Artizan Music

Jafar & Maxime Cescau are a producer/DJ duo based in the UK and Sweden. Here, we present their pride & joy: Artizan Music. Launched back in 2005 from the embers of their previous labels Kwaito and 4bit, Artizan was set up with additional studio collaborator Andy Touchfingers, as an outlet for their solo and joint productions as 'Poussez'. Alongside the trio, the label boasts a packed roster of respected “master craftsmen” from around the globe. Artists include:

Demarkus Lewis (Grin Music, USA)

Nacho Marco (Freerange, SPAIN)

Funky Transport (20:20 Vision, UK)

Pete Dafeet (Lost My Dog, UK)

Rhythm Plate (Winding Road, UK)
Rithma (OM, USA)

Eightbitrate (Muak, ITALY)

Spieltape (Global Underground, RUSSIA)

Blacksoul (Blacksoul Music, CROATIA)

Terry Farley (Junior Boys Own, UK)

John Larner (OM, USA)

As the name might suggest, Artizan is not to be a flash in the pan. With almost two decades in the music industry, Jafar and Maxime call upon their rich DJ and production heritage and are now releasing their music across limited vinyl, CD & digital formats.

The label’s events side, ‘Uptownboogiedown’, has held London residencies at much loved venues East Village, Neighbourhood, The End and Notting Hill Arts Club, and they’ve enjoyed joint parties with club giants Mulletover, Retox and Lovebox over the years. And with a foot in Sweden, Artizan also hosts international showcases there too.  The musical output of the label is a tasty smorgasbord of warm, melodic techno, future deep house, sleazy nu-disco and heady, late night electronics. The ‘progressive vibe’ permeates much of the music they release. Talking with Jafar, he tells us their music is “progressive… in its truest sense”. Jafar & Maxime's own production work has, over the years, seen them release with the likes of LoudEast, Huddtraxx, Hydraulix, DustTraxx, Blacksoul, Universal Vibes, Berwick Street, Sensual NYC, Friends of the Family, Waxjakkers, Plastic Fantastic, Gravitation, Hustle Music, ToneControl and many more.

Artizan's design aesthetic, seems thoughtfully conceived by Maxime Cescau, James Piercy and Chicago based fine artist Pepe Navarino.  It demonstrates a keen attention to detail and style, which can be seen in their release artwork, newsletters and events flyers. On the whole, Artizan have a clear direction and show that they know what the like, as they lovingly deliver it to the world.

Artizan Music hosts their fortnightly Podcast, rotating between Jafar's Sweden Studio and Maxime's in London. Each episode promises a fresh mix plus regular guest appearances by Artizan's friends and from their artist roster.

[ RELATED LINKS ]
Artizan | Poussez | Releases | Beatport
Podcast | Soundcloud | Myspace | Twitter
Facebook | Youtube | Resident Advisor | Pepe Navarino Design