Where are you currently based?
Meanjin (Brisbane, Australia). What’s been happening recently and how has your Covid experience been so far?
As with most promoters/labels in the Brisbane scene, things have been pretty quiet. We’ve used this down time to finalise our recently released vinyl release (the label’s first) and lock in some other digital releases. Other than that, we’ve played a few sets on The Quivr – A Brisbane based DJ streaming platform that so happened to pop up just before lockdown began. Please tell us about Pocketmoth and your co-founder; how did you wind up starting a label together?
Zach and I have played in a band together for about six years, and always had a mutual interest in Electronic music. As time progressed, we started making mixes, digging for music, and attending raves etc. Having been involved with a record label via our band, we understood the basics of how to run one, and figured we could do something similar. What core values do you have as a label?
– Our label abides by the core values of dance music; Inclusivity, diversity, safety, free creativity and expression. What qualities must an artist and track possess to be on Pocketmoth?
– we are captivated by sounds that move us. Our discography contains many articulations of this, from tight minimal pieces, do huge luscious soundscapes. In short, we chase unique sounds from unique artists that share our philosophy; attention to detail, a clear conceptual framework, and passion for music in all forms. Do you find it difficult to push such a unique sound in a city like Brisbane?
Not hugely. We have such a tight knit community, and many of the Bris-based artists that release with us are well respected by their peers. Naturally, this gives local releases an organic reach throughout the city, which is very special. Our scene is still growing, and I feel that Pocketmoth and Brisbane will move forward very quickly in tandem. Who knows where we will be in a few years.
Please tell us about some of your artists?
It’s almost an injustice to spotlight a few, as there are so many talented artists that feature in our discography. Perhaps then, I’ll mention the artists responsible for forthcoming Pocketmoth releases: – Gabriel Magdelani and Niran Mantin: Two very talented minimal producers from Tel Aviv, responsible for the recently released vinyl, Physical Desires [PKM009]. Though we’ve never met, we’ve developed a strong friendship with Gabriel, Niran and their network of producers, having featured a few on Pocketmoth releases.
– Olympic Swimming Pool Maintenance
A producer, visual artist and live electronic performer from Brisbane. He is due to release an ambient techno EP on the label digitally in the next few months, so stay tuned.
– DJ Borderforce
A close friend, collaborator and co-founder of local promoter ’No Persuasion’. We share a studio with him also. An extremely refined producer with an incredible work ethic. He’s always experimenting with new gear, new setups, and new ideas in his music. His forthcoming EP will be filled with big drums, luscious pads and uplifting chord progressions.
– Squidgenini
Possibly the most all-round talented artists we know. An Incredible vocalist, keys player and critical thinker, with a bunch of well-received original music already to her name. Squid has been recently diving into deeper styles of electronic music, and the results are super exciting. No dates locked in yet, but likely early next year. Some exciting news, word has it you are releasing your first vinyl this month, please tell us about the release: What inspired you to go for vinyl?
Pressing music to vinyl has been a goal of ours since we started the label in late 2017, however as a small label with not much reach, no contacts and an unrefined palette, it didn’t make sense at first. Things are different now – we have rubbed shoulders with amazing artists and label owners from Australia and abroad, grown within local and international communities, and maintain a better understanding of our goals. Having already released on the label, Gabriel suggested to us the idea of a collaborative release with his colleague Niran. As Gabriel is Arab Israeli, and Niran Jewish Israeli, the release aims to show the transcendent power of dance music, and share a message of unity. Of course, the music was also incredible: tightly produced, textural, groovy. We couldn’t have dreamed for a more perfect release to press as our first vinyl.
Physical Desires EP [PKM009], by Gabriel Magdelani and Niran Mantin, released on the 25th Sept 2020, and is available physically via Bandcamp Juno, Decks, Deejay and a number of record stores. It’s also available digitally via band camp, Soundcloud and primary streaming services.
Does Pocketmoth ever do label nights?
Super Whatnot w/ Madeline Holt: A monthly night of all-vinyl selections by Myself (Black Mannequin), and Zach (Quincy Raw), accompanied by digital art projections by our good friend, Madeline Holt. Cerulean Showroom: This was our bimonthly club night, featuring immersive deep blue visuals, quadraphonic sound and strictly local selectors playing prime-time sets. It showcased the talent that Brisbane has to offer, by providing local DJs with an international level setup and vibe. It sadly came to an end due to certain constraints, and given the COVID situation, we haven’t been able to book anything much since. We’ll be back though, offering the same production level with a fresh concept.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
Off The Meds K-Lone
Satoshi Tomiie
Al Wootton
Local:
Squidgenini
Big Dead
Waqef What do you like to do away from music?
Play football, ride bikes, read. What’s planned for the remainder of 2020 going into 2021?
We aim to piece out two more releases before the new year, and then another couple in early 2021. From there, maybe another vinyl? It’s hard to know given the current circumstances!! Favourite food and place to hangout?
Fave food: Almond Croissant (paired with long black).
Fave hang out spot: Super Whatnot – Burnett Lane, Brisbane City. Amazing mixologists, tasty nibbles. Music policy: strictly vinyl. Small bar, big vibes. |
Pocketmoth
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Website: www.pocketmoth.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/
Soundcloud: www.soundcloud.com/pocketmoth
Bandcamp: pocketmoth.bandcamp.com
Instagram: @pocketmoth_
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