It's funny how things turn out sometimes. You set out do one thing
and what comes out the other end is something altogether differ-
ent. Cue Freerange Records... What started life as a simple plat-
form for one man to unleash his love of electronica, jazz and
house on the unsuspecting public, has somehow transformed into one
of the most revered independent dance music labels in the world.
Not that he, or we, are complaining.
Kick-started in 1996, London based Freerange Records is the brain-
child of two childhood pals - Tom Roberts and Jamie Odell. To be-
gin with, this shiny new sonic springboard was used solely by Ja-
mie to indulge his two production monikers – Audiomontage and
Jimpster. However, once he’d found his groove, the pair started
searching for talent that shared their musical vision. Soon
enough, they were joined by a selection of new artists who also
had a vehement love of groove-based, soul-tinged house music that
united the organic and electronic. Enter Shur-I-Kan, Andreas Saag
(AKA Swell Session), Switch/Solid Groove, Only Freak, Milton Jack-
son and Manuel Tur. In these guys, Jamie and Tom had not just
found a tight-knit crew, but a succinct musical troupe – Freerange
now had a truly identifiable sound.
By the millenium their releases were popping up in the boxes of
top jocks world over – Garnier, Bug, Richards, Watt - the list
goes on. Tracks like Get Ya Dub On, The Bounce, and Get On Downz
suddenly became synonymous with the house music of the time and
even more impressively, big records for DJs who were known for
quite contrasting musical styles. Unbeknown to them they had
helped kick start something of a mini revolution and suddenly
found themselves at the forefront of a new house movement.
Since then, the imprint just hasn't stopped turning heads. As well
as welcoming yet more exciting talent into the family fold - some-
thing that the boys hold very dear - the label has excelled in
drafting in on-form remixe