Page 26 - Zone Magazine Issue 015

The brainchild of former head of Canada's Truespin Records, Gerret Friesen, Smash 'n' Grab records has already had a string of successful releases from artists such as Alex Ridley, Wax Hands, Defibrillator and J.A.D.J. Focusing firmly on techno, it moves away from Truespin's more open minded music policy. We chatted to Garret about what the label is about.
Hey Garret, thanks for talking to us. Can we start off by asking you, what are your first musical memories?
Probably dancing to the radio and my mom trying to tell me about her favourite musician, turned out to be Tom Petty, years latter it turns out he was one of my favourite artists too.
Did you have any favourite artists as you were growing up?
Ha! I should probably pre read these questions lol, but ya ,some of my some of my favourite artists were Guns n Roses, Beastie Boys, Billy Idol and later on when I got into electronic music I go in to Daft Punk, Paul Van Dyk and Tony De Vit.
What made you first want to get into the industry?
Had been going to underground parties and really loved what I heard from the dj's and thought to myself I wanted to be that guy entertain everyone, after 13 years I got into production and the labels just followed.
Truespin Records was a multi genre label from the start, what was the reason for that, instead of focusing on one sound?
All my crew and myself all loved all kinds of music and we wanted to support
all electronic music.
Now you have moved on and have started “Smash n Grab”, which is focused more on techno, what was the reason for that?
My love for
techno needed
to be focused on
and with all the
other music with
Truespin I just wanted focus on what I loved
How would you describe the labels sound?
Everything Techno, oh and Techno and probably some more Techno
Any notable releases so far?
Some big releases from Wax Hands, J.A.DJ and a massive release from Matt Matter with some big name re mixers
What do you look for when signing new artists?
Raw talent and just the love for the music.
You have been involved in the industry for a fair few years now, have you seen any major changes in that time?
Big drops and huge highs in electronic/ rave and now edm music sounds, it just go's with the popularity but I have been through it all and ill be here and stick with what I love no matter what.
Would you say the canadian music
scene has any notable differences from, say, america or europe?
Still raw and underground in spots, not a lot of laws against it like in other country's trying to shut down shows.
Have you got any tips for artists trying to get out there?
Just keep trying and make sure you do things right, no short cuts and don't be a dick!
Any releases coming up that you would like to mention?
Matt Matter, Ben Long, J.A.DJ and a few more big names coming out this year, really excited about the future
Connect:
www.facebook.com/truespinrecords
Words By John Ricketts
26 ZONE-MAGAZINE.COM
label spotlight [canada]