GENOME RECORDS
Exploring the Future: An Interview with Ben on the Direction of His Record Label
Music is the language of the soul, a bridge between the silence of the heart and the noise of the world.
Welcome 🖤
Thank you for being part of this exciting journey of artistic exploration.
These interviews are crafted to strengthen the bond between record labels, artists, and their fans. Regardless of whether you identify as an artist, a promoter, a passionate supporter, or someone about to embark on that journey, prepare to immerse yourself in the fascinating complexities of the artistic psyche 👽.
Are you ready to uncover the weird and wonderful world of artistry?
I want my artists to go bigger. When they become bigger, I know I’m doing something right. And I’m grateful for having the opportunity to push them. Ben
Meet Ben, the visionary founder of Genome Records. Originally stemming from Brussels, he now calls Barcelona his home. His label is well-known for opening doors to newcomers in the drum and bass scene, offering a platform for fresh tunes and vibes to emerge. He has a keen taste for exceptional artists with quality production and is deeply grateful for the opportunity to be in this position. But there’s more; for Ben, the relationship with his signed artists goes beyond mere transactions. He believes that supporting artists in any situation they face is a fundamental part of his role.
From the start of his journey, Ben has personally managed the lion’s share of the workload. He covers the whole value chain, including artist discovery, distribution, communication, promotion. Recently, he has also embraced the role of crafting artwork, a duty once managed by his close ally and collaborator, Alejandro from Histeria Records. Positive feedback is what keeps him motivated and moving forward.
L33, CRUK (1–2 of Fade Black), KHRONOS (discovered by Alejandro), FORD (also known as JOE FORD), SAFRA, INAO, EKWOLS, and SKYLARK are among the prominent names that have gained significant recognition in the drum and bass scene, with their journeys beginning also at Genome Records.
One of Genome Records’ latest offerings is the “Dynamic Disruption LP Part 2,” which includes tracks from the talented producers DIODE, Decades, Splash Heads, KHRONOS and INΛΩ. Take a listen and drop a heart if you like it!
The release was launched on April 8, 2024.
A couple of months ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Ben in Sevilla, Spain, during a label night organised by Genome Records in collaboration with the Histeria Records. I’m confident to say that our energies aligned perfectly, much like two frequencies in harmony, creating a seamless and resonant connection. During one of our conversations, I discovered that we share a similar worldview, and in that moment, I was certain it wouldn’t be the last time we would engage in a meaningful dialogue.
Today, Ben is also a big supporter of MMNTM. So here we are, nearly five months later, delving into the evolution of the drum and bass scene and the broader landscape of music distribution, nostalgically reflecting on our baby steps into to the scene, examining how this evolution has influenced Genome’s strategy, and exploring its future direction. More than a decade into the journey, Ben feels that Genome Records is finally beginning to take the shape he thinks it should.
And, as always, I made sure to unearth some fascinating facets of Ben’s personality. Let’s reap the rewards of those discoveries 🌟.
Tracing the Evolution of Music Distribution in the Digital Age 💻
First, let me set the context. In today’s world, the internet is overflowing with stuff, making it impossible to keep up with everything, everywhere, all the time. It’s fascinating to reflect on how the fundamental role of record labels has transformed from controlling distribution in the pre-internet era to now focusing on capturing demand in the digital age.
Before the Internet, your music could only reach listeners through physical formats distributed by record labels (excluding radio). The larger the record label, the wider your potential audience. Only a few record labels were in charge due to the significant investment required. They acted as gatekeepers, allowing only the top-notch talent to break through.
With the shift to digital content, the dynamics changed drastically. Suddenly, anyone could start building their audience without relying on a label.
Now, there are no geographical constraints, and you don’t need a physical space on a store shelf. The internet offers virtually limitless space for content. It’s all about grabbing and holding onto the audience’s attention. This is the biggest hurdle for anyone trying to start a digital-first business. To visually highlight this shift from physical to digital products, here’s a colourful chart:
In 2002, Apple’s iTunes set the behaviour of unbundling songs, changing how we consume music. In 2007, Ben was establishing his presence on Myspace with Genome Records, and two years later, he released Dub Elements’ physical vinyl. This release was exclusive to a private network and never made its way to public distribution. Genome Records’ first digital release was in 2011, which, as the chart shows, was relatively early in the timeline. It featured the work of Spanish drum & bass producer Iberian Warrior, including four tracks.
This marked the beginning of an exciting journey for the label.
