Ampleplay are a London based Indie Label, founded by Tjinder Singh and Ben Ayres from Cornershop, together with Marie Remy. It’s hard to put them in a box, their sound is explosive and touches notes which can go from Punjabi folk music to psychedelic tunes, rock and electronic. We checked in at their East London HQ to say hello and even learned how they created their latest vinyl sleeve.
Why did you start Ample Play and where does the name come from?
There are three of us running the label, Tjinder Singh and Ben Ayres from Cornershop, and Marie Remy. Over our careers, we have worked with record companies of all sizes, from Warners to Rough Trade & Luaka Bop. We decided to set up our company to release our own music, and it grew from there as we worked with other artists. We now have a respected roster of musicians from Nashville, Tokyo, Paris & London, and more.
The name comes from it having manifold expression eg, ample as in adequate amounts of play, or amp le jeu as in amplify the play. However, there are many other related factors, and Tjinder is creating a visualized book on the name at the moment.
How would you describe Ample Play in one sentence?
We would let other people describe it:
"Ample Play is truly a label of love, bringing you new rock in the great explorer's tradition of Elektra, Island and Apple."
-David Fricke, Rolling Stone, USA
Which kind of artists are you interested in as a label?
Being heavy vinyl record collectors and having an interest in a wide range of music the label goes for anything it deems interesting for whatever reasons, which is why there is a solid underpinning to the label but it may seem tenuous to outsiders.
In an era of digital streaming how do you explain the renaissance of vinyl?
We wish it had never dipped, but it has an enduring quality of sound, smell, artwork, information, and is a handy weapon too.
What will music look like in 2015? Anything you are particularly looking forward to?
We are hoping it will be more adventurous and more political, the year has certainly started off thought provoking.
Do you collect anything?
We have all collected vinyls for 25 years now, since our college days. We love those random finds in charity shops, where you simply don’t know what you are going to get. We dig vintage magazines, car boot sales & markets.
Your favourite items or users on Depop?
It was lovely to find @driftrecordshop on Depop, Ben is from Devon and often shops there, they stock our catalogue. Also we have collaborated on several occasions with photographer & film-maker @philmiller he’s done sleeve art & videos for us, we love his multilayered images.
I have heard you will be having an Ample Play party soon… Tell us more about it!
A date for your diary if you are in London: Friday 13th February at the Waiting Room N16 we have an Ample Play night, presenting two new signings: Yokan System from Tokyo - think early Human League with Cocteau Twins) – this will be their 1st every London gig (also playing Halifax & Northampton) and Charles Howl from London, a sonic attack with soul, fantastic live. Free entry and DJs.
