Meet The Label: Introducing Dancing Family Records
We had the incredible opportunity to chat with and interview Yohan and Tatiana; founders of the rising record label ‘Dancing Family Records’, to discuss a wide range of subject matters and topics relating to the music industry and running a record label music! We hope you enjoy the interview and please check the Dancing Family Records website and social pages if you dig the interview and want to find more out about the record label!
So, introduce ‘Dancing Family Records’?
Yohan: “Dancing Family Records is a London based label launched in 2020 at a South-East London venue called Matchstick Piehouse. We started planning to launch the project in late 2019. I was at work one day - at the time I was working as a waiter in a restaurant near Angel - and I texted Tatiana (my sister), asking her if she wanted to start a label with me. Soon after we sat down and schemed on how we wanted to go about creating the label.
The name comes from two lifeguards at Dimension Festival in Croatia, calling us the Dancing Family whilst we were volunteering at the 2018 edition. We liked the name and it stuck with us because it really described us quite simply and efficiently - two siblings that love to dance. Tatiana is in charge of social media, photography and our quarterly zine, I take care of the more administrative tasks and we both do A&R. Haroun, who is also an artist and friend on the label, undertakes video projects!”
How and what made you start the record label (Dancing Family Records)?
Yohan: “I initially wanted to work in music whilst studying. I sort of realised I wanted to get involved in this industry, rather than in what I had studied in university after I started a radio show. From there, my interest grew exponentially. Generally speaking, it’s been a really enriching experience learning all the different aspects of running a label: A&R, PR etc…
In late 2019, we started scheming how we could make our vision come to life. Our first thought was that we were surrounded by very talented artists and that this would be a great way to have their music heard!
The pandemic definitely made the whole process a bit difficult but we’ve learned a lot and we’ve met some extremely talented and like-minded people along the way. So we are forever grateful for starting this project.
Yohan and Tatiana: Founders of Dance Family Records
So, what kind of music do you guys focus on, and what is Dancing Family Records all about?
Yohan: “Originally we wanted to only release music that makes you want to dance, however things never go to plan (that’s a good thing) and we focus on releasing music from a wide range of genres and styles. For now the singles released vary from Neo-Soul, Alternative Rap, Ambient and Light DnB. All and all we are open to releasing any type of music as long as we vibe with it.
I guess the meaning of Dancing Family really revolves around the notion of unity and sharing our love for music. We plan on putting on live music events regularly when it is safe to do so! We can’t wait to organise events in spaces where Artists and the audience can express themselves.
For now we have had some brilliant releases by CHARLIE IS READY, Tatiana & CAPZ, Land_line and Michael Abraham. They are all London based, and you can expect a debut EP by Singer Songwriter by CHARLIE IS READY this Spring as well as Haroun’s debut project. Michael Abraham has a vault full of unreleased music, and you will definitely hear more of his music soon!
Following the end of the first lockdown Tatiana had the idea of launching a Zine which would put forward the work of visual artists. Every issue is in relation to Music and Dance, and has a colour scheme. So far we have released an Orange and a Blue edition, the Purple version is coming soon!”
Could you introduce some of the artists/creatives who are currently on the ‘Dancing Family Records’ roster?
CHARLIE IS READY
Originally from Brockley, in the heart of South East London, CHARLIE IS READY is a singer/songwriter whose style blends elements of Neo-Soul and acoustic RnB. With her first EP on the way the artist's powerful vocals and skilful compositions will be likely to reach a wide audience of music listeners. She debuted on Dancing Family Records with her single 'BUN THE CITY' - the lead single to her next EP.
Spotify | Instagram | Soundcloud | YouTube
MICHAEL ABRAHAM
Hackney born and raised Michael's style is eclectic and unpredictable. As a whole his style revels in Alternative Rap and cherry picks from Soul and Pop. He debuted on DFR in February 2021 with his release 'Where The Money At?'. His next single 'Teenage Scumbag' drops in May.
Spotify | Instagram | Soundcloud | Apple Music
TATIANA
Co-founder of Dancing Family Records, the photographer and vocalist debuted her single 'Darlin Take it Slow' on DFR in late 2020. In early 2020 she launched Dancing Family with her brother Yohan. Expect some more music from her coming this spring. Her style embraces Neo-Soul with folk undertones.
Spotify | Instagram | YouTube | Apple Music
LAND_LINE:
James Cunningham AKA Land_line brings cosmic breaks and ambient sounds to the table. He released his track 'Falling Into Space' on Dancing Family, a track that revels in ambient cosmic energy. Expect more from the London producer very soon...
Instagram | Spotify | Soundcloud | Apple Music
What’s your advice for people looking to start a new platform/record label?
Yohan: “Just go for it!! I’d say do research before you start in regards to all the different aspects of running a label. It can be difficult to juggle all the roles you’ll need to take on when starting.”
Greg: Yeah I can agree with you on that one. Also, don’t compare your content and work to bigger platforms to start with. The beginning is just about getting your name out there and producing good content! Remember these bigger platforms and record labels have more funding, experience and man power behind them…
Advice for new artists looking to find a label to work for/with?
Yohan: “As a label we shouldn’t say this but today Artists don’t necessarily need a label and can do everything on their own. Nonetheless a label can take on the more administrative aspect of release music which can be a burden for many Artists.
If you are looking for a label make sure to submit your music to labels that release your style/genre of music. Don’t be afraid of rejection and believe in yourself!”
Greg: “Also: remember that a lot of smaller music platforms and blogs like ‘vibe rating’ are run by 1-2 people who most likely have a 9-5 job and other responsibilities so usually although we love your music we simply don’t have the time and/or manpower to cover your music releases! So… Don’t take rejection to heart as it’s usually to do with a factor way out of anyone’s control.”
Can you give some ‘general advice’ to your followers?
Yohan: “If you want to start a project go for it at all means. COVID-19 has been a very challenging time for creatives, but it's been pretty amazing how artists and labels have found ways to adapt to the current climate. I feel like this time in solitude will solidify projects in general and that creatives will come out of this period more rounded and a lot stronger. However, i’m fully aware that the past year has been detrimental to a lot of people and organisations, and that of course, cannot be ignored.
Furthermore, there are many different ways to get your project up and running. I'd say the most important is work with the people and have a solid brand/strategy. Things won't always go as planned so you must be open to new avenues and ideas. There are many ways to get your project up and running whether it be gofundme, grants or even doing things with little to no budget. Most importantly, you've got to rep what you're doing and collaborate with other creatives. This is a great way to expand your network and be heard by a bigger audience.”
So, what do you want to get out of ‘Dancing Family Records’ in the long run?
Yohan: “Honestly, spread good music to the world (as corny as that sounds) and work with like-minded artists and individuals. We are also looking forward to putting on events when it’s safe to.”
To round this off, what’s to come for ‘Dancing Family Records’ going forward?
Yohan: “We’ve just released our third quarterly zine which showcases work from visual artists. You can expect our next issue in June. The zine is a nice project to have as it diversifies our output and we’ve had some amazing submissions from artists around the UK and beyond.
In terms of music: CHARLIE IS READY and Haroun will be releasing their debut EPs this year. Michael Abraham has some more music on the way and we have some more music by other artists coming very soon! As mentioned before we will be putting on events in London when that is possible!”
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