Tribe Records getting set to celebrate their 100th release with a gigantic reinterpretation of one of dance music’s all time classics ‘Optimistic’
Zepherin Saint, a huge welcome to DMCWORLD towers – where in the world are you today?
Hey DMCWORLD, I’m in Tokyo today!
What was the first piece of music you heard this morning after rolling out of bed?
The Style Council – You’re The Best Thing.
Congratulations on your 100th release on Tribe Records and what a stunner it is too – ‘Optimistic’ with Gospel legend Ann Nesby, how did the collaboration come about?
Thank you! I was having the choir recorded in Atlanta the home of Gospel when my choir director Yoel called me to say that one of the members of Sounds of Blackness is actually singing in the choir for the session and said we have to get Ann Nesby to hear this as she would love it. The next day I was on the phone with her management and we done the deal straightaway.
Why did you choose to cover the Sounds Of Blackness classic in particular and what does the song mean to you?
I wanted a song that would epitomise the journey it took for us to reach 100 releases in relatively a short time as an independent label. It took a lot of determination, hope and of course we needed to remain optimistic in times when it was hard to keep a label running. The song helped me personally when it was originally released as I am sure it did to many others.
You are quite unique with your output with many artists from around the world, how would you describe Tribe’s sound and how have you grown since the label’s inception?
Our sound for me is simply House music. I come from a time when House music was allowed to be varied under the one banner of house, be it African , techy, deep or soulful inspired electronic music. I like to incorporate all these sounds to the labels catalogue as i would in my DJ set I am lucky enough that i have been able to travel to many parts of the world and discover sounds and music and I like to incorporate all these discoveries to the labels catalogue. We have grown in a tremendous way, in particular learning how to market and promote an artistes release since we have moved into releasing albums. Its a whole different approach in marketing and there is no formula now to go by. You have to create what works for you and your product and that learning curve has been difficult at times but in the long run has made us more knowledgeable.
What are your 3 most memorable moments for Tribe Records to date?
Releasing our first record Circles with Nathan Adams and myself and it getting to No 1 on Traxsource and then going on to make an album for Nathan with productions from Louie Vega, DJ Spinna, Josh Milan, Black Coffee and Sean Mcabe.
Our Label Launch event at WMC 2010 at the National Hotel (see below).
Expanding into signing and releasing album deals with Timmy Regisford, Peven Everet, Djeff Afrozilla, Soul Dynamic and Mark Francis.
Tell us about Tribe Tracks?
There is a Techno side to me that needs to get out LOL. I have always been a fan of instrumental music since the early days of Detroit and the Transmat label and early Chicago house. When I DJ I would play a soulful track next to a techy track to keep the element of surprise and I wanted this to be represented in our catalogue with originals. Manoo was the first release with Elektronic art which sums up the ethos for the label. To follow we have DJ Angelo See the sea, Dazzle Drums, Victor Stancov and Black Sonix.
You also run the Can You Dance To My Beat festival in Greece, tell us a bit about it?
This is now in its third year and while we are still very small with about 2000 attendees on the beautiful island of Kefelonia we have an amazing vibe that starts on the beach each day and then goes to the club from 3am until we stop. Its full of music lovers and we have been able to achieve an atmosphere where they come with their ears open ready to discover new music. So far our headliners have included Louie Vega and Anane, Timmy Regisford, Joe Clausell, Gilles Peterson, Mr Raoul K , Boddhi Satva and Djeff Afrozilla.
What’s the favourite part of your job?
1. A&R. Developing an artists career and helping them shape the vision for their music.
2. Taking a song from one genre and making it a success in another.
3. Doing what I love.
Please give us a piece of advice to anyone thinking of starting a record label right now?
Don’t do it ! Lol. No in all seriousness if you intend to start a label today try and create more than one revenue stream for the company so you don’t have to just rely on sales. Make sure you are building a brand identity with your label that you can take on tour.
You have worked with a lot of artists over the past few years, who has been the highlight collaboration so far?
It would have to be Ann Nesby. I never dreamed that one day I would be able to cover such a great record let alone with the original vocalists including Jamaica Bennet, her daughter and Paris Bennett her granddaughter.
Who alive or dead would you most like to collaborate on a song with?
Randy Crawford. I love her voice.
We’re coming round to your pad to raid your tunes, which record do you hide before we arrive?
All of them! It would probably be my 45’s. I don’t like anyone to touch them.
What are your 5 big tunes of the moment?
DJ Angelo – See The Sea
George Clinton and Louie Vega – Ain’t That Funking Kind Of Hard On You
Jose Marquez – Ode To The DJ
Djeff Afrozilla and Ron Carroll – Love Vibration
The Wayouts – Surround me with your Love
Who is rocking it right now?
Djeff Afrozilla and Jose Marquez.
ADE is just around the corner, what does the conference mean to you and where can we catch you spinning this year?
ADE is a great event and its so good to see it grow every year. I get to hear lots of different styles and have been going for the past 6 years, but this year i will be on a well deserved vacation in The Carribean!
And finally, who is going to be on release Tribe 101? it’s going to be a hard act to follow
Trust me it will do it Justice! Ron Carroll makes his debut on the label as he teams up with Djeff Afrozilla for the leading single from his sophomore album on a track called ‘Love Vibration’.
*****
Optimistic is out now on Tribe Records…
Preview: https://soundcloud.com/zepherinsaint/optimistic-zepherin-saint-ft-ann-nesby-g3
