Get to know: VVerses | Chapter24 Records

Welcoming the collective back to Egg on 24th February, we caught up with Marcus and Sam who produce and mix under the alias ‘VVerses’

A strong work ethic, a clear sonic vision and a relentless commitment to work together as a durable team remain the driving forces behind the London based electronic label, Chapter 24 Records.

Consisting of fledgling artists KatrinKa, Kieran Apter, Stevie R and VVerses, the imprint prides itself on their ethos of creating ‘music with meaning’, focusing on spinning tales for the dancefloor through deep, hypnotic melodies which are fused to together to create an uplifting narrative for an unequivocal experience.

Welcoming the collective back to Egg on 24th February, we caught up with Marcus and Sam who produce and mix under the alias ‘VVerses’, and delve deeper into the project and what’s on the horizon for Chapter 24 in 2018.

The music of Chapter 24 is based on ‘storytelling house and techno’. Has there been a particular story - music related or not - you’ve been told in the past that has riveted and stayed with you to this day? If so, give us an insight…

Marcus: When I was growing up, I used to love Aesop’s Fables and in fact, we based the artwork for the label’s first series of releases on some of the most iconic of these moral tales. Here’s one of my favourites, ‘The Dog and His Reflection’: A dog, to whom a butcher had kindly thrown a bone, was hurrying home with his prize as fast as he could go. As he crossed a narrow footbridge over a stream, he happened to look down and saw himself reflected in the quiet water, as if in a mirror.

However, the greedy dog mistakenly thought that he was looking at another dog, carrying a bone much bigger than his own. Had stopped to think, he might have known better. But instead, he dropped his bone and sprang at the dog in the river, only to find himself swimming for dear life to reach the shore. At last, he managed to scramble out, and as he stood on the side sadly thinking about the tasty bone he had just lost, he realised what a stupid dog he had been.

The moral of this story is to be happy with what you already have and don’t jealously covet what others have.

Chapter 24 is described as ‘a return to the meaning and purpose of the early days of house and techno’. Define the sound, atmosphere and general vibe of ‘the early days of house and techno’ in your opinion? How is it different to today’s sound of electronic music?

Sam: As much as the sound, it’s about the intention and the commitment that artists brought to the music at the very beginning of house and then techno. DJs, producers and dancefloors alike believed in the power of this music to provide a refuge, to transcend and even to change society. You can’t help feeling that some of that got a little lost along the way.

Marcus: We like music that has meaning, where you can really sense a belief in the art form. A sound that is both timeless and forward-looking.

As a collective, how do you run the label? Perhaps you have some advice for those who are looking to set up their own imprint along with a team of friends or family?

Sam: These days, Marcus is the principal label manager and I support on things like A&R, developing press releases, arranging mastering, etc. In the early days, Paul (Nolan) was also regularly involved in things like artist development and connecting us to the industry, which was a big help.

Marcus: It’s very important to have clear roles and compatible working styles - so you know you can rely on one other, when you can expect a reply or when bits of work will get done. We pride ourselves on being reliable!

The fact that Sam and I had known each other as friends for over ten years before we started the label helped inform the decision to start a collaboration, although you never quite know how things will gel in a business sense until you try it!

What do you guys have planned for the course of 2018?

Sam: We already have a powerful release schedule lined up, with our core label artists like Kieran Apter, Stevie R, KatrinKa and VVerses; some fresh new material from THC and Aaaron; and quality remixers on board such as Doctor Dru, Third Son, The Drifter, Ed Davenport and Olderic.

We will also be putting out our third vinyl release later this year. Marcus: As well as our annual label party at ADE, we are planning more label showcases including one very soon in Edinburgh, and of course are really looking forward to continuing our collaboration with Egg London, with the next event coming up on 24th February.

Leave us with three tracks that emulate the ethos of Chapter 24 (can be from the label or an artist who inspired you guys to start Chapter 24)?

The Human League - The Things That Dreams Are Made Of.

This sums up a lot of what we like about electronic music. It’s dark, it’s dancefloor, but it’s also a great song - it combines elements of electro and new wave and to this day sounds futuristic.

Ingrid Lukas – We Are (Manuel Tur Remix 3).

Although this particular track came out after we started the label, Innervisions was (and still is) definitely a big inspiration for us here at Chapter 24. Released on one of their Secret Weapons compilations, this Manuel Tur remix is a real beauty and we were lucky enough to have Manuel also remix for us last year.

Kieran Apter & Leon Power – Without.

This is from our latest release on Chapter 24 and it’s been heavily supported by the likes of &ME. A perfect track for us - really fresh and emotional, but also something that you can play out. It’s paired with another very moving track called Remember on Kieran’s new EP, which was inspired by the Grenfell Tower fire last year.

Ahead of their Egg London return on 24th February, Chapter 24 Records label bosses Vverses take us through an epic journey...