Lovethechaos: an interview with Mario G. Ferrer

“LOVETHECHAOS
music art label
made in barcelona”

1 – How and why did you come about starting Lovethechaos?

Lovethechaos is a way out of our daily life, a place to put in practice our musical and design creativity. An idea through which we can escape the explanations of our daily jobs; a way to do the things we like just because we like.

2 – When you started Lovethechaos, were there any labels that you could say were a reference/inspiration for your efforts?

The first reference was Strange2. It was the perfect excuse to start running the label. I’ve always been a fan of labels like Warp (first albums), Skam, Hymen… All of them have always cared about both music and artwork. That’s something important for us.

3 – Almost mandatory question, how did the name “Lovethechaos” come about?

Well, we think it’s a good concept to express the non-justification of what we do in our label. It is not necessary to follow something already set, to follow a line. No guidelines, no order and finally no concept. Lovethechaos means: we do what we like, when we like – simple as that. With that name we try to escape from the pressure of which things are done; to escape the fact of setting a goal to what we do.

4 – Since the inception of Lovethechaos, are there any events in the history of the label that you’d consider as particularly relevant, from difficulties and setbacks to successes?

Well, all the events we have been done are important. There’s nothing negative. You always know someone, or something that makes things worth it. At the end, it all is good. For example, the last showcase we did at the Convent in Barcelona was successful for the audience, artists and everyone involved. It was a night to keep in mind.

5 – So far what would you consider as special highlights (or successful) releases and artists in the history of Lovethechaos?

In the league we all play in, to release an album and play live is already a successful thing. The fact of growing together – artists, audience and collaborators – is the best thing our label can get.

6 – Are there any releases in particular that you would recommend as good ‘introductory material’ to the Lovethechaos label?

All our releases are very special. Each one has his own personality, there’s not a single one who can summarize all of them. If you get the chance to listen to any, you’ll notice the strength the artists have put in their work.

7 – Looking back, do you have any regrets with the label? If you could go back and change something, what would it be?

I think we are a label too young to give a right answer to that question. We are not so old enough to regret anything… Maybe the time to regret about all the money we have wasted in private jets, yachts, expensive hotels will come… One day, we don’t know… [stupid laughs!]

8 – An obvious question, but what is Lovethechaos’s ‘relationship’ with the Internet? From promotion tool and digital sales to file sharing and piracy, how has it affected you?

I guess all the labels that release physical format have been affected by the Internet. The goal (if there is one) of Lovethechaos is to create something conceptual for every album, so this we are adding a new value to it. The Internet is the perfect tool to promote the label and the artists, so I don’t see why we should be against piracy. We think it’s just a question of respect. Every one has to able to know what he has to support or not, you cannot force people to buy. Downloads are nothing bad from our point of view, the problem is the mentality that lies behind the individuals who do that. Unfortunately, the big distributor companies and organizations managing the rights of the artists do not help at all. On the contrary, they are not too much loved by musicians in general.

9 – Slightly related to the previous question, how do you see the concept of ‘netlabels’ and, as a labelhead, what is your perspective as to the future and evolution of physical media (CDs, vinyl, etc)?

The truth is that I had no idea of how things will go on… So whatever I tell you I’ll be probably wrong. But I still love playing the music I buy, vinyl above all. Something will change, that’s for sure, but I try to enjoy all the music supports.

10 – Perspectives for the future, what lies in the horizon for Lovethechaos? Can you share some long-term goals and where would you like to see the label heading to?

The best perspective is to make releases, meeting new artists… And follow all kind o of electronic activists wherever they are.

11 – What other labels/artists would you recommend at the moment and why?

It is difficult to say or recommend any particular label of the electronic scene right now… I think the scene is lively, very interesting netlabels and artists everywhere.

12 – Thank you for your time, do you have any final comments?

Enjoy music whatever the format you like and support your local music stores if you can…

Relevant links

Lovethechaos
Lovethechaos @ SoundCloud
Lovethechaos @ Blogspot
Lovethechaos @ Twitter

— interview by Miguel de Sousa & Kate Turgoose (February 2011)