Jungle | Selector

New Documentary Chronicles Jungle Labels A-Ko Recordings and AKO Beatz

Andy MacDonald — Thu, 30 Dec 2021 18:43:46 +0000

AKO Beatz… 25 Years in the Jungle, a documentary covering jungle labels A-Ko Recordings and AKO Beatz, is out now on YouTube. The short film features numerous artists from the label’s roster and reflects on the past 25 years of its history.

Launched by DJ Stretch in 1995 with the help of record label Reinforced Records, A-Ko Recordings released numerous records by Stretch throughout the ’90s. A-Ko Recordings also inspired numerous offshoots, including AKO Beatz in 2014. AKO Beatz focused on promoting established artists and fostering new talent within the jungle and drum and bass music scene.

The London-based label also includes sub-labels AKO Reload, AKO10, AKO150 Arcade, and Warn Ah Bruddah. They are also responsible for running various underground shows throughout London.

Since its launch, AKO Beatz has released records by artists such as Ricky Force, Goldie, and Tom & Jerry across its main label and sub-labels.

In a statement about the 25-year milestone, DJ Stretch wrote, “I’m super proud to see a new generation getting to hear the sound we believed in back in the day, and bringing it into the future now. And it doesn’t stop there. Every year I’m raising the bar higher!”

AKO Beatz… 25 Years in the Jungle can be watched on YouTube.

Moving Shadow Resurrected as New Label, Over/Shadow

Nick Yopko — Wed, 04 Nov 2020 23:09:46 +0000

After closing their metaphorical doors in 2008, the iconic jungle, breakbeat, and drum and bass label, Moving Shadow, is set to be resurrected. 2021 will see the label take on a new form as Over/Shadow, a modern-day reincarnation of the original tastemaker sensation.

On Twitter, the U.K. hardcore innovators and one of the label’s operators, 2 Bad Mice, shared a video introducing Over/Shadow to the world. The announcement video reveals that some of the minds behind the original label are coming together with new faces for the venture. Resident Advisor reports that the first release on the new label will be an EP from Moving Shadow alumni Blame.

Who said you couldn't re-write history? pic.twitter.com/EEaMdLVLA3

— Si 2badmice (@Si2BadMice) November 1, 2020

For close to two decades, the label was considered one of the most prominent in their realm. In addition to their niche success, they invaded pop culture with their inclusion on the soundtrack for the video game Grand Theft Auto III.

At the time of writing, the official website and Bandcamp page for the new label simply lists their logo and a link to 2 Bad Mice’s page, respectively. There is no specific date announced for the debut of Over/Shadow, but the aforementioned group recently shared that they are “looking forward to 2021” in a follow-up tweet.