Pretty Neat Records is a non-profit digital label, set up to raise money for the UK mental health charity Mind. They release a wide range of electronic music, from d&b and dubstep, to techno, electronica and breaks.

When did your label begin & why was it set up?
The label was set up in 2010, but the idea had been around a lot longer. Initially the concept was to release our own music, but after the death of a close friend who suffered with mental health issues, the idea was put forward to use the label to raise money for Mind, raise awareness about mental health issues and to give upcoming artists a platform to release their work.

Who is involved with running it?
The label is run by a close group of like-minded individuals who appreciate good music: Aaron Kemp (Managing Director), Simon Green (Distribution / Web), Stephen Howe (Promotions & Events), Samuel Batt (A&R), Kay Leathers (Press & Media), Michaela Rush (Events / Merchandise / Cakes) and Josh Russell (Press & Media).

What other labels, new or old, have inspired you?
Good Looking, Hyperdub, Buzzin Fly, Warp, Soul:R and too many others to mention...

Tell us more about your key artists...
Petradex and Leumas are our two key dnb acts - both amazing producers and both producing a range of tracks from minimal to techy.

Altimeter and Kurt R will be providing the dubstep tracks. Both are bass-weight producers with a love for the original combination of dub basslines and 2-step drums - the way it should be.

Other key members of the Pretty Neat family are Sol & Sample, Torgo, Stavros, Organic Matter and Warsawa. Expect to see many more names on the Pretty Neat roster in the very near future.

What do you look for in potential artists?
Passionate, unique producers; someone with their own take on a sound. Any new and refreshing music from a wide range of styles.

What's the ethos behind the label?
To draw attention to mental health issues with quality electronic music and to not be limited by the constraints of a normal record label. Any bpm, any genre and no need to make money - just to release good music.

What have been your biggest releases to date?
Our first release Pretty Neat Collective Vol. 1 was a 4-track compilation EP intended to represent the variety of music on the label. The release was well-received; Altimeter's Vee was featured in the Juno Dubstep Podcast, and Sol & Sample's Do You See reached no. 48 in the Beatport Minimal Chart.

What do you have coming out soon?
Leumas - Miss-Takes EP (dnb), Torgo - I Am Torgo EP (mongstep), Point & Petradex - Mass Shift EP (dnb), Matskie - Don't Lose It EP (breaks), Kurt R - Solace in Sound (dubstep) and Sol & Sample - Mr Saturn EP (techno)

Anything else you want to tell us about?
We would like to invite anyone who enjoys new music and agrees with our cause to look us up at our website. We are always looking for fresh sounds so if there are any budding producers out there who are willing to contribute, please contact us!

 

Pretty Neat Sampler by Pretty Neat Records

Related Links:

• Raising Money For A Good Cause
• BCee Grows Tash For Charity
• Instra:mental Start Another New Label
• Raising Hope
• Instra:mental - Resolution 653 LP Preview

Like it? Share it!
Sign up for more with the Kmag weekly newsletter.