"neil harris" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >Remember that guy in the thong and wig at Richies New >Years party doing that "Sandwiches" track? You know, >the biggest new-artist Detroit record of last year? >Well, that was Paris the Black Fu and hes a major >label artist now, with the Detroit Grand Pu Bahs >freshly signed to Jive Electro. Jive, the label that >brought you Britney Spears, will now also be bringing >you Paris. (Is it me or does the world keep getting >weirder?) Watch for remixes soon, as well as a version >to be released on Hawtins M_nus label.
Actually that is not so strange. Jive Electro is an affiliate of Jive based in New York. It was set up by exec Neil Harris, who has DJed and has good industry connections (ex-London Records) and a good grasp of the electronic underground, and someone else whose name I am forgetting. I guess their intention was to develop the label into something like Astralwerks. Harris has signed some good acts to Jive Electro - including the fabulous Dubtribe Sound System, who have admittedly since left (this, alas, I could foresee), and Groove Armada, who are a kinda British Nu Balearic house act making big ripples here in Australia. Both are quality acts. Then there is Harknox, which is a industrial-hardcore-electronica act from the UK fronted by Lindy Layton (ex-Beats International). I can't say that Hardknox are quite my vibe but I can see their potential and they are better than some of their crossover peers. I remember interviewing Harris last year and asking him why would a major set up an electronica imprint in the US given that the music struggles to crossover? He seems happy to take underground acts like Dubtribe and work them. I am not sure if he will succeed but I think he at least has a genuine appreciation and interest in the music. Jive Electro also completed that Old School Vs New School comp with various dance DJs mixing old Jive tracks by KRS-One, A Tribe Called Quest and even The Stone Roses and there is supposed to be a second volume with the possibly one awesome Detroit producer contributing. Peace Cyclone
