{"id":25403,"date":"2015-12-03T16:55:26","date_gmt":"2015-12-03T15:55:26","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.deephouseamsterdam.com\/london\/?p=25403"},"modified":"2016-03-13T14:15:47","modified_gmt":"2016-03-13T13:15:47","slug":"label-showcase-007-leftroom-recordings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.deephouseamsterdam.com\/london\/label-showcase-007-leftroom-recordings\/","title":{"rendered":"Label Showcase 007: Leftroom Records"},"content":{"rendered":"

Leftroom Records opened its doors in August of 2005 in Nottingham, England as the creation of Matt Tolfrey. Musically, it was one of the first labels of its kind in the UK, showcasing the off centre sound of house, disco and techno.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The first Leftroom release surfaced the 5th of December 2005 and was entitled \u2018The Extended Family EP\u2019<\/strong> encapsulating the spirit of Leftroom, a place where a core set of artists could grow and experiment with their sound. The Leftroom family consists of a few key artists including Laura Jones, Huxley, Gavin Herlihy, Sam Russo<\/strong> and Matt himself, but has also featured the likes of Alexi Delano, Brett Johnson, Circle, Fuckpony, Geddes, Inxec, Jay Haze, jozif, Kate Simko, Kevin Knapp, Land Shark (Lance De Sardi), Lee Curtiss, Lil Mark, Maceo Plex, Neil Parkes, Ryan Crosson, Shall Ocin, Shaun Reeves, Signal Flow, Simon Baker<\/strong>, and Waifs & Strays<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Flash forward a decade as Leftroom celebrates 10 years in the game with \u201910 Years of Leftroom\u2019<\/strong> – a selection of exclusive tracks, remixes and collaborations from the label family. The ten tracks of ’10 Years of Leftroom\u2019 neatly encapsulate what the label is and has been about – underground music that reflects the discerning taste of its curator. There\u2019s new material from label boss Matt Tolfrey, who collaborates with Route 94, Guti<\/strong> and Hearthrob<\/strong>, there are updates on career defining cuts from Audiojack<\/strong> and Kate Simko<\/strong> plus heavyweight remixes from Chez Damier, Optimo<\/strong> and Mr. Fingers<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

With that, we continue our new series here, and in conjunction with Deep House Amsterdam, highlighting some of our favourite labels from around the world, we thought we would catch up with Matt Tolfrey<\/strong> and get the scoop on all things Leftroom Records as their decade celebration tour goes full swing.. Here, you will find information on the label\u2019s history, ethos, releases and future. As you can probably tell by know, we are asking each respective label owner the same questions. With this approach, we hope these showcases will be as educational and informative (for all you aspiring label heads out there) as they are entertaining.<\/p>\n

Also, at the end of the article you will find an exclusive mix from Leftroom Records’ Audiojack, giving readers an idea of the Leftroom Records sound as its meant to be heard\u2026in the mix!<\/p>\n

“No one understands how long it takes to put out a record until they run a label themselves.”<\/span><\/h2>\n

What does Leftroom add to the dance music spectrum?<\/strong>
\nThat\u2019s a hard question to answer as I am sure it adds something different for everyone. So it adds whatever you want it to really. Hopefully some music that keeps you on the dance floor, rather than talking in a dark corner.<\/p>\n

When did you first think about launching Leftroom?<\/strong>
\nI was working quite closely with a few other not to be named labels about releasing and working with them, and something just didn\u2019t feel quite right. I had to many questions to ask all the time. So I thought it would be a good idea to do it myself. Then I only had myself to answer to. I had just nearly finished a business degree in Nottingham, so it was probably best to put some of it to good use.<\/p>\n

When did Leftroom actually launch? <\/strong>
\nIt launched at Stealth<\/a> nightclub in Nottingham in October in 2005, the same week the company became official.<\/p>\n

Story behind the Leftroom name?<\/strong>
\nOriginal the name was Legroom, as in \u2018room to dance\u2019 and the logo was designed and decided on. We then got a few stray letters from a country and western label in Texas called Legroom threatening to sue us, so we had to think fast. The logo looked like a paid of legs leaving a room, the music was very leftfield and had been described as left of centre, so Leftroom was born.<\/p>\n

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What was the most difficult aspect of launching the label? <\/strong>
\nKnowing how much money you needed, and finding a way to borrow that money. But the main problem to get to grips with is working out time frames for everything. No one understands how long it takes to put out a record until they run a label themselves. Your basically relying on other people the whole time, so it can become a bit frustrating.<\/p>\n

What qualities do you look for in a Leftroom artist?<\/strong>
\nOriginality, and knowing that their heart is in the right place. I only sign people that are into their music and are dedicated to it. I don\u2019t sign people that once the contract is signed then ask how much money they are going to make and how many Leftroom parties they are going to be playing over the coming years. Let\u2019s just say I learnt the hard way with a few artists in the beginning.<\/p>\n

Describe 3 seminal moments in Leftroom existence?<\/strong>
\n1. My parents lending me the money to start the label.
\n2. Releasing Audiojack – ‘Robot’, Laura Jones – ‘Love In Me’ and Kate Simko feat Jem Cooke – ‘Go On Then’.
\n3. Releasing my debut album “Word Of Mouth”.
\n(4.) Getting to ten years\u2026.<\/p>\n

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Most disappointing moment in Leftroom existence?<\/strong>
\nThe label nearly closing down after 2 years when our distributor Intergroove went bust.<\/p>\n

Describe Leftroom album artwork? <\/strong>
\nIt has changed so many times over the years that it is hard to nail down, but our logo has always stayed true. Our motto has stayed with us also – \u2018The Extended Family.\u2019<\/p>\n

Best Leftroom showcase?<\/strong>
\nOff Sonar Hotel Catalonia rooftop with Culprit when I got to play back2back with Lee Burridge. Once of the best parties I have ever been to\u2026 PICTURE ATTACHED!!!<\/p>\n

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Worst Leftroom showcase? <\/strong>
\nA handful that have got cancelled last minute by the promoters due to venue reasons.<\/p>\n

Dream Leftroom artist? <\/strong>
\nDerrick Carter closely followed by Larry Heard AKA Mr Fingers<\/p>\n

Most important business\/music app\/program\/software?<\/strong>
\niCal.<\/p>\n

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Longest Day(s) ever worked?<\/strong>
\nDJing – 3 days
\nOffice – Haven\u2019t stopped<\/p>\n

Upcoming projects?<\/strong>
\nWe have a new label starting in 2016 called Leftroom Editions which is new remixes of old classic Leftroom and Leftroom Limited releases over the last ten years. The Leftroom side of things has been concentrating mainly around our Ten Years compilation which is out on Dec 4th. But for the start of 2016 we are putting finishing touches to a follow up EP from Route 94, and a huge release from Jey Kermis which is probably one of the biggest stand out records I have ever signed. On Leftroom Limited we have a huge release by Just Be, another EP from Neil Parkes featuring a Denney remix, and a bomb EP from jozif which I think is his best work to date. A few labels were chasing it, but I got in their first!!!<\/p>\n

“10 Years of Leftroom” is out 4 December<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Download <\/a><\/span> Soundcloud <\/a><\/span> Label Page <\/a><\/span><\/p>\n