TOUGH AT THE TOP - Skinny Wolves

With the musical tide shifting towards darker, more abstract forms of electronic music, it’s obvious that new labels need to satisfy this sudden demand for the bizarre. Enter Skinny Wolves. Like most of the best things in life, the label evolved more or less by accident, yet despite its unintentional beginnings – and a name hastily culled from a Comet Gain song – things are looking bright for the young upstart from Ireland. Co-founder Jamie Farrell took time out to talk about making music in Dublin.

Do you feel at all isolated in Dublin, a far cry from the more traditional music centres such as London or New York?

For a while I think Dublin was off the map for smaller, cutting edge bands when they went on tour, but now, thanks to promoters here like Foggy Notions, Umack and ourselves, these new bands will have an audience here. The main con for us as a label based in Ireland is that we have no vinyl pressing plant so we are isolated in some ways, but in other ways we are just as in the middle of everything thanks to the Web.

What’s the independent music scene like in Dublin these days?

There is probably a lot more going on in Ireland than people seem to realise. More and more people are looking towards alternative spaces to hold events and parties which we think is very healthy. There are a lot more free events and a lot more integration of music and art rather than music just as entertainment. There’s lots of great new bands; So Cow, Wounds, Children Under Hoof, Dublin Duck Dispensary, Cap Pas Cap, Twinkranes… the scene is getting better all the time!

In the current global downturn, it seems especially tough for small labels to survive. How will Skinny Wolves weather the storm?

It’s hard to see this as a business. We just put out records for bands we love. It’s very low-key and not really affected by the financial crisis. The pressings are in very limited editions and I think people who love music will always find money to spend on vinyl.

Which of the releases from Skinny Wolves have you been most proud of so far?

The first record we released. 250 copies all with handmade sleeves. A lot of sweat and tears went into that record and it sold out in one month which was nice!

The most recognisable acts on Skinny Wolves are all international. What is your approach to signing artists?

A local label with international connections. We try to nurture local talent by giving support slots to the bands we like. We do have plans to release more records by Irish bands and more international bands at the same time too. We are actually working on the idea of some split records featuring local and international artists that we think would work really well together and hopefully people will see that Ireland has lots to offer musically.

There does seem to be a move away from uplifting dance music into darker, more abstract territory these days.

Maybe people are looking for a bit more substance in the music that they are listening to. It would be fair to say we are into the darker side of things music-wise. We come from a background of listening to bands that used electronics and live band instrumentation, however primitively. With such easy access to music now, people can afford the time to sift through the crap and sniff out the interesting stuff.

Telepathe are really on the up-and-up these days. What is it about them that appeals to you so much?

We love the music they are doing. Their sound has evolved so much, it’s really interesting to see where they are taking it and how people are reacting to it. We’re really happy for them. They are not afraid to experiment with their approach to making music, even if it may alienate some older fans. They have a vision and a freshness that is invigorating!

Aside from your own releases, who are your musical heroes?

Mainly, we have a thing for bands who were out there on their own, creating their own blueprints for what they thought music should be, and who weren’t afraid to do what they wanted. Bands like Chrome, Suicide, The Fall, The Birthday Party, Wipers, Devo, Kraftwerk, Cabaret Voltaire, John Foxx, Screamers…

What’s coming up from Skinny Wolves in the near future?

More vinyl release, more shows, mini festivals, DJ nights… and bankruptcy!