In conversation
w/ BEC
MARCH 15, 2024 → WORDS ANGELIQUE HOUBEN
Berlin-based, UK techno maestro & live act, BEC, whose musical explorations have already left their indelible mark, boldly steps into uncharted territory with the launch of her new record label -Embargo- not just a label but rather a revolution in the making. “The core of Embargo is its emphasis on breaking free from restrictions. For me personally the naming deeply resonates with various aspects of human life, highlighting the struggles against societal constraints and the journey towards freedom and authenticity”, says BEC. This concept resonates across various life scenarios where individuals face embargoes, both literal, metaphorically and sonically.
The debut release, “Artificial Malfunction”, is a testament to the ideology of Embargo placing a major focus on collaborations as a catalyst for unbridled creativity, as BEC joins forces with Bulgarian studio sorcerer KiNK. This dynamic collaboration forges an energetic, stripped, raw and pure soundtrack, potently woven with D&B inspired synths. In this interview, BEC opens the doors to her incredible creative world and gives us more details about her wonderful release.
PHOTOGRAPHY EMIL LEVY
WEARING HUGO BLUE
What’s your journey with music that eventually led you to starting your own label?
I could write pages about this, haha. I started DJing when I was around 20 years old (over 10 years ago ;)) and have always had an intense passion for electronic music, vinyls and tracks that I had been collecting for years and years. Before I picked up my headphones, I had a collection of over 10,000 tracks, mostly digitally on hard drives but around 100 vinyl too. When attending parties, I was known to be the little music nerd on the dancefloor that could usually name and date the tracks that the DJ’s were playing.
And this lead you to playing yourself eventually?
Yes, I finally tried it myself and started playing after parties in London. People noticed the depth of my music knowledge that led me to being booked for my first proper gigs. I took any opportunity to DJ that I could, even playing in restaurants, houses and casual bars. After a long day working in an office in central London, I decided my usual job as a digital designer was no longer for me. I packed my bags to pursue my music career and moved to Berlin two weeks later - with no plan, one suitcase and barely any money in the bank. I knew no one. I didn’t know the language or even what I was going to do after arriving there. But I knew I wanted to make music my career, and follow my passion. I founded my first label purely for my own music which was simply called “Bec”. Speeding up time until now, I realised I wanted something more experimental, to push boundaries, and to create a home for talented producers, championing artistic freedom - this made me come up with Embargo and its concept. So that was my journey in a nutshell!
Why did you decide to name it “Embargo”?
The decision to name my record label “Embargo” was deeply rooted in the concept of breaking free from restrictions and embracing a spirit of liberation and authenticity. It represents a refusal to be confined by conventional norms or expectations, and a commitment to forging a path of creative freedom and self-expression. I want to challenge the status quo, disrupt the industry, and create spaces where artists are free to explore, experiment, and innovate without fear of judgment or limitation.
Pushing boundaries and breaking norms through self expression, why is that particularly important to you?
It allows for the exploration of new possibilities, the challenging of established norms, and the fostering of growth and innovation. As an artist and label owner, I believe that creativity thrives when individuals are encouraged to step outside of their comfort zones, take risks, and embrace their unique perspectives and voices. It is also about empowering individuals to be true to themselves, to embrace their unique identities and perspectives, and to contribute to a more vibrant, dynamic, and inclusive world.
How would you describe your personal style of fashion and how does it relate to your music?
I would say that I don’t really have this ONE particular way of style - and this relates to everything in my life, fashion, music, art and beyond. I am an extremely versatile person that is always eager to try new things, not to be boxed in, and experiment. When it comes to fashion and how I dress, if I had to describe myself, I would say that I like a good mixture between comfort and being very feminine. I have never really been the oversized tshirts, and baggy bottoms time of person - unless I am home and don’t change out of my hoodie for the full day, haha (laughs). I love to dress up for gigs, channeling the energy and getting excited to being behind the decks. In many ways, I see parallels between the music I produce, and the looks I choose: I approach both as a form of self-expression that keeps evolving, and is very linked to how I feel in a particular moment - never not willing to give it a go and see what it looks or sounds like.
