NAARM - MELBOURNE
LABEL BOSS, AGENT/MANAGER, DJ
HOUSE, TECHNO, DISCO
Tell us about the label; what kind of music are you putting out and what does the label represent?
The Space Between Us is for the most part, a way of shining a light on the music made by friends from my hometown of Meanjin (Brisbane). Musically, the releases are varied; partly reflecting the diversity of sounds being made in this community. Having moved to Naarm (Melbourne) last year, I would love for the label's output to start to also reflect the sounds of the Naarm community, and hopefully provide a conduit of connection between the two cities.
What made you want to start a label, and how did you get it off the ground?
I actually started TSBU for music publicity many moons ago! I have always been surrounded by friends who are making music, and at the time, I was very into music writing. Music publicity felt like a nice way to work with friends to help get their music heard. After a while, I became less drawn to the publicity side of things - I realised what a strange beast the world of music PR is! A few different friends had been sending me their music and I decided (with a bit of a push from people around me) to release a compilation. From there, TSBU sort of organically morphed into a label instead.
Patriarchal structures and systemic oppression have resulted in these spaces not feeling totally safe for women and gender non-conforming artists. Supporting each other, and giving a leg up to other marginalised artists will allow us to continue to make/reclaim space for ourselves.
What are some other labels you're digging at the moment?
There are so many local labels that I love right now! Animalia, Unrestricted Purpose*, Phenomena, Fluxx, Pocketmoth, Pure Space, Steeplejack. I love a lot of the trance-focused labels coming out of the UK too... Dream Software, Goddezz, Pear. There's a huge scene in Canada which I think is super exciting too - labels like NAFF, Dust World, Planet Euphorique, Big Zen. I'll be eagerly awaiting anything on Step Ball Chain too.
*(An Unrestricted Purpose mix from fellow WIPper Baby G)
What do you think the main barriers are that have created an industry with such a disparity of men and women & gender-non-conforming producers? What are some of the steps we can take to fix this problem?
Patriarchal structures and systemic oppression have resulted in these spaces not feeling totally safe for women and gender non-conforming artists. Supporting each other, and giving a leg up to other marginalised artists will allow us to continue to make/reclaim space for ourselves. Seek out mentors and seek to be mentored, create spaces where you and others feel safe and supported.
What advice would you give to others who would like to start their own label?
If you're thinking about starting your own label, absolutely go for it! With platforms like Bandcamp, it's never been easier and more accessible for artists and labels to put music out there. Digital releases are a great way to do this, and there is less financial commitment than pressing vinyl (although I have heard this can be very rewarding if it feels right!). If you're unsure about anything, ask questions of people you admire who have done it before.
What's next for your label?
There are a couple of EPs in the works, and potentially another compilation or VA to come out next year!
What do you think the future holds for the dance music industry?
I hope to see People of Colour, First Nations, Queer, Trans, Female-identifying and, Non-Binary folks leading the charge. There are amazing things happening in our sphere of the dance music world, however, mainstream dance music still has a long way to go. I hope to see less white-washing and male-domination in the 'front-facing' roles too - promoting and running events, production, mixing, mastering, audio engineers/technicians etc.
Check out Hannah's WIP Profile Page for more!
