Rhythm Department Records is a Leeds and Manchester based record label, started by Shaun Stone (who we know from LS:Mix) and James Swales. They have just released their third release by MacLo, who have now joined them in helping run this project – and we were lucky enough to be able to sit down and have a chat.
Hey guys, for those that don’t know – do you want to introduce yourselves and Rhythm Department Records?
James: Hey Tom, nice to meet you. I’m James Swales, originally from Blackpool but have been living in Manchester for the past 5 years.
Shaun: Hi Tom! Thanks for having us. My names Shaun Stone, originally from Wiltshire but now a fully converted northerner after going to University in York and living in Leeds for the past 6 years.
James: Rhythm Department Records is our baby which we’ve had in the pipeline for a good while and it’s now starting to all fall into place. We’re aiming to deliver a catalogue of classic House tracks that can be enjoyed by every generation of ravers.
Why did you want to start a record label?
Shaun: For me a record label had always been a bit of a dream of mine since I started getting into electronic music at around 15/16, although not one that I thought possible until I met James through our mutual friend Big Dave. I hadn’t studied music academically at all, as in school it was only encouraged if you played an instrument, and it was only after University that I felt that regret. However, the experience I gained from my time in Leeds and the mutual passion I shared with James helped us to start getting things moving.
James: I’ve probably had the idea of starting a record label since the same time I started producing/DJ’ing. We want to create a supportive brand that helps push our artists as far as they can and give them opportunities they might not have otherwise had. For me it’s about contributing to the growth of other artists.
You guys started off Rhythm Department Records as a pair, but now you have the Maclo guys coming in to join to. How did that happen?
James: Yes, originally it was just Shaun & I, but with both of us having work commitments as well as our own music projects to focus on it was a struggle to give the label the attention it needed.
Shaun: We both knew we would need some extra hands on deck, and after working with the MacLo boys on our first release and the fact that James was already friendly with them it was the perfect option to bring them on board. The tracks that Miles & Matt are putting together at the moment are exactly the vibe we’re aiming for which is why we’ve gone for a full MacLo release for our 3rd EP.
How did you guys both get into the music scene?
Shaun: After spending a good few years frequenting the clubs in Leeds and across the North I knew that I wanted to be involved in the industry. Due to my lack of experience this started by creating an online multi-genre mix series titled LS:MIX, named for the LS6 post code in Hyde Park (shout out Molly Blake for the name), that aimed to provide a platform for local DJs to gain more exposure and promote any of their musical projects. This turned out to be a great way for me to get to know a lot of like-minded individuals within the scene and make some really helpful connections, as well as getting sent a tonne of new music from some very talented DJs!
Eventually this led to bringing Ed Firth & Josh Fry on board after they both contributed to the series, and we started running events which began on Wednesday evenings and led onto Saturday nights in which we threw some of our best parties. Again, the main ethos of these events was to showcase upcoming talent from Leeds and the surrounding area and we spent a good 2 years or so doing just that across various iconic Leeds venues such as Wire, HiFi, The Old Red Bus Station & Beaverworks.
The feeling you get from seeing a whole room vibing at an event that you’ve organised was infectious, and the next step I wanted to take from that was to be part of the process of getting some of those tunes out there and into the clubs.
James: I started out as a punter when I first moved to Manchester but it definitely became much more of a passion when I started producing/DJ’ing. Networking is a huge part of it as well – I’ve met so many people through music who are now friends for life.
What is the ethos behind Rhythm Department Records for you guys and where do you see it going?
James: Our ethos is to release classic House gems that have a timeless feel to them, tracks that when you hear them, don’t sound dated or a dead trend. Something you could listen to in 10 years time and still think it sounds as fresh as today. Inspired heavily by the sounds of Ron Hardy, Frankie Knuckles, Kerri Chandler, Grant Nelson and other pioneers of the scene.
Shaun: In terms of where we’d like Rhythm Department to go, we’re in the process of transitioning to releasing on vinyl and we’ve recently had the first selection of label merchandise drop on our Bandcamp. The dream would be to take the label on the road and host some festival stage takeovers as well as the label showcases that we have planned for the future.
You have a new EP out, talk to us a bit about it.
