Ubocze Rec.

Ubocze Rec. is a label with a very defined style, although it is open to all the possibilities offered by experimental sound. Electronic music can draw on a wide range of influences, as every release on this platform proves, as we can find sound patterns linked to industrial, field recordings, lofi, ambient, techno, electro or IDM. Ubocze Rec. is directed by Łukasz Bejnar and Kuba Knoll, and we would like to talk to both of them to find out more about their solo project.

Ubocze Rec. kicks off at the beginning of 2019 with a first reference, the first of many other releases by uchylak, one of Łukasz Bejnar’s aliases. Although there are several artists in the label’s catalogue, did you create Ubocze Rec. specifically to release your work?

Yes. I’ve always been close to the music – not as a proffessional but as a blogger, journalist, or a volunteer at Wroclaw Industrial Festival. About five years ago I’ve returned to making music after many years of dormancy. In high school I was in some kind of punk band, but in the meantime my tastes changed and I turned towards electronics. When I released my first tracks it became natural to sign them under the flag of my own label – Ubocze. You can translate it as a out-of-the-way place.

When and why did you decide to publish other artists’ releases?

There are plenty of artists around, often creating brilliant music, but unable to break through with it to the media or publishers – even independent ones. Our label is a pond for beginner swimmers. When they gain some experience, they will move elsewhere. I’m counting on it. But we want to help them in those first steps. Besides all it’s fun to release music that You like…

As I mentioned before, the label’s style is aimed at experimental sound although its influences are very different, how do you define Ubocze Rec. style?

We are like fusion cuisine restaurant.  In our catalog You will find everything that turns us on. We are focused on electronic music but if someday some post-metal band would like to cooperate with us we are open for it.

Ubocze Rec. defines itself as a netlabel, do you still operate under Creative Commons licenses?

Yes, it’s pretty important for us, because CC supports a culture of sharing. Our netlabel is not an official company but a collective that was created to develop the independent scene, we don’t make money on it, we have our jobs, business, etc.

Is Ubocze Rec. associated in 2020 with Sleezy Dog, or is this sub-label a spin-off of the parent label?

Ubocze Rec. consist of two sub-labels: Ubocze and Sleezy Dog.

What is the main objective of Ubocze Rec. and Sleezy Dog?

To release as much new music and reach as many people as possible. We are extremely happy when somebody from music portals or blogs (like You) discovers our works and write about it.

What differentiates Ubocze Rec. from Sleezy Dog?

It’s hard to say or point differences. I would have a problem with that.

Do both labels work exclusively with artists from Wrocław?

Most of our artists come from Wrocław but we don’t close the door to non-Wrocław residents. We have one project from Łódź – szumoszmery (album Transmisje).

Ubocze Rec. has increased its activity in 2023. Among the releases we can find a new release by Cats of Dust, what can you tell us about this project?

Duhkha is probably Jakub’s (Knoll) most important project. Something that defines him as an artist and shows his development from his very first recordings. The leitmotif of the album is duhkha, a Buddhist term for soreness or suffering, as well as mental discomfort associated with the lack of lasting satisfaction. Pain, suffering and lack are present in the lyrics (written mainly by Kuba), as well as in the explanations to them, which are extensive quotes from, e.g. Byung-Chul Han, Nietzsche and Emily Dickinson. The musical sphere of the material usually harmonizes with its lyrical content, but sometimes it contrasts it with surprising results. As if the author was trying to tame duhkha or maybe even mock.

A Sounds From Nowhere, an album signed by the unknown project M!sT, exposes the musical diversity of a label like Ubocze Rec. who is behind this release?

M!sT is a new player in our team. Under this nickname You can find Michał Chojnowski, a dj and producer from Wrocław, specialized in techno and breakcore sound. Also member a SOBOTEK group.

Ubocze Rec. is also a label with initiatives that develop in the urban environment, what are these kinds of activities like?

We would like to be the ones that participate in development of our environment, we help organize local events. I am a long-time collaborator of the association Industrial Art which is responsible for events such as Wroclaw Industrial Festival, Underwater Wroclaw, Energy of Sound, Ritual and many more.  Ubocze would also like to start a series of concerts with our artists, but for now it is in the planning phase.

Finally, what are the future plans for Ubocze Rec. and Sleezy Dog?

Many dreams, many plans. Hard work at the basics, leaving the Internet – entering the real world, more albums, more concerts, more people listening to our music.

Thanks for the interview & all the best for You and your Readers.