Top 5 Young Labels To Watch

They say the age of the simple imprint is over. And, if most of the market leaders are anything to go by, that seems to be true.

Gone are the days wherein underground dance was dominated by near anonymous imprints. Because the never-ending choice of digital means marketing is a must, so now brands press vinyl (or at least convert to high quality download files), while also promoting parties, selling t-shirts and pushing a wider business model. It’s a daunting world to jump into, with new businesses easily becoming bottomless money pits.

But, despite such difficulties, brave folk from across the world are still setting up shop with a view to delivering fresh sounds for the ever-burgeoning electronic scene’s faithful followers. Having been impressed with so many we thought it would be a good idea to choose five youthful labels well worth looking into thanks to their 2011 output, so have a read then check them out for yourself.

Elsewhere, Germany - www.musicelsewhere.com

Elsewhere’s third release arrives in November- an album from iftah & Elle P, the latter of whom has been responsible for the imprint’s first two singles. As fine purveyors of synth pop, genre-smashing, seriously devastating dancefloor remixes from the likes of Skinnerbox and Daypayk, and beautiful artwork the outfit more than makes the grade.

My Favourite Robot, Canada - www.myfavoriterobot.net

Now three years old My Favourite Robot’s output is far from infantile. That’s not too surprising though, what with Jared Simms, James Teej, and Voytek Korab heading up the Canadian imprint. Expect to find quality house music that’s both contemporary and timeless from the bossmen, Kenny Glasgow, Michael J Collins, Adultnapper, and more.

Latest tracks by My Favorite Robot Records

Items & Things, Germany - www.iheartitems.com

OK, so this isn’t so much a new label. But while being first established in 2006 Items & Things had something of a soft re-launch this summer, as Magda, Troy Pierce and Mark Houle left Richie Hawtin’s mega-label Minus to focus production and A&R energies into this one-time-side-project. Big plans are afoot in the next few months, so watch this space.

Latest tracks by itemsandthings

ManMakeMusic, UK -    www.manmakemusic.com

Aus Music and Hotflush man George FitzGerald might still be a relatively fresh face on the increasingly packed bass music scene but that’s not stopping him going it alone already. ManMakeMusic began life as a party in London, and earlier this year turned into a label sporting a sound that’s equal parts house, techno, garage, and dubstep.

Latest tracks by ManMakeMusic

DAR / DAR Digital, Russia -      www.darlabel.com

Denis A rules the roost at this Moscow-based label that has, for three years physically and a matter of months digitally, built a reputation for edgy mainroom house and techno. Recently studio work from Russian up and comers like Igor Cold has featured, as has Nick Muir, which should give you a better idea of the sound this camp is sporting.

Latest tracks by DAR Label