Imprint: Sound Pellegrino

Formed out of the ashes of Institubes five years ago, Sound Pellegrino has come a long way since its beginnings as a sub label. Run by three forward-thinking Frenchman, Teki Latex, Orgasmic and Emile Shahidi, the label has become a go-to source for unique dance music and though the label doesn't promote just one genre, that's one of the main reasons it's been regarded so highly.

"It started as one-shot-only digital label of Institubes and the purpose was to act fast, go back to a strictly dance-oriented label as Institubes was going in many directions at the time so the original iteration of Sound Pellegrino had no signee and no artist development", explains Orgasmic and over the last few years the imprint has concentrated on building a tight-knit stable of artists that regularly release. Matthias Zimmermann, Joe Howe and Nicolas Malinowsky have provided regular ammunition for the Pellegrino arsenal.

Earth-shattering 4/4 rollers, weird and wonderful bass-inclined thrashers, delectably uncommon electro and even a flipped and twisted take on pop music are all things that have seen light via the label. While they can all be categorised separately they all maintain a Sound Pellegrino feel; wholly underground dance music with a mischievous attitude.

More recently the label has been focusing on a compilation series that showcases both the artists and sound that it's pushing. Now three volumes deep, the first in the series united a roster of producers that are associated with the imprint, offering cuts by Modeselektor, Eero Johannes, K-Lagane and of course the frequently seen usual suspects.

Volume two came in the form of the 'Crossover Series' where Teki and Orgasmic continued to prove why they're at the forefront of a very exciting time. The album saw a seriously-strong set of special link ups that were formed specifically for the LP. It included Bok Bok & Tom Trago, L-Vis 1990 & Sinjin Hawke and Joakim & Bambounou.

This take on dance music sums up what Sound Pellegrino tries to do with every release. Speaking to Teki last year, he explained the pros and cons of being eclectic in today's scene: "People have a hard time putting us in boxes or simply identifying us or taking us seriously because they interpret this eclecticism as immaturity and they see us as artists or labels who are constantly trying to find our style. To be honest i think this is what keeps us excited."

Their latest venture is a more club-focused, stripped back compilation called 'Raw Club Material'. It is another example of the label evolving organically while staying on top of what's current and exciting. "We're talking a lot about how this compilation is more DJ-tool oriented but there are some pretty big melodic moments, via Koyote, Joe Howe and Crystal. It's not necessarily tools it's our version of club music that takes roots in techno, bass, house and rap."

Mr Latex has brewed up a mix that typifies why the label is seeing more interest, think of it as a showcase of the imprints and tracks that surround Sound Pellegrino at the moment. There's mechanical bass music from ClekClekBoom, fierce techno from 50 Weapons as well as cuts from Hyperdub and Perc Trax. In Teki's own words "It starts a bit technoey and then goes into grimier territory and finally somewhere inexplicable." We couldn't have put it better ourselves and it's exactly why Teki and the label have been given the spotlight.

SND.PE VOL.03: Raw Club Material is out now

Download exclusive mix (right click & save)
(Recorded at RMBA Paris)

Gescom — "Key Nell 4" — [Skam]
Xhin — "Blade Moth (tool)" — [Meerestief]
Manare — "Automat" — [Clekclekboom]
Smith N Hack — "For Disco Play Only" — [Smith N Hack]
Radio Slave — "War Dub" — [Nonplus]
Koyote — "No Desillusion Baby" — [Sound Pellegrino]
Bok Bok & Tom Trago — "Lil Ma bonus beat" — [Sound Pellegrino]
NS DOS — "Standalone Sunset" — [Clekclekboom]
Truncate — "Bipolar" — [50 Weapons]
Fiedel — "Miese Maschine" — [Fiedelone]
E110101 — "00005" — [Origami sound]
Truss — "Hackney" — [Perc Trax]
Ratchett Traxxx — "Mollypop" — [RAXXX]
Matthias Zimmermann — "Reginald" — [Sound Pellegrino]
Deapmash — "Symptom" — Origami Sound
Ikonika — "You won't find it there" (VIP) — [Hyperdub]
Medicis & Vanshift — "Metal" — [Friendship]
L-VIS 1990 & Sinjin Hawke — "The Pit" — [Sound Pellegrino]
Deke Soto — "Black Ice" — [Sound Pellegrino]
Blackwax — "Phobia" — [Blackwax]
Mumdance — "The Sprawl" — [Rinse]
EDMX — "Cerberus" — [Power Vacuum]

Vangelis — "Chariots of Fire" — [Polydor]