🌱 The Genesis of Genome Records
“In 2006, I had already made contact and spoken with some artists, and by 2007, I had established an association for Genome Records,” Ben reflected on his early days. “But it all started because I had been involved in organising or helping to organise drum and bass events in Belgium for 10 years,” he continued. “I can still perfectly remember the first time I went to a drum and bass party in one of the many rooms at Magasin 4, Brussels. Arriving in that room and seeing a wave of people dancing in sync with the music was wow 😮. I moved in front of the DJ and the speakers, and I thought, ‘Oh, this bass and energy,’ I fell in love with the music. Later in 2006, I felt the need to contribute something, to be part of this musical journey,” Ben concluded.
“I didn’t want to produce and I was already promoting, and then I thought let’s continue promoting in another way,” he said. This desire that Ben experienced, the urge to make a meaningful contribution, to be more than just a passive consumer, is exactly what motivated me to start MMNTM and this very publication. I felt this need for so many years, but I didn’t know how to contribute. Maybe, deep down, I was simply biding my time, waiting for the infrastructure to emerge and for generative AI to lend me the courage to express myself through writing.
“It took you some time to find your way, but perhaps I rushed into things. Because it’s only now, after all this time, that I’m doing what I feel with the label,” Ben elaborated on my reflection. “It’s about evolution, you grow as a person. At first, I only focused on a single drum and bass style, but now, my approach has broadened to appreciate production as a whole, embracing the musical journey itself. Whether it’s deep, neurofunk, dance floor, experimental — you name it — if I feel the track, I’ll release it. I see now I used to focus too much on just one thing when I should have been more open,” Ben admitted.
👩🎨 Taste: The Key Differentiator in the Digital Era
This is where taste plays a crucial role. Expressing a feel or vibration for a track is essentially highlighting one’s unique taste. In a world overflowing with music production, taste becomes the guiding light that helps navigate through the vast ocean of content. While I could easily process the interview with Ben through ChatGPT and publish it as is, it’s my personal taste that refines and transforms it into something unique, something that truly resonates with Ben and me.
“Everything has evolved. In the past, there were only a handful of labels. I can’t speak for how other labels viewed things, but getting signed meant you either had to be somewhat known or fit the specific vibe of the label,” Ben mused. “These days, it’s different. Major artists with big label backing often start their own labels or do self-releases. So, it’s become easier for artists to find a label that suits them than it was before,” he explained.
“This is because of the explosion in the number of both labels and artists. However, this makes it challenging for an artist to stand out and be discovered. Every few months, there seems to be a new name on the rise,” he finished, his voice tinged with amazement. It’s a tough cycle.
This highlights a pivotal shift in the role of record labels that I mentioned earlier. They’ve evolved from simply distributing music and granting artists a certain status to serving as operators. Now, they equip artists with branding superpowers that resonate with the label’s distinctive taste and vibe, drawing in the audience. “Nowadays, we’re seeing talented artists emerge from everywhere. I’m particularly amazed by the abundance of skilled producers coming out of Austria and Switzerland; it’s like they’ve become the new mecca of Drum and Bass!” Ben exclaimed. “But at the same time, it’s tougher than ever for artists to make their mark online,” he emphasised.
“I think a lot of labels are still adding the essence to the scene, something really special. They’re honing in on their vision and doing something different, which is also inspiring others,” Ben elaborated.
Genome Records’ Vision: Building Bridges Through Collaboration 💫
Ben dedicates a significant amount of his time to listening, searching, and providing feedback on new music production. Making connections, collaborations, and being close to people is important for Genome Records. “I don’t see other labels promoting fellow labels,” he said. “If an artist signs something to Genome, and later signs with a bigger label, I’m still happy to promote their track and the label. I’ll tag both the label and the artist because the artists were with me first. But I don’t see other labels doing the same,” Ben clarified. And it’s in this collaborative context that our worldviews aligned.
The internet is a reflection of humanity itself — it embodies our values, behaviours, and aspirations. Holding onto a competitive mindset seems outdated in a world where we create future through collaboration. In the past, competition may have been necessary when ventures demanded substantial investment and scale was the ultimate objective. In today’s digital age, anyone can step into the arena and chase their dreams. Rather than focusing solely on scale, success comes from nurturing innovative collaborations.
At the heart of Scenius lies the power of such collaborations: when ordinary people come together to do extraordinary things, moving us all forward. I have a whole other newsletter about that and this publication stands as a direct tribute to the power of Scenius. Just think about it: in ancient times, being cast out from the tribe was essentially a death sentence. It shows just how much we needed each other to stay alive and thrive.
