Serving as a hub for creative exploration and positive self-expression, ECU is the go-to independent record label for international talent, delivering top-tier electronic music worldwide.
A hub for creative exploration and positive self-expression
Established in 2018 by Mike Griffin and Florence Meuleman-Griffin, East Coast Underground (ECU) operates as a multifaceted entity encompassing an electronic music record label, retail store, and broadcast station. The couple collaboratively engages with artists and communities, offering a platform through broadcast, live performances, events, digital content, and talent management. They excel at showcasing global talent, providing a platform for electronic music artists to thrive. Serving as a hub for creative exploration and positive self-expression, ECU is the go-to independent record label for international talent, delivering top-tier electronic music worldwide.
Mike Griffin, the ECU co-founder, stands at the forefront of ECU, spearheading operations, and distributions. His ascent in the electronic music industry during the mid-1990s, notably under the alias Energy No.13 marked the inception of his distinctive presence. Armed with extensive experience and an inclination for diverse musical genres, he shoulders the vital responsibility of supervising ECU’s multifaceted operations and distribution. Serving as the business manager, he not only possesses a comprehensive understanding of the music industry’s intricacies but also demonstrates finesse in navigating its complexities. Because Mike demonstrates exceptional managerial proficiency, he excels in forging strong connections with distributors. In his role overseeing the ECU retail catalog, Mike orchestrates collaborations with prestigious record labels, including AC Records, Specimen Records, Arkada, and Pyramid Transmissions. Employing a strategic approach, he plays an instrumental role in upholding ECU’s stature as a thriving cornerstone in the electronic music landscape, thereby ensuring the label’s enduring success.
Florence Meuleman-Griffin, the distinguished native of Halluin, France, has earned widespread recognition on the international stage. Revered by a large audience, she stands out as a prominent co-founder of the ECU record label, distinguishing herself as a highly engaged industry influencer. She launched her company, moiCflo, in 2013, which was originally intended for communication and marketing jobs with a more corporate approach. But that approach did not pan out. As many may wonder, the name moiCFlo is translated in French as moi c’est Flo, meaning “me, I am Flo.” With moiCflo, she found herself immersed in various music festivals, talent management, fostering artist connections, and building lasting friendships. By the year 2015, this global exploration led to the creation of Les Charades Électroniques (LCE), a cross-border live performance endeavor that aligns with the missions of ECU. That is, to streamline news, promote artists, and organize concerts. moiCflo and LCE continue to be her concurrent projects, seamlessly complementing the workings of the East Coast Underground record label.
The partnership of Mike Griffin and Florence Meuleman-Griffin extends beyond professional collaboration, as they are inseparable life partners. Together, they have established an electronic music empire that has successfully managed and promoted the careers of numerous international artists in the electronic music scene. Some notable names include Mei, Zadig, J-Lower, Heft, illocanblo, bvdub, Francois Dillinger, Roel Funcken, SeeFeel, and Kitbuilders, among others.
Amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, WECU’s broadcast soared to new heights through live streaming events on the Mixlr platform. These events showcased a diverse array of artists and DJs (Pablo Funk, Heft, Lenny Posso, DJ Steve Brown, Cyance, URKO, Ingo Zobel, Betazed, and Blixaboy, to name a few) presenting an eclectic mix of music genres, including electro, techno, electronica, IDM, drum n’ bass, industrial, ambient, synthwave, and experimental music. The broadcast not only provided a virtual platform for artists but also offered audiences an immersive and engaging experience during a time when traditional live events were constrained.
ECU thrives through the collective efforts of a committed team of freelancers. This team includes Meaux Andromeda, serving as a pioneering DJ-radio host, social media manager and compelling content writer; Frank Riggio and Fotis Kyriazidis, both (who are electronic music artists) contributing as top-notch sound engineers; and myself, Anne Jackson, who wears multiple hats as an accomplished album reviewer, content writer, and copy editor.
Beginning on October 26, 2023, at the Propaganda nightclub in Lake Worth, Florida, ECU initiated a residency event that occurs every last Thursday of the month. Electrifying expert DJs converge to present a variety of underground electronic music genres, encompassing electro, industrial, synthwave, retro-futuristic, and minimal wave. This unmatched ECU event always features a special guest, and attendees have the opportunity to purchase vinyl records.
