EQ talks to Soumez, one half of the Alien Entertainment production duo and head of label Wellness Tunes, and he delivers a showcase mix for you to download…
In 2003, Vienna-based DJs Soumez and El Coca joined forces to create Alien Entertainment, a project whose origins lie in soul, funk, hip hop, drum’n’bass, house and techno. These sounds are the major influences in the duo’s productions and their label Wellness Tunes – and you can hear them all in the new Alien Entertainment EP, Full Speed Ahead. The release features two of the UK’s hottest vocalists, Black Canvas – who are set to drop their own album Rise on Cool & Deadly Records this year – and as if to show the diversity of sounds on there, it’s been getting support from the likes of Laurent Garnier, Plump DJs, Groove Armada, Ashley Beedle, Skool Of Thought, Dreadzone, ID and Aquasky. Go straight to the link below for a taster of what Alien Entertainment are all about – but first, here’s Soumez on what makes his label tick…
When and why did you set up Wellness Tunes?
The decision was made in late 2006 after a lack of responses to an album demo from Alien Entertainment. We knew our music should find its way to the people, so as no one else was ready for the job, we gathered the knowledge for it and went for it.
How would you describe Wellness Tunes’ output?
Highly sophisticated, timeless music which doesn’t follow any measurements when it comes to the word genre. The label’s influences reach from soul, funk through hip hop, reggae, ragga, drum’n’bass to house, breaks, tech, minimal and dubstep. We’re always open to anything we feel, just like our record crates.
What’s been your biggest seller?
Alien Entertainment’s Serenity EP – it had all above mentioned attributes.
What’s the hardest thing about running a label?
Finding the right people to work with – like distributors and promo agencies –and keeping up with the growth of media. You can never make sure you’re in all podcasts and blogs you should be in. There’s countless new ones each day.
What’s been the worst moment in Wellness Tunes’ history?
Our first release. We had a huge video production, expensive promo agency, high expenses on the promo CDs, but all this didn’t seem to push the release a bit. I blame a mix of no experience and the amount of explicit language in the actual tune…
What are Wellness Tunes’ plans for the next 12 months?
On the release side there’s some great stuff to come. Our next release is another one by Alien Entertainment and Black Canvas called Shoot2Kill, with remixes by Viennese bass guru Stereotyp (G-Stone) and Jinx In Dub (Supercharged/ATG, Cool & Deadly). Then the Alien Entertainment album is due in the autumn, but I can’t go into details too much yet… There are other acts set to become part of our catalogue too, but nothing yet for definite – although a good hint is to have a look at our remixers.
Full Speed Ahead is out now on Wellness Tunes. Visit www.alienentertainment.biz and www.wellnesstunes.com
CLICK HERE FOR DJ SOUMEZ'S 30-MINUTE GUEST MIX
TRACKLISTING
Rye Rye – Shake It To The Ground (Stereotyp remix) [promo]
Alien Entertainment – Full Speed Ahead [Wellness Tunes]
Sepalot ft Ladi6 – Go Get It (Zed Bias Club Mix) [Compost]
Riva Starr – La Conga [Dirtybird]
Playgroup ft KC Flight – Front 2 Back (Switch remix) [Defected]
Stereotyp – Get Up, Stand Up [G-Stone]
Daso – Meine [Spectral Sound]
D Dub – Deep Blue (Stimming remix) [Yellow Tail]
HAVE YOUR SAY
