2024 sees Will Saul’s Aus Music label hit the impressive milestone of release number 200. To mark the occasion, a series of four EPs has been put together from long-time label associates, with Quantic kicking things off in September, Cinthie following in October, Dam Swindle with K-Lone & Chloe Robinson & DJ ADHD remixes, and Saul & Fink with remixes all following after that. All the EPs will be pressed onto limited-edition marbled vinyl with information on special prints and merchandise to follow.
The 200 series has been put together to represent the underlying musical ethos of this long-running and influential label. It features exciting contemporary artists that have most recently formed the bedrock of its output and comes as a series of EPs over four months rather than one grand compilation so, says Saul, “the music can have its own space and time to shine.”
His focus on the music and the artists has always stood Aus apart. It launched in 2006 and soon became synonymous with releasing club-ready music with a cultured edge from deep and melodic house to the earliest bass-driven post-dubstep fusions. Saul’s smart A&R has seen him unearth and platform artists who have gone on to become some of the scene’s biggest stars. They include the likes of the now major label aligned George FitzGerald and globally recognized live specialists Bicep, melodic pioneers like Dusky and a clutch of vital producers who all helped define the underground landscape in the post-dubstep era between 2010 and 2015.
“It was a particularly exciting time,” remembers Saul. “It felt like a new sub-genre was developing in the UK after a group of young artists grew up hearing dubstep at London’s Plastic People and started fusing house and techno rhythms with big dub-influenced basslines. We were right on the crest of that wave and released the first music from artists like Joy Orbison, Midland, George FitzGerald, Pearson Sound, Appleblim, Leon Vynehall and many more.”
25 years into his career, it’s Saul’s open-minded love of new music which keeps him as hungry as ever for more. This means the label has never got stuck in a rut or repeated itself. It has been in constant flux and evolution without forgetting its roots as an outlet for warm, left-of-centre and low-end heavy club music. Testament to this is that the label remains a favourite of each new generation of artists, including K-Lone. He was signed up for a pair of EPs in 2024 and has since mentioned what an influence Aus Music was for him as he was growing up and developing his sound as a producer.
Clocking up 200 releases over 18 years is no small accomplishment, especially in light of how much the world, the industry and the musical landscape have changed. Most importantly, Aus Music remains a stamp of quality for contemporary electronic music rather than being an easy-to-define heritage label. It’s always been about being interesting for DJs and dancers rather than chasing commercial success. “I follow my heart and gut,” explains Saul. “If I love something I sign it, from the more esoteric and experimental to more straight up and accessible, but there’s always got to be a hook within each piece that resonates with me.”
That range is why Aus Music is as relevant and vital as ever, even after 200 releases.
‘Tropics’ by Quantics is available here