Anne Jackson / Igloo :: I believe this question could be the number one question that many of your followers are curious about. Where and how did you both meet each other?
Florence :: Sometimes, all it takes is a single image to capture hearts and inspire dreams. We met on Facebook, while Mike was searching for a new logo concept for Energy N°13 and cover art for his music.
Florence, how do you navigate challenges specific to being a woman in the music industry, and what advice do you have for aspiring female music industry professionals?
Flo :: Believe it or not, it often happened that I wasn’t even sure if I was conversing with a man, or a woman. This goes to show that I don’t sexualize the relationship at all. I do use terms like “peeps and guys”; frequently, but it’s because I see everyone as equal.
It is a true privilege to collaborate with individuals from different corners of the globe, promoting diversity and inclusivity in our work together. I also encourage the willingness to let go of preconceived notions, as each story tells its own unique tale. I am not sure if I have any advice, but based on my experience, I’ve learned that patience and perseverance are key. Whether you’re a a boy or a girl, it’s important to make a strong first impression and be clear about your goals. Never be afraid to ask for what you want, as you never know the answer until you try. I’d rather ask and receive a “no” than not ask and miss out on a “yes.”
What is the approach in selecting new artists for the ECU record label?
Flo :: Growing up in a community can be likened to building a niche, as both involve finding a place where we belong and thrive. Just as a niche provides us with a specific role or purpose, being part of a community helps shape our identity and foster personal growth. The vibes, the music, and the soul are all part of it. If you check out our lineup, you will notice that we are all highly involved artists, label owners, organizers and/or promoters, pursuing an artistic passion with a long-term vision. And many of us have been fans and friends for a long time, even before we thought about starting a label.
Mike :: Some find us and some we find. The common thing is finding their flow, depth and connection of the music and the vibe. I’m a bit all over the place and love the diversity.
Mike and Florence, in your view, what sets ECU apart from other record labels in the industry?
Mike :: First off, we are lucky that Flo can invest so much time in working on the development of our community and branding! Secondly, the balance of each one of our musical tastes is what makes us unique. This musical diversity that we both share is what makes the hallmark of our record label. Ultimately, the goal here is to create open mindedness for a variety of genres for our fans, followers, and supporters.
Flo :: We are lucky to both be passionate and stubborn Scorpios.
Mike, what is your approach to global distribution, and what considerations are essential when working with international record labels?
Mike :: On the global distribution for the retail side, right before Covid situation, we noticed an ever-increasing shipping prices to get physical items here to the United States which was segregating European music from the US as far as physical releases were concerned. At that point, I did a lot of research to see who these labels are and what we can do to help the ever-growing shipping problem that they faced about getting their music to this side of the pond. In late 2019 the retail store was created, and we started selling here in the United States with many of the labels listed above to be a hub here in the United States. We continue to review record labels that don’t have a presence here in the United States market and encourage them to be part of this journey.
Regarding the global distribution for ECU releases, this also in turn has exposed us to many international distributors, which we now have relationships with for selling our releases in Europe and abroad. So overall, we are now getting the music in both directions and locations, which is the ultimate goal here to keep the music worldwide.
Florence, can you share more about your hometown, Halluin, and how your upbringing overseas influenced your career path in the music industry?
Flo :: Halluin is the very last French city on the border with Belgium. So, although I am French, I was born and grew up on Belgian soil, and I even started dancing in some of the most prestigious Belgian clubs before the year 2000. Anyone who has seen the movie TSOB will know exactly what I am talking about. That adds a musical touch… but before 2000, I had no clue about lineups or genres. I was simply going to my favorite club with my best friends! Still, I used to listen to our local radio station, 95. 3 GALAXY, and record cassettes of my favorite songs, and I knew totally yet where to go to the DJ booth to request my track.
