California-based producer James Clements, better known as ASC, is ready to launch a new record label, Auxiliary.
Originally hailing from the north of England, Clements has had a remarkably prolific career so far: he's put out more than 50 records since his debut in 1999, and Auxiliary will be his second label to date, following the recently defunct Covert Operations Recordings. He's spent most of his career trying to push the boundaries of drum & bass, and as of late been focused on the 'Autonomic sound,' a modern take on the genre that originated with the London-based D:Bridge and Instra:mental. Since 2009, Clements' music has seen release primarily on Instra:mental's NonPlus, including his album from earlier this year, Nothing Is Certain.
A month ahead of its first release, we caught up with Clements via email to find out what exactly we can expect from Auxiliary:How did you choose the name Auxiliary?
It was the title of a track I did a while back. I've always like the word, how it's spelt, and how it sounds. Also, with NonPlus being my main label, and this being a side project, the name also made sense.
For those of us who aren't familiar with it, could you give us a rough definition the Autonomic sound?
Most people associate the Autonomic sound with the mix sections of the [Autonomic] podcasts, which is mainly electronica influenced stuff at the 170 (or 85) BPM range. So, in essence, it's drum & bass music that doesn't sound like drum & bass music!
What kind of sound can we expect from Auxiliary? How will it be different from labels like Nonplus?
At first, I plan to focus more on the 170 tempo with Auxiliary. I'm not going to limit the label to just that though, but that will be the main focus.
You're based in the US now. When did you move, and how has it affected your life in music?
I moved out here in October 2004. It's been great for me musically and personally. Moving from the drab cold north of England to sunny southern California—what could be better? Life is so much more laid back and happier out here, and that definitely has a knock on effect on the musical side of things.
What's next for you?
There's obviously the first 12-inch on Auxiliary which is imminent. I'm just waiting on the test pressings which shouldn't be long now. Other than that, I have a soundtrack project coming out with Liquid Cinema through EMI. This is a custom library of short pieces written especially with TV, film, adverts and general licensing in mind. I'm planning on doing more work in this field and getting into the sound track and film score side of things. Back on the underground tip, I've got more stuff on NonPlus to look forward to, there's also music forthcoming on Exit and the Autonomic imprint, plus a bunch of remixes for a handful of labels.
The first release on Auxiliary will be a single release for "The Touch," a track that's been popping up in sets by the NonPlus crew for some time now. Due out in early September, the record features vocals by Riya, plus a remix by Clements' wife, Vaccine.
Tracklist
01. The Touch
02. The Touch feat. Riya (Vaccine Remix)
Auxiliary will release
The Touch / The Touch (Vaccine feat. Riya Remix) in September 2010.