You’ll Never Believe What Five Music Producers Found in a Basement in London...

Library music has an almost mythical status among crate diggers and vinyl enthusiasts. This is because the records were never commercially released, except for the occasional compilation CD, and many broadcasters threw out their vinyl libraries when CDs became popular. These records are hard to come by, making them 12 inches of gold dust to people searching for the killer track or sample.

We took producers and serial crate diggers Mr. Thing, My Panda Shall Fly, Jonny Cuba (Soundsci/Herbaliser), Chris Read (BBE) and Jackson from Boean down to our archive of library music vinyl, which dates back to the 1930s.

Among the highlights of the day were Jackson stumbling on an electronic effects LP that sounded like the beginnings of acid techno; Mr Thing’s scarily good knowledge of catalogue numbers and releases – he even brought along a record of his own that was music from our library sold under a completely different artist name; and Jonny uncovering a sample that was too good to share with the rest of us.

The recordings unearthed were presented to 20 up-and coming producers at 'Samplethon', a unique hackathon which featured as part of the Great Escape Festival. The producers competed against the clock to create new music based on the archive material, and the winning entries were showcased alongside tracks from the artists who made up the event's panel of judges.

Available as both a 10” vinyl EP and digital LP (containing additional tracks), the vinyl release focuses on the more hip-hop orientated tracks from this varied collection. Artists featured include Soundsci (a group which counts among its members Ninja Tune signings Jonny Cuba and The Herbaliser's Ollie Teeba) and BBE’s Chris Read who joins forces with famed Philadelphia record digging aficionado Soulman, recording under his 'Phill Most Chill' moniker. Both deliver brooding vocal tracks, the latter aptly juxtaposing a 70s TV crime series flavoured beat with reflections on America’s current police injustices.

Instrumental tracks come from a pair of UK hip hop legends in the form of former World DMC Champion DJ Mr Thing and seasoned producer Mark Rae (Rae & Christian / Grand Central). Each deliver classic head nod feel alongside infectious instrumental outings from Samplethon winners Danny Drive Thru, Illiterate and Sleepless.

Watch the film - WhoSampled Samplethon - Digging in the Vaults

Listen and download the Archive Remixed- Who Sampled Edition at www.cavendishmusic.com