James: Our third release titled ‘Not Here For Palm Trees’ welcomes back MacLo with a 4 track digital EP. Matt and Miles (MacLo) are both in their own right, well respected promotors in Manchester. We’d listened to early demos and knew we needed to get them onboard.
Shaun: This EP was inspired by some of their favourite places and moments from the gigs they have played so far. The first half of the EP tries to capture some of those hands in the air moments when all the dots start to join. The second half takes on a darker, sleazier approach. E-Mode and Won’t Let You Get Away are mainly inspired by nights in Glastonbury’s NYC Downlow. These tracks are especially raw and stripped back, but straight to the point. The EP as a whole represents the sound we’re aiming to deliver with Rhythm Department.
James I know you have produced tracks for Rhythm Department, do you have releases anywhere else? And Shaun do you produce too?
James: Yes, I’ve been quite lucky in terms of releases and have managed to secure tracks on labels such as Another Rhythm, Polydor, Dansu Discs, Slothboogie, 13th Hour and more. Each have been fundamental to gaining experience in how to run a label, tips of the trade and building a solid network of contacts.
Shaun: Apart from a one-hour session on Garageband on my housemates Mac back in 2nd year of Uni I’m yet to delve into the realms of production! It’s something I’d be very keen to do in the future though, so I imagine James will have to share some of his magic with me at some point.
You’re based in Leeds and Manchester? can you highlight some particular clubs and artists in both areas that you guys really dig?
Shaun: I can’t recommend Leeds highly enough, from the many weekends I spent as a student getting a bus over from York to the 6 years I’ve spent living here there is ALWAYS a good night on somewhere. I was heartbroken to see Canal Mills close its doors as for me it was a really formative venue, that along with spaces such as Wire & Beaverworks were where I’ve spent most of my time. There are so many amazing smaller venues to check out as well, Distrikt and 212 Bar standout as frontrunners and Sheaf Street will always have a special place in my heart.
In regard to artists and brands, I’m sure people say this in every city but in Leeds everyone you meet is so approachable and friendly and more than happy to help you out on whatever it is you’re working on. Special shout out to Mezla, Rowland, Black Market Stereo, OB, ku:ro, Forrest Road Soundystem, Elliot Holt & Paradise Discs to name just a few. Definitely worth checking these guys out when you have the time for a taste of what Leeds is about!
James: For me the top spots in Manchester are The White Hotel, Hidden, Soup Kitchen and Eastern Bloc. Each are suited for different styles of events and occasions. Ranging from The White Hotel being a warehouse style late night rave to Eastern Bloc’s intimate free parties for an after work boogie.
Local Manchester artists/brands to look out for include: PADDY, Sam Goes To Tokyo, Matty (Chequered Wax), Surco, Ordinary Friends & High Hoops.
From your perspective, how has coronavirus affected running a label? And how do you think it will affect the music scene in Manchester and Leeds?
Shaun: One of the main effects that we’ve directly felt was the necessary postponement of events. We had a label showcase planned at Stage & Radio in Manchester and Distrikt in Leeds which we’re hoping to get rescheduled as soon as it’s safe to do so.
James: Another factor is the lack of club nights in which our releases can gain some traction and popularity with DJs and dancers alike, however the rise of the live stream has helped combat this to an extent.
Shaun: The most worrying thing for the music scene in Leeds & Manchester is the potential closure of various venues across both cities due to the financial strain of the pandemic. Some venues have already had to close their doors and there’s danger that many more could follow. This is why it’s important to get behind local promoters and venues, who have done so much for the scene over the years, to help keep them afloat where possible via donations, purchasing merchandise and any other method you can think of.
What’s in the pipeline for Rhythm Department for the second half of 2020 and even 2021?
James: Now that RDR003 is out there we’re focusing on getting RDR004 ready for your ears, we’re working with some really exciting artists for our next couple of releases which we can’t wait to share with you all.
Shaun: We’ve also recently decided to switch distributors to work with Lobster Theremin which we’re very excited about. We had just agreed to put it on our to-do list to send them an enquiry and then the following day we received an email from them out the blue to say that they’re big fans of our latest release and they’d love to work with us going forward, which was definitely a good feeling for all of us at Rhythm Department!
Cheers guys!
Interview By: Tom Allman