For our next exciting Behind The Scenes interview, we caught up with Anja Schneider who is a world wide established artist as well as the head honcho behind her record label Sous. Also known for establishing Mobilee Records in 2005 alongside Ralf Kollmann.
Q1. Let’s start by asking, how did the birth of Sous originally happen and how long has the label been running?
So, I started Sous back in 2017, and since then I try to re-align on a monthly basis, as to the direction of what we are doing and the music we are putting out. It’s my baby and I like to be hands on with every aspect of the label. I originally started it so it could be an outlet for my own music that didn’t go elsewhere, and to give me artistic freedom, and become independent, as of course many all knew me for my last label Mobilee.
But I have found that in the last 5 years, I love so much music from a lot of new artists, that I opened up the label for their productions too and I have never regretted it. So proud of some of the amazing new names we have had feature on Sous, and there are many more to come.
Q2. Do you have any upcoming releases we can talk about that are planned in the pipeline?
Yes, in January I have an EP from Diego Infanzon, who was also featured on the Various Artists compilation which we had out earlier this month. I’ll also be putting out a more club focused release now we are all firmly back on the dancefloor! 😊
Q3. When receiving demos from artists, how long do you normally take to come back to the artists with an answer?
If I like it, very soon. When I love it, I love it and they will know!
Q4. If you don’t like the music that’s been sent, do you go back to the artists with any feedback?
Honestly, sometimes yes. If I know the artist realty wanted to only release with me or the label, then I feel it’s important to give them feedback as to why it’s not quite right. That’s how we can all learn and develop. If it’s on a mass demo mailer, then no I won’t provide feedback as its less personal.
Q5. Do you tend to road test the tracks before signing them to the label?
Always.
Q6. How would you describe the sound of Sous to someone who hasn’t heard you before and would you say the sound has changed over the years?
Hmm that’s a hard one to describe actually. I don’t like linear labels really, same as DJ sets. I believe everything could be possible on the label, and I love to allow the artist to go in any direction they want and feel is right for them. I find this more exciting so we never know what we will get!
Q7. How far ahead is your record labels release schedule looking like?
I would love to say I’m very organised and structured. But I’m not, and more impulsive these days too! However, I wouldn’t want that to change as that was one of the main reasons I started Sous, to create freedom and break away from too much structure and boundaries.
Q8. Do you have any events planned?
Yes, we are starting now and will have the first Sous Label Party at Watergate in Berlin in February next year.
Q9. If so, where, when, what venue and what artists will be playing?
You have to follow me to see the updates…. Hahaha 😊
Q10. What is the labels plans for the next 5 years?
Making people happy with our music.
