Against The Grain Launches in Australia With ‘Artist Search’

U.K. breaks specialist Against The Grain reopens for business, with its operations now run from Australia.

Guided by electronic producers and music obsessives Brisbane-based Lloyd Seymour (Skool of Thought) and Londoner Martin Reeves (Krafty Kuts), the indie label earned its reputation in the U.K. “breaks” scene with a conveyor belt of releases in the early 2000s, including Freestylers’ “Push Up” and Krafty Kuts’ “Bass Phenomenon.”

There’s more on the way.

Speaking on the relaunch, Seymour says breaks is very much back, and opportunity beckons.

“We’re seeing top house DJs reaching for breaks records on the regular to create big moments in their sets. Producers such as Bicep, Bonobo, Franky Wah and Overmono are bringing a new perspective to the genre,” he explains.

“There’s a renewed energy emerging in the U.K. with many new artists coming from all around the globe. This momentum is so exciting.”

For Reeves, there was a sense of “unfinished business” with the label.

“We always wanted to return but only on the terms the music would be of an exceptional standard, and it is. We want to clearly define a new chapter with new ideas and new artists. There’s a sort of rebellious nature to this movement too, which as the name suggests, is exactly what Against The Grain is about.”

“Breaks” is its furnace, though the rebooted label will cater to electronic music tastes of all genres.

To get things moving, the label unveils a novel A&R concept, a reachout to unsigned electronic producers with a $1,000 advance offered to the artist who pitches their music and gets signed.

“We’re looking for super-sharp production, kick-ass songwriting and programming perfection – yep, we’re setting the bar high,” reads the blurb.

Whilst most of this genre is U.K.-focused, comments Seymour, “we know there’s some incredibly talented Australian producers to join our journey. Those keen to try their hand at something new and join our roster of artists…we can’t wait to hear from you.”

Click here for applications to the “Aussie Artist Search”.