Starting off with a self-produced EP release pressed by label head Jamie Trench, MN2S Label Services client Roots for Bloom is a labour of love, and that thread of passion has carried it through over a decade since its inception in 2012.
Showcasing “deep-rooted music” that Jamie believes deserves a platform to bloom, the label has grown to become a respected imprint on the contemporary dance scene. We caught up with Jamie to find out more about its journey.
How long has your label been in operation?
We kicked off early 2013, so we’ve just ticked past the 10 year mark.
What inspired you to set up the label in the first place?
I was making a lot of music at the time and I was sure it was release worthy but I was struggling to get replies from labels I respected and wanted to work with. So I took the punt and pressed up my first EP myself and drove them down to Juno and basically knocked on the front door. They eventually let me in and they took I think 30 to begin with, long story short, 11 days later the whole EP had completely sold out. From then Juno were happy to work with me direct and eventually I got a pressing and distribution deal with them.
How would you describe your musical philosophy and creative vision?
The label was always about deep-rooted music that I believed deserved the platform to bloom, hence the name. I never shied away from unknown artists as long as I believed the music to be great.
Tell us about your first release – what was special about that one?
I told this story above, but the hand-stamped records that I took a punt on now hold a special place in my heart and I’m fairly sure Discogs resellers ask a pretty penny for it these days.
Check out Roots for Bloom on Traxsource.
What’s been the highlight of your journey so far as a label?
I’ve loved our Shag Edits releases they were always so fun to work on, and also just giving such unknown kids and producers the chance to have their music pressed to wax.
What advice would you give to anyone thinking of setting up their own imprint?
Make as much music as possible that completely follows your own taste – trying to please other people’s needs and wants too much has personally put me in some major creative ruts.
What lies ahead for your label in 2024 and beyond?
We keep moving, we have disco style tracks coming, hip-hop instrumentals, dance tracks again as above… anything I feel deserves to see the light of day I’ll do my best to get it out there!