Music / Get To Know
Get To Know: Brazen Records
One of the oldest and most influential genres in rave music, it’s undeniable the impact that jungle has had on soundsystem culture, and UK culture at large. But it’s also one of the genres that has morphed the most over the years.
The line between jungle in its purest sense and drum and bass with ragga samples overlaid on top is becoming more and more blurred. However, the past few years has seen a somewhat unexpected resurgence in the old school sound. They say music works in 20 year cycles, and it seems the kids are going back to the roots of the sound.
One such label pioneering this resurgence is Brazen Records. Since their inception at the tail end of last year, they’ve become of the city’s go to labels for releasing that authentic jungle sound, dripping in 90s energy, being released by fresh faces making their way into the scene right now.
is needed now More than ever
So, I thought we’d have a chat, see what its all about; and I had a feeling they’d have something interesting to say about jacket potatoes.
Hey guys, how the devil are you?
We’re all good at Brazen, thanks for getting us involved with this interview.
Give us a rundown of who makes up the Brazen Records team.
So currently there are 3 of us involved in the core running of Brazen. First is founder and head honcho Janaway. Later joined by Cheetah, the two teamed up to work on the production and label side of the brand. Lauren then followed to complete the trinity bringing some much needed organisation and efficiency to the team. We also have an ever growing wider Brazen family which consists of artists such as 2Quid, T-Cuts and Syntax.
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You guys are still a super new label, in the grand scheme of things. Tell us how it got started.
Janaway launched Brazen mid-2021 with the vision of a much needed platform for himself and up and coming artists to release old school inspired jungle, hardcore and breakbeat based rave music. The event side of the brand came from love for the community around raves and soundsystem culture.
How would you describe the sound you’re trying to push with the label?
We’re pushing the hardcore jungle sound with ruff breaks, spaced out melodies and heavy basslines. It’s an exciting time for jungle, there seems to be a resurgence of the old school sound we’re involved with. Whilst the jungle and hardcore scene has always been alive, it seemed that a platform for younger artists to release their own old school based music had become harder to find. Brazen hopes to fill that gap and pay homage to where the sound originated from by combining our inspiration from the roots of rave music with modern sampling and production.
Who’s the hardest working Brazen team member?
All 3 of us have our specialities but Cheetah is the all round worker from producing to graphic design.
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I’ve seen that you’ve had a stab with Brazen in the past, but not quite to the same degree as the past 4 months. Has it always been your guys’ plan to do the label thing?
When Brazen first started it was just Janaway who was involved. A combination of this and uni work made it difficult for both the label and events side of things to run smoothly. When Cheetah and Lauren joined it allowed for a natural shift in focus to more consistent releases.
Who’s one producer right now that you’ve got your eye on as being a prime example of the “Brazen” sound?
DJ Sofa needs no introduction when it comes to jungle releases and she has always been an artist we have been inspired by and encapsulates the Brazen sound well.
When it comes down to it – go to jacket potato filling?
I see you’ve done your background research on Cheetah – who did you pay for this intel? For those that don’t know, Cheetah eats about 4 a day – we worked out the other day that he eats about 10kg of jacket potatoes a month. Maybe that’s the secret to production. I have to say he’s pretty standard though with cheese and beans.
What would you say sets you apart from other jungle labels?
Lauren: There aren’t many labels specialising in hardcore jungle outside those of the big players. In my opinion, what sets Brazen apart is the fact that Janaway and Cheetah are two fresh faces in the scene with the kind of talent and potential that will give the big guys a serious run for their money.
Which producers would be on your guys’ dream Brazen four tracker?
DJ sofa / Pete Cannon / Tim Reaper / Dead Man’s Chest
Thoughts on Easter eggs?
I guess an excuse to get chocolate from relatives is always good but we have to say terrible value for money. Only when the clearance sale hits post Easter is the only real time to buy them.
You’ve already got one event under your belt as a label, with another just on the horizon next week – are we going to see more Brazen parties going forward?
Yeah, we have lots planned for the coming year including a link up with London based Singularity next month as well as some exciting takeovers and events in summer.
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What does 2023 look like for the label?
This year we’re going to be releasing tunes regularly with a variety of different artists. We will also be doing our first vinyl release which should be coming out late spring. Pressing our releases is something we’ve always wanted to do and is definitely going to be how we release future projects. All round, 2023 will see Brazen releasing the whole spectrum of breakbeat oriented tracks.
Do you prefer your tunes at 80 or 160bpm?
We actually prefer them at 40bpm.
Each of you close us out with a tune you’ve been rinsing lately.
Janaway: Tears – Dead Man’s Chest
Cheetah: Kill A Soundboy – DJ Sofa
Lauren: Sweet love – M Beat
Main photo: Brazen Records
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