Return of a Classic: R&S Records
news | Jan 27th, 2011 | View Comments
There aren’t many labels with a history as deep or rich as that of R&S Records. Founded in 1984 by Renaat Vandepapelier and Sabine Maes, R&S defined some of the most important sounds of the ’90s, with a roster including Joey Beltram, Model 500, Aphex Twin, Jam & Spoon, and many more. Based in Belgium, R&S and its equally influential ambient sub-label, Apollo, were instrumental in bringing together sounds from around the world, reflecting electronic music’s global spread and mutable essence. Hard techno, deep house, drum & bass, ambient, IDM, downtempo and even avant-pop all found home under R&S’ roomy umbrella.
Lying low for most of the ’00s, R&S revived in 2008 with a series of classic reissues, and in 2009, with new A&R from London’s Dan Foat and Andy Whittaker, they began the next phase of their journey. Amidst the material released since then, dancefloor smashers from Radio Slave and the Chain alternate with more eclectic fare from Delphic and Cortney Tidwell, reflecting the label’s diverse tastes (and tight quality control).
We asked Renaat and Dan to highlight some key releases from the label’s past, present and future. Read on for their comments, audio samples, and some droolworthy announcements, including news about the forthcoming debut artist album from one of French house music’s most legendary producers.
