Whether you munch massive jump up tunes for breakfast, or you prefer to chew on deeper, soul-coated rollers, the new label collection from Tripswitch Digital will more than satisfy your appetite. Tripswitch & Co features cuts from the likes of Konichi, Decimal Bass, Dialogue, Jaydan, Annix, Hoogs and more, it’s a slick sonorous showcase that reveals the true strengths of the West Country label.
We chatted to Decimal Bass who runs the label with Konichi to see how the album came together and find out how YOU can get your tunes to them…
Is there a strong family vibe at Tripswitch?
“Me and Konichi are good mates but apart from that we’ve never met most of the artists who are on the label! We’d like to think the album’s quite varied but all comes together under one bracket. Whether it’s jump up or liquid or deep, there’s certain things we look for in every track.”
Consistency vibes. Has an album always been the grand plan?
“No, it kinda came together by accident. We had a lot of strong individual tunes but nothing that worked as complementary B-sides. So we thought we’d make an album. We only started working on it six months ago, but some of those tracks were already ready. Some must be about two years old. Critical Dub is definitely that old.”
Wow. And it doesn’t sound dated at all. So how are things running a label? Tough work or a labour of love?
“A labour of love mate! We don’t do vinyl so there are very few outgoings. There’s artwork but that’s it for upfront investments. It’s just great getting music out to people and hearing amazing feedback and support from artists we’ve admired.”
What’s the best piece of feedback you’ve had?
“I can’t think of anything specific but Marky’s always been a big supporter. DJ Die, too. He’s been loving our stuff. We’re trying to get out of the jump up bracket. We want to be seen as drum & bass artists and not just jump up. We want to appeal to a widest audience possible.”
Always. How’s your A&R strategy?
“We listen to everything! Anything that gets sent to us, we will listen to. You never know what to expect. We’ve got great links, too. Like Jaydan being on the album, he’s been great. As far as new artists are concerned we’re open all ears.”
If anyone’s reading this and wants to send demos to you, how should they get in touch?
“Email us at tripswitchhq@gmail.com and we’ll have a listen!”
Wicked! Any big album tours?
“We’ve done a few parties but I’m not keen on promoting. I belong in the studio and not out there promoting! We might have a little party but nothing’s planned.”
So what’s next?
“We’ve got a few more tracks we’re sitting on. We’ve got tracks from Harvest and Dialogue and a few more artists we’re feeling. We’d love to get a track from Hazard one day.”
Fingers crossed! Anything else people need to know about Tripswitch?
“Just give us a listen! We’re open minded and we want to appeal to anyone who loves their drum & bass. With jump up, the bad stuff is bad but the good stuff is really, really good. And it’s the good stuff that keeps us motivated and inspired!”
Tripswitch & Co is out now. Listen and download.