A Look Back on Dub Flash Records
|
Last update: 2012-03-14 Added full length video clips to all releases from DFR001 to DFR013. Updated the release info and artworks. Added first info for the delayed DFR011. |
 |
Dub Flash Records (DFR) was Dub Flash’s own record label and distribution. |
|
DFR started on 1st April 2003 with the purpose of releasing DUB music in the way it’s founder (DJ Dub Rogue, the Sample Recycler) liked it: raw, heavy, deep, extremely slow or fast, strictly dubwise, preferably on LP. At the same time, DFR should always surprise and offer something new. For many labels or artists, one could say: If you heard one tune, you heard all tunes. In a more positive direction, it might be noted that some artists can easily be distinguished from others. That is not what DFR stood for. This is why the label featured productions from various artists and newcomers instead of only self-made tunes. |
 |
Life in this tiny-winy music scene is a constant struggle. While DFR could have released dozens of records, the financial possibilities were very limited. The main goal was to achieve one release per year, no matter if only a 7" or a double LP with gatefold cover. The second goal was to have an even result at the end of the year. Most of the releases ended up with a minus though, because DFR wanted to release quality records. Therefore, good money was spent on proper mastering, cutting and so on. |
|
In order to finance new releases, DFR expanded to become a distributor in 2004. Ever since, records from befriended labels were sold through Dub Flash’s Outer Space Dub XPress Webshop, on live events, on "dubberware" parties, through Discogs and other sources. That didn’t really make the financial situation better though. At the end, DUB is a lover’s thing. |
|
DUB is like the Millennium Falcon: the best ship (music) in the whole galaxy, yet totally underrated and underestimated. But as Gussie P said: "DUB is the Force!" True. DFR was an underground label. No big deals. No money talks. No written contracts. Just shake-hand-deals on a trustful basis and fresh music on fresh vinyl. |
|
So, why did artists want to be featured on DFR? These days, everyone can press their own 500 copies on their own "label", you might say. Of course, that’s true. But it was all about the fame. :D Who wants to die one day without being able to say that (s)he once had a release on DFR. I don't. ;) |
|
Plus, many artists didn't want to finance the release by themselves, instead through DFR they would get a couple of free copies, wouldn’t have to worry about distribution and, if it happens that a winning is made, would have gotten their share of the plus. Finally, if they wanted to re-release their tunes by themselves after all copies of the DFR-release were sold out, they could do so. |
|
If you are looking for a record label, please search elsewhere. Dub Flash is closed for public applicants. And there were always more inquiries than possible releases, so your chances would have been small anyway. Only a very small percentage of the available tunes got released. |
|
DFR was underground and an expression of Dub Rogue’s feelings for the best music in the universe: DUB! DFR was DUB. It was never about reggae. It was not about roots. It was not about culture. It’s sole purpose was to serve DUB. The releases were not inspired by HIM, they were not made possible by Jahoviah. They were proper works of proper people. All releases were made with love. You find little gimmicks on the covers and labels. Riddles. Jokes. Things to think about. The whole life is a test of the audience and of the people. Everyone can shout Jah. But can you think deeply, inspiringly and self-reflectingly? DFR helped you on this path. Jah, roots or any category is just limiting your possibilities. DFR freed you from all constraints – for a couple of years. |
|
DFR was a heartcore DUB label. Dubwise, no compromise! The less the chance of a hit single, the higher the chance that DFR was interested. This was the place for everything outside the reggae-dub-mainstream. DUB is a life-saver, it is the creation and it is the mighty Force which is all around you and binds the Galaxy together. Did you ever wonder what George Lucas was talking about in Star Wars? It was DUB! And when the last DUB ends, mankind is dead. But DUB is forever! Dub is! And Dub Flash is Dub! |
|
Some words about the people behind DFR: It’s an easy, short task. DFR is a one-man-business. Dub Rogue (Ralf Wunderlich) was the mastermind behind everything. He had all the crazy ideas and was responsible for the madness. Apart from that, the following people have helped along the way: Antti "NGC1977" Mäkeläinen (the dubious field manager entity from the Andromeda Galaxy), Professor Chaos (the fictitious personal assistant of Dub Rogue), Flo Schwarz (lawyer), Jesse J (mastering), Boba Fett Warriors, Jatta A. Siekkinen, Timothy Eemili (Pasadena Grande), SpongeDub SquareDance feat. SquiDub Tentacles & The Bikini Bottom PatrickStars, Ted de Bähr, Dubby Dog Productions (jinxer), The B-Side Avengers, Dieb in Dub Productions... |
Check out our other projects, sponsors and partners:
|
|
(c) Dub Flash Records (1998 - 2011). Jinxed by Dubby Dog Productions. Overseen by the B-Side Avengers. Read by you. Cheerio, Ms. Sophie! |
 |