NEWS
EVENTS
Jon Rundell Interview
House | Friday 15th March 2013 | Osh
Rundell and Cox are back with Intec Digital’s re-launch of the 'Pure Intec’ compilation, ‘Pure Intec 2’. With two CD’s and a series of nights that will kick off in London in April and throughout Europe with some special dates to look out for in Ibiza this is one not to be missed.
Firstly tell us about the new double CD out ‘Pure Intec Two’ how has the journey been for you since the first release back in 2004?
I wasn’t involved back then but came in much later, around 2006/2007 and the journey as you would expect has been eventful with some great times as well as some hard times in terms of releasing music and then deciding we had to take a break. A record landed in my inbox one day and Carl was in London, so I said get round here and check this out, if there was ever record we could of released it’s this. So there and then we literally decided to start up the label again. Since then its been a journey of discovery as releasing music now is much different to before, and we are still learning as we go all the time. I’m happy to say though, that in the last 6 months things have really taken a positive turn, with more and more people coming on board and supporting us.
Why did you guys wait so long for the next release?
When Pure Intec was originally conceived it had been almost 5 years of releasing music on the label so there was a lot to showcase, this time around its been 3 years and we felt it was just time. Part of the reason was also because we took 3 years off from releasing any music, it was a tough time back then with vinyl sales decreasing and the downloads still being relatively new. It was a tough decision to also have to make but I think the fact we did take the time out helped us experience more things on the road that inspired us to start again.
Part One was mixed by Carl Cox and Part Two was mixed by yourself. How did you go about choosing the tracks and can you tell us about your mix?
With Carl’s mix we had got remixes in for the last year of tracks from his last artist album so once we had decided this was the route to take on his mix, it was just a case of him mixing them all together in a logical way to make it make sense to the listener. For my mix, we had some tracks already signed that we could put on, that will get released later in the year as part of their own EP’s, but there were a few artists also that the label has supported that I felt should also be represented so I approached them to talk to them about the idea and they all pulled through with some great tracks for us.
Tell us about the concept behind the USB release, is it important for you guys to push through new technology and concepts?
We were initially approached by a company that specialized in the software about it and then sat and worked out how it could be done with Carl’s album. It went well for us so we thought we would continue with the format for the compilation. Essentially we can load more content onto the USB on top of the content already on there when you receive it, whenever we wish, whether that be audio, video, images, feeds and the like. We are all about pushing things forward, innovating and challenging what’s already out there, this was a part of that ethos. Some work and some don’t. This worked though and the real true fans got it and went with it.
Do you think taking risks pays off?
I think calculated risks and knowing what you're prepared to lose can pay off, just pure risk in itself is always going to either just work or not work, and generally when it doesn’t its really really really bad ! Having said that though, you don’t get anywhere by not challenging what’s already around you, so I would encourage anyone to look into it.
Tell us about the new series of nights across London and Europe for 2013?
We begin in London in April as part of launching the comp again, and then the ongoing series. For London we are aiming to represent as many of the artists as we can where viably possible. We are also looking for this to be totally organic and for people to really feel part of something when they come and experience it. A home from home for like minded people. It made sense to also represent the series in the European based clubs that have supported us over the last few years and each time the artist’s chosen will also reflect that support, plus some special dates in Ibiza to look out for!
We are super hyped for the London date on 11th April, can you give us any info of what to expect from the night?
Good quality tech house and techno music in an environment that you wouldn’t normally get to see a DJ like Carl Cox in. We are going raw, harking back to the days of Ultimate Base. Everybody who comes will get an experience they can take away with them and say, “I was there”. As its centred around the compilation launch then we will of course be playing a lot of Intec’s previous and forthcoming releases and all the visual aspects will reflect the imagery we are using on the comp as part of an on going series.
You are all about pushing new music, who should we be keeping an eye out for right now?
There are some good up and coming producers around that we are supporting right now in the shape of Chris Count, Ferhat Albayrak, Dorro, Alex Sibley, Alex Mine and Victor Vera. The label has always done that from day one, and a lot of the techno household names we have today began with early releases on the label.
What is the best thing about running the label?
Watching the record you’ve signed totally drop and the people in front of you have a look of sheer joy on their faces, as well as personally telling a new producer we would like to sign their music. Nothing beats their reaction when they realise that Carl is fully behind them.
How is it working with Carl, what is the best thing/ advise that you have taken from him?
It’s a marathon not a sprint. And to do sound checks before the club opens, it makes a big difference when you have a good relationship with the engineer. We often talk about each gig we do together and the experiences he has had there before and how best to approach the party. The rest of the time we just vibe off each other really, we can talk about most genres of music together all day long, no stopping once we get started, sat on chairs like Statler & Waldorf usually.
If you wasn’t in music what would you would you be doing?
I'd probably be coaching football or something similar. In a warmer country. Football is a big passion of mine also and has played a big part in my life. I played for pro clubs as a teenager but in the end it didn’t work out and I still play now from time to time when the knees and ankles allow me.
What is the most exciting thing that you are looking to this year?
Apart from running down the stairs to see that Father Christmas has been? I’d have to say the London date in April as it marks the beginning of something fresh for the capital. And it marks the start of our home, and all it stands for, and I get to see all my friends for a change too, which is always a bonus.
If you were invisible for the day what trouble would you get up to?
Plenty! I’d need longer than a day to fit it all in and I’d probably get arrested for half of it so best not say ;)
Thanks for your time- we can’t wait for the party in London!
Me either, see you there!
Pure Intec 2, out April 8, new night Pure Intec London launches on April 11 - full details visit www.pureintec.com
