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Launched in 2008 by Alexander Nut and Sam Shepherd (aka Floating Points), this diverse label has grown considerably in scope and reputation with notable releases including Floating Points King Bromelaid EP and Fatima's Yellow Memories LP from last year. The title track of Floating Point's EP was rated as one of the top ten tracks of 2014 by online electronic music magazine Resident Advisor and Fatima's album, that features collaborations with the Swedish/Senegalese singer, as well as Theo Parrish and Floating Points himself, was nominated by Gilles Peterson as one of the best albums of 2014. For Carhartt WIP Radio, Alexander Nut has put together a mix featuring upcoming Eglo releases by Henry Wu and Kirkis, tracks by Dego and Kaidi Tatham, a track from a collaboration EP with Floating Points and James Holden and a load more. To find out what has happend in the last two years, we spoke with Eglo co-founder Alexander Nut about the great demand of his label, their future plans and more.
(Alexander Nut)
Hey Alex, since our last talk in 2013 lots of things have changed for Eglo Records. Can you sum up shortly what has happened to you and the label? What where some very magic and inspiring moments in the Eglo story so far?
Alexander Nut: I guess one of the main things to happen since then has been the release of Fatima's debut album Yellow Memories. Which we are all very proud of. She went on to win Gilles Peterson's 'Album Of The Year' at the Worldwide Awards, which was a definite highlight. As well as a great run of live shows for the Yellow Memories tour. Fatima and myself were also recently out in Australia which was a lot of fun. It was also great to release our first record from Shafiq Husayn (of SA-RA Creative Partners) with his Its Better For You EP. We also have an album from him on the way, its a privilege to be able to work with such incredibly talented and inspiring people. Another very recent highlight was the Eglo Records Bank Holiday Dance, which we held a couple of weeks ago at Corsica Studios, I can honestly say it was one of the best parties I have ever been to, the vibe and atmosphere was electric. Can't wait for the next one!
Fatima and Floating Points get currently much global attention. How does this feel for you and what will both artists do next for Eglo?
Alexander Nut: Yes, and rightly so ... in fact I would go as far as to say that both these artists still don't get the attention and respect they rightfully deserve. I see them both as to of the most exciting and talented musicians on the planet. The next twelve months should help change that, Floating Points has his debut album on the way, and there are big things lined up for Fatima which I can't yet announce!
What is new at Eglo in general? Any fresh artist signings? What is in the pipeline concerning releases?
Alexander Nut: We just dropped a new EP called Liverbleach from Kirkis, who is a really amazing jazz musician from Melbourne, we had released one 7inch of his out last year, so its great to be able to release more. You should definitely check that out. Dego & Kaidi have a new EP about to drop, that should be out late May. Floating Points has his album, we have an album on the way from Shafiq Husayn and a collaboration EP from Henry Wu and K15... so its busy times at Eglo HQ.
What is your biggest inspiration for your work at Eglo right now?
Alexander Nut: It is the same as when we started out really. Just the need to create great art and maintain some kind of balance in this constantly developing and changing world of music. We want to carry on that lineage of all the things that inspired us, whilst still doing something new and natural.
And how do you keep your work fresh and continue to evolve?
Alexander Nut: By just being honest with the art.
How important is your Rinse FM show for all you do at Eglo and in general?
Alexander Nut: I think it was definitely important to how we all met in the beginning of the label. And it has been a great place to expose and showcase a lot of new music. It definitely provided us with a solid platform when we were starting out. Its also a great place for me to test new music and sharpen up on my dj skills. I always have a lot of fun doing the radio show.
After the closing of Plastic People: where do London’s creative music people go for a dance?
Alexander Nut: Nothing is ever going to replace Plastic People, it was one of those golden moments in time. So many of the nights there... CDR, Nonsense, FWD, CO-OP, where extremely important in the formation of the label, and the development of many of the artists. It was also the place most of us met for the first time. London's full of great places still, but we do most of our London based nights at Corsica Studio's now, thats always been a great place to play.. and now we have two rooms we really get to indulge in our guests and line ups. We've had some seriously dope nights there.
And where do you buy your records for your DJ sets and why there?
Alexander Nut: Anywhere that will sell them! Cus we gotta have em when they sound so god dam good! Hehehe discogs gets hit up a lot these days..... specific places for me would have to be Sounds Of The Universe, Phonica, Rough Trade, Piccadilly, Rubadub, Global Groove... all the Music & Tape Exchanges up and down the UK. Superfly in Paris, Vintage Voodoo, Rush Hour and Redight Records in Amsterdam. There's a few.
Can you remember some of the first records you bought?
Alexander Nut: The first record I ever bought was Loco In Acapulco by The Four Tops on 7inch. And I remember standing on my tip toes with my chin on the counter.
If you could spend a night partying with any of your icons, who would it be?
Alexander Nut: That woud have to be a night out with Rick James, Eddie and Charlie Murphy. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't last a minute tho.