Interview: R&S Records

At the turn of the millenium, the label took a six year hiatus before returning in 2006.  It is now based in London and run by Andy Whittaker and Dan Foat, but is still owned by Renaat Vandepapeliere  and his partner, Sabine (hence the ‘R&S’ epithet).  Over the last few years, R&S has become a reputable stable for young British talents; Untold, Pariah and James Blake, have all recently released records bearing the unmistakable prancing horse.  Ahead of an R&S showcase in Leeds on Friday, LS2 was lucky enough to catch up with Andy Whittaker to talk about the label and its plans for 2011.

LS2: Since the relaunch of R&S in 2006, the label’s output has taken a decidedly different direction.  How did this lengthy intermission change the label’s perspective on dance music?

Andy Whittaker: I’d disagree that we have taken a different direction. R&S has always released the finest, most forward thinking electronic music.  We are carrying on the strong tradition of the label.  The young producers we are pushing now are this generation’s Aphex, Derrick May, Carl Craig and Juan Atkins.

Why the decision to focus on young British artists like James Blake and Space Dimension Controller with the most recent releases?  What is exciting about British electronic music at present?

Being based in London we are surrounded by these amazing producers.  There is so much exciting music around right now, and London has the best music scene in the world, but there is also great music coming from other corners of the country.  One of our favourite labels is Leeds’ Hessle Audio which releases incredible music.

Any nascent talents our readers should check out?

I’d strongly suggest to check out Vondelpark, they are signed to R&S but really come from the indie world.  Their music is pretty special!

And in relation, why the decision to host an R&S showcase in Leeds?

We have some great parties in the pipeline around the globe, but Leeds had to be one of the first seeing as I lived there for the best part of 15 years.  Leeds is a great party city.

What can we expect to see from R&S in 2011?

More releases from Pariah, Space Dimension Controller, James Blake, The Chain and Vondelpark as well as label debuts from Blawan, Pepe Bradock and Lone.  We’ve also got a few things up our sleeves that we can’t reveal just yet…

R&S Records come to Leeds with an exclusive showcase from Space Dimension Controller, Pariah and The Chain on Friday (18th February) at The Wire Club.  See image for details on how to buy advance tickets.  Get ready for the horsepower!

Visit www.rsrecords.com for more information.

words: Ashby Field