Ingredients Records is a label set-up and run by DJ Psylence. He releases drum & bass on both vinyl and digital formats from up-and-coming artists, alongside established producers but all with one thing in common - deep vibes.

Ingredients: stands for what Psylence believes to be the "Ingredients that make up the true drum & bass sound". But as a unique twist to the idea, every vinyl release will come with a free recipe card from the producer, for you to try out at home. We spoke to Psylence to find out more...

How did the record label initially start up?

It's something I've always wanted to do. I've been a DJ for ten years and buying hardcore / drum & bass since 1991. Having worked in and around London for a long time I felt the next step was to start a label. A friend of mine, Phobia, hooked me up with his friend Sato. He sent me three or four things but it was his track Barn which I knew straight away was the tune to start the label with and it went from there.

What styles of drum & bass do you release?

Having been into this music for so long, pretty much since its inception, I couldn't possibly go down one route musically. I welcome all styles of the music, it's purely down to the vibe. I'm either into it or I'm not and that's how I choose which tracks I want. Basically I always ask myself "Would I play this in a club?"

Do you have any plans to merge into other musical genres?

At this stage no, but I love techno, so who knows what will happen. If I got sent the right music then I probably would, but I don't really move around in the techno circles so this isn't on the agenda for now.

Can you give us a taste of some of the artists you have signed...

First was Sato, he's from Newcastle and has a real old Bristol style to his music. Then there's Mode from Manchester way. He comes from an electronica background, influenced by Warp Records and I love his fresh approach to drum & bass. Recently I've signed Skeptical from London who I'm really in tune with. Everything he makes I'm into, literally everything! Forthcoming there is Bristol's Pessimist and DBR UK from Luton, who are making some quality music.

Tell us about some of the bigger name producers you've signed tracks from...

Although most of the releases have been by relative unknowns, I have actually also released a 12" by Spirit and also Phobia. Jubei also did Recipe002 (alongside Cern), just before Metalheadz snapped him up. So the catalogue already boasts some household names. I do enjoy trying to discover new artists though, that's a real buzz, so being honest, I didn't want to just buy my way into recognition and sign tunes off artists that loads of other labels have, I like a challenge in my life, and that would be too easy. The door is always open though, whoever the producer is.

What's this recipe thing you're introducing with each vinyl?

Well, with the label name Ingredients I thought it'd be cool to incorporate something to do with food. Being an ex-chef and having a love for food and music I thought this was a perfect balance. So yeah, with each release, I get the artist to submit a 12" and a recipe of their favourite food. I then get some cards printed up and spend hours slipping them in to each record sleeve. It's great for the artist and it gives their fans a little bit more back. If it inspires people to cook then that's a great bonus too!

Are there any plans to further develop the label such as running club nights and such or is it a bit too early yet?

Well it's been running now since August 2009 and we're on Recipe008. It's only a year old so it's early days. But I think the logical step is to start a night, perhaps in 2011 and also the first compilation album is in the making for next year too. There are a lot of avenues I'm going to take so it's interesting times at Ingredients records.

How has the birth of Ingredients been received so far?

It's been better than expected. There are so many labels in drum & bass and it's hard to make your mark, especially as I'm no big name behind it. But the music I've been sent has been great and it's what counts at the end of the day. The recipe idea has been positive too, I've had loads of good feedback on that, even some people emailing me to find out what the next recipe will be!

Words by James Barclay

Download Psylence's Ingredients Records guest mix

 

Tracklisting

1. Equinox - Your loves too cold - Subtle Audio (dub)
2. System - Peach Fuzz - Exit Records
3. Soul Intent - Coming Down - Ingredients Records (dub)
4. Skeptical - Transfer - Ingredients Records
5. Sato - Detroit lies bleeding - Ingredients Records (dub)
6. Spy - Rebirth - Soul:r
7. Total Science, Spy & Lenzman - Narrow Margin - SubtitlesUK (dub)
8. Sato - Barn - Ingredients Records
9. Pessimist - Zulu - Ingredients Records (dub)
10. Jubei - The Path - Ingredients Records
11. Skeptical - Cold One - Ingredients Records (dub)
12. Consequence & Instra:mental - Reflex Reaction - Exit Records
13. Skeptical - Dream Police - Ingredients Records (dub)
14. Mode - Stats - Ingredients Records

• Ingredients Records

Related Links:

• DJ Psylence Starts New Deep DnB Imprint
• Ingredients Records' Recipe Book Album
• Ingredients Records Interview
• Ingredients Launch Event At XOYO
• Mars Label Launch Night

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