MethLab and Bad Taste have teamed up for the formidable, forward-slash-tastic MethLab // 2 EP featuring… well just look at the lineup. Just. Look at it.
Hey. Can you take us into this project… when did it come about?
MethLab: We were preparing material for a series of MethLab releases and during our co-operation together on management around Billain, Kloe from Bad Taste proposed that we make an EP with artists specifically from our roster.
They’re a label that we love and have always held in high regard for their diverse attitude and commitment to high quality in sound, so when they offered to showcase the sound of our roster on their label we decided to blend our plans for this specific partnership project and search out specific material for it – mutual co-operation and partnerships are something that we value highly – the music is the focus, and when two entities come together like this, to bring our combined strengths to a project – everyone benefits, but most particularly the artists involved.
Have you got the same outlook on D&B as it were? I see some crossover but it’s interesting how both camps approach D&B and also what you want to push.
Bad Taste: We each have our own taste when it comes to music, which is totally logical as coming from personal horizons and pathways.
But we share the same love for what Neuro stands for, freedom of creation and production quality, plus the same vision to work for a bigger picture in order to develop the music we vibrate for.
MethLab: We certainly have a crossover, which is why this release can exist – the selection of the tracks involved in this release comes as a combination of MethLab presenting what we feel is the kind of diverse material that represents a part of the the spectrum of the tech-fuelled sound with a really diverse and unique spirit in D&B – the filtering of the tracks through discussions and mutual appreciation of the material that we have ended up with also fits very well into the Bad Taste ethic and approach to D&B.
Our mutual appreciation of diverse audio made to the highest standards and a desire to make something that is artful is what brought us together for this project.
But of course we also have significant differences in the range of music we appreciate and want to push, our visual aesthetics and presentation, as well as the context of sound – that’s what gives each label its unique presence, which is defined by taste – and that’s something to be celebrated. MethLab is very much concerned with re-contextualising how music is listened to – which is why visual elements, animation, film is of high importance to us as well as the supreme attention to detail in the music.
Who devised the cover and concept of the cover… like a probe, a deep space/planatery explorer?
MethLab: In terms of the concept it was a mutual decision – both entities share a love of sci-fi and the concept of a sleek, stealthy, threatening vessel containing what we feel is a powerful selection of artists worked for us!
In terms of the final visual aesthetic – we worked with one of MethLab’s most important resident artists – SHVLFCE – who we’ve worked with for many years and from my perspective is a powerful and visionary artist who has always managed to perfectly capture one element of our aesthetic intentions.
So it’s come together in this comp and I see some big names?
MethLab: You can expect tracks from Current Value, Billain, Optiv & CZA (Cause4Concern), MachineCode, Disprove, Signal, Audeka, Rawtekk, Kursa & Faek – including some first time collaborations between MachineCode & Disprove, Disprove, Signal & Audeka, and Audeka & Rawtekk. Audeka whilst not being part of the agency – because of their location in the states – are a very important part of our collective with their next-level production skills.
The bulk of the involved artists are intrinsic and essential elements of the collective – artists for who we carry the deepest admiration.
Who are Kursa and FAEK for people new to them?
MethLab: Kursa is a producer with a cult following who has always stuck to his own path, often self-releasing and most importantly always pursuing fresh ideas in his production… a real creative powerhouse who simply bleeds music.
His long-time acquaintance Faek, who collaborated on ‘Behind This Door’ – has been known on his Mike Wallis name for collaborations with Tipper amongst others and also for running the Colony Productions label, which has always been a source of influence to me – they’ve always been able to hunt down incredible fresh beats and artists.
When’s it all drop?
You’ll be able to get a copy from Beatport on May 20 and vinyl soon after… 2 x 12″ gatefold beauty!
20.05.2016: Beatport Exclusive
20.05.2016: 2 x 12″ Gatefold vinyl Pack
03.06.2016: Worldwide