Welcome to the latest edition of Six Questions With..., a weekly short and sharp interview with a live music figure. Email jhanley@nbmedia.com if you would like to take part or recommend someone for inclusion.
This week's Q&A is with Rob Luis, co-founder of Brighton-based record label Tru Thoughts, which celebrates its 18th birthday with an all-day takeover at London's Roundhouse on Saturday, October 21.
What was your first job in music?
I used to DJ at friends parties. My first paid booking was aged 17 for a friend who put on a night at a pub in Essex where the pub had a sign saying “No Acid House”. The bouncers told me off for playing Todd Terry – Can You Party? but ignored some other tracks I played. I used to get decent regular DJ work and always played the music I wanted, which at the time was Hip Hop, House and Soul.
How long have you been in your current role?
I started the label 18 years ago (which we’re celebrating with an all-day festival at the Roundhouse on 21st October) so pretty much had to do everything at the start. But the consistent role has been doing A&R and contracts.
What is your favourite thing about working in the live music industry?
The energy of a good crowd at a good event cannot be beaten. Being involved in the business end of a label means things can sometimes be hectic but a good gig always provides the real reason I do what I do.
What is the one thing you would like to change about the business?
At the moment I feel there are definite barriers to entry for people from more working class backgrounds. It would be great if PRS, PPL and the Arts Council reflected this. Maybe give grants to industry jobs specifically for people from working class background to get costs covered, or paid to do work experience and made it easier to fill out applications. I have definitely spoken to quite a few people recently who say they struggle to get work experience jobs because they need to work to pay rent and eat. There is a talented pool of people out there who we need in the music industry and are motivated too.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Quite a few but a couple to mention are when The Quantic Soul Orchestra headlined the main stage at The Big Chill Festival - which was special. I am a huge Hip Hop fan so releasing music from Rodney P and the London Posse is up there too.
What's the best gig you’ve ever been to?
Q Tip at the Roundhouse was a great show as I am a huge A Tribe Called Quest fan. But seeing Jay-Z at the same venue a few months later was amazing too (especially as it is a relatively small place for Jay-Z to play).