Are there any fashion trends or elements that you're currently drawn to or experimenting with?
Currently I am trying to move away a bit from fulfilling this traditional expectation of what people would “expect” a techno DJ to wear: black. As much as I like the black pieces and styles in my wardrobe, I want to break it up a bit. I want to bring be edgy in what I wear, have a very clear sense of styling, but still bring in colours. Again, pushing boundaries and disrupting norms :)
Back to your label - what are your plans with it, and where would you like to take it in future?
Long term I envision Embargo as not only a label but also a creative collective, hosting events, workshops, and collaborations that bring together artists and enthusiasts from all across the world. It should feel like a community where people exchange, learn and grow alongside each other by fostering a culture of inclusivity and collaboration. I hope to inspire the next generation of electronic music producers and fans to push the boundaries of what is possible in music and be open to think outside the box.
What would you say are the most important elements when launching a label?
In my personal opinion, to get it right with the first release. Really spend time to get the art direction completely set, and be something you are happy with, so that it can stay super consistent right from the first release. It took me a few years of really thinking about this carefully before I even started to work on the practical side of setting up a label. It has to be the right time, you have to be ready for it! There are so many labels out in the world, it is a very over saturated industry so I feel it’s best to really plan your own unique and authentic angle before launching it out into the public eye.
Are there any artists in particular that have really influenced your musical style especially over the last years?
For sure. Phase (ø), has been a really inspiring artist to me. I started to take a real interest in music that is created with subtle differences in the low end frequencies, and that are more raw, and understated. His track “Dreams of a megalomaniac” is fire. An upcoming artist David Castellani based in LA really inspires me too. His tracks are very synth based, with quite weird, FM sounding synthesis which I Iove. I’m digging lots of female artists such as U.R. Trax and Any Mello too who are both on Ninas label Trip which is how I discovered them!
If you had to answer without overthinking in 10 seconds. Which artists would you like to collaborate with?
Modeselektor, Four Tet, ANNé, Chris Liebing, Ludovico Einaudi, Nina Kraviz. Strange mix I know, but it is truly what first came to mind, haha!
In conversation
w/ BEC
MARCH 15, 2024
WORDS ANGELIQUE HOUBEN
Berlin-based, UK techno maestro & live act, BEC, whose musical explorations have already left their indelible mark, boldly steps into uncharted territory with the launch of her new record label -Embargo- not just a label but rather a revolution in the making. “The core of Embargo is its emphasis on breaking free from restrictions. For me personally the naming deeply resonates with various aspects of human life, highlighting the struggles against societal constraints and the journey towards freedom and authenticity”, says BEC. This concept resonates across various life scenarios where individuals face embargoes, both literal, metaphorically and sonically.
The debut release, “Artificial Malfunction”, is a testament to the ideology of Embargo placing a major focus on collaborations as a catalyst for unbridled creativity, as BEC joins forces with Bulgarian studio sorcerer KiNK. This dynamic collaboration forges an energetic, stripped, raw and pure soundtrack, potently woven with D&B inspired synths. In this interview, BEC opens the doors to her incredible creative world and gives us more details about her wonderful release.
PHOTOGRAPHY EMIL LEVY
WEARING HUGO BLUE
What’s your journey with music that eventually led you to starting your own label?
I could write pages about this, haha. I started DJing when I was around 20 years old (over 10 years ago ;)) and have always had an intense passion for electronic music, vinyls and tracks that I had been collecting for years and years. Before I picked up my headphones, I had a collection of over 10,000 tracks, mostly digitally on hard drives but around 100 vinyl too. When attending parties, I was known to be the little music nerd on the dancefloor that could usually name and date the tracks that the DJ’s were playing.
And this lead you to playing yourself eventually?
Yes, I finally tried it myself and started playing after parties in London. People noticed the depth of my music knowledge that led me to being booked for my first proper gigs. I took any opportunity to DJ that I could, even playing in restaurants, houses and casual bars. After a long day working in an office in central London, I decided my usual job as a digital designer was no longer for me. I packed my bags to pursue my music career and moved to Berlin two weeks later - with no plan, one suitcase and barely any money in the bank. I knew no one. I didn’t know the language or even what I was going to do after arriving there. But I knew I wanted to make music my career, and follow my passion. I founded my first label purely for my own music which was simply called “Bec”. Speeding up time until now, I realised I wanted something more experimental, to push boundaries, and to create a home for talented producers, championing artistic freedom - this made me come up with Embargo and its concept. So that was my journey in a nutshell!
