by gleek on 13 Oct 2008, 20:38
Rephlex has a huge underground following innit. Think of all the groundbreaking artists who started on Rephlex - Squarepusher, Luke Vibert, Mike Paradinas, Aleksi Perala, Global Goon, Bogdan Raczunski and plenty more... Obviously not to forget the two legends who got the label rolling (Aphex and Grant Wilson Claridge aka Universal Indicator, Mike Dred, Kosmik Kommando)
The majority of Rephlex's early releases by the above artists are hard to find, (some pretty much impossible) many of them groundbreaking and thus the label is seen as pretty prestigious. The music Rephlex has given us is always interesting, original and innovative, and sometimes ridulously happy and heart-warming. This with the fact that a lot of the releases are highly collectable ultimately creates a lot of interest in the label, therefore more people than usual are excited about the labels forthcoming releases. This is particularly true if you've followed the label through the years and seen how it's style has changed, always pushing the boundaries.
I remember when Rephlex pushed grime well before dubstep caught on in this country, and there's other examples where it's always seemed to be at the forefront of the next big dance music genre.
The label is totally 100% about the music, never selling out . Rephlex could be putting on huge parties but they choose not to, something which has always frustrated me to be honest. (They did lots in London a few years ago but they they moved back to Cornwall and do a small monthly night down there now). They could reissue their old rare releases which again they rarely do. This new years they're having a party down in Cornwall for only 200 people at a tenner each with DJ "Father Christmas" headlining - hmm who could that be I wonder? The way they act and the music they promote creates curiosity and ultimately this has resulted in a huge cult following. I for one always keep an eye out on the releases as I'm always interested in new signings and new releases from the artists I love.
I must sound like a right fanboy but it's one of my favourite labels run by the nicest people and I can totally relate to people who get excited about the forthcoming releases.
If you want a picture of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face - for ever
