As some of you might know, I spearhead the Bludclot Recordings record label. Up to this point we have very few releases and have been operating strictly as a netlabel. However, a double CD album is in the works and recently I had the wonderful opportunity of getting interviewed about the label and the upcoming CD release for Knowledge Magazine. It is my pleasure to announce that the new Knowledge website is now online and feautres the interview. Included below is the interview in its entirity, but definitely be sure to check out the Knowledge website in depth for tons of goodness!
Bludclot Lets Loose
Located in the middle of North America, land locked from the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, lies the third least populated state in the USA; North Dakota. In a state barely reaching over 500,000 inhabitants you will find one of the newest digital labels making a massive uproar - Bludclot Recordings.
Having only two releases to date, Bludclot sets out to unload its newest project entitled “Loose”. This double CD contains 29 original tracks from today’s most promising young gunmen in the industry including J Bostron, the Archangel, Ragga Scum, Babylon Demolitionist, Bombah, and DJSKdaJunglist.
Pushing this incredible project to its limits is Bludclot label boss, Josh Decker or more commonly known as the Artbreaker. Notorious for his DIY approach, Josh expands boundaries for the underground movement through his production and releases.
Now on the cusp of dropping what could be one of today’s finest compilations in the ragga circuit, the Artbreaker locks on target to make big things happen and put Fargo, North Dakota on the map. I was able to speak with Josh recently:
When I first heard about Bludclot Recordings, I was intrigued to find out its headquarters was located in Fargo, ND. Being where you are geographically, how did you get into ragga jungle and what spawned you to start up the label?
I really got into ragga jungle about ten years ago, thanks in large part to raves while living in Minneapolis, MN and travelling all over the Midwest to party. Following the more “steppy” dancefloor drum & bass was the darker techstep material that began to take a stronger hold of the jungle and d&b community.
I started record digging more and more, unearthing the classics, and finding the roots material. At about the same time I began producing. I started the label most specifically to showcase dub influence, dub production aesthetics, dub music, or any combination of the three as a sort of personal support in an effort to give lesser known producers the opportunity to showcase their tunes. The label definitely has and will continue to have a large cross section of jungle and ragga jungle but the main focus is the dub elements that permeate nearly all electronic music today.
Can you tell me a little bit about the history of Bludclot Recordings? Where did the name come from?
In all honesty, the name came about before the label. As a graphic designer artist I spend a fair amount of time just messing around with various ideas. I came up with the original bloody Band-Aid graphic logo and knew I had to use it for something. At that same time I was formulating the plan for the label. Things just sort of pieced themselves together after that.
Bludclot release singles have been free in the past. Do you plan to continue down this path or do you have plans to get on with digital distribution or go down the vinyl route?
First and foremost, Bludclot is a free music label. There will undoubtedly be more free digital releases in the future. I’ve had dreams of vinyl releases and I hope to realize those dreams at some point, but the ultimate route the label takes in regards to format is really in the hands of those who are supporting it.
The “Loose” Various Artists CD is a huge project with 29 tracks on it from producers all over the globe. What sparked the change from releasing singles on digital format to mass producing what might arguably be one of the greatest ragga CD compilations of our time?
Originally “Loose” was going to be a digital release, but as the quality and quantity of submissions came in, I felt myself feeling the need to really make a mark with this one. I decided to go with a compilation after a few reasonably well received digital releases. I decided this would be the best route to get some exposure for the label with hopes of a thicker artist roster for some great future releases. It really all comes back to support of up-and-coming and lesser known people, much in the same way I got support when I was coming up years ago. A bit of financial surplus just solidified the emerging idea to go with a CD release.
As far as ragga producers go, there are some heavy hitters and the hottest upcomers on this track listing. How did you take it all in that so many down-to-earth people were willing to put in for such a project?
To be honest, I was simply blown away, no two ways about it. I think it stands as a good testament to an undercurrent of new music reinterpreting old sounds and roots ideals that should not be overlooked or taken for granted.
Can you tell the Knowledge readers when and where they can get the “Loose” CD at?
As with all things, unexpected delays are bound to happen. That said, we are looking at an early fall official release. Exact date isn’t know as of right now, but everything is in play for early fall. The CD will be available for purchase online at the Bludclot website, as well as a nice helping of other online shops from the east/west coasts of the USA, Australia, the Netherlands, Canada, and beyond.
Physical stock will be happening in the Midwest at local stores supporting local artists / music / labels with more arrangements in the works for stock at shops around the globe near artists appearing on the compilation. Additionally, each artist appearing on the release will be supplied with a sizeable helping to distribute as they see fit. Definitely watch the Bludclot website or the official MySpace page for updates about where to pick it up once it’s released as well as for all things Bludclot.
Josh, thank you for taking the time to speak with us and we anticipate big things coming from your camp.
No problem. Thank you very much. I’d just like to thank everyone involved and those supporting this project as well as the label. It’s cliché but true - it wouldn’t be happening without it! Other than that, I would just recommend everyone check out the artists’ page at Bludclot recordings and their individual links - there’s some big talent! Support underground and DIY music… at all costs!
