Astral Plane Recordings is closing down

Astral Plane Recordings has announced its closing, upon dropping its final compilation in the ‘Topia’ series, ‘Astraltopia’.

Made up of contributions from long-time artists and friends of the imprint - including material from Alis, Amazondotcom, CHANTS, Dane Law, nunu and more - the compilation follows 2021’s Heterotopia and 2015’s Psychotropia, both of which preceded the formation of Astral Plane Recordings

The compilation traverses sounds and explorations of previous label releases as well as diving into and beneath extant club sounds, and is accompanied by artwork from Sam Meier.

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“As both an amateurish blog launched as a teenager and a slightly more professional record label, The Astral Plane has been the vessel through which I have had the opportunity to engage with a rich musical culture. While only offering a miniscule contribution to the electronic, dance and experimental musics that I hold dear to my heart, I have been lucky to engage with a rich vein of vernacular sounds that deserve infinitely more care and attention than they often receive,” stated founder Gabe in a letter which details the close of the label.

“With that said, I have decided to bring The Astral Plane blog and label to a close. Close followers will have noticed that APR’s output has slowed down in recent years. It has become increasingly difficult to find the time, resources and energy to deliver music with the foundation, context and breadth that I initially set out to do,” Gabe continued.

In the letter, Gabe continues to explain that The Astral Plane show on NTS will continue under a different name, whilst various writing projects will be housed under Bellona Magazine.

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Astral Plane Recordings’ final compilation, ‘Astraltopia’, is out now, available on a free download and/or a pay-what-you-want basis on Bandcamp. Check it here.

Niamh Ingram is Mixmag’s Weekend Editor, follow her on Twitter