Imprints brings you weekly profiles of the most exciting independent record labels the world over, written by movers and shakers from within their own electronic music communities.Name: Forbidden Colours
Vibe: Diversified electronica
Founded: 2015
Location: BasqueThoughtful production is a constant for the mysterious Aitor Etxebarria. Under his El_Txef_A (pronounced elchefa) moniker, Etxebarria has released melodic, haunting tracks on labels Permanent Vacation and Hypercolour, as well as two critically acclaimed albums, Slow Dancing in a Burning Room (2012) and We Walked Home Together (2014) on Fiakun.
Vibe: Diversified electronica
Founded: 2015
Location: BasqueThoughtful production is a constant for the mysterious Aitor Etxebarria. Under his El_Txef_A (pronounced elchefa) moniker, Etxebarria has released melodic, haunting tracks on labels Permanent Vacation and Hypercolour, as well as two critically acclaimed albums, Slow Dancing in a Burning Room (2012) and We Walked Home Together (2014) on Fiakun.
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Etxebarria's new imprint, Forbidden Colours, explores the darker side of electronica, and will launch its first trio of remix EPs on March 10. THUMP caught up with Aitor to learn more about his creative inspirations, production style, and the vision behind his label.THUMP: What type of sound are you trying to cultivate with Forbidden Colours?
El_Txef_A: Finally, I've opened a label where I can express myself and my musical vision. I don't have a specific sound in mind for Forbidden Colours. I'm just looking for some cult and B-side art. I'm a big fan of jazz, pop, techno, and house, the label will be all about musical quality.What was the inspiration behind the label name?
I'm a big fan of David Sylvian and Ryūichi Sakamoto, and one of my all time favourite tracks is "Forbidden Colours". For many years, I had the idea in the back of my mind to name my label after that song. I think the name is also significant because we live in an age when we feel like we're free, but still have a lot of progress to make. Not all thoughts and ideas are appreciated. I think "Forbidden Colours" is a good metaphor for that.What's the scene like in Basque?
People don't know a lot about the Basque scene, but for years there have been amazing raves in towns like Bergara and Gernika. I think it's because these cities don't have the reputation that Barcelona and Madrid has, our scene is still pure. I first started going to raves when I was 17, and some of the DJs and musicians that were involved in those events are still rocking.
El_Txef_A: Finally, I've opened a label where I can express myself and my musical vision. I don't have a specific sound in mind for Forbidden Colours. I'm just looking for some cult and B-side art. I'm a big fan of jazz, pop, techno, and house, the label will be all about musical quality.What was the inspiration behind the label name?
I'm a big fan of David Sylvian and Ryūichi Sakamoto, and one of my all time favourite tracks is "Forbidden Colours". For many years, I had the idea in the back of my mind to name my label after that song. I think the name is also significant because we live in an age when we feel like we're free, but still have a lot of progress to make. Not all thoughts and ideas are appreciated. I think "Forbidden Colours" is a good metaphor for that.What's the scene like in Basque?
People don't know a lot about the Basque scene, but for years there have been amazing raves in towns like Bergara and Gernika. I think it's because these cities don't have the reputation that Barcelona and Madrid has, our scene is still pure. I first started going to raves when I was 17, and some of the DJs and musicians that were involved in those events are still rocking.
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What's your production style like?
I always say that I need to create. It's a vital necessity for me. If I'm not touring, I try to go to the studio and investigate, know myself more. From 2012 to 2014 it was a different situation because I released two LPs and was more focused on the concepts from those albums. In both cases, I thought of the album name before I began producing. It helped me have a specific theme in mind when I was in the studio or at home with the piano.How would you say you've grown as an artist over the past few years?
I think the fact that I've completed two LPs has really made me grow as an artist, being focused for an entire year on a concept isn't easy. I've also had the opportunity to play in many different countries and have met many amazing people, which has opened my mind to new ideas and opportunities.Who are some of your favourite artists to collaborate with?
As a musician, I love working with disco house producer Woolfy. He's from California and is such an amazing artist. I've also enjoyed working with Hannot Mineteguia. In this new era, with the new label, we've signed The Black Madonna and Eduardo de la Calle, two of my favourite artists from the techno scene.What challenges do you face running Forbidden Colours?
I think the main challenge is to create a label with consistent, quality music and to be coherent with all of the decisions. I want Forbidden Colours to expose the perspective and influences of the Basque country without tiring people.What's the next release on the label?
The first release, We Walked Home Together - Remix Package 1, will be available on March 10. It features The Black Madonna, Lake People, Eduardo de la Calle, Deep'a & Biri, and Andres Aguirre. The second remix pack will be out in May with a lot more great remixers and some surprises.What can we expect from you in 2015?
I've been touring for the past five months, and will now be focused on preparing for two shows I have with my band in April. I have signed a new 10" vinyl which will be more dance floor ready. I've missed releasing techno after the more pop oriented long plays, I'm also working on a new EP as Aitor Etxebarria.Forbidden Colours is on Twitter // Soundcloud // Facebook
I always say that I need to create. It's a vital necessity for me. If I'm not touring, I try to go to the studio and investigate, know myself more. From 2012 to 2014 it was a different situation because I released two LPs and was more focused on the concepts from those albums. In both cases, I thought of the album name before I began producing. It helped me have a specific theme in mind when I was in the studio or at home with the piano.How would you say you've grown as an artist over the past few years?
I think the fact that I've completed two LPs has really made me grow as an artist, being focused for an entire year on a concept isn't easy. I've also had the opportunity to play in many different countries and have met many amazing people, which has opened my mind to new ideas and opportunities.Who are some of your favourite artists to collaborate with?
As a musician, I love working with disco house producer Woolfy. He's from California and is such an amazing artist. I've also enjoyed working with Hannot Mineteguia. In this new era, with the new label, we've signed The Black Madonna and Eduardo de la Calle, two of my favourite artists from the techno scene.What challenges do you face running Forbidden Colours?
I think the main challenge is to create a label with consistent, quality music and to be coherent with all of the decisions. I want Forbidden Colours to expose the perspective and influences of the Basque country without tiring people.What's the next release on the label?
The first release, We Walked Home Together - Remix Package 1, will be available on March 10. It features The Black Madonna, Lake People, Eduardo de la Calle, Deep'a & Biri, and Andres Aguirre. The second remix pack will be out in May with a lot more great remixers and some surprises.What can we expect from you in 2015?
I've been touring for the past five months, and will now be focused on preparing for two shows I have with my band in April. I have signed a new 10" vinyl which will be more dance floor ready. I've missed releasing techno after the more pop oriented long plays, I'm also working on a new EP as Aitor Etxebarria.Forbidden Colours is on Twitter // Soundcloud // Facebook