Harrogate-based breaks duo Nat Slater and George Miller deliver a tasty little MP3 mix for us ahead of the release of their new album Dirty North as 601. Plus we talk to the boys about their own label – and the home of Dirty North – Polar Red…
When did you set up Polar Red?
We started Polar Red in September 2006 to provide an outlet for tunes that are slightly leftfield and might be viewed as commercially risky for a mainstream breaks label.
How would you describe Polar Red’s output?
Dynamic, leftfield and innovative.
What’s been your biggest seller?
Tuna by Ben & Lex – it was a robust roller aimed straight at the dancefloor while still retaining that unique Polar Red vibe.
What’s the hardest thing about running a label?
Finding the time to run it alongside writing our own tunes as 601 and having families to feed.
What’s been the worst moment in Polar Red history?
Our brief foray into releasing vinyl – tried it once, it became quickly apparent that it was not the way we were going to do things.
What are Polar Red’s plans for the next 12 months?
We have our album Dirty North, that’s been getting some great reviews from all over the globe. After that we’ll be putting together a run of remix packages from the album, produced by some of the freshest producers in breaks. We’ve also got a full schedule of releases, including cuts by Takomo, Superpolitik and Llupa.
How do you go about tracking down new artists to sign?
Demos are always being sent to us, so we are always checking those out and providing feedback. We also trawl production forums on the internet looking for fresh talent.
Any advice for any budding producers looking to sign to Polar Red?
Create your own sound – we’re not looking to sign the ‘next’ anyone. We want to sign the ‘first’ you!
Any other bits and pieces going on you want to tell us about?
We’ll be touring the 601 live show again this year, hoping to visit as many places as possible, hopefully even escaping the UK.
601’s album Dirty North is out now on Polar Red. Visit www.polarred.com and www.myspace.com/601music
CLICK HERE FOR THE 601 GUEST MIX
TRACKLISTING
601 – Dirty North [Polar Red]
Anatomic – We've Found Love (601 Remix) [Supatronix Records]
601 – Punch The Clown [Polar Red]
BBB – Let The Bass (601 remix) [Standard]
601 – RKSTDY [Polar Red]
Mesmer – Fine Wide Spread (601 remix) [Scarcity]
Bill Vega & New Decade – Fear of Darkness (601 remix) [Bassrock]
HAVE YOUR SAY
