(08.17.07) B12 RECORDS is one of the most influential labels of electronic music. The label came to life in 1991, founded by Steven Rutter and Mike Golding. The partnership were inspired by Detroit techno and, to quote from their Prelude Part 1 interviews, wanted to bring the “clear cut” sound to the sprouting UK electronic music scene. They saw the mainstream sound of the early 90’s as ‘bad… hardcore’ and wanted make their own brand of Detroit music. So ‘[they] borrowed some money and started up a label.’ Some were thinking the same at the time, Black Dog Productions, A.R.T., GPR, with Kirk Degiorgio (As One) getting involved. Steve Pikton (aka Stasis) was another regular of the imprint. But, it was Mike Golding and Steven Rutter who were the cornerstone of the label, releasing under the monikers 2001, Cmetric, Musicology and Redcell.
In 1993 the label’s back catalogue was given a wider audience by Warp Records with the release of B12’s Electro-Soma. The label continued on, petering away in 1995 after two split 12″s with A.R.T. 1996 saw B12 putting out more of their deep IDM sound on Warp Records with the Time Tourist album. The duo lay low for a couple of years before the 3EP, a three tracker with influential musicians being paid homage in the track titles. However, after this EP B12 fell from all radars; Rutter and Golding disappeared, not even appearing on compilations. Suddenly, to widespread applause, B12 returned to the gig scene in 2005. Two years after this triumphant comeback B12 are back releasing, with two new 12″s out now.
Firstly there is unfinished business with the official release of the Redcell B1215 promo, now coming out as an Untitled B12 EP. I managed to get in touch with Mike and Steve recently to ask them some questions about the past, present and future to B12.
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Igloo :: So what have you guys been up to since 1998?
B12 :: All sorts of things… Just sadly not releasing any music but we have been experimenting with music (and making tracks) on and off for the entire time. We wanted to move away from our Atari and Akai S900’s a long time ago, but were very frustrated with in ability of PC software in the late 90’s. People have “fond memories” of their old “gear” but we mostly only have nightmares. Those S900’s we more like a portable furnace, the Atari (I’m sure we had four of them) was totally unreliable and the 4000 cables we needed to wire everything up was a complete pain in the arse. Thankfully that has all changed and we are happy with the progression of music software. Now we can make music without the pain and get straight into the creative process… even on the beach or while having a shit.
Igloo :: Was it a set decision to leave the electronic scene ten years ago, or was it just something that happened?
B12 :: It was a real nightmare to get a third LP together for Warp, with many tracks, such as those included on B1215, rejected. This was an entirely de-motivating period. Ultimately we were bored, with music, with synthesizers, the direction of techno, sounds, styles, the so called “IDM scene,” everything. We needed a break, some fresh air.
Igloo :: When did you decide to come back? Did the recent climate, with Global Communication and Black Dog Production re-issues, influence that decision at all?
B12 :: We did not even really know about these re-issues so none have influenced us at all. We started to listen to more “modern techno,” new artists who sounded fresher than techno of recent years and we started to make music again. Then we were asked to do a gig and it was an amazing buzz… I think this had a bigger influence than any of the re-releases, it made us realise that we must come back.
Igloo :: Do you think the scene today is much different than it was when B12 Records was first releasing?
B12 :: To be honest we don’t really know that much about the scene to make any response to this question. We know that there is a flood of music out there… hundreds, much of which sounds like “techno” to our ears, hundreds of releases more than when we ran B12 records in 1991. This makes it harder for an artist / label to stand out we hope the B12 name and music is enough to do this for us.
Igloo :: Is the Detroit sound still your main influence or have things changed since the 3EP?
B12 :: The influences are pretty much the same, but it seems there is more techno coming from Germany than Detroit these days. However, it is obvious that in order for us to get stimulated and making music again, then we need to build on what we have already done. Our music has evolved and will continue to evolve.
Igloo :: Are you still in touch with Steve Piketon and Kirk Degiorgio?
B12 :: With Kirk yes, in fact recently very often. With Steve Pickton, no, but only because we don’t know where he is these days, in fact no one seems to know where he is and if you do let us know as we want to track him down!
Igloo :: How did you feel about the bootlegs that were circulating a while ago?
B12 :: Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! If anyone out there can help us track down the individuals responsible for this we would love to hear from them, email us anytime (a small reward available in some rare original B12!). One of the worst things about these bootlegs is that B12 fans have been ripped off paying silly prices for non-genuine records. There are NO official represses of B12 vinyl available, we have NOT repressed any old 12s, so be sure to check the authenticity of vinyl before buying. A good indicator is that unofficial bootlegs do not have etchings in the run-out grooves.
Igloo :: Are the same machines from the 90’s being used to make the B12 sound or have you guys embraced the computer age?
B12 :: No we don’t use ANY of the old machines. All our hardware has either been sold already or will be appearing on eBay very soon. All new B12 is made using soft synths. We hear people are moving back to analogue gear from their laptops… err why? ;-) We have been there and it is painful, maybe in another 10 years we will return! ;-)
Igloo :: What artists and labels are finding their way into your headphones these days?
B12 :: Just some “modern techno” artists we like in alphabetical order Anders Trentemoller, Booka Shade, Gabriel Ananda, Gui Boratto, Joris Voorn, Robert Babicz, Stephen Bodzin, Theo Parrish…
Igloo :: Of course, what was the last record you bought?
Mike :: Joris Voorn When It Was Day We Made It Night EP
Steve :: Thom Yorke Evolver (CD)
Igloo :: What does the future hold for the boys of 2001 now that the 21st century has arrived?
B12 :: More strings, more 808, more 909, more techno music. B12 Records has a very heavy release schedule planned for the next 12 months, if all goes according to plan… the B12 fans that have been asking for new music should be very pleased. Oh yeah and at some point we will release the damn CD box set that we have been trying to get finished for the last 2 years! :-) It will be released.
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For more information about B12 or B12 Records, visit the following websites:
