Def Jux Update

Boom_Bap

From HipHopDX, Def Jux is being put on hold for a while

Amidst rapidly-growing rumors that Definitive Jux was closing down, founder and Artistic Director of the label, El-P, brought clarity to the situation on its web site.

"Reports of our demise have been mildly exaggerated," explained the acclaimed producer. "This year, a decade after starting DEF JUX and after overseeing the releases of some incredible albums including the forthcoming release of my dear late and great friend Camu Tao's brilliant KING OF HEARTS LP, I'm stepping away from my duties as artistic director for the label to concentrate on what I love most: being a producer and an artist full time. This is something I've been contemplating for a few years now, and can't think of a better time or, with the eventual release of Camu's record, a more poetic way to transition into a new direction."

El-P revealed that the label's web site, as well as sales of its catalog and merchandise would remain in tact. In addition, a Def Jux compilation titled King of Hearts, "a 10 year anniversary retrospective and some other goodies," will be released. However, the actual record label Def Jux will be "put on hiatus."

"We are not closing, but we are changing. The process is already underway, and the last several months (for those wondering what the hell we've been up to) have been spent dealing with the technical aspects of wrapping up the label in it's current form and re-imagining our collective and individual futures," elaborated El-P.

The letter continued, explaining that in 2000, a record label made much more sense than in 2010. El-P revealed his wish that Definitive Jux make the leap forward as the music industry evolves, rather than be left behind. He also said his focus would be to go "back-to-basics. The fun stuff: sitting in the studio and immersing myself in music, performing it for for my fans when the time comes and whatever (or wherever) else might be out there creatively for me. Thats how it all started and that's how the next phase will begin. The days of me dedicating the majority of my time and energy into providing JUX with a constant stream of physical releases from multiple artists are on hold for the time being. My heart (and what little common sense I possess) is telling me to simplify my focus and it has always been my policy to listen to my heart."

After thanking the fans, El-P intimated, "You [the fans] are why we do any of this, and I'll never be able to express how much your support means to all of us. I think I speak for all of us Jukies when I say I love making music for you and can't wait to make more."

I'm happy and sad about this.

Happy - El-P focusing more on music so we might see an album in the near future

Sad - Alot of great releases from Def Jux over the years, i just hope the guys on the roster can still push out songs/albums/EPs on either the jux imprint or alternate labels.

Boom_Bap

Cage and Aesop Rock have left Def Jux.

Boom_Bap

In other label news, Sole has left Anticon, here's his press release:

Today, with a heavy heart I end 11+ years of working with anticon. In the early days of the label, anticon was a pet project of mine, a life-long dream. We fulfilled the dream of a collectively run record label and put out many great records and stood as an image of defiance against the music industry. Those memories, I will always have and be proud of. Sadly, those times are gone, and I need to live in the present as I prepare for the future.
Leaving the company was not an easy decision, but it was made necessary by a number of factors. Upon returning to the states from a 2-year exile in Spain, I found myself increasingly at odds with the business end of anticon and began doing more DIY work via soleone.org. Running my own website and taking a more hands on approach with my art has always brought me great satisfaction and it is what I am choosing to return to. There are no ill feelings between myself and members of anticon. I will continue to work with many of the artists and will always love them as brothers and consider them allies. This is a decision to change the way my music will be exploited and adapt to shifting paradigms.
We created anticon as a response to what was going on at the time in the music industry - the indy boom of the late 90’s. There were still a viable music industry then and people bought records. That’s how we built up our empire. The music industry isn’t just dying, but what it means to be a recording artist is changing. Technology is making everything cheap, and cheapening everything it touches. Soon the old ways of selling records will be a distant memory, along with magazines, working musicians and employed blue-collar dads. It’s not a time to cry about the recession, or urge people to go to their local mom and pops and pick up the new sole & skyrider LP. Technology is working its magic, and instead of being a passenger on its ship, I have decided to plot a new course for myself.
The very fact that I have thrived in this environment still sometimes is a surprise to me. I’m 32 today. I put out my first vinyl when I was 16. For me its always been about ethics & passion, doing what felt right in my core and acting on that, whether or not it was the popular or conventionally wise thing to do.
From now on now all my releases will be made available @ soleone.org via my new label Black Canyon Records and exclusively distributed worldwide via Revolver USA. There is an email newsletter list ton soleone.org, if you wish to be kept in the loop on my releases/updates that will be the best place.
Peace
Tim “sole” Holland