Remote Control launches new left-of-centre imprint Pointer Recordings

Image: Sweetie Zamora

Remote Control Records has launched a new left-of-centre imprint, Pointer Recordings.

It is the brainchild of Remote Control’s head of labels & promotions Sweetie Zamora, who wanted an avenue “that exists to amplify the voices of fiercely creative and ambitious artists”.

“Centred around non-traditional releases with artists aligned to the future of music, it’s a wholly independent, uncompromisingly artist-friendly digital-only label,” a statement said.

Pointer Recordings arrives with a number of launch signings. Its debut release, ‘Heatsink’, which premiered on triple j, is a collaboration between Sydney neo-soul artist and poet imbi and Western Sydney rapper-producer duo Slim Set.

The track is accompanied by a game coded by Slim Set’s Atro in which avatars of the artists, illustrated by Alvin Ruiyuan Zhong, navigate their way from Parramatta Station to Sydney’s CBD over myriad obstacles.

“Pointer came at the perfect time,” said imbi. “Joining up with Pointer reassured me that there are ways to pursue music that feel good and labels out there really looking to do best by the artist and themselves. I am so grateful to be part of this team.”

Melbourne trip-hop three-piece Telenova, made up of Angeline Armstrong, Edward Quinn (Slum Sociable) and Joshua Moriarty (Miami Horror), drop their debut single ‘Bones’ on March 18. The trio were brought together at a writing camp in early 2020 by Chris Walla (Death Cab For Cutie).

Canberra electronic artist and producer Ryan Fennis and rap/dance goth Voidhood collaborate on Psychthriller, which “intends to evoke the insular, ambiguous qualities of films from the genre of the same name” and “gives shape and sound to what it means to live in a present-day, technological dystopia, centred in Australia’s capital city”.

Cavallo Nero, a Melbourne clubland and after-hours project by members of Total Giovanni, are also early signings.

Zamora cited the contribution of Remote Control’s digital coordinator and FBi and triple j broadcaster Darren Lesaguis in setting up Pointer Recordings.

“It’s been an absolute joy to start Pointer Recordings and begin to cultivate this new family of artists,” she said. “Each artist’s belief in me and the team is incredibly energising and propels us to work harder.”