Budapest-based label Chameleon kickstarts 2009 with a new one from Sab Mutu and Lazybones – aka Secta Chameleon, right. And we’ve got a mix from the duo to give you a taste of their Hungarian sounds…
Ask any DJ and they’ll tell you how good the scene is in Eastern Europe just now, but it’s been places like Romania that have really been hitting the headlines. Now it’s Hungary’s time to shine, and Chameleon Records could just lead the charge. In a relatively short time, the label’s built up a solid global rep, and its latest release by Secta Chameleon will help no end. The duo of Sab Mutu and Lazybones have been working together since 2000, combining elements of dirty pop, trip hop, breakbeat, house, electro and rock as they perform live (with the occasional help from MCs and vocalists) and DJ alongside the likes of Deep Dish, Infusion and X-Press 2. Their new one, More Than A Feeling, is just out, but we’ve got hold of a mix from the boys as a taster of their sound. We’ve also caught up with Chameleon boss Gyula Balogh to find out more about his label.
When did you set up Chameleon Records?
We established Chameleon Records in 2002 because there was and there is still no label in Hungary doing what we do – underground electronica across the board. In recent years it has become the biggest electronica label in Hungary.
How would you describe Chameleon output?
We cover a lots of different genres, from breakbeat through dancehall to nu jazz or afro Colombian.
What's been your biggest seller?
Our biggest selling artist is Copy Con, the first Hungarian singer who can perform reggae and dancehall in the Hungarian language. He is a massive success all over the country. We have some strong bands and producers at the label who are ready to step out on the international market and we are working on getting them out there.
What's the hardest thing about running a label?
To release and promote a band is pretty easy but to have them touring and playing worldwide is very difficult, especially for a relatively unknown band. International CD and vinyl distribution is on the downhill too. But there are always positives and negatives so I try to focus on the good times to keep me going.
What are Chameleon Records plans for the next 12 months?
Watch out for Secta Chameleon releases, especially More Than A Feeling, and the new Beat Dis album Proof Positive.
How do you go about tracking down new artists to sign?
It’s usually the other way round. What we are doing in Hungary is not just a simple record label game, but more like a cultural mission – because if we don't do it, nobody else will and the talents will have no outlet. We are operating on limited resources with no prior infrastructure, but we’re in good spirits and convinced that eventually we will succeed…
Secta Chameleon’s More Than A Feeling is out now on Chameleon Records. Visit www.myspace.com/sectachameleon, www.myspace.com/chameleonrecordsmusic and www.chameleonrecords.hu
TRACKLISTING
1. Secta Chameleon ft MC Manic – Push Along (Groove Diggerz remix)
2. Secta Chameleon – For The kids
3. Secta Chameleon – Homeboy
4. Bad Boyz – Bad Boyz (Secta Chameleon remix)
5. Secta Chameleon ft Judie Jay – More Than A Feeling (Sam Hell remix)
6. Secta Chameleon ft Judie Jay – More Than A Feeling (Secta Chameleon remix)
7. Secta Chameleon – Illegal Export
8. Secta Chameleon - A Fat Beat's Comin’ Again
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