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In September of 1997, the Electronic music industry was introduced
to a new outlook on promotion, production, and an over all sound
quality from record labels. With the beliefs, willingness, and
dedication of Diane Clemenhagen & Richard Butler
coming together, Phatt Phunk Records
was born, becoming a symbol for all to recognize.
It was a new label with a new feel for unification. At a time
when our "underground" scene refused labeling, Phatt Phunk took
the initiative to bring together producers, DJs, and artists from
all of our respected electronic genres, and promoted them all.
They began incarnating and idea into a movement with the ever-fresh,
new sounds emerging from their artists and DJs. Every where you
looked in music magazines, or whenever you visited the record
stores, you saw Phatt Phunk. They were doing their job. Phatt
Phunk was letting the world know that Electronica is on the move,
and that they are there to show you the way.
I had been noticing how consistent Phatt Phunk was with new releases,
and keeping the music industry posted on what they were up to.
I was intrigued, I wanted to know more about them. Not just about
the music, but about the heads behind it all. I took my chances
and found out that Diane and Richard are some of the most supportive
and dedicated people to Electronic Music that I have conversed
with in a while. I want to express my thanks to Richard and Diane
for taking the time with me to accomplish this. It was stimulating
to learn what drives a record label, and see where their original
ideas and their focused energies turned into accomplishments.
I'll tell you what, the curiosity of this cat led me to some great
people, wicked music, and best of all a positive vibe. I think
all of you reading this will soon feel the same!
Getting the "Real Deal" from Phatt Phunk!
DJ Dennis
May 1999
The following interview was conducted by DJ Dennis on 04/20/99:
Richard Butler, Phatt Phunk A&R = RB
Diane Clemenhagen, Phatt Phunk, Operations = DC
How long had each of you been involved with the
dance community until you met each other?
DC: My first experiences were at warehouse
parties in Toronto in the early 90's, but my business involvement
began with "The Philosophers of Funk Productions" in 1996, when
Richard and I started working together.
RB: I didn't really start hearing about
the dance community until the early Nineties. I was always interested
in different styles of music though. Some of my friends took me
out to the desert for a few parties. At about the same time I
was introduced to my first after-hours party in Vancouver, while
running a security company in '95. I was hired to do security
for a local Victoria Rave - and that was it. Shortly thereafter,
I met my first partner Michael Elewonibi, and we started throwing
our own parties, the Philosophers of Funk were born!
Where and how did the both of you meet?
RB: We knew each other back in high school,
we would often end up partying together. After high school I lost
touch with Di for many years. We ended up both running independent
businesses close to each other, and we reconnected. Di then came
on board with the Philosophers of Funk, originally to do the books,
but soon became my new partner.
DC: I was also involved and worked on parties/productions
together with the Philosophers of Funk. We complimented each others'
strong points. As far as Phatt Phunk, we had both made decisions
to get more involved in the electronic music business. In other
words, we wanted to make it a full-time "career" as opposed to
part-time producers. So we wrapped up our other independent business
and started the label.
What events, artists, and DJ's were/are inspirations
and influences for "Phatt Phunk?"
RB: Above all else, we got the job DONE.
As the producers of parties, we always made sure that your audiences
went home with an incredible audio/visual vibe experience. It
seemed like a natural progression from producing parties. We wanted
to evolve what we loved to do into stable careers. Someone convinced
us that we should "partner up" with their company, but we eventually
realized it would be better if we did it ourselves.
What kind of standards have you established from
the influences that you follow now?
DC: We do what we say we are going to do.
We stay true to the artists that we work with, and to the people
that we deal with on any level.
RB: Whether it be a party or an album, we
always produce quality, and follow through with what we say.
What made you want Phatt Phunk with its artists/DJs/producers
it has right now?
DC: We feel we chose the best unknown artists
we have found (or found us!) they each possess talent, and passion
for the music they make and play.
RB: They are all emerging talents that not
only perform but produce quality music. We are building the labels
base by investing in studio artists.
Why does the label choose to promote ALL the sub-genres
of Electronica? Do you feel that this is a massive challenge,
to focus on all instead of just one sound?
DC: Our mission is to promote unknown, talented
artists. We don't believe you can tell an artist his music in
his genre is better than anothers' in a different genre. All of
the music we are releasing, along with what we have already released,
is incredible. We could hardly limit "Phatt Phunk's" music to
one genre.
RB: The true underground culture can not
be represented by only one genre. To only choose one genre, would
lack progression. To me, music has always been about emotion.
It would be impossible for me to pick one over the other because
each genre depicts certain emotions or moods that I may be in
at a specific time. The bottom line - we like it all! People have
always told me we're crazy to try promoting all the genres, but
I feel that if we are always true to quality, then Phatt Phunk
will be recognized. Being any independent label is a massive challenge!
Do either of you have a sincere feeling for a
specific genre? Which one moves you the most?
DC: Music from each genre can move me.
RB: I like anything with progression and
is musical, composition is critical.
Your label loves to bring forth some of the best
up & coming artist/DJs. What is it that you look for in these
up & comers? What makes the decision for you to say that they
are "Phatt Phunk" material?
RB: Hard work ethic, coupled with producing/performing
talent. We find talent under the different "Colors of Phatt Phunk"
that are willing to grow with us and partake in creative projects.
DC: I look for their passion for their music.
I look for the talent and the sincere drive. I look for belief
in themselves, and how they show it. The music has to be meaningful
and it has to get you tapping or dancing!
What do the both of you feel is the strongest
attribute of Phatt Phunk - the label and of its artists?
DC: The commitment, the passion and drive
of the artists. Most importantly, it would be the quality of the
music.
RB: We are all hungry.
What kind of obstacles has Phatt Phunk run into,
and how did you over come them?
RB: We had to learn the music business,
that's a serious obstacle if you don't learn fast.
DC: Starting a new business in a new country!
Research - Research - Research...
When someone opens up a magazine and sees your
ads, or picks up a flyer and sees that massive "Phatt Phunk" logo,
what do you want that person to think or to be thinking later
on?
DC: The logo is representative of the most
passionate, highest quality music produced by a community of artists
who support the electronic dance scene!
RB: In whatever genre we're promoting, I
want people to associate the label with amazing music. I want
people to be excited about upcoming releases or parties involved
with "Phatt Phunk."
Phuture Perspectives at Phatt
Phunk
Phatt Phunk has a lot of projects ready to be released soon.
Watch out for some CD's to be released some time in early May.
One being a funky break/house release from the Sci-fi Witch Doctor
of Vancouver, another will be a drum and bass release from Inner-Vation,
and there will also be another installment to the "West Coast
Vibe" series. Mark Lewis from Los Angeles will be providing us
a progressive treat with Vol. #4.
Be also on the look out for some 12" releases. Making his solo
debut, DJ Eyal will be showing us epic breakbeats on his release
of "Xtacy '99." DJ Eyal, combining efforts with Pure Nova, will
be releasing "Chapter One" as well. For more information on Phatt
Phunk Records, check out their Web site at:
http://www.phattphunk.com
There is tons of background information on all their artists,
DJ's and producers. If you're interested in hearing some of the
quality music that Phatt Phunk has already released, then I suggest
two things. You either go to the web site and check out their
RealAudio clips, or get to your favorite record store, and take
a listen of what Phatt Phunk has to deliver. If you can't find
what you are looking for, or just want to know more, drop them
and e-mail. They have shared much of their knowledge with me, and
they will do the same for you. Learn it and pass it on...
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