Following my monologue, Ben wrapped up with this thought: “I’m not in competition with anyone; I’m just sharing the same frequencies.”
🔮 Navigating Tomorrow’s Possibilities
Our conversation shifted from the present to the future. Ben expressed his desire for his label to be well known, opening doors for artists and offering support whenever they need it. “Artists have lives outside of music; they have personal situations at home. I’m not just here to provide a platform for their music — I’m here for whatever they need,” Ben shared, outlining his vision for the label. “You can reach out to me, ask me anything. I believe that just by talking, we can solve a lot of things,” he added.
This people-first approach is a very unique characteristic of Genome Records. To foster creativity, one must find themselves in a safe space, free from the pressures of survival. “We’re connecting through the flow of energy. I’m incredibly grateful for having this label, for the opportunity to release music, and to keep discovering talented newcomers,” Ben said. With gratitude guiding him, Ben channels his energy into nurturing deeper relationships with artists, always respecting their boundaries and preferences.
“I spend most of my time searching on Soundcloud; that’s where most artists are. Whether they’re signed or unsigned, young or old, you never know who’s behind the music! Once I find good music, I follow who they follow, because chances are their music is inspired by someone they follow,” Ben explained, detailing his method for navigating the web of internet connections. “You’ve got to connect the dots, it’s like drawing a family tree: where does this artist come from? They’re influenced by this person, who’s influenced by that person,” Ben chuckled, likening the process to playing detective on Soundcloud 🕵️. It’s all about making connections.
“I’m constantly amazed by the incredible music I discover, and sometimes these artists have very few followers — it’s mind-blowing 🤯!” he remarked. And this is how Ben is paving his path forward. He is pulling artists into his inner circle, fostering collaborations between emerging talents and established ones, helping them elevate their craft to new heights. And sometimes, there’s no connection, and people decline to release their music. We also tend to forget that not everybody wants to be known. Some people create incredible music but prefer to remain anonymous.
A Glimpse into Ben’s World 🌍
Ben holds a strong belief in the power of nature and trusts his intuition when making important decisions. He’s grateful for the constant support of his family and friends, who provide feedback but also the encouragement he needs to keep moving forward. What few people know about Ben is that he earned a diploma in Chinese Medicine at the remarkable age of 11, making him one of the youngest in Europe.
“It’s a form of energy healing for your body. When I was young, I pretended to be sick to see a doctor. They prescribed me a lot of medicine, and I thought, ‘What The Fuck Is This Guy Doing To Me? I have nothing and he is giving me pills,” Ben recounted his childhood experience. “And when I was seriously ill, there was a lady near my home who practiced acupuncture, massage, and Reiki,” he added.
By positioning your hands in specific ways on the body, you’re working with the patient’s energy fields to facilitate healing. “After receiving treatment from this lady, I felt like I was flying,” he concluded.
I think I’m going to give it a shot! Today, Ben continues his healing journey by delving into the study of Shamanism and Quantum Hypnosis Healing, embracing new avenues of understanding and growth. Ben and I both find common ground in the power of nature.
A journey to the astral realm ✨
Every MMNTM Interview concludes with a peek into the artist’s distinctive quirks and desires. One unusual approach I take to uncover this is by envisioning us strolling into the artist’s bedroom and surprising them with something to wake them up. Ben’s reaction? “Not much to be honest 😄. I do have a deep astral travel at night. I’m still busy working on the other side. I have other duties,” Ben shared, leaving us both laughing for the rest of the evening.
And that’s a wrap on our deep conversation with Ben from GENOME RECORDS. Make sure to stay connected with him on Facebook and Instagram. Don’t miss out on Genome’s recent LP Dynamic Disruption Part 2, immerse yourself in the incredible music and show Ben some love with a big thumbs up, because he truly deserves it.
Here’s a link to GENOME’s Bandcamp and Beatport, so you can stay ahead!
MMNTM is thankful for the chance to explore Ben’s world, discovering some of his lesser-known personality traits, perspectives, and what lies ahead. For Ben, this marks just the beginning of a new era for the label, keeping its doors open for upcoming talents with quality music and quality people.
🗓️ Mark your calendars for the highly anticipated MMNTM II Event on June 22nd in Hilversum, a charming city in the Netherlands! Grab your 🐣 early birds as long as they are available. We can’t wait to see you there!
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ADRIANA
