The one and only: Ed Banger Records

If I was asked to describe the current electro-house music scene in two words, I would without a doubt simply say ‘Ed Banger’. Although the label was founded in 2003, it only really gained wider success with the signing of more mainstream electronic acts such as French group Justice, bringing electro music back into the popular music charts and media.

With the release of Ed Rec. Vol. 3 earlier this year featuring the likes of Mr. Oizo, DJ Medhi and SebastiAn alongside other more widely known acts such as Uffie and Busy P himself, it is clear to see that french electronic label Ed Banger Records have more to offer us than the squeaky-clean electro mix of ‘Never Be Alone’ by Justice. 2006 was a big year for Ed Banger, with Justice now the label’s most successful act, gaining critical acclaim for their first solo single ‘Waters of Nazareth’ and receiving best video at the MTV Europe Music Awards for ‘We Are Your Friends’. This demonstrated not only the new musical talent the label had to offer but also the artistic element shown by Ed Banger's art directors ‘So Me’ who have contributed to the instantly recognisable artwork for several of the label’s releases.

2006 also saw Pedro Winter (A.K.A electro-house DJ 'Busy P') the label’s founder, signing the American-born, French-raised Uffie, who added a more underground hip-hip sound to the label. Uffie’s debut single, ‘Pop The Glock’ gained the label international acclaim and also appeared on the Rough Trade Shop's Counter Culture Compilation 2006. Ed Banger can be arguably be credited with bringing more attention to underground electro not just as a niche market, but as a genre now becoming more popular with Indie labels, acts and fans as well as gaining commercial radio play and recognition. DJ Feadz, also signed to Ed Banger, recently appeared at Sheffield’s own electro night Club Pony in October and is perhaps most commonly noted as collaborating with Uffie also released his ‘Happy Meal EP’ earlier this year.

Ed Banger’s success however must be attributed largely to the label’s producer, owner and founder Pedro Winter, an innovative DJ who decided to set up his own label as a division of Headbangers Entertainment in 2003. Not only does Winter manage and produce some of the biggest names in electro and house music under Ed Banger Records, he was also Daft Punk’s manager for over 12 years and as if this isn’t enough he even leaves time to record his own work as DJ Busy P, most recently ‘Pedrophilia’ on 12” picture disc. Through Winter’s passion for French house and electro and his dedication to making music fun and exciting again, Ed Banger practically defines the genre whose artists it showcases. No other label is currently producing electro music from new underground artists to such a high quality and not only to those already interested in the genre, but in a way that’s also accessible to a mainstream audience, establishing house and electro as worthy of being taken seriously.

With more of Ed Banger’s artists set to release records this year, expect acts such as SebastiAn, (with recent album ‘Remixes’) to gain more recognition for their work and really show how to remix a song that keeps people dancing all night, experiencing the energy and atmosphere that electro DJ’s and artists can offer. With Justice’s upcoming ‘A Cross The Universe’ tour as well as a live allbum and DVD Documentary with artwork provided by fans expected to follow in late November, it’s clear that Ed Banger will be THE label to follow in the coming months.


Stefi Avis