musicXport.nl - Buma Cultuur

label profile
musicXport.nl
20
dox
records
Doxa is classic Greek for ‘idea’ or ‘opinion’ and Amsterdam-based Dox Records
puts its ideas into practice: helping a small yet closely-knit roster of songwriting
performers to develop an international career. “We help them to present their
creative products.”
By Alfred Bos
Dox is the brainchild of Bart Suèr. When his jazz outfit SFeQ failed to interest major
labels for their contemporary street sounds, the bandleader set up a boutique
label. From 1998 onwards , Dox released various albums by SFeQ and affiliated
musicians. In 2003, the label expanded its scope and signed up jazzpop act Benny
Sings, the alias of Tim van Berkenstijn. The multi-instrumentalist and producer
turned out to be the katalyst for Dox’s current mission: building a small yet closelyknit
roster of performers who write their songs and frequently co-operate on
various in-house projects.
And it works. Singer Wouter Hamel has rapidly evolved into the darling of the
capuccino-sippings crowds of Japan and South Korea, while former backing
vocalist Giovanca’s solo debut album proved to be a minor sensation in Japan.
Meanwhile, Benny Sings albums have been licensed to Berlin’s Sonar Kollektiv
and Dox signed up a major new talent, singer Charlene. The hardest working (and
recording) jazz band from The Netherlands, New Cool Collective, has stepped-up
its co-operation with the label.
“Dox focusses on self-made artists, people who write and perform their own songs”,
labelmanager Jochem Tromp (formerly of Warner Music Benelux) explains. “And in
a sense, Dox is more than a label. It covers all the aspects of a professional career in
music: songs, records, concerts. It’s important Dox artists are songwriters, publishing
is a crucial part of our revenues. Secondly, the records: Dox is involved in every
aspect of the record-making process, from recording to marketing & promotion.”
And the Dox releases are supported by artist tours. “Touring is a major aspect of
promoting a release”, Tromp says. “We have an in-house booking agency. So Dox
is built on three pillars, that’s our forte.”
Dox Family
The Dox label presents itself as the Dox Family. Singers and songwriters help out
on recordings or tours of labelmates, bolstering the ‘family feel’ of the operation.
The label also sports a house band, Dox Orchestra. It all helps to keeps the business
afloat. Says Tromp: “Frequently, the Dox artists are invited by outside parties to cowrite
or to co-produce. Benny Sings is Dox’s in-house producer; he’s in demand,
which works for the label as well.”
Dox’s biggest success so far is simply it still being up and running and, in fact,
expanding its activities. In terms of sales and media response, former big band
singer Wouter Hamel is leading the Dox pack. After releasing his first solo album,
Hamel (2007), through Dox, his career boomed, nationally and internationally.
The album has been released in Japan, Taiwan and South Korea, and last year the
singer visited the Far East three times. Recently, he signed a deal with Universal,
which will release his future albums worldwide, expect for the Benelux. For his
home market, Hamel opted to continue his relationship with Dox.
For 2010, Dox has various album releases planned. Singer and multi-instrumentalist
Roos (Jonker) has concocted a remarkable fusion of jazz and psychedelics for
her debut album, out in February. Late March will see the follow-up to Giovanca’s
successful first outing, Subway Silence. New Cool Collective is working on a big
band record. And the new Benny Sings album is slated for a late Fall release.
Tromp: “When you believe in the future of good music, Dox is an interesting label.
In the long run, a label like Dox will be healthier than the majors, whatever their
current power.”
Wouter Hamel: Friday 15 January @ Stadsschouwburg, 20:00 - 20:45
Charlene: Saturday 16 January @ De Volkskrant Zaal, 01:00 - 01:45
Benjamin Herman: Saturday 16 January @ De Volkskrant Zaal, 22:00 - 22:45
Knobsticker: Saturday 16 January @ Heineken Foyer, 21:15 - 22:00
www.doxrecords.com
www.myspace.com/doxfamily