Born in 1993, Downwards was launched from the gritty industrial heartland of Birmingham. In doing so, founder Karl O’Connor AKA Regis, crystallised a definitive direction beyond the confines of the 90's electronic music scene and the definition of ‘Techno’.
Downwards’ longevity has continued to buck the trend of many independent labels in electronic music: refusing to be constrained by genre; not only weathering the death and rebirth of vinyl, but consistently releasing fresh creative content with clever juxtaposition of musicianship. Artists such as Justin Broadrick and Mick Harris (Napalm Death) sit alongside newcomers such as Samuel Kerridge, DVA Damas and Ora Iso. If that wasn’t enough, Downwards collaborations continue to inject layered depth and renewed energy to the club scene: the recent rebirth of British Murder Boys (Regis & Surgeon), Ugandan Methods (Regis & Ancient Methods) and the much anticipated reimagined CUB (Regis & Simon Shreeve) premiering in December.
The panel will be hosted by The Quietus’ Luke Turner who will be joined in conversation by legendary electronic producer Andrea Parker, Karl O’Connor himself and long time Downwards artist and NTS Radio broadcaster Samuel Kerridge. It will be a unique opportunity to hear their personal perspectives and to follow the evolution of the label. In this intimate setting, the audience will also have the chance to interact with the panel and ask questions.
Following this event Individual Collective will host the last night of the Downwards 25 year tour at Corsica Studios on 1 December where they will host the world premiere of the first ever CUB live show.
With this panel Music Hackspace starts a series of discussion events looking into precarious practices in electronic music, DIY publishing and London based collectives promoting experimental and electronic music.
Doors for the event will open and 18.30 and the panel will begin at 19.00.
The venue is located on the ground floor of Somerset House and is fully wheelchair accessible with an accessible toilet. If you have any other access requirements, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate them.
If you have any questions about this event please contact info@musichackspace.org.
