Meet the newest entry to the local music business, Warm Linen Records.
The independent record label was formed in 2021, and handles digital distribution and content creation for rising artists from Singapore. The label simply describes its work as "[ironing] out the creases".
With its roster consisting indie & math rock band Amberhill, indie rock act Count Vernon and bedroom pop artist jun, the label showcases huge promise as a force to look out for.
Hear65 chats with Janne, the founder of Warm Linen Records, to learn more about the label’s plans and its artists.
How did the label come about? Who else is part of Warm Linen Records?
Being a huge music fan and having my fair share of experiences as a musician in Singapore, I wanted to help my friends fulfil their dreams of being rockstars. Currently, the label consists mainly of myself and a few friends helping with other aspects of the operations. There isn’t a fixed team but more of anyone who is keen to help with this small community we’re trying to build. The live sessions are shot by Basil from Grand Motion Media, the mix for the live sessions is done by Kai Wen from Verta Collective and Joshua from Sunroom Studios/Amberhill helps with the upcoming shows.
"Being a huge music fan and having my fair share of experiences as a musician in Singapore, I wanted to help my friends fulfil their dreams of being rockstars."
Amberhill (Credit: Warm Linen Records, Facebook)
The artists under Warm Linen Records are jun, Amberhill, and Count Vernon. How did each of them become a part of the label’s roster?
jun and I met during the Noise Music mentorship programme, and after the showcase ended I was really looking forward to him putting out music but I got impatient (haha), so I thought to myself, “jun has such great music, what if I could help him with his releases?” During this period of time, I was also putting out music with my own band through local distributor Cross Ratio [Entertainment] and I have learnt a lot from them, thus leading to my initial idea of starting my own label.
Amberhill and my band played a show together many years ago and we’ve been friends since! Joshua is a really good writer and I’ve always been a huge fan of whatever he’s been putting out. When he briefly told me about his idea of releasing Amberhill’s debut album, I knew immediately I wanted to help in one way or another. Count Vernon has been on my radar for quite a bit. Similar to Amberhill, I just really enjoy the music they’ve been putting out and decided to approach them!
"I'd like to reach a more personable arrangement with the artists, and really get to understand their craft and what their goals are, not just musically, but as people."
What do you think sets apart your label from other upcoming Singaporean labels?
I've never really set out to intentionally be different, but I guess a big part of how Warm Linen operates is informed by my own experiences while pursuing music. I'd like to reach a more personable arrangement with the artists, and really get to understand their craft and what their goals are, not just musically, but as people. We live in a complex world and I think that being able to help artists strike a good balance between their output amidst any other pursuits they have in life (such as studies, work, or even family and relationships) is important.
"I also believe a label has to build personal connections with the artist, be emotionally supportive and remind them of the reasons why they started music in the first place."
What do you think a label must do today to support its artists, in a time where artists can independently create and release music?
It’s quite a straightforward process to release music these days, but I also believe a label has to build personal connections with the artist, be emotionally supportive and remind them of the reasons why they started music in the first place.
jun (Credit: Warm Linen Records, Facebook)
As a newer label, what is a prominent challenge that Warm Linen Records faces in promoting artists and how has the label been overcoming this issue?
I think the main challenges are not purely just from the fact that Warm Linen is a new label, but rather the fact that I started the label during this period. While the height of streaming-based disruptions in the industry have generally passed, we're entering a new environment with regards to live shows and the overall relationship dynamic between artists and their audience. Reconciling these issues is a constant work in progress, and we're definitely still learning and we're moving along. From live session videos to building social media presence and to other unknowns that may come, it's a constant work in progress!
"Personally, I believe it is important to first genuinely be a fan of their music."
What is Warm Linen Records looking out for their next act?
Personally, I believe it is important to first genuinely be a fan of their music. Knowing what their expectations and goals are and a certain level of personal drive for their own music.
Count Vernon (Credit: Warm Linen Records, Facebook)
When can we look forward to seeing jun, Amberhill and Count Vernon live?
Amberhill and Count Vernon have a few upcoming shows from August to September, and you can catch jun in October!
Are there any plans that Warm Linen Records can share with our readers?
Be available on 15 October that is all!!
