Not too many people have had a place in dance music like Alexander Escolier. Getting his start in New Wave and working for the infamous Factory Records and Hacienda nightclub from Manchester (they even made a movie on the story several years ago called '24 Hour Party People"), he moved to NYC and before long was running the cherished Distance label. He took his wisdom and experience and went on his own to start Atal, which has become one of Soul Full house music's most revered imprints. Consistently putting out Singles, EP's and Compilations from a list of artists too long to mention, he balances the line between the most known names in the biz, to fresh newcomers to keep an eye on.
We had a chat with Alexander to discuss the past, present and future.
Stompy - Fist off, why the name Atal Music?
Alexander - It means 'C'est la vie' (that's life) in patois from the South West of France. I heard an old farmer saying this to my father, I asked my father what it meant, and I thought that it was cool.
Stompy - Did you always know you wanted to be in the music business?
Alexander - I was obsessed by music from when I was about 15, and music was really exciting when I was that age. It was right after the punk explosion, New Wave was in full swing, and Hip Hop was just beginning.
Stompy - How did you get started in House music?
Alexander - In 1986 I was working for Factory Records (Joy Division, New Order, A Certain Ratio, Happy Mondays…) in Manchester, they owned a club called 'The Hacienda', it was probably the first club in Europe playing House music, then the following year I moved to NY, the rest is history.
Stompy - Any crazy stories you can share from the Factory Records / Hacienda days?
Alexander - George Michael's manager sent us a demo tape of George first solo album. It was right after Wham! and George was looking for a deal. Wham! was the anti-Christ to us so we did not even listened to the tape. We should have.
Years later I read an interview where George was saying that his favorite bands were Joy Division / New Order so it made sense and last year he recorded a cover of New Order 'True Faith'.
Stompy - With the Hacienda and Factory paving the way for a new and exciting time in Europe, what made you want to leave for NYC?
Alexander - I went to university in NY. Factory had an office in New York, so I met all the artists/producers involved with the label, Mark Kamins, John Robie, Arthur Baker, Michael Shamberg etc...
Stompy - What was the motivation for you to start Atal?
Alexander - I was running a label called Distance which was very successful, but did not own it, so enough of working for the others.
Stompy - You have had some of the most prolific artists in House music--Larry Heard, Louie Vega, Chez Damier, Ron Trent, Dj Spen, etc grace the label. What is the A&R process like? Do you take demos, or do you reach out to artists for specific music and remixes?
Alexander - I usually work with people I know for a long time - I have been working with Alton Miller for over 15 years - so they send me their latest productions, but from time to time I will sign something I'm being sent.
Stompy - What are some of the newer artists that are exciting to you now?
Alexander - I like a Russian artist called Young August, I released two singles from him already and I like very much the recent release from Marco Fracasso feat. Nica Brooke 'Rhythm of Reality'.
Stompy -As a part of house music for so long, what do you feel is the biggest difference from when you first got into the business to now?
Alexander - In 1986 CD was just starting, nowadays it's like mission impossible to sell CDs, so there's a huge difference, back then you could survive just signing and releasing singles/albums, nowadays you need to have a 360° business: management, booking agent, publisher, label, etc…
Stompy - What do you think is the biggest factor for creating a successful label and stand out in today's musical landscape?
Alexander - Never listen to what other people are telling you to sign, follow your heart.
Stompy - Where do you draw your inspirations from nowadays?
Alexander - The WMC this year was great, I heard some really inspiring music and it gave me a lot of energy.
Stompy - If you were to perform a set comprised of only the Atal catalogue, whatwould be your opening single as an introduction, what would be the defining single played during the peak hour, and what would be the single you close with to leave the lasting impression?
Alexander -
Hanna Haïs 'Il parlait pas Francais' (Larry Heard Super Deluxe Mix)
Jay Sinister & Louie Vega feat Julie McKnight 'Bittersweet'
Marco Fracasso feat. Nica Brooke 'Rhythm of Reality'
Stompy - What does the future of Atal look like?
Alexander - Keep releasing great music from my friends.
No comments:
Post a Comment