At Parlour Records, London, new artists are signed depending on what music they are into at the time of signing. No genre or theme, just a vision of something valuable. Check out their playlist and interview below:

Hi Matthew, how are you today?
Hello there, I’m good thanks…

What’s going on in Parlour and One of One’s world right now?
Hmm where do I start? They are two separate entities really. Parlour Records is doing very well actually. I am working on my 6th and 7th releases since conception in early 2008. After curating the club night (also called Parlour) for 4 or 5 years it seemed like a natural step to create a label. It has been a huge learning curve but with record comes a really unique and interesting journey. One of One is a label and events project I collaborate on with Bonnie Carr (Electricity In Our Homes). So although it can be tied to Parlour it is a different branch of my work more related to something more experimental. Working with Bonnie on ‘Chapter One’ last October was a fantastic experience, which bought together Faust, Lydia Lunch, Blurt and One of One’s first signings- Factory Floor.

Can you introduce the roster of the labels and their philosophy?
Parlour Records is home to Le Tetsuo, Project: Komakino, PLUG and Ill Ease. The scope for Parlour Records is broad and tends to vary depending on what music I am into at the time of signing. There is no genre or ‘theme’ as such just a vision of something valuable and worthwhile put into a tangible format. I hope the label is capturing something, although no one can predict how you will be perceived in the future.

One of One is still in very early stages but maybe has a more specific motivation. It is more experimental in its approach and allows a little more room for risk and personal taste. It will grow into a series of 12” releases only and after putting out Factory Floor’s ‘Planning Application EP’ I know Bonnie is being very particular about the next move.. no rush.

What are you currently listening to? What is your all-time Top 10?
I stopped trying to compile ‘All-time’ lists in the 90s ha-ha, too painful!

Currently listening to:
Erm.. Kool Keith today, Dennis Wilson.. Hatcham’s new album, Electricity In Our Homes, Plug’s new 7” (released May 4th PLR05).. I like to listen to Hip Hop a lot, it’s been a big part of my youth. I’d like to find a great Hip Hop act for the label but they are few and far between lately.

How is the scene in London at the moment?
I think the scene only exists from the outside perspective. It’s really very much about friendship and creativity. There are always a few bands that are shit and manage to grab a coattail or two but hey, you hope the real talent shines through. Maybe the idea of a ‘scene’ is also an age thing.. when your 17, 18 you need to define yourself, but that disappears in life after a while doesn’t it..

You are releasing records in a difficult moment for the music industry: does it affect you? How do you see the future for the industry? Is it easier to run a label now with access to a cheaper and more efficient technology?
I am not sure that this moment is harder than any other… Unless you cater for DJs its always been something you do for the love of the format as its difficult to make a living this way that’s for sure. Technology will always be the most central point for press and pushing yourself, yes. Thank god for the internet, it would be one release a decade by post..

We are in a world with a lot of different models on the net (free streaming, digital stores, mobile, etc…): what kind of service should be brought to the table?
I think its obvious what works and what doesn’t isn’t it? I just keep an eye the best site and which are beneficial for the label.

Anything to add?
Have a nice day… oh.. and buy my singles.

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