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During a very busy moving venture of Paper Recordings,
I was able to get one of the founders to answer and share some
of his thoughts about his label, his DJs, his producers, and what
it all means to him. Pete of Paper Recordings,
I would like to thank you for making that extra time to let us
know how you feel about your contribution to our dance communities
world wide. Quality music always comes from quality people, so
check out what Pete has to say!
DJ Dennis
July/August 1999
The following interview was conducted by DJ Dennis in July 1999:
What do you think was the reason for the dance
scene's dullness when you and your partners decided to create
Paper?
There were too many people in it for the money and not the music.
The state of the clubs was pretty stagnant and this always reflects
in the music at some point down the line. At present the scene
is very healthy - lots of ideas and energy - with the younger
audience becoming more interested in house as a form.
How do you feel "Paper" has diminished the dullness
of the scene?
I'd like to think that we injected a bit of irreverence and basically
showed that you can do something you like, well, have a laugh
and not have to pander to the usual restrictions that the more
commercial end of dance likes to impose on the creative (their
source of future earnings!) minds around the world. Freedom of
expression ends all doubt.
Why and how do you think that "Book Ends" represents
Paper best?
That track was the result of the session which the "The Book"
came from. It shows the whole picture sonically. From the four
mixes you can see how the original on pap001 was created using
pieces from each. That kind of sums up Paper really.
What is it that you look for in your demos that
you receive? What has to stand out to be a "Paper" release?
There are four of us all, from different musical backgrounds.
We sit and listen to trax. If one persons doesn't like it, then
it's not a paper release. Kind of a unique but democratic selection
process. If I could define what has to stand out then I would
no longer be interested in the music.
What is it about your artists that distinguishes
them to be a "Paper" artist?
Attitude and talent. There's not one artist we haven't had a
pint with, except of course Julius Papp, whose too far away to
join us at the bar!
What attitude do you try to put across through
your releases?
The design and the chance to try new ideas on vinyl creates the
attitude.
How did the CD releases e.g. like "Those Norwegians"
open up new markets for Paper? Was it what you were expecting
when you did it?
No, not really. The first CD from Those Norwegians did really
well. The music more than stands up today. That sums up really
what I want from the albums every time I put out a release I'm
surprised!
When you book your DJs all across the globe, what
message do you want them to send out?
I want them to be an extension of the labels attitude. Really,
they are great DJs, they love what they do and that comes across
at the parties. We have a US tour the first 2 weeks in September,
with Miles Hollway and Erik Rug and a Canadian tour the first
2 weeks of October with Miles.
What major difference does "Repap" have vs. "Paper"?
Is it the attitude, focus, etc.?
Repap is Paper's weird sister. It is going to allow us to release
music that would deviate too far from Papers already broad path.
They will run in parallel and then ultimately meet up as one,
hence the name. Imagine a reflection of Paper, but in one of those
warped mirrors you get at fairgrounds. That's a "go" analogy.
How has the radio show played a role with your
label? How has it helped?
Ben and Elliot's show is fantastic. In fact there will be a show
on the new web site which is launched about now. It sums up Paper's
attitude in a way. As for helping the label: it's great for the
profile.
What are your plans for Paper and its artists
in the next couple of years?
To continue to develop our artists and be able to use Paper as
a platform to explore as long as it doesn't interfere with our
playtime!
Much Respect to Pete of Paper Recordings for answering my questions
and sharing his thoughts with all of us. If you'd like to check
out more on Paper Recordings, please check out their web site
at:
http://www.state51.co.uk/paper
Recent Paper & Repap releases:
New releases on Paper:
pap035 - Julius Papp - Imaginary Voyage
pap036 - Problem Kids - I will lead (crazy penis/hollway&eastwick
mix)
pap037 - Problem Kids - I will lead (original & dirty jesus remixes)
paplp/cd005 - Streetlife Originals : "Sidewalk Stories" - out
end July '99
paplp/cd006 - Splinter 2 - Various - out October '99
paplp/cd007 - Problem Kids "Pump That Dirty Groove" - out August
Repap singles:
repap001 - Bobby Trafalgar (12" sampler)
repap002 - Truant: Naked Ape EP
Repap albums:
repaplp/cd001 Bobby Trafalgar "In Person"
Nightclubs:
Robodisco (every third Saturday) @ Planet K, Manchester
Out Now:
Paul Hester - Beautiful World EP (pap033)
Solaris Heights - Fusique (pap032)
PAP004 cd/lp 004 Crazy Penis - "A nice hot bath with..."
"SIDEWALK STORIES," an LP by STREETLIFE ORIGINALS OUT THE END
OF JULY 1999
Paper Recordings & Repap Records
No.14 Enterprise House
15 Whitworth St West
Manchester
m1 5wg
tel (+44) 161 237 5661
fax (+44) 161 237 5662
mob (+44) 468 525211
e-mail: pjj@pop3.poptel.org.uk
or paper@state51.co.uk
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