When was the label set up and who by?
Loven Records was set up by Leon Morán in January 2005.

Who makes up the label team?
Leon Morán and Alex Wheeler. We also have several in house producers who we work closely with, including Robert Hayes, Rhody and Ian Crabtree.

Do you have your own studios?
Yes we do – for both production and radio!

How would you describe your label's sound?
Soulful music – regardless of genre!

What artists do you currently have signed to your labels?
We have Denzee (singer of the UK garage anthem "Sorry" in 2000), Lelani (singer on Sharon O'Love's Fast Car track in 2001), Panyard (Dave and Jzules) and Ian Crabtree.

What's the most successful release so far?
No success as yet as we've only just launched! Time will tell…

What do you look for in a potential release for the label?
First and foremost, it has to be soulful. And that's about it really!

Has the labels sound changed at all/progressed since it was set up?
Yes and no. Our sound will always be soulful – but we hope to progress and explore new boundaries within it.

Do you participate at many industry gatherings i.e. Medem, WMC ?
We went to the WMC in 2005 – hopefully the first of many! ;)

What do you think of the music scene currently?
It's at a real turning point. Illegal downloads are eating into profits which means that major labels are only signing sure bets to make money on. However, I think the independent labels are coming back really strong with newer and more innovative approaches to creating and selling their music.

CD's have really taken over with the promo side of things and MP3 downloads as well. Do you see yourself as a label continuing to release on vinyl and support the format?
At the moment, we are concentrating on MP3s and CDs. I used to be a real vinyl fanatic – but going to Miami this year showed me that it really is dying. To see someone like Roger Sanchez play a 12 hour set all on CD was really an eye-opener! One half of me would love vinyl to stay popular, but then the other half thinks that if CDs are indeed the future, we may as well embrace it and take advantage. Also, my back doesn’t hurt so much carrying a CD wallet to gigs!

Are there any other labels out there you feel are putting out some quality music perhaps even pushing boundaries?
I love the current Sole Channel productions – the real minimal beats (probably my equivalent to Pharrell and the Neptunes in hip hop). The whole Louie Vega Elements of Life concept is also very interesting – when you listen to their music you can imagine being at a concert and watching the full band in action. Finally, Tortured Soul are another favourite – watching them play live in Miami was incredible – who ever heard of someone playing drums and singing at the same time!!

Do you hold any parties we should know about?
Not as of yet. But we do host our own radio show – it's called Ritmo, syndicated to several stations, sponsored by www.clickgroove.co.uk and broadcasts in English and Spanish. Check out www.ritmo.co.uk for all the info!

What would be your ideal artist line-up at a party?
There would be 2 rooms – one would be soulful house and the other would be a real mish mash of my favourite music. In the house room I'd have Masters @ Work and the Elements of Life jamming together over, under and in between tracks. Out back I'd have Gilles Peterson DJing and presenting several artists including John Legend, Alicia Keys and Tortured Soul.

What's forthcoming from the label?
We're looking at having 30-40 releases this year. We've discovered some great new singers with whom we're writing albums for – including a name for the future – Louise B (the new Joss Stone!!)

How do you see House Music in 10 years time?
I see house music continuing to do well. Whichever way house develops, it will always be around – I just hope the more soulful house numbers can push through to give the genre more exposure!

Do you have any set goals that you would like to achieve with the label?
Now that would be telling!.

http://www.lovenrecords.com