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because my love of music is too diverse to limit myself that way. I wanted to create a platform for myself and others, where they could create good electronic music that is not expected to conform to a genre. As long as it has some vocals or instrumental elements, and utilises some classic dance music sounds, that’s the aim. Also, I wanted to position the brand against all the crap ‘EDM’ commercial sounds going about. This in itself has been very well received. The label has only had the one release so far, however from mid-year we’re looking to up the ante and to get more artists on board, so if this is you, give us a holla!
Gender is still an issue in dance music today. As a woman do you feel you have been treated negatively or positively in the industry?
When I started out in the industry there were fewer female artists, particularly DJs. However what I’ve found is that the female DJ has become commoditized, especially when you have DJs stripping off whilst pretending to mix. Bring back podium dancers and visual fanfare and let the DJs mix. Whoever puts on/or requests these kinds of acts I find is a total insult to women and men, who have or seek to have a genuine music career. I have found in the past that dealing with promoters and producers who think because they can create work opportunities for you, that you owe them something. Yes that kind of ‘something.’ I have less of this now, which is great. I think now that I’m older and now that I’m sought out for my work rather than actively having to seek opportunity, there is a different level of respect. Although it is sad how many projects and working relationships get burnt and lost due to this kind of behaviour. My advice to any woman in the industry (or any industry really) – don’t ever feel like you owe anyone anything. Your talent and creativity is enough. Walk away if you feel like you’re not respected. There are so many other genuine people out there to be creative with.
From your own experiences, have you got any advice for artists starting out?
Apart from my advice to women above… Collaborate. Experiment. Don’t feel stuck in one genre. For a long time I feel like I’ve darted around between genres, which made me feel ‘flakey.’ However I realised that what I do isn’t confined to a genre, only the sounds that resonate with me. After some time, you know your sound because you’ll
keep returning to it. Also, don’t take it all too seriously! Make sure you’re in it for the music, otherwise your self-worth will take a beating.
What does the future hold for Lauren Neko?
So much possibility, but my crystal ball isn’t always so clear! I have quite a few vocal single projects on the go right now, so I expect quite a few releases this year! Turn the Night is searching hard for artists to help create the sound and vision I have in mind. Without giving too much away, from mid-year I will be commencing the biggest project I have ever undertaken from a creative perspective. Although I think 2015 will showcase many fresh tunes, I think 2016 is the year a lot more of the world will see what I’m made of.
‘Serenity’ featuring Lauren Neko is available worldwide from the 13th April on Slime Recordings.
www.soundcloud.com/laurenneko
www.soundcloud.com/turnthenight
www.ssoundcloud.com/slimetime
Interview by Andy.