Bristol Nectar Collective: The multi-genre record label putting artists first

Founded in 2020, Bristol Nectar Collective is a new record label that’s burst onto the scene. Set up by Mark Woodstock, a Londonder who moved to Bristol four years ago in order to pursue a career in music. Juggling a record label, his own music, a part-time job and studying at dBs Institute, Mark has been powering through the last few years during the pandemic.

Lured to Bristol by the creativeness and open-mindedness of the people here, Mark has been working hard to create a record label from his own kitchen in Stokes Croft. The name of the label came from a comment on the importance of bees on the environment and also the way bees work together with cross-pollonating, the idea that the label, like bees, will be working together.

With a strong ethos on community and a collective spirit, the record label prides itself on artists helping other artists, with them offering feedback, advice and criticism. Taking a holistic approach, the label offers a relaxed environment for each artist, removing the pressure in order for them to be as authentic as they can.

The label currently has six artists who are releasing music with many more emails and tracks yet to be read and listened to. Described as a ‘multi-genre’ label, Mark strives for a fusion of music to be produced and released through the collective.

Behind the scenes photo of Dick Johnson’s new single. Credit: Mark Woodstock

Releasing new music in an organic way, with no set schedule means that the label can invest time in each artist – “you can’t rush good art”, Mark tells us. The first release came from Bristol based music producer, TooF X. Not only is he a multi-genre artist, fusing French and Irish music, he is also multi skilled; playing instruments, producing his own music and creating unqiue tracks.

Discussing his own music, Mark tells us that he’s got a concept album that he created from his time at dBs Institute and plans to release at some point next year. Self described as a “D’n’B album with a little bit of substance”, the album features 12 songs, each one describing a month and the natural cycles in each season.

The newest release comes from Dick Johnson featuring Haylee Dee with the video being created by Bristol’s own Chris Lucas. A completley collaborative experience, Mark is always eager to express gratitude for those who help with projects such as this one – “together we’re stronger,” he explains.

And yet there’s more! Brighton radio station Decadance are coming to Bristol, broadcasting from Hamilton House and Mark will be holding a monthly radio show. Aiming to highlight some of the local artists from Bristol Nectar Collective as well as the local area, the show will have one artist each show to come on and discuss their music and the creative process of how their tracks are made.

BNC will be holding an event on 30 June at Cloak and Dagger, offering a stripped back session from Dick Johnson and Mark before TooF X will be taking the stage with a live drumming installation. Tickets can be found at https://www.headfirstbristol.co.uk/#date=2022-06-30&event_id=76269

Main photo: courtesy of Mark Woodstock

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