Detroit right. Funky, west coast-baller Monty Luke puts out his own breed of steeze via self-founded imprint, Black Catalogue. File under finger-clicking good.
Going on intuition, futuristic, ethnic remixer Monty Luke established independent label Black Catalogue late last year. Creating an outlet to express some of the finest up and coming and underground electronic music talent on the planet, this USA based producer turned retailer’s influences are predominately dub raggae, 2step, UK Garage and 90′s hip hop. Releasing his own material alongside the recently signed and very exciting formal disco outfit Wild cats, this year looks all set to be big for B.C. Optimistic and light-hearted, badman Monty’s musical mission statement is all about encouraging easy going attitudes. “We just wanna get brothas to smile in a photo once in a while. Damn!” he enthuses. Relax yourself, read and listen.
What distinguishes Black Catalogue from other record labels? Absolutely nothing. And everything.
How do you discover the majority of the new music you sign? I travel time. Find hot underground artists from then and bring them back to now. Also, I spend a lot of time doing research, reading, surfing online, talking to people.
How do you define what you consider to be good music? I trust myself enough to know if something sparks a particular emotional response in me, I consider it to be good.
What are some of the barriers to entry you have encountered whilst establishing your label? Time & money. Everything else is easy.
Name some D.I.Y record labels you’re tipping for big things? I continue to be inspired by labels here in Detroit like Kyle Hall’s Wild Oats, Theo Parrish’s Sound Signature, Omar S’ FXHE and Aaron Siegel’s FIT. But keep an eye out for other labels such as International Feel, Bad Animal, DJ Traxx’s Nation, Mexican Summer, Kranky and so many more. It’s the rise of the underground.
What have you got coming up for the label in 2012? At least two more releases from me and vol 2 of my sampler series, Modern Underground Music.
Describe a typical day at work at the label? It’s only me running things, so I find myself spending a lot of time online, promoting, corresponding, planning…that kind of thing. But equally as much time is spent in the studio working on one thing or another. It’s not easy, but it’s easily the most rewarding work I’ve ever done.
Text: Milly McMahon
