Following the recent re-release of his Planet X compilation, London-based house producer Ben Sterling has officially launched his own label of the same name.
Previously the British artist has put his stamp on the catalogues of labels such as Moon Harbour, Hot Creations, and Edible, and launching an imprint of his own seems like natural progression for his career in club music.
We got to chat with Ben about the new release, why he felt the time was right for a label of his own, what we might expect to hear from him in the near future, and more. Get the full discussion below.
You recently re-released your Planet X EP on your own label, what’s the story behind the tracks on this one?
I wanted to create the Planet X brand to start a new wave of sound coming out and to have a label to showcase my own sound and the music I’m into. After the first release did so well as a free download on Bandcamp in December 2019, I didn’t want to stop there and wanted to create a whole new universe, so that’s what I did.
These tracks best suit my personality and the label’s personality, and showcase what I wish to search for far and wide across the globe.
And what made you want to launch a label of your own?
I think that now is the right time to open a new chapter where I can share my vision and creative work with everyone. And the label is a perfect way to do this.
Who else might we see on the label in the near future?
I’ve got a few great artists in mind, all of which are super talented, and I’m going to push to try to make sure those and a few others end up on the label. I have had my eyes on a few names for a while now. Some artists will be artists you’ll know about already. I’m just locking the first releases in for next year, and I’m currently working on a new one from myself in the first quarter of next year too.
You’ve previously released music on Hot Creations, Edible, Repopulate Mars, and Moon Harbour, what is your typical thought process when it comes to choosing a label for your music?
These labels and a few others have been incredible and have helped me over the years. I think it’s crucial to pick the right labels and make sure that these best describe your music and your own unique personality.
Which other labels can we expect to see you on soon?
I’ve got a release in the works with Nic Fanciulli’s label Saved, plus some fresh music on my label Planet X and a couple of amazing remixes scheduled throughout the year.
You’re currently based in London, how are things there at the moment in terms of the pandemic?
London has been quite relaxed recently with everything going on at the moment. I’m not sure how long this will remain, but I’m just waiting for some good news for the rest of the world and hoping to reconnect with you all soon.
You’ve become one of the most exciting names in UK house music over the past few years, what advice would you give to any aspiring producers that want to follow in your footsteps?
Don’t follow trends. Choose labels wisely as they create your name in the long run. And, don’t rush, just work hard.
And is there anything else you would like to mention before we wrap things up?
Be original, there’s only one you!
Ben Sterling – Planet X EP is out now on PlanetX.