Brownpunk - A Great Label

Posted: April 15, 2008

In a time where much cynicism exists towards traditional record labels, when the likes of Tom Yorke and Trent Reznor work outside old boundaries to sell their music; the emergence of the label Brownpunk heralds a refreshing and optimistic future for the music industry.

What is so exciting about Brownpunk is that the ethos of the label is validated by the substance of its three founders: influential lyricist, singer & producer Tricky; founder of 'Island Records' the legendary Chris Blackwell ; and director of 'In The City' Emily Taylor.

These individuals gain our attention when they speak of Brownpunks’ philosophy, and the importance of ‘the artists’ commitment to and love of music’. Brownpunk is not about just giving lip service to an idea.

Moved by conversations he had with young artists that he met during ‘In The City 2006’, Tricky set about to create a record label that would allow artists complete creative freedom, not only with the recording of their work but also with how they are marketed within the music industry and to the general public.

In an interview with Time Out last year, Tricky spoke of the autonomy he gives to the artists on the Brownpunk rosta, and how important it is that their work and their voice are never compromised.

“They can have whatever artwork they want, they can record what they want, say what they want, do what they feel. If I think you’re a talent, why would I sign you and then try to change you?”

But Brownpunk backs up these great ideals with sound business sense. With the emphasis on small financial expenditure in return for maximum publicity, Tricky and his protégés embrace the dot.com era and the internet generation. They utilize the web as an inexpensive promotional tool, and often rely on ‘word of mouth’ to gain exposure.

Brownpunk artists are involved in setting up their own gigs, producing their own music videos, promotional film docs, etc. With little or no budget the artists are forced to push the boundaries of creativity – and the results are not only exceptional, but working in this way ensures more money remains with the artist in the long term.

Tricky, the some time Massive Attack collaborator, knows that there can be positives when working with monetary restraints ‘When your budget ain’t that big, you try a little bit harder, and it brings out genius.’

Musicians attracted to this way of working are not only creatively passionate but prepared to work hard to achieve their goals.

Some of Brownpunks’ artists have started their own spin-off labels, which the Brownpunk founders would love to see developed into a network of mutual distribution and support, allowing future new talent to sidestep some of the outdated music industry practices.

Brownpunk is reminiscent of 'Factory', the label established by the late great Tony Wilson in 1978. Wilson’s dream was that artists and record labels should work collaboratively on a 50/50 basis, without compromising the artist’s creative output. How fitting then that one third of Brownpunks founding partnership, Emily Taylor, should come from 'In The City', the music networking convention established by Wilson and Yvette Livesey in 1992.

…” although he’s (Wilson) gone, he is still present” Tricky said when speaking to Zane Lowe about Brownpunk during an interview with the BBC Radio 1 Dj in October 2007.

Brownpunk could be the precursor to a music industry where labels work with artists on a less restrictive basis. Chris Blackwell, Tricky’s former mentor and the man that bought Bob Marley to the attention of the world, feels that Brownpunk is an exhilirating enterprise.

"I am very excited about the Brownpunk label. Tricky is an extraordinary man who is naturally generous with his talent and has always been keen to give new artists a shot by working with them and personally introducing them into the business".

About In The City
Now celebrating its 16th year ITC has the highest signing ration of any music convention in the world. Coldplay, Oasis, The Darkness, Stereophonics, David Gray, Daft Punk and Muse have all played as unknowns at ITC venues across Manchester, before going on to fill stadiums across the world.