
Black Butter Records have enjoyed great success recently through acts like Rudimental and this looks set to continue with their next release, 3hrs' Sunrise EP. We spoke to co-founder Olly Wood to find out what else they have in store.
So, when did it all begin?
I had run a few labels in the past, successful on the underground but I wanted to do something bigger and also get into artist management. One of my acts, RackNRuin introduced me to Henry Village, and later we hooked up with Joe Gossa and started Stackhouse Management, we then started Black Butter primarily as a platform to advertise the acts we were managing, but it's since become an entity in its own right.
Had you always been a big music fan?
Yeah, I began as a promoter –I was the youngest one at the Paradise club in Angel. I then went onto put on lots of good jungle and drum & bass nights at Uni in Canterbury, we had the likes of Andy C, Stevie Hyper D and Hype playing. I then got into DJing and then producing, then label management and now artist management.
What's the aim, the message behind Black Butter?
We want to release unique music that's both fresh and true.
Who are your latest recruits?
Recently we've signed 3hrs, Kidnap Kid and Gorgon City - all on the housier side of bass.
How do you recruit new artists?
A mix of ways – a lot of people send demos in, Soundcloud is a great tool, then a handy network of friends and peers that's built up over time, you hear or see a name a couple of times and that's usually enough to warrant a look.
Is Rudimental your top-selling artist?
We are so pleased to have a jubilee number one – it's a complete shock really, we've worked so hard over the last 18 months: myself, Henry and Joe and the artists in the camp. Weirdly, both myself and John Newman had serious operations a bit before the release so to get the number one just as we recovered felt like some sort of cosmic miracle.
What else are you listening to at the moment?
You mean outside of Black Butter? I'm a big fan of the Dirtybird label, Justin Martin has just released a great album. The French Express label is doing great things as is Hypercolour. There's lots of good music around at the moment.
What plans do you have for the future?
We're releasing a RackNRuin album with Digital Soundboy in the autumn, and there's loads of singles from acts both new and old coming up over the coming months. Lots of BB takeovers at festivals as well, check us at Boomtown and Outlook. See our website for details of performance dates.
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