you think there are too many labels out there at the moment with the whole online mp3 sales?

Yeah there are to many labels out there but most are unprofessional with poor production etc. Don’t get me wrong some have great ideas but because it’s so easy to do to many do it to soon. Before they’ve cut their teeth properly if you know what I mean. DTO helps us keep away from the mediocre stuff and thats a good thing.

What are your thoughts on the J-Tek movement and where do you think it can go in the future?

Love it! Have a release out on J-Tek at the moment. Street Music EP. Sky’s the limit with this sound as it links genres and creates a fresh vibe, which is needed i think.

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