Interview Jacob Kelly
We speak to the man behind new Leeds dance label Eclectic Avenue Records (E.A.R.)
Interview: Jacob Kelly
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Eclectic Avenue Records or E.A.R records is a brand new Leeds label that was launched on 23rd July. The man behind it is Jacob Kelly, a chap with passion for and extensive experience in music. We talk to him about E.A.R, his musical inspiration and his hopes for the new label.
Tell us about your new record label.
E.A.R is a record label that has been in my head for some time. It’s been a long process of thoughts, ideas, past experiences and building my knowledge of the music business over the many years. I also have a very strong team working with me on E.A.R, both of whom have extensive knowledge in business and the music industry. Leena Sharma is my PR/marketing and booking manager and has the sharpest of business brains, and Ryan Shaw is my A&R manager and has some of the best knowledge of music in the business.
E.A.R is a record label that will press up 300 vinyl of each release which will be known as first edition pressings, and when they have sold it will press up another 300 but they will be second edition presses and so on. This way vinyl collectors will strive to get their hands on the first edition releases and E.A.R will become something not just to listen to, but something to collect and keep hold of.
How did that name come about?
Eclectic Avenue Records is designed so that we can put out any genre of good quality music from disco, nu disco, slow deep house, reggae, dub, soul, funk – I have never been a DJ that only sticks to one type of music. I feel it’s very important to know the history and paths that music has taken over the years to get to where today’s sound is. So, Eclectic Avenue Records is exactly that - an avenue for eclectic music. It also happens that Eddy Grant’s ‘Electric Avenue’ is one of my all time favourite records, so it’s a play on that too.
What inspired you to start your own label?
I used to be co-owner of one of the strongest underground house labels Baker Street Recordings that I ran with Paul Hardy. We managed to create a real quality imprint and released some of the top producers from around the world. I wanted to be able to release other genres rather than just house music so I sold my half of Baker Street to Paul so I could concentrate on where I wanted to go musically. So E.A.R was born from there – a passion. I would like to add at this point, if you are thinking about starting a label make sure you have lots of knowledge and experience of how things work in the music industry – it’s definitely not an easy route to take.
What got you into music in the first place?
When I was younger – a lot younger – I used to be a skateboarder and that was a way of life. And part of that way of life was the music, whether it was hip-hop, drum’n’bass or rock, everyone was passionate about it and no one would put other music down, you would always try and find something you liked about it. So from an early age I started collecting music of all genres, even “borrowing” all my mum’s 45’s (I’ve still got them) and from that day I haven’t stopped.
What acts do you have signed to your label so far?
Our first release was out on 12th July. It’s ‘Juicy’ by Reset*, featuring a remix by LTJ Xperience. After that we have some of the best producers lined up including Pete Herbert, Popular Peoples Front, Hot Toddy, Justin Harris, E.A.R’s very own Ryan Shaw and myself and Joshua IZ (from Chicago) have partnered up under the guise of Small Giants. I am also working on some live stuff with Martine Girault, who is an amazing vocalist.
What are your long-term ambitions for E.A.R?
To create a sought after record label that will be able to stand the test of time as we can change the direction of the label. To release some of the best artists and producers and to still be here and to be able to look back on where we started, where we went and where we are and feel proud of what we have achieved.
Jacob Kelly can also be found playing his eclectic sets every Friday night at The Rock Bar, free entry, www.eclecticavenuerecords.com
Posted on Wednesday 18th August 2010
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