New Feature: Focus On: Boxer / Kickboxer Recordings
30-07-10 // by Dudles
Type // Photo
Focus On: Boxer / Kickboxer Recordings
Starting this week we are introducing a new feature called “Focus On”. Our goal is to ask 5 simple questions which should bring a different perspective and story behind the family of labels we distribute and offer here in our store. On top – we will offer a 15% off the label’s ENTIRE catalogue for a limited 2 week time PLUS up to 50% off key releases!
This week we Focus On Boxer Recordings (also the home of Kickboxer) – one of KOMPAKT’s longstanding labels in our family. This Cologne based imprint remains an institution for quality techno and tech-house – for the past 10 years, Peta Hetkamp and Eric Braden have provoked the careers of many of today’s leading acts including MATZAK, DUSTY KID, DUOTEQUE, DELON & DALCAN, RODRIGUEZ JR. and FRANK MARTINIQ.
We sat down with Peta to see what makes Boxer’s clock tick…
Can you tell us a bit about what inspired you to start Boxer and what's the label's musical statement?
We started Boxer back in 2001 thanks to getting two promising albums from Frank Martiniq and Digital South in our hands. There was no question that we loved to share this great music with the world. The circumstances of when we were both working for a music distribution and DJing - this definitely helped our decision to start Boxer. The irony is that it was our plan was to run a label mainly for albums with singles to support them. It turned out to become a 12" label with a few albums. But now we’re back to doing albums again!
There is no master plan for the music we release on Boxer and Kickboxer. We simply have to love it and that it fits in the greater niche of straight dancefloor music. That's it!
What's your favorite track and/or release on Boxer and why?
There are two. The first one is our first release; BOXER 001 - Frank Martiniq's "Adriano" which has a great remix by Michael Mayer. This was the 12" where it all began. It remains one of the most successful Boxer releases ever and was one hell of a good start for us. Even after all these years we still play and enjoy that record. It never became boring to us.
The second is BOXER 051 - Dusty Kid "Anatome EP Vol.1". The best work of Dusty Kid to date. If you need a sure shot weapon for the dance floor - a straight bass drum hit then you should choose this one. We never tire of spinning both sides out.
Operating a record label is a tough business these days. What keeps you motivated, and what do you feel separates your label from the rest of the pack?
It's the music that keeps us doing it. Even if we think - "let's stop this now" there is always a new demo or a new idea that keeps pushing us on. As long as we continue receiving wonderful music like Matzak's "Bring Me The Moon" or Pig & Dan "On The Train" as we have recently – we will continue.
I’m not sure what separates us from other labels. We are always acting in the respect of the artists and love to make their vision come true. We never had a release for financial reasons. It always has come from the heart.
What is your most rewarding experience running the label?
Seeing people freaking out on our releases is the most rewarding experience. That's always a satisfying moment. Receiving demos from all over the world is also great, even if it's too much to go through at times.
Can you let us know about anything new and coming up on your label?
This autumn we have a very special double album release coming out that we put a lot of energy into. We asked a lot of artists to send us exclusive tracks that are completely different from their normal work. The result is overwhelming. We received awesome tracks by Gui Boratto, Extrawelt, Matzak, Frank Martiniq, Kreidler, Dusty Kid, Popof, Patrick Chardronnet, Rodriguez Jr, Khan, Florian Meindl, Pig & Dan, Martin Eyerer and many more. Everyone who has heard the album has been giving us positive feedback so far.
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