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Every Monday, Bethan Elfyn chats to an inspiring indie label about their artists, their motivation and the music they love. This week she looks back at some of the labels she’s spoken to, one of which was the incredible Moshi Moshi Records. Don’t forget to tune into Bethan’s show at 7pm tonight to hear some of highlights from the last six weeks of Label it Up!

If you’re unaware of Moshi’s work to date then how’s this for a roster of artists: http://www.moshimoshimusic.com/artists/

The investigative amongst you will no doubt have noticed the ‘big names’ included on that list, past and present, along with others who are ‘on the brink’ as it were. Far more importantly than that though, you’ll notice that each of those listed is responsible for creating the kind of good honest pop music that more often than not leads the way in whichever genre they then become aligned with.

Always passionate, always different, generally a little leftfield – there are far worse ways to spend your time than listening through the tracks on their profile.

Having begun its life 13 years ago now, primarily as more of a hobby by owner and creator Stephen Bass, this then turned into a partnership with Michael McClatchey; one that has adapted and expanded along with its artists many times over the years – I know what you’re thinking – sounds like your fairly standard label startup – the difference with Moshi being that they’ve done all of this whilst managing to retain the ethos with which it started. From their very first single releases to their debut album outputs, the clubnights, dj sets and consistently respectful artist/label relationships; they’ve set the standard for DIY enthusiasts every step of the way.

Highlights from their tracks here on amazingtunes.com would have to be the likes of CasioKids, TrophyWife, The Wave Pictures and one of their more recent additions – the brand new Slow Club single Two Cousins – the video for which you can see here at their recently revamped website.

You can learn more about MoshiMoshi and its two brand new sub labels ‘Not Even’ and ‘Tender Age’ by listening out for an interview with Stephen himself on The Bethan Elfyn Show tonight from 7pm.

In short, the main thing you need to remember is that MoshiMoshi only put out music they fully believe in, regardless of the trends that surround them. The main constant being that the four person team are there from the outset – finding new music, supporting new artists, doing all they can to make sure other people become as invested in that band as they are themselves. Something that we here at Amazing are proud to support.


Label it Up! Philophobia Music

August 22nd, 2011

Every week, Bethan Elfyn chats to an inspiring indie label about their artists, their motivation and the music they love. This week: Philophobia Music. Tune into Bethan’s show tonight from 7pm to hear the full interview.

Philophobia Music is an independent label based in Wakefield and is home to Imps, The Spills and Runaround Kids. Inspired by the likes of Factory Records and Dance to the Radio, Philophobia takes pride in its collaborative nature, with a number of the artists on the label involved in each others’ projects.

Kicking off in 2008 with a release from The Lapels, Rob has since run the label by himself but with a fairly ‘hands-on’ approach from the artists involved. One of the highlights from the current roster is Imp, a loud, fuzzy affair packed with warmth and a pretty unique vocal.

When asked about the music scene in Wakefield, Rob explained:

“It’s a strange place because it’s so close to Leeds and Sheffield. The attention seems to be centred there so we seem to be kind of forgotten a bit. There’s a definite separation. None of the bands of Wakefield sound like Leeds bands. Because there’s not a great deal going on, they’re creating something to make their bit of the world a little nicer.”

Check out more from Philophobia Music at their amazingtunes.com profile and tune in to Bethan tonight at 7pm to hear the full interview!


A few days on from the Sony DADC/PIAS warehouse blaze, the full effects are still being realised. The Beggars Group (XL, 4AD, Rough Trade et al) have lost 750,000 products and many small labels are trying to figure out if they can even continue. We’re devastated that the actions of such a small number of irresponsible people could have had such a lasting negative effect on the independent music industry, potentially destroying labels that are represent artists that we love.

Some inspiring campaigns have emerged as a result including #labellove set up by Hannah Morgan (writer for The 405) and Dan Salter (Echoes and Dust) who are encouraging donations to help affected labels. Donate here and follow @_label_love. AIM also released a statement encouraging music fans to support the affected labels by digitally downloading albums (direct from the label if possible). This we got straight on board with! Here’s what we’ve been buying in the office so far. (Click pictures to buy).

SBTRKTSBTRKT (Young Turks)

Shugo TokumaruPort Entropy (Polyvinyl)

FinkPefect Darkness (Ninja Tune)

Ghostpoet - Peanut Butter Blues & Melancholy Jam (Rough Trade)

Metroline Comp. 2011 – (Metroline)

Active Child –  Curtis Lane (Merok)

Psychedelic Horseshit -  Laced (Fat Cat Records)

Loney, Dear –  Citadel Band (Polyvinyl)

Steve Mason & Dennis Bovell – Ghosts Outside (Double 6)

Support your favourite labels by buying a record today!


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