RSSLabel Mates : Simple/Aus
Will Saul of Simple and sister label Aus gives us the low-down on both and some music to listen to.
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Label Mates : Simple/Aus
When and why did the label start?
Simple started seven years ago. I was working at Sony Music and had a psychotic menopausal French boss and got to the point where I couldn’t handle it any more. I had always dreamed of starting my own label and didn’t have any financial responsibilities like a mortgage or kids so decided to have a go. I started it initially with three other guys that I worked with at Sony so had some other experience and capabilities as I was only 22 at the time (I then bought them out three years later). I worked part time at (now defunct London store) Koobla with Simon Rigg and Heidi to supplement my meagre DJ income at the time. Simon got approached to start Phonica so we left and went and worked with them there. Fun times. I started sister label Aus Music three years ago as an albums label that I’ve built around Sideshow, Lee Jones and MyMy. Sian has also come on board as one of the core artists.
Who or what was your biggest influence?
My Mum and Dad have always given me the belief and support that I can do anything I want with my life if I work hard, so I have to say them as I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing without them. Musically I have a really wide range of influences from Carl Craig to Motown Records, Vangelis to Teddy Riley, Dre to the Beach Boys and beyond…
Best career move?
Leaving Sony…
Biggest hit?
‘Cliff’,‘Pause’ or ‘Mbira’ have all been big sellers.
Biggest miss?
‘Tic Toc’ featuring Ursula Rucker. It was essentially a dub/reggae record. I love it and am very proud of it but it wasn’t really commercially viable. I drafted Swayzak into remix it but they delivered a completely abstract re-working that went over most people’s heads completely. Oops.
If you could sign one artist, who would it be?
Mathew Jonson seven years ago. Carl Craig would also top the list if money were no object. Animal Collective or Junior Boys are my favourite bands right now so both these two would do just fine!
Does vinyl still matter?
Yes and no. Yes because I love the format - the artwork, collectability and aesthetic of vinyl… and it sounds better than digital. No because the kids aren’t buying it anymore and it’s becoming outdated. As long as the music keeps getting paid for rather than pirated then I don’t really care what format people choose.
What is the secret to success?
Hard work and self belief. Some natural talent in whatever your chosen field never hurts either...
Top tip?
Don’t wear sunglasses in a club. Not a good look.
Do you dance?
I wiggle my ass like crazy when I DJ… does that count?
What’s next?
Forthcoming On Simple:
01/06/09: Adam Marshall ‘The Owls Won’t See Us’ EP with Seth Troxler & Shaun Reeves Remix
13/07/09: Adultnapper ‘While He Sleeps’ EP
10/08/09: Psycatron ‘Maneuvers In The Park’ EP
28/09/09: Motorcitysoul ‘Vivid’ with Roman Flugel Remix
12/10/09: Peter Kruder EP
23/11/09: Will Saul ‘Where Is It’ feat Ursula Rucker 2009 remake with Steve Bug Remix
Forthcoming On Aus:
Out Now: ‘Aus Music...All Night Long’ two CD album/three vinyl EPs with exclusives from Martyn, Roland Appel, Will Saul, Sian, MyMy, Lee Jones, Appleblim & Ramadanman, Brooks, Shur-I-Kan and Lawrence.
14/09/09: Roland Appel ‘Snow In Spring Time’ with Runaway Remix
12/10/09: Will Saul ‘Teddy’s Back’ with dOp Remix
16/11/09: MyMy EP
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