Dr Dubplate

Ec2a references the postcode of Plastic People during its Curtain Road days, the former London clubbing institution and venue where the UK Bass scene famously cut its teeth and subsequently formed a hotbed for many of the early sounds that have since gone on to define eras of UK music.

Journey forward 360* and UK Garage arrives full circle during a worldwide pandemic. Ec2a launches in 2020 at the heart of the drive for change in club culture, with the desire to move away from the same artists dominating the circuit, creating barriers for young, up and coming producers to break through.

Emerging amongst the UK’s growing DIY community in underground dance music, Ec2a has since developed into a leading independent label providing a medium that sits between the Dubplate culture one-offs and full runs of vinyl, evading the ongoing delays by producing small runs of records, cut on a lathe. Setting the tone from the off, ‘Pirates’ have received two dub runs a month since its inception. Limited to fifty copies of each, showcasing a variety of undiscovered producers and their interpretations of the UK’s sound, whilst providing consumers with a sought after EP in physical format only.

The dark Garage sound is part of the ec2a blueprint, with early output coming from the likes of Main Phase and DJ Swagger. The conveyor belt runs full spectrum however, showcasing Dr Dubplate’s curatorial nous. Jungle, Dubstep, Grime and Breaks have shone through from the likes of Fiesta Soundsystem, Bakey and Donsurf, bringing to light the influences and musical roots of the South London label head.

A reference to UK music history never too far away, Original Pirate Material debuted in 2021, delivering a more orthodox series of full run vinyl releases showcasing the likes of Main Phase, Bluetoof and forthcoming FTRRLT. Curtain Road Vol.1, FWD thinking. More accessible, 100% DIY and self distributed. Expect the old school versus new school theme to continue, a forthcoming Benton Remix for 003 hinting at the creative versatility going on in the background.

Early label affiliates are now regular on bills up and down the country whilst an exciting party collab with 23 Degrees is set to further showcase the label’s potential. Ec2a is now more than a label, with a mix series, free downloads, merchandise and tours providing alternative forms of output for its cult following to rep. Music press, stand-up.

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