Soma at 200
Fifteen years on from a small self-financed project, Soma are preparing to release their 200th international single
| 15 Jul 2006
When it comes to legacies, the past 15 years of Soma Records' output stands as testament to what can be acheived with an ear for cutting edge electronics, a strong DIY ethic, and a hotbed of talented DJs and producers. Since its inception Soma has generated a core fraternity of artists, promoters, and clubbers in the Scottish dance scene, and has striven to push the envelope for interesting, high fidelity techno north of the border. July sees another milestone added, with the release of their 200th Soma single in the shape of a nine track compilation CD (also released on two 12"). It showcases the depth and diversity of the label; juxtaposing Soma veterans Slam and Funk D'Void with newcomers such as Alex Smoke and My Robot Friend. "It's something we've always marked", explains Slam's Stuart McMillan, "For Soma 100 we did a track with UNKLE - it's nice to take a look back on where we've come from and where we are now."
Soma started out as a self-financed initiative, primarily as a vehicle to release Slam's own productions - Orde Meikle and Stuart Macmillan teamed up with present label boss Dave Clarke to form Soma. "We had a punk rock ethic," says Dave, " if there wasn't enough music to play out then we'd just make our own - there was no real infrastructure to release our music so that meant we had to start our own label." After slugging it out for the first couple of years Soma had their first major breakthrough with Positive Education, selling over 10,000 copies on vinyl and elevating them to the international scene: "We really made a mark within the industry, it got everywhere - it's a bit of a minimal anthem now." This heightened profile lead to another serious coup for the Glasgow label as they secured Daft Punk to release the singles Da Funk and Rollin' and Scratchin', which would later end up on the classic 'Homework' album.
Soma's eclectic output has remained a mainstay of the label's character and it's clear from looking at their current roster that they cater for a myriad of tastes. From the stripped down minimalism of Repeat Repeat to Silicone Soul's spacey, epic tech-house, Soma have been able to cherrypick from across the spectrum of electronic music; "There's still a definite common thread that runs through all the Soma records but unlike some cities, Glasgow's always been about house and techno and I think that's reflected in the label."
Dave and Slam are consciously proud of Soma's Glaswegian identity. "Glasgow's got a great reputation, it's definitely one of the top ten most vibrant cities for electronic music. You could run a label from anywhere but if you're able to put someone's record out and then bring them to a really happening party at Pressure then they'll be twice as happy they're on Soma. It's all up to the crowd really."
With a host of parties and events such as Return to Mono, The Slam Tent and Soma School taking music and expertise to the next generation of Scotland's electronic scene it's clear that the label has become an important institution for progressive sounds and big nights out. From humble beginnings to international recognition, Soma have carved a niche for themselves and made a name for Scottish dance music. Let's hope the next 15 years are as successful.
Soma started out as a self-financed initiative, primarily as a vehicle to release Slam's own productions - Orde Meikle and Stuart Macmillan teamed up with present label boss Dave Clarke to form Soma. "We had a punk rock ethic," says Dave, " if there wasn't enough music to play out then we'd just make our own - there was no real infrastructure to release our music so that meant we had to start our own label." After slugging it out for the first couple of years Soma had their first major breakthrough with Positive Education, selling over 10,000 copies on vinyl and elevating them to the international scene: "We really made a mark within the industry, it got everywhere - it's a bit of a minimal anthem now." This heightened profile lead to another serious coup for the Glasgow label as they secured Daft Punk to release the singles Da Funk and Rollin' and Scratchin', which would later end up on the classic 'Homework' album.
Soma's eclectic output has remained a mainstay of the label's character and it's clear from looking at their current roster that they cater for a myriad of tastes. From the stripped down minimalism of Repeat Repeat to Silicone Soul's spacey, epic tech-house, Soma have been able to cherrypick from across the spectrum of electronic music; "There's still a definite common thread that runs through all the Soma records but unlike some cities, Glasgow's always been about house and techno and I think that's reflected in the label."
Dave and Slam are consciously proud of Soma's Glaswegian identity. "Glasgow's got a great reputation, it's definitely one of the top ten most vibrant cities for electronic music. You could run a label from anywhere but if you're able to put someone's record out and then bring them to a really happening party at Pressure then they'll be twice as happy they're on Soma. It's all up to the crowd really."
With a host of parties and events such as Return to Mono, The Slam Tent and Soma School taking music and expertise to the next generation of Scotland's electronic scene it's clear that the label has become an important institution for progressive sounds and big nights out. From humble beginnings to international recognition, Soma have carved a niche for themselves and made a name for Scottish dance music. Let's hope the next 15 years are as successful.