Ransom Note Records launch Rosie Ama’s new sub-label, Human Endeavour

Music

Human Endeavour is the newest addition to Ransom Note Records’ family of sub-labels.

Curated and run by Ransom Note Editor, and one half of DJ duo Kiara Scuro, Rosie Ama Cain, the label will be a space for artists who are exploring the dark, deep and hypnotic corners of the musical spectrum.

For the inaugural release, six artists have come together for Trains Of Thought: a Various Artists EP that gives a window into some of the sounds, styles and names that you’ll be hearing on the label in the future.

Maputo-based beat-maker and Cotch International alumni Nandele is tasked with opening the release with the hypnotic bubbling groove and whirring bleeps of ‘Incomati’, which is inspired by the river that runs through his home of Mozambique. This is swiftly followed by Modern Obscure Music label mate Albino Sound’s contribution, ‘VAV’: a slice of metallic UK techno, full of textural elements, propped up by staccato drum programming and a bouncy low-end.

Geneva producer – and one half of production duo Ramin & Reda – Reda Saiarh then boldly steers the EP on a different course with his fresh take on New Beat. ‘Kiki’ is powered by a sassy vocal lead which sits over signature new beat stabs, a raw, resonant bass line and punchy kicks. As we reach the half way mark London duo Double Helix pick up the pace with ‘Doppelgänger’, their sophomore single following a debut on Slow Dance. Drawing inspiration from 90s acid electronica, they pit the iconic sound of the Roland 303 against darker industrial tones and a pulsating motorik beat.

The momentum continues on Anatolian Weapons’ ‘The Moon And The Sun’. The Beats In Space and Lurid Music producer takes cues from EBM, Kraut and Industrial, matching ominous chugging bass with an intoxicating synth lead and incessant percussion. Berlin vocalist, producer and Jane Musica alumni ANGST vor GRETA brings things to a close with ‘Infinity’, a psychedelic Cold Wave track that layers Greta’s sultry, whispered spoken word and ghostly wolf howls over eerie synths and a steady beat.

Human Endeavour, a name inspired by a mathematics talk penned by Rosie’s late father, which drew its own inspiration from quotes by Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking, works on the belief that as long as there’s life there will be creative endeavour, and that no matter what you create, the action of bringing something into the world is an achievement in itself.

This idea is echoed in the music policy. Though it will swirl around sounds like minimal wave, acid, chugging rhythms, UK techno, EBM and post-punk, the output will primarily be driven by mood and feeling rather than genre tags.

“The first release brings together a lot of the sounds that I love and I’m grateful to have these six producers, whom I admire, help me bring the vision to life. I’ve never been one for sticking in one lane when it comes to musical tastes so Human Endeavour will mirror that approach.”: Label founder, Rosie Ama Cain.

To celebrate the launch of the label, on Wednesday 29th June there will be a free entry launch party at The Shacklewell Arms in Dalston, with Double Helix (live), Rosie Ama and special guests.

Tracklist
1. Nandele – Incomati
2. Albino Sound – VAV
3. Reda Saiarh – Kiki
4. Double Helix – Doppelgänger
5. Anatolian Weapons – The Moon And The Sun
6. ANGST vor GRETA – Infinity

Listen to the first track from Anatolian Weapons streaming below.