RVNG Intl.

Launched in 2004 with a series of MX CDs by the likes of Pink Skull’s Julian Grefe, Tim Sweeney and Justine D, RVNG Intl has emerged as a trailblazing musical institution over the past decade. This year alone, the label’s put out three instrumental cutting-edge electronic dance albums in the form of Maxmillion Dunbar’s House of Woo, Stellar OM Source’s Joy One Mile, and most recently, the digital release of Blondes’ Swisher.

Powered forth by the creative genius and tireless work ethic of owner Matt Werth, RVNG Intl. consistently charges into uncharted territories. And on the side, he’s even found time to mastermind the FRKWYS subdivision, a Folkways spinoff which pairs younger forward-reaching musicians with artists from an entirely different generation. Take the latest release, for example, the lauded collaboration between Long Beach astral feedbacker Sun Araw and Jamaican reggae roots icons The Congos. As David reveals the place where all the magic happens, Matt explains the ideological inspiration that steers RVNG Intl.’s musical odyssey.

‘The main philosophy behind RVNG is that I never wanted to marginalise it as a traditional label. I wanted to keep it very open and look at it as a creative platform. The physical format of a record is a starting point, not a keepsake per se. Sure, it’s a document, but it also serves as a springboard for further endeavouring. I don’t see the recording as the end document. I understand that this traditional exchange is still important, but I don’t necessarily believe that people have to get stuck within that kind of circular context. The music kind of vibrates into something beyond the format, or at least that’s what I hope. With every new project I take on, I hope there are many dimensions, not only the traditional recording.

‘Music is a great entry point to an artist’s world. I like to peel back the layers after I’ve heard the music and look for the creative core within every artist I work with. There’s so much sensibility that can be shared. I end up having a personal relationship with all the artists on the label. I invited almost every one of them to my wedding this summer. None of them can come, because they’re all on tour. I understand, though, and I’m happy, because they’re all out touring for me.’

‘[Christelle Gualdi (Stellar OM Source)] is a free thinker and philosopher and therefore I think is making the world a happier place. She freely associates her inspirations via not only her music, but also her visual art, architecture and writing. She is extremely diverse, a very dimensional artist and therefore fits the RVNG roster and philosophy perfectly.’ On Maxmillion Dunbar: ‘He’s making quite masculine house music with a rather demented and abstract take on it. At the same time he also has this very loving and nurturing quality that somehow also seeps into the music.Yeah, I definitely think he can make your life fuller.’

Come hang at our ode to the RVNG Intl. agenda at the Mediamatic Fabriek on 5 July. We’ll be celebrating the release of Stellar OM Source’s Joy One Mile and the rest of the RVNG Intl. catalogue with Stellar herself and Maxmillion Dunbar. As always, it’s free for members!