Peng Records
Label Interview
Peng Records was founded in February 1999 by Andy Compton aka The Rural and Tweek with the goal of producing their own brand of jazzy, funky deep house with creative control that starting the label gave them. In the years since Andy and the label have gone on to become global names in jazzy soulful house and forged a huge following, especially in South Africa. I've known Andy since the very early days of untitledmusic - he was one of the first supporters of the then fanzine and continues to be on the mixes with his releases, so a chance to profile the label wasn't to be missed.
How did the label come to be - what’s the story of how why you created it?
Peng was created in 1999
Why the name?
Peng was a spiritual fish from a Chinese folk law! The name was brought to our attention from the bass player Gurner!
What were the biggest challenges you had to get to release one?
Getting a solid distribution deal.
What was the best piece of advice anyone gave you along the way?
Stick to your guns! It takes a lot of energy to make something work!
What makes the label unique?
Deep live jazzy soul music!
What’s your musical policy - what do you look for?
Deep live jazzy soul music!
What producers have you had on the label that sum up the style you want best?
The Rurals & Andy Compton
How do you go through demos, how do you like people to send them, what’s your process?
All music released on Peng comes from The Rurals & Andy Compton.
How long do you plan between signing a track and release?
Theres never a plan, It just happens organically.
How do you go about creating the artwork?
Normally its photo's taken by Andy Compton, pics from his surroundings and life.
Do you work with artists to help them develop their brand/audience?
Yes, previously using promotional companies and record pluggers.
DO you release albums as well as EPs?
Yes, now at 41 albums and over 150 E.P's.
What’s been the most successful release to date and your personal favourite?
There's been a few that have been successful in different territories, But my fave is The Rurals 'Sweeter Sounds'
What do you do around a release - promotion etc?
promotional companies and record pluggers, and mainly word by mouth!
Do you have merchandise?
T shirts, wax and cd's.
What’s the better revenue source for the label retail sales or streaming?
Streaming now, in 2020.
What’s the hardest thing you find with releases?
Getting them heard in this digital era!
How often do you have a release?
Every month at least.
Do you use a promo list and what do you get out of it?
Yes, a large list, which helps hype.
Can people apply to get on the list?
Yes, if they're professionals.
Do you use a PR company or the services for that a distributor sometimes offers?
Not anymore.
How important to the release is airplay, DJ support, artist self-promotion?
Very much! DJ's help sell our music.
How much work do you put into social media promotion or paid advertising on social media?
A fair bit right now, in 2020
Do you do any events or club nights?
Plenty but not right now, due to Covid.
What releases have you got lined up for near future?
Albums every month and new EP's. Also concentrating on Bandcamp.
What do you think the big issues ahead are?
Covid, and how events will pan out.
Where would you most want people to buy the music?
Bandcamp! or stream if they prefer.
Where can people follow Peng Records?
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