Hands In The Dark, a record label with a rich history, has been a beacon for innovative and avant-garde music for over 15 years. Founded by Morgan Cuinet and Onito, the label has become a hub for artists pushing the boundaries of sound. The story of Hands In The Dark is one of friendship, exploration, and a shared love for music. The label's journey began in Besançon, France, where Cuinet and Onito met and discovered their mutual appreciation for similar musical styles. Despite being geographically apart, they used the label as a way to keep their connections alive and strengthen them over the years.
One of the label's key early connections came through Onito's move to the UK in 2011. He discovered The Oscillation, a space-rock group, and became fast friends with Tom Relleen, a force of nature on the London experimental scene. Relleen, a co-founder of Phonica record shop and a booking agent for DIY agency Julie Tippex, became an unofficial third member of Hands In The Dark and an influence on its evolving direction. The label's collaboration with Tomaga, a duo formed by Relleen and Valentina Magaletti, was a turning point. Their debut album, Futura Grotesk, inspired the label to offer more innovative and avant-garde visions.
Hands In The Dark's releases explore a space between ambient, kosmische, electroacoustic music, and free improvisation. The label's fascination for sonic manipulation is evident in the works of artists like Läuten der Seele, who employ tape looping and collage techniques, and Andrea Taeggi, who uses vintage machinery for her recordings. The label's commitment to exploring new sounds is also reflected in their releases by artists like Brian Case, Valby Vokalgruppe, Razen, and Piotr Kurek.
Despite the sadness of Tom Relleen's death in 2020, Hands In The Dark continues to thrive. The label's longevity is a testament to its labor of love and its commitment to consistently releasing projects that genuinely inspire its founders. The label's output is a reflection of its founders' passion for exploring fascinating universes without artistic, physical, or geographical constraints. The label's catalog is a treasure trove of innovative and avant-garde music, and its future looks bright as it continues to push the boundaries of sound.
