MN2S Label Services client Stand Out Recordings is a successful imprint with a unique story behind it. We spoke to label head Chris Lewis to find out more about Stand Out Recordings’ latest release and the label’s plans for the future.
How long has your label been in operation?
Stand Out Recordings is now in its third year.
What inspired you to set up the label in the first place?
I (Chris Lewis) have been involved with a number of labels over the years. My son Harold (Squirell) had been producing house music at school, and so I purchased him some hardware and software for a home studio setup. He wanted to release his music so I suggested setting up a label that he could control and have full license to do what he wanted. At the time we were setting up the label, a good friend of mine Danny Clark was coming away from production, and we licensed the majority of his Dallinghoo imprint, which we are currently re-releasing, along with some new additional mixes.
How would you describe your musical philosophy and creative vision?
I would say it’s just HOUSE. Many of the releases can span multiple genres such as Soulful, Deep or Garage – but I think Harold just likes to release what he feels.
Tell us about your first release – what was special about that one?
The first release was a track we licensed from Papa Recordings – The Realm ft. Tony Momrelle (the lead vocalist from Incognito). This was a project Danny organised and helped Squirell produce. We wanted to launch the label with a real bang with a prolific name – and this was a track we all felt needed a more soulful remix.
What’s been the highlight of your journey so far as a label?
The highlight of the journey so far is for Squirell to hit the number 1 Garage chart position on Traxsource for his track “Let It Feel”.
What advice would you give to anyone thinking of setting up their own imprint?
Don’t be afraid to be eclectic – variety of genres is a real positive and gets to a wider audience.
What lies ahead for your label in 2024 and beyond?
2024/25 will see a releases and new remixes coming thick and fast with the continual re-releases of the tracks we have licensed. Squirell is also negotiating with a few venues in London and one in Barcelona about starting a Stand Out club night – but that is all we can reveal at present!