Founded in 2007, Moveltraxx are a dominant force within the worlds of footwork and juke. Working with pioneering artists such as Traxman, DJ EARL, DJ Manny, Kaytranada and DJ Deeon, they’re still pushing the boundaries after thirteen years of operation. We spoke with label head Big Dope P about their journey so far and what lies ahead for Moveltraxx.
Check out Moveltraxx’s Label of the Month feature on Beatport.
How long has your label been in operation?
13 years! Our first release was in January 2007 but we were already organising Moveltraxx parties in Paris.
What inspired you to set up the label in the first place?
To be honest nobody else did the music we made and also the music we loved (Juke / Footwork) was heavily underrepresented. So it was about promoting the music we were obsessed with & introducing our music to the world.
How would you describe your musical philosophy and creative vision?
Someone wrote this about us recently and I think it sums it up nicely: “Always looking forward, but without forgetting the past.” We always try to bring something new to the table while including the originators that inspired us.
“We always try to bring something new to the table while including the originators that inspired us.”
Tell us about your first release – what was special about that one?
Our first release is “Da Movelt Posse Episode 1” and it’s basically all the Moveltraxx founders on the same record. Back then we used to have fun making music under a new moniker for each track, so it was all new silly names and we repressed the record two times, which was crazy for a new label run by unknown artists pushing new music. The release feels even more special today as two of Moveltraxx’s founders have passed away since then.
“Be original. Bring something new. Respect the OGs.”
What’s been the highlight of your journey so far as a label?
Every release, party, and friendship is important, so just the fact to be able to do what we do is a highlight and a blessing for us.
What advice would you give to anyone thinking of setting up their own imprint?
Be original. Bring something new. Respect the OGs. Don’t be afraid to work hard. Don’t do it for the wrong reasons and don’t expect instant gratification. If the music and intentions are pure and you have a good work ethic, people will notice eventually.
“We already have a busy schedule until mid 2021: there’s the debut Big Dope P album, new Traxman EP, new Paul Johnson, Alex Autajon’s debut EP…”
What lies ahead for your label in 2020 and beyond?
We are about to release DJ EARL’s sophomore album this winter. It’s a record we are very excited about, as it celebrates 10 years of our relationship with Earl, and the record itself encompasses a lot of the values Moveltraxx stands for. Other than that we already have a busy schedule until mid 2021: there’s the debut Big Dope P album, new Traxman EP, new Paul Johnson, Alex Autajon’s debut EP… the whole team got music coming, and we also have a lot of surprises coming.