For our latest interview on our Behind The Scenes series, we caught up with James Pitch to talk about what he’s doing for the underground dance music scene, having recently bagged the A&R job role for Jamie Jones‘s record labels, as well as running my own label and events.
Hi James, how are you doing? Let’s jump into the interview and start by saying, What do you do within the industry?
Hi mate, I’m all good, thank you. My name is James Pitch. I’m the owner and founder of the Pitch Brand, including Pitch LDN events and Pitch Records.
I’m A&R for Hot Creations, Hottrax, and Paradise, and I manage two other labels and my own labels and events.
How did you first start with Jamie Jones?
Haha, it’s a question a lot of people ask me. So I was searching Google for A&R jobs, and I saw Hot Creations was looking, so I reached out and sent over my CV. I sent a Brief message over who I was and what I was currently doing. I anxiously waited for a reply. I knew Jamie knew who I was, as we had briefly spoken over email about Pitch, so I thought that was a good sign.
A week later, I got an email from Jamie’s PA saying Are you free for an interview tomorrow at 10 am. I had to run it by my boss at work, and he said NO, you can’t have the time off. I was never going to miss this opportunity. I had a long chat with Jamie over Zoom, and the rest is history. I got the Job with Jamie Jones, the same day I got sacked from my day job, haha.
I’ve never given myself any credit for anything I’ve done in the music industry until that day after the Zoom call. I gave myself a pat on the back and then cried, haha.
It took a couple of days to sink in that I was now A&R for one of the most iconic labels in the industry. I got to work straight away, and I’m now 1 year into the job and really happy with what I’ve done so far. We’ve got some great releases still to come in 2025. Stay tuned.
How do you describe the sound on your label Pitch Records?
The sound of Pitch Records has evolved over the past 5 years and has been quite diverse. It leans towards more of a London UKG feel, but I’ve released a lot of deep house and more minimal tracks. In 2025, I’ve tried to stay away from the current sound that every label is pushing. I knew this would affect sales, but I’m not a fan of that rave sound from North England or that dark Chris Stussy sound.
I’ve dipped in and out, but haven’t been consistent with that sound due to it being oversaturated. This year I’ve been quite selfish and put artists on I really like. I haven’t been taking any demos this year due to having a good idea of who I want on the label.
When receiving demos from artists, how long do you normally take to come back to the artists with an answer? If you don’t like the music that’s been sent, do you go back to the artists with any feedback?
I try to come back within a couple of days. If I like it, I normally spend a week listening to it over and over. If I listen only once, it normally means I’m not feeling it.
Do you have any events planned? If so, where, when, what venue and what artists will be playing?
I’ve got another event coming up at Ministry of Sound in December. This time, we have the main room. We will actually be one of, if not the last, brands in the box before they refurbish it, which feels extra special as it’s such an iconic room.
What are your record label plans for the next 5 years?
The plan is to keep building the catalogue on Pitch Records. I’ve got plans to launch a new label in 2026, which will be another sub-label. I’ve recently taken on a new partner in Pitch to help me grow the label and bring in more revenue for the label. Up until now, I’ve got it to this point on my own, but now’s the time I need fresh ears and ideas.
What artists have released on Pitch Records over the years?
I’ve had nearly 100 artists on the label over the years. The standout ones are artists who have gone on and done great things after releasing with me. Some key names. Ruze, Danny Snowden, Louden, Ozzie Guven, Oden and Fatzo and many more!!
