Label Spotlight: Haunted Audio
Upcoming releases on the label include another batch of tunes from Actraiser as well as debut releases on the label from Subreachers and ill-Esha. Preview the tracks HERE on the Haunted Audio soundcloud page and keep it close to their website for more info on the releases. Check out Actraiser's Haunted Audio promomix posted below taking you through the varying sounds of the label and also previewing some of the forthcoming material.
Actraiser - Let It Rain
Janner & Acky - Ophelia
Actraiser - Blue Sapphire
Luthor - Some Place
Actraiser - Apocalypto
Luthor - Waterfall
Actraiser - Lone Wolf V.I.P.
Janner - Hyperion
Rdubz - Do Re Mi
Simonoff - Realise It
Simonoff - Resist It
Hypno - Elevate
Simonoff - 3056
Hypno - Autumn
Actraiser - Nevermore
Subreachers - Upside
Subreachers - Wild Rose
Actraiser - Realms Of The Haunted
We recently had a chance to talk shop with label partners Brad (Redcoat) and Emily (Eade):
BF: First off, would you mind giving us a brief history on the Haunted Audio label?
Redcoat: Haunted Audio was a name that I (along with another DJ at the time) was going to use as a production/dj alias back in 2007 but that never really became a reality. The name had started to become associated with Dubstep in Florida so I continued to use it when DJing out at local events and radio shows. The logo came about when Emily & I decided to do a show with Mala called Haunted Audio Sessions and we needed one for the flyer. In 2009 when Emily, Travis & I began talking about a digital record label it was pretty much a forgone conclusion that would be the name.
Eade: It was all Brad's idea and I'm along for the ride!
BF: The label has an incredibly unique sound and melodic approach to dubstep/bass music. As the genre continues to grow in popularity, it's becoming harder and harder to find tunes that standout from the generic mass that are being produced right now recycling the same old sounds and using the same old bass patches. In terms of quality control, what are some of the things that you look for in potential release candidates and how do you know when you've found that winner?
Redcoat: Quite simple really – Do we like it? Would we play it out? Would we buy it? It was decided early on to make a concerted effort not to put out your standard Dubstep bangers so we do tend to look for the people doing something a bit different. There are so many good writers out there we just wanted to contribute to them getting some extra exposure. Just for record, we have no problem with the same old sounds and bass patches just as long as some thought goes into how they are used.
Eade: I personally consider myself a music pusher. I love turning people onto new sounds and love hearing new sounds. How do we pick tunes? Personally I go with the feeling I feel when I hear the music. If it speaks to me on a deep level it's a winner in my book. I feel so very blessed that we have such amazing artists and music on the label.
BF: Tunes like 'Om' by RDubz and 'Ophelia' by Janner and Acky are beautiful Garage flavored productions and maybe two of my favorite tracks on the label. With some producers constantly trying to move on to the next big thing or next big sound, it's always refreshing hearing producers taking a look backwards and paying tribute to the roots of where a lot of this music came from.
Redcoat: I think it's great. I was never really into "garage" a great deal so it's all new to me. My music background has always been centered around Drum & Bass it its various forms & I love hearing tracks that incorporate that old school rave sound or a PROPER breakbeat. Tracks like Nevermore by Actraiser have that obvious garage kick to them but when I first heard that tune, the first thing that come to mind was mid 90's tech step D & B, the kind of dark minimal rollers from years ago. 'Om' by Rdubz, for me, has a similar vibe as 'Show Me Love' by Robin S from years back.
Eade: I don't care what 'genre' something is considered or not...if it moves me on deep level, I'm sold! I do love the old school elements and garage was something never played out here in Orlando, so I love that now I'm playing all this music out myself.
BF: Haunted Audio HQ is located in Florida, but you've had plenty of releases from producers in Belgium, Iceland, and the UK. How did you guys discover and establish relationships with these producers and what role has the internet played as a part in that connection?
Redcoat: The internet has 100% been a factor in making this come together. For example, the BunZero broadcast on subFM is a great resource for checking out unsigned music. Emily spends a lot of time networking with people/producers who frequent the chat room there so it was quite easy to approach people about getting involved on the label. A good example would be 'Om'. We heard that on Bun's show and within a week or so we had it signed. Now we are up and running, producers have started seeking us out, either on their own on though recommendations. I have no issues asking people upfront. The worst they can do is say “no thanks” right?
BF: With the internet and social networking connecting us more and more every day, do you feel like this aides you as a label or is it now even harder for you to find those diamond in the rough tunes that often times are overlooked and get lost in the constant din of self-promotion and hype?
Eade: It's a double edged sword; as you end up spending all your time networking while trying to spread the word so people will come purchase the music. Our aim to focus on the group of artists we have and just try to provide as much exposure as possible.
BF: What else can we expect from the Haunted Audio camp in the coming year?
Redcoat: We have music coming from Subreachers, Actraiser and Ill-esha in the next few months. And you never know, I may find myself in the Studio with our Audio Engineer, Travis. It would be nice to put something out on the label ourselves with a couple of remixes from the guys we have already signed. We would also like to be in the position to do some limited vinyl releases at some point as we get asked all the time about certain tracks coming out. We would also like to see some releases by Florida producers.
Eade: We'd also like to have a vinyl release by years' end.
BF: Lastly, any producers that you guys haven't worked with yet that you would like to get signed and think would be a good fit for the label?
Redcoat: Hxdb, BunZero, Dfrnt, Saviour,
Eade: Same for me. And Mala doing a remix for us would be a dream come true.
BF: Thank you guys for taking the time out to talk with us! All the best. Looking forward to the upcoming EP's!
As an added bonus, check out the March promomix from Haunted Audio producer Janner:
01. Janner & Acky - Ophelia [Haunted Audio]
02. Janner - Fever [dub]
03. Janner - Horns of Ganymede [dub]
04. Janner - Sinister Science [dub]
05. Saviour - Stillbirth (Janner Remix) [Stainage Dubs]
06. Burial & Four Tet - Wolf Cub
07. Janner - Hyperion [Haunted Audio]
08. Hypno – Elevate [Haunted Audio]
09. Janner - Minimal 26 [Rest In Beatz]
10. Ghost - 2000 [Tempa]
11. Janner - Enceladus [dub]
12. Janner - OhOhh [Rogue Plates]
13. Janner - Rubba [Rest In Beatz]
14. Janner - Driver Unknown [Rogue Plates]
15. Actraiser - Nevermore [Haunted Audio]
16. Janner - Just One Kiss [dub]
17. Darkstar - Aidy's Girl's A Computer [Hyperdub]
18. Submerse - So True [Dub]
19. Burial - Fostercare [Hyperdub]
20. Burial - In McDonalds [Hyperdub]
21. Janner - One Drop Arkade [Jemenfish]
22. Janner - T3kno Worrier [dub]
23. Janner & Acky - Chapter One [dub]
Florida heads! Be sure to catch the next Haunted Audio party in Orlando on May 15th!
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