The Science Behind A Label: Paul Du Lac Talks
The science behind the music is often forgotten and replaced by the hype of the media and the press. As a result some labels shine prominently at the forefront of a genre or sound whilst others lurk murkily behind the surface. Bio Rhythm has played a fundamental role in the formulation of the electronic music community in Rotterdam. Since 2013 the label has been ounching far above its weight delivering a vast array of releases from artists whom you might never expect to make an appearance. Tevo Howard, Brassfoot, Jamal Moss, Marco Bernardi, Mick Wills and more have all appeared on the label since its formation. Paul Du Lac is the force behind this powerhouse of a record label.
In the coming weeks he will appear at a number of locations across the UK in Glasgow, Bristol, London & Cardiff. Ahead of this we caught up with him to talk about the label.
What was the original inspiration behind the Bio Rhythm Records label?
To honour the idea of electronic dance music being this soundtrack from a lost and forgotten hedonistic yet spiritual mutant tribal future and to add to the tradition.
Who influenced the early sounds of the label and what labels do you look up to?
The early artists did. And too many labels to mention… in general the authentic & stubborn ones, the ones that bring the rough stuff and go deep.
How did you from relationships with the likes of Jamal Moss and TevoHoward?
I can't remember exactly. I think I spoke to Jamal first when ordering his MFM cdr's at the time and one thing led to the other. Tevo I think I once dropped him a message through Myspace or some other ancient medium after hearing his first release, just saying I liked his music. Later on we exchanged remixes.
How would you describe the electronic music scene in Rotterdam, and has it changed across the years?
Loads of dj's, loads of producers, loads of labels but little nightlife. I think it always has been this way. But around every five years or so I read in the magazines that Rotterdam nightlife is about to explode and Amsterdam should watch its back blablabla – I don't buy it.
What was the first electronic piece of music you heard and how did it make you feel?
Loads of commercial house, hip-house and gimmick stuff was on the air when I was a kid. Most of it was utter crap so I thought house music was really shit but then I heard Stakker Humanoid and I thought this was something else. But it wasn't until 1991 when I started to buy records and really discover stuff. It became a huge part of my identity.
What are your aspirations for the label going forwards?
Just to modestly continue and expand this musical narrative that I and other people will hopefully still appreciate many years from now. Also Bio Rhythm label nights are happening now which is great fun, and putting things in perspective. Sometimes I forget nightlife is what's this music was designed for in the first place, it's still this social-spiritual-sexual tribal gathering trance kind of thing, experienced best physically over a proper sound system together with a bunch of dancing people intertwining sexually, exorcising their demons secretly in the dark. Well at least I like to see it that way, I’m very romantic. It isn’t necessarily about having fun either, it’s ritual beating. Sometimes we play dark, sometimes we play bright, you never know in advance. Anyway, very inspiring events so hopefully more will come, joining forces with local and likeminded organisations.
Your on productions have appeared on other labels as well, why have you chosen to release some of your music elsewhere as opposed to through Bio Rhythm exclusively?
These releases were actually finalized just before Bio Rhythm started. I also did some remixes for other labels but future solo releases will be on Bio Rhythm, except maybe for another Clone release.
Where is the most musically interesting place you have visited?
The secret passage of Lurulu.
More details about the tour can be found HERE.