Q&A: Will Sparks talks new label Bourne Recordings

Last week, 22-year-old producer/DJ Will Sparks launched his own record label to act as a hub for the Melbourne-born genre ‘bounce’.

Launched conjunction with his agency/management company Lucky Ent and his label Ministry of Sound, Bourne has so far released one single (Sparks’ own Flutatious) and is taking demos from emerging acts.

TMN chats to Sparks about why he decided to enter the executive space, what traits he’s looking for to beef up his roster and the label’s first signing.

What plans do you have to take Bounce global?

I want to make the sound moreaccessibleto everyone through creating different flavours of the original sound, trying new things and going at it at different angles tomakeit more radio friendly and acceptable within both the bounce scene and the wider dance music scene.Teaming up with Lucky Ent and Ministry of Sound to start my own label was the perfect opportunity to discover new talent and release it globally.

What kind of traction for the Melbourne sound have you seen overseas?

It’s amazing to have seen the music grow from being played in local, underground venues to on themain stages of the biggest festivals in the world. The Melbourne sound overseas is absolutely huge, but it’s still got room to grow.

Ihave a really solid following at almost every show I play, complete with people holding signs and everything! It’s really humbling to see a sound that has carried across from our hometown being recognised in such a big way overseas.



You're open to receiving demos from potential signings, what's the best way for artists to get in touch with you and what are you looking for?



I can be contacted directly on Twitter (@willsparks) or my label demo email[email protected].

I'm looking for music with originality, quality and emotion. I am open to hearing everything, I know there is masses of undiscovered talent out thereandI want to helpthese young artists be recognised and to see good music surface. I’m as honest as they come and get a kick out of helping others succeed, so if you truly believe you’re onto something good – I want to hear.

Which artists from the Bounce scene are you particularly excited about at the moment?



One of the other Lucky Ent artistsMatt Watkinsis absolutely killing it right now. He just released a massive tune called AFRICA through my label Bourne Recordings and the traction it’s getting is crazy – it’s been played by some of the biggest artists in the world. Ridvan, who won the remix comp of 'Another Land' is also a star in the making. Both of them are ones to watch!



You're in the label business now, is there anything you'd like to see changed within the sector?

I really want to change the game a bit here.I'm just doing this to get good music out and to push young artists. I’m sick of this‘who’s better than who’game in the industry – it shouldn’t be acompetition. Good music is good music and I want that to be recognised.

I want to have a solid label where people can go to, but not have to shuffle through a thousand records to findone amazing one. I’m totally involved in the A&R process and everything will befiltered through me.We all share a passion, it’s live and love the music.