Where are you based?

I’m born and based In Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

Tell us about your label mix?

It’s a mix of 15 unreleased tracks by different artists that will come out on Nous’klaer Audio, mixed by me (Oberman) at home.

What inspired you to start a label?

The music of a local artist named Mattheis triggered the idea. In 2008 I saw him perform live and was blown away by his sound. We became good friends and after a while I pitched the idea to him. His ‘Isms EP’ became the first release on the label

Does your label have a sound or a mission?

In terms of genres it’s pretty broad. I’ve released indie pop, ambient, and experimental electronic music but also the occasional cheeky banger. Sound-wise I feel there is a connection between all those tracks though - but I find it hard to pinpoint what that is exactly. I try to find one new local artist each year. That’s how it all started so I feel that is important to cling onto as the label grows. A first release for an artist can be a springboard to international gigs and other labels and perhaps give them the possibility to pursue a career in music, which in return is essential for the local scene to thrive.

Tell us about your scene(s).

Rotterdam is lovely city with loads of small venues where young aspiring artists can experiment and find their form. There is also a rich dance music history and some of the most important people from the early days are still propelling the current scene by supporting young artists and projects.

What we need is better governmental support. Specifically low-rent, long-term spaces to enable bigger financial risks for the people running nightlife venues. It’s impossible to invest in a space where you only have a few years to develop something. That needs to change.

What's your A&R process?

I can take a long time deciding to release something. So if I’d have to choose one word it’d be ‘slow,’ haha. I need to have this moment where a track or tracklist clicks, and I still haven’t found a way to force this even after 10 years. 

Generally speaking, it’s easier with artists close to me, which is also a reason why I release predominantly from recurring artists. I know their sound well and I can easily hear how their new demos compare to their previous. They often send new tracks right when they’re done so there is no immediate pressure to release it, giving me more time to wrap my head around the music at a moment when my mind is allowing it.

What labels do you look up to?

Hivern Discs has always been an inspiration to me. Generally speaking, I would say I'm inspired by labels that dare to take the risk of documenting and propelling their own small local niche. Hivern Discs is a perfect example of that and still on top of their game after 15 years.