In the year 2000, I also became a mother and left my child’s father. Interestingly, I then had the opportunity to meet the Bedroom Research Lille label and crew through a meeting app. This is only when I started going out in France, mainly Lille, and learned what electronic music was! It was a delightful experience that rejuvenated my passion for music. Before 2000, some of my best friends were deeply into music, whether it was a local rock band or following their favorite artists to concerts. I’ve always been an easy follower, I must say. However, the stage and backstage area always piqued my curiosity. And then I met Roel Funcken, and since 2015, it’s all his fault (haha) I was following his Mindcamp concert and, in my excitement, I made the mistake of criticizing France for not being able to offer something similar (I know it’s not good to criticize). He simply looked at me and asked, “Can you do it?’ I was just quitting a job where I was managing teams and organizing numerous events (haha). With the truth there, I could do it.
I grew up with the conviction that I would never be an artist, that we couldn’t live a comfortable life as artists. But as time went on, I couldn’t ignore the fact that it couldn’t be true! I started seeing possibilities and opportunities, which made me believe in my ability to achieve great things in the artistic scene! I grew up wanting to be a florist, but along the way I learned how to be a planner, a marketer, and a manager. It didn’t take me long to realize that I could use my skills and work in the art scene without being an artist myself. Although it’s still wrong to believe I am not an artist; I just see myself more as a maker. I do my best to guide art makers to become their best artists.
Mike, what does a typical day look like for you in terms of overseeing operations and distribution?
Mike :: It’s quite a balance between my regular job and taking care of everything. The biggest thing is the continual focus on exposing, promoting, and pushing the music every chance I get, whether I’m listening to new music from the artist on my ride to the office, filling orders in the evening or pushing posts at lunchtime, I am 110 % devoted to the best of my ability.
Florence, managing both moiCflo and Les Charades Électroniques concurrently seems like a dynamic endeavor. How do these projects complement the workings of the East Coast Underground (ECU)?
Flo :: Actually, I believe I have somewhat managed to give ECU the branding of moiCflo, while the ECU is a continuation of LCE, which was primarily focused on event organization in Europe. This activity is alive today here in the United States. I have considered merging the two Facebook pages, ECU and LCE. However, based on my previous experience of merging moiCflo (with another small page I had about making raw juices), it did not meet my expectations. Unfortunately, I also lost five years’ worth of moiCflo content. Today, before Facebook or Instagram, I am most proud of my Resident Advisor (RA) profile, just like any artist with their Discogs.
The name, Les Charades Électroniques is somewhat dormant but it started in 2015 and showcases over 70 events organized in 7 years, with the unique feature of having organized half on livestreams during the pandemic. We cannot rename, or rewrite the story, which is all about electronic music that tickles your brain! They are not strangers at our parties, but rather friends that haven’t met yet. This agenda portfolio started with only live performances, but some events were available on streaming already in 2015. Also, LCE was already supporting artists and crews from abroad in their live expression! By including their events on the agenda, we could always reach more people. Next to RA, we are on Bandsintown, Songkick, up to Electric Soul… Shotgun, you name it!
Mike and Florence, how do you envision the future of the ECU record label? What is on the horizon?
Flo :: Always aim higher and reach for the stars! I approach our work like seasons. While I spent a lot of time on releases and promotion those past months, Mike was busy changing his daily job. Our upcoming schedule and free time will be focused on implementing a couple of physical projects, as well as building connections with artists and organizing more live events. Whether it’s in the U.S.A. or Europe, where we hope to be back to playing soon.
Mike :: We will continue to strive to build this journey higher and bigger. On the horizons for 2024, I am excited to announce that we will have a couple of physical releases from various artists. We are also excited about hosting a showcase event where record labels can unite and share their talented artists with a wider audience. Our primary goal is to support the growth of the music community, which is much needed here in the United States. Also, we will continue to bring new and existing artists onto our label to release their new material, and explore the ever-evolving genres of music.
Boto / Space Rocket Trains by Scale is available on EC Underground. [Bandcamp]
Related posts ::
Greenleaf :: Organic electronic music excavated from the landscape
Mike Griffin (Energy No. 13) :: The life of the DJ, artist, & co-label owner (ECU)
V/A :: The Sonic Landscapes Mission (EC Underground — Roel Funcken “Steve Brown” video premiere
J-LOWER :: Retro Futurism (EC Underground)
Roel Funcken :: Data Curation (EC Underground)
