As this is a new label we decided to put a few questions to them to find out how they tick. So why did you decide to start the label? Generally if an artist approaches a label to release their material it needs to fit a particular mode or have market value. If a project doesn't look profitable, then most labels wont touch it. smallPRINT provides a platform for musical artists to express themselves outside of the mainstream. Running your own label gives you the freedom to choose and distribute material that may not be commercially successful, but nevertheless deserves attention. You have more weight in the industry as a collective than as an individual. A local label can help develop a community of artists, provide a window for the world outside Bristol and act as a virtual meeting point to like-minded people from all backgrounds. Who do you expect it to appeal to and what sort of music will you be looking to put out? SmallPRINT will endeavour to support a range of music: hip hop, folk, electronica, musique concrete, drum n bass, avant rock. What will unify these genres is the willingness of the artist to try something innovative, a new angle, way of thinking, or mix of genres. It is not to say that some of the music will not appeal to the masses but the premise will be that either the lyrics or music will be thought provoking, either politically or aesthetically. A compilation album set for release in late Oct/beg Nov will include: REPORTER: Interviews with the public set to contemporary music. Casio Consortium: Musique concrete created with the use of old analogue keyboards and home-made electronics.
Paradox: Zambian born Hip Hop artist currently collaborating with Fidelis Mherembi from Zimbabwe playing the traditional Mbira and DJ Stlye, Bristol born RnB/Hip Hop DJ on decks.
Ufollk: Folk electronica combining live folk musicians with various producers. In short, the label will provide music to listen to. How much competition is there for small labels in the big pond of publishing music? There is an awful lot of competition if you want to see it like that. I guess the word competition implies they are all struggling for the same thing, which I'm not sure is the case. If a label has an ambition that is not necessarily linked to generating financial gain then it can only succeed, even if in a very small way for a small period of time. Of course profit is good news for all artists concerned but if it the only reason for setting up an independent label then it is doomed to fail as an arbiter of cultural expression and just becomes a business. Tell us who Paradox is He is a 22-year-old rap artist, born Miselo Kangwa in Zambia, spent eight years in Botswana and the last three years in the UK. He is a master story-teller, delivers his politically-tinged lyrics at lightening speed and unites with local producer MaryHad for his first release on smallPRINT. What makes him tick? Many of the lyrics are reactions to witnessing inequality and injustice in the world. Vivid stories and observations are depicted using symbolism and carefully crafted interwoven plots. Is he a big noise back in Zambia? He has worked with established artists on one of Botswana's premier radio stations, and now hopes to make such an impact here in the UK. His next performance will take place at the CEED Media Centre on Dean St, St Pauls on Friday 9 September in aid of the Save the Children fund, alongside Wilks, K*Ners and DJ's Style, KD, Queen B and guests. He admires Paradise from 57th Dynasty and many local acts since arriving in the UK, and looks forward to collaborating with the multitude of talented artists in Bristol and the Southwest. What can I expect when I come along to the night? Paradox will be providing a live PA at the Kalabash, showcasing three exclusive tracks never performed before in Bristol, including the single Walk Together. He will be joined by Fidelis Mherembi on live Mbira and DJ Style on decks for his final track "Miss Like me". The evening also boasts the best in RnB, Afro Beat, Reggae, Soukos and Soul from Souled Out residents KD, Fabs and Smooth. The single will be on sale at the venue (some Freebies too) and from all good records shops from 31 August as a limited Edition CD. Oh yeah, there's tasty African beer at the bar too! Friday 26 August in conjunction with SOULED OUT
@ KALABASH
(Downstairs) 120 Cheltenham Rd, Bristol, BS6 5RW
10.00pm till late
£2 before midnight DJ Style joins Souled Out residents KD, Fabs, Smooth.
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