Why did you decide to name it “Embargo”?
The decision to name my record label “Embargo” was deeply rooted in the concept of breaking free from restrictions and embracing a spirit of liberation and authenticity. It represents a refusal to be confined by conventional norms or expectations, and a commitment to forging a path of creative freedom and self-expression. I want to challenge the status quo, disrupt the industry, and create spaces where artists are free to explore, experiment, and innovate without fear of judgment or limitation.
Pushing boundaries and breaking norms through self expression, why is that particularly important to you?
It allows for the exploration of new possibilities, the challenging of established norms, and the fostering of growth and innovation. As an artist and label owner, I believe that creativity thrives when individuals are encouraged to step outside of their comfort zones, take risks, and embrace their unique perspectives and voices. It is also about empowering individuals to be true to themselves, to embrace their unique identities and perspectives, and to contribute to a more vibrant, dynamic, and inclusive world.
How would you describe your personal style of fashion and how does it relate to your music?
I would say that I don’t really have this ONE particular way of style - and this relates to everything in my life, fashion, music, art and beyond. I am an extremely versatile person that is always eager to try new things, not to be boxed in, and experiment. When it comes to fashion and how I dress, if I had to describe myself, I would say that I like a good mixture between comfort and being very feminine. I have never really been the oversized tshirts, and baggy bottoms time of person - unless I am home and don’t change out of my hoodie for the full day, haha (laughs). I love to dress up for gigs, channeling the energy and getting excited to being behind the decks. In many ways, I see parallels between the music I produce, and the looks I choose: I approach both as a form of self-expression that keeps evolving, and is very linked to how I feel in a particular moment - never not willing to give it a go and see what it looks or sounds like.
Are there any fashion trends or elements that you're currently drawn to or experimenting with?
Currently I am trying to move away a bit from fulfilling this traditional expectation of what people would “expect” a techno DJ to wear: black. As much as I like the black pieces and styles in my wardrobe, I want to break it up a bit. I want to bring be edgy in what I wear, have a very clear sense of styling, but still bring in colours. Again, pushing boundaries and disrupting norms :)
Back to your label - what are your plans with it, and where would you like to take it in future?
Long term I envision Embargo as not only a label but also a creative collective, hosting events, workshops, and collaborations that bring together artists and enthusiasts from all across the world. It should feel like a community where people exchange, learn and grow alongside each other by fostering a culture of inclusivity and collaboration. I hope to inspire the next generation of electronic music producers and fans to push the boundaries of what is possible in music and be open to think outside the box.
What would you say are the most important elements when launching a label?
In my personal opinion, to get it right with the first release. Really spend time to get the art direction completely set, and be something you are happy with, so that it can stay super consistent right from the first release. It took me a few years of really thinking about this carefully before I even started to work on the practical side of setting up a label. It has to be the right time, you have to be ready for it! There are so many labels out in the world, it is a very over saturated industry so I feel it’s best to really plan your own unique and authentic angle before launching it out into the public eye.
Are there any artists in particular that have really influenced your musical style especially over the last years?
For sure. Phase (ø), has been a really inspiring artist to me. I started to take a real interest in music that is created with subtle differences in the low end frequencies, and that are more raw, and understated. His track “Dreams of a megalomaniac” is fire. An upcoming artist David Castellani based in LA really inspires me too. His tracks are very synth based, with quite weird, FM sounding synthesis which I Iove. I’m digging lots of female artists such as U.R. Trax and Any Mello too who are both on Ninas label Trip which is how I discovered them!
If you had to answer without overthinking in 10 seconds. Which artists would you like to collaborate with?
Modeselektor, Four Tet, ANNé, Chris Liebing, Ludovico Einaudi, Nina Kraviz. Strange mix I know, but it is truly what first came to mind, haha!