Divination Recordings – A new drum and bass label

“The positive effect music has in our lives is understated. It can influence mind-state and motivate us to reach for the stars.” This quote can not be more true than when a new artist comes on the scene or a new record label launches. Divination Recordings is a new label for the drum and bass, and its all ready making a mark. I caught up with the owners to hear a little more about Divination Recording.

Thank you for talking with us; can you tell us about your label?

Divination is a drum and bass centric label based in Los Angeles that was co-founded by myself and my wife, X.   We are founded on the principles of exploring the future while honoring the traditions of the past.  In doing so, we provide a platform to cultivate talented, new producers in an effort to help grow and shape the scene both locally and internationally.  

Because we strive to honor drum and bass as a whole, we plan on releasing a wide array of sounds that encompass all that drum and bass has to offer.  Liquid, jump-up, dance floor, neurofunk, and tech are all welcome at Divination so long as the quality of both composition and engineering are up to our standards.

Can you share your background and how/if it relates to your label?

I got my start in audio doing theatrical sound design for musicals and plays.  As time went on, I found myself getting more and more involved with drum and bass.  Spent some time as a booking agent and at one point I was helping Gridlok run his label, Project 51.

Divination is a beautiful name, what is the meaning behind choosing it for your label?

Divination is the practice of seeking answers to the unknown through magickal or supernatural means.  Magick is the process of giving form to language.  Because music is a language that transcends form, we thought the name would be fitting.  Not only are we magical in name but also in practice.  The artwork we use is heavily steeped in occult and hermetic imagery.  In addition, we plan our release and preliminary promo schedules against lunar calendars and other astrological phenomena to encourage growth and prosperity.

What can followers and fans expect from Divination Recordings in the upcoming months? 

Our next release is the debut release from newcomer Composure.  Following that, we have something from Kronology to close out the year.  Next year, we plan on dropping some stuff from a few more brand new acts, some up and comers, and we have something special coming from Random Movement at some point in 2019.

I know that you have a solid background in drum and bass; can you share your views on drum and bass music and where you see it heading in the future?

Drum and bass is the biggest its been in over a decade and I’m very excited to see where it’s going.  So many people are smashing it at the moment and honestly, it’s hard to keep up with everyone.  I just hope that this genre-wide momentum continues on and everyone continues pushing it to new heights.

What is maybe something that you like to do when not working on music?

Honestly, with the day job, label, teaching, and my own music career, I haven’t really had time for other hobbies.  I love working on music and honestly couldn’t imagine myself having as much fun doing anything else other than music.  Occasionally, I’ll play video games but I rarely have time to commit to a solid gaming session.  Sometimes, we’ll crawl out of our cave and go experience music at a club or a festival but that’s still falling under working on music.