It's fair to say the last six years have been pretty eventful for Futurebound and his Viper Recordings imprint. Now firmly established as one of the most influential labels on the scene after the release of nearly 20 singles and the collaboration with Matrix on best-selling album 'Universal Truth', the crew have just released their biggest project to date, the 'Acts of Mad Men' LP.

Featuring the likes of Shock One, DC Breaks, Brookes Brothers and Sigma among others, the four-part album has just hit the streets, with the first release by Camo & Krooked vs Body n Soul. Knowledge caught up with Futurebound to get the story behind the label so far.

2003  - After more than a decade at the forefront of the North West's dance music scene, Liverpool-born and bred producer Futurebound decided to go it alone.

"I was working at Infrared at the time with people like Accidental Heroes and Total Science and it just seemed like a good time to go out there on my own," he explains. "I'd been in the scene for a long time and never attempted it before but the interest in 'Blind Cobblers Thumb' and 'Pied Piper' from so many people persuaded me to give it a try."

That release with erstwhile production partner Jacquan set the tone for the label over the next couple of years. Tracks by J-Majik & Wickaman, Brookes Brothers, Baron, State of Mind and Moving Fusion helped to establish Viper as one of the leading imprints in its genre.

"At the start, we had a five-year plan to let everything develop but it all happened really quickly," says Futurebound. "I kept meeting like-minded producers like Matrix and I was also being sent tracks by people like Brookes Brothers so that gave us the opportunity to expand things. What's happening now wasn't really part of the plan. Originally it was going to be an outlet for me to release my music but having the label set up allowed me to release other people's material as well."

The discovery of Australian producer Shock One in 2006 was another step in the right direction for the label.

"Since then it has all come together really well. That was about the time that 'Universal Truth' came out and I think that coincided with a lot of other artists who were influenced by the album. I could see it all coming together at that point and it's great to see how we have all developed together. It's more than music now as well - we're all really good friends and I think that helps us to be so productive. Nowadays, everyone that I've signed for the label puts forward their ideas for how to develop things and that's the way we try to work it. All the guys draw on similar influences – we're all into very cinematic sounds. It's also good because it takes the pressure off me!"

But they're not planning to stop there. The launch of Viper VIP sister label has allowed Futurebound more freedom to explore other avenues, with several long-term projects set to blossom in the near future.    

"Looking ahead, everything is getting really busy because we've got the new DC Breaks EP in January, plus a new single from me and Matrix. Then it's the new Shock One album that's looking like it'll be ready by the spring. I want to try and make Viper more of a project-based label and save all the one-off tracks for our Viper VIP label. Things are ready to go up a few notches now because I think we need to be looking at producing albums - that is the future for us."

You can catch launch of Viper Recordings 'Acts of Madmen' LP at several locations in the UK and Europe this autumn. Check www.myspace.com/viperrecordings  

 

'Acts of Mad Men' part 1: Camo & Krooked Vs Body N Soul - The Reward / DC Breaks - Polar Bear in the Knowledge Download Store

Futurebound's 5 most influential Viper releases

1. Futurebound - Blind Cobblers Thumb / Pied Piper (2003)
When most of the scene's leading players were starting or ending their sets with both of these cuts and many of them asking to release it, I knew it was the time to launch a label.

2. J-Majik & Wickaman - Fleshwound / Roadrunner (2004)
It was important the second release was strong after the success of 'Blind Cobbler' / 'Pied Piper', and two of my good mates certainly helped me out here by giving me two blinding cuts to release. They still sound great today.

3. Matrix & Futurebound - Universal Truth LP (2007)
This was one of the most enjoyable periods of making music I've ever had. Myself and Matrix were on an amazing roll and as it was my first album after all this time in the game it made it all the more special.

4. Shock One - The Shock One EP (2009)
It's been a pleasure to work with this guy, and I feel proud when I see all the Viper family reaping the rewards for their hard work and talent. This EP is a perfect example of what Viper represents in d&b and if you thought this was good, just wait for his album to drop in 2010!

5. Various Artists - Acts of Mad Men LP (2009)
A wise man (my dad) once told me life was a marathon not a sprint, and that you get the best results from taking time, care and attention. This is has taken most of this year to put together and is the start of even greater things for the label.

 

• Futurebound
,
• Viper Recordings

Related Links:

• Looking Back Looking Forward: Futurebound
• Matrix & Futurebound Go Worldwide
• Viper Recordings Launch Digital Label
• ShockOne To Release Relapse
• 101 (Aug 2008)

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