We spoke with the head of the DeepDownDirty label

We took a moment to get an update from the label head! Find out more about the label and release...

Vol 7 is the 10-year birthday release — what did you want this compilation to say about DeepDownDirty right now?

That we have stuck to our guns about being multi-genre despite the general concensus that launching a multi-genre label was not the best decision. We are here to promote creativity and push boundaries. Not to tow the line. I think this acid comp defo says this.

The VA moves across the gamut of Acid styles — how did you approach sequencing so it feels like a journey?

This is weirdly one of my fave bits of dealing with a VA: listening to all the tracks and trying to build some kind of journey or story through them. I listen to all the tracks and do what my heart tells me to. I am very much governed by my feelings!

What’s your curatorial “filter” for a DeepDownDirty Acid volume — what has to be there for a track to make the cut?

- Good structure.

- Preferably some kind of vocal element.

- Plenty of squelch.

- It has to stir some kind of emotion in me.

How important was it to include debut artists alongside seasoned names, and what does that balance bring to the series?

I think that's something we have only be able to do over time (who is going to release with a small electronic music label run by a stay-at-home mum in the early days?) but honestly it's not my focus although I think it's nice for the newer artists to be releasing alongside more seasoned producers. We've had the honour and privilege of working with Sophie Barker, Sunscreem, Phil Hartnoll, Lucien Foort, Suddi Raval, Paul Sawyer... These artists have been in the game for decades and their involvement as well as their support and counsel has been invaluable.

Were you actively encouraging producers to work outside their usual genres for this volume, or did it happen organically?

I think most people know that I expect creativity and for people to 'dare to be different' so this kind of stuff happens organically now,

After ten years of releasing music, what still excites you about the DeepDownDirty sound — and where do you want to take it next?

I LOVE hearing people's demos and am always really touched when producers take onboard my suggestions re track modifications if I feel there is some idea really burning a hole in my heart and mind about what they have created. I love how people make new connections through DeepDownDirty and take the next step in their production journey with my support. It makes me very happy. I also love that people make friends throuh the label and how may producers have become friends over the years. Honestly I feel deeply privileged to know and work with so many talented, creative and lovely people. DeepDwnDirty has completely changed me life in a wonderful way.

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