Label Of Love questions

Why start a label?

To release some cool music that might not be heard otherwise. And to have a catalogue.

When and how did it start?

Whilst wandering in a park in South London in June 2003, we discovered an obsolete 'Triangulation Station' that belonged to the Ordnance Survey. We took this as a sign that we should also attempt to 'plot a map', albeit a musical one rather than a geographic one. We soon after released ARC002 (001 being the trig point) 'The New Cross', a compilation featuring the then unknown Art Brut, Bloc Party and the now massive The Vichy Government.

Was it a financial struggle?

The initial start up funding was secured through Joe M taking part in medical trials for a new Cancer drug. Seriously. Fortunately for us, this was enough to pay for our first CD. Unfortunately, however, that drug has not gone into production.

What other labels influenced you?

Those Josef K and Orange Juice 7"'s on Postcard were very inspiring. I liked the way it seemed to lead into a great period for independent music, including the fabled C81 and C86. Alan Horne seemed like an interesting character too.

Also, the film of Factory - 24 Party People - was a huge inspiration. We saw that and then just felt compelled to do the same thing.

Who are your competitors?

I don't take part in competitions.

Why the name?

We took the name Angular (and our acronym ARC) from the O.S. glossary on their website. Angular is not to do with guitar sounds or haircuts. It is from our interest in elementary geometry.

What's your guiding principle?

The Law Of Sines.

Can you sum up your label's output?

'Ordnance and disdain since 2003': 3 triangulation pillars, 5 albums, 1 raffle prize, 1 club, 12 singles, and 1 van, which was sold on e-bay last week after breaking down in Basingstoke. Let's hope the new owner appreciates its pop heritage.

We're currently working with the best group in the country, These New Puritans.

How do you find new acts?

They're usually friends, or friends of friends. Stringent aestheticism is a social thing, and demo CDs are virtually always complete shit.


How important is the look and packaging of your records?

A band is about more than just the music, it's about creating myth... and image is key. Its one of my favourite things about doing the label. Coloured vinyl, gloss spot printing, disco bags, digipaks, stamps, stickers and hand numbering are all great mediums to play with. I'm really proud of some of our sleeves, which I'm sure will end up in a Peter Saville-esque book one day!


What are your future plans for expanding the label? (not touching upon releases)

To move away from just making records, as who would buy records when you can download them for free? I certainly don't. The crumbling of an established infrastructure always produces interesting results. At the moment, the machinery is broken, and there's loads of great music being made. Concocting new ways of helping it to reach a wider audience is our role… I also want to adorn the office in Nautical equipment, including headed paper with our longitude on it. Our longitude is -0.01 (0°1'), which I think makes us the 'first' record label in the world!