Label Spotlight: Planet Mu

Planet Mu is a British electronic music record label that has been in operation since 1995. The label was founded by Mike Paradinas, an acclaimed electronic musician who also goes by the moniker µ-Ziq. Paradinas started the label during his stint at Virgin Records, where he was given the opportunity to create an imprint, named after his own alias.

The label has built a reputation for its willingness to explore and nurture a variety of electronic genres, often staying ahead of trends and pushing the boundaries of the electronic music scene. This experimental spirit has resulted in the label being home to a range of eclectic artists and music styles, from IDM (intelligent dance music), breakcore, and glitch, to dubstep, footwork, and beyond.

Notable artists on Planet Mu’s roster include Venetian Snares, Boxcutter, Jega, and Luke Vibert, amongst many others. The label is well-respected for its commitment to showcasing innovative and pioneering electronic music, frequently releasing albums that are critically acclaimed.

In 2007, Planet Mu started to release dubstep records, which helped to introduce the genre to a broader audience. Artists like Pinch, Vex’d, and Distance played a significant role in defining the label’s dubstep era. The label’s involvement with footwork, a genre of music and street dance from Chicago, has also been notable, with releases from artists like DJ Nate, DJ Rashad, and Traxman.

Notable albums on Planet Mu include:

1. Venetian Snares – “Rossz Csillag Alatt Született” (2005): This album by breakcore artist Venetian Snares, with its blending of classical strings and rapid-fire breakbeats, is considered a landmark release for the label.
2. μ-Ziq – “Royal Astronomy” (1999): An album by label founder Mike Paradinas himself, this record blends IDM with orchestral and ambient elements.
3. Vex’d – “Degenerate” (2005): This debut album from the duo marked one of the early high points in the dubstep genre.
4. Jlin – “Black Origami” (2017): This critically acclaimed album by Jlin is a standout in the footwork genre, featuring complex rhythms and experimental sound design.
5. Luke Vibert – “Bizarster” (2015): Luke Vibert, known for his genre-spanning work, released this playful and eclectic album that incorporates elements of trip-hop, acid, and funk.
6. DJ Rashad – “Double Cup” (2013): A key release in the Chicago footwork scene, DJ Rashad’s “Double Cup” has been lauded for its innovative and energetic tracks.
7. Kuedo – “Severant” (2011): This release is known for its blend of atmospheric soundscapes with trap-style beats, illustrating the label’s embrace of diverse electronic styles.

Planet Mu’s willingness to take risks and push the sonic envelope has contributed to its longevity and significance within the electronic music world. With a catalog spanning hundreds of releases, it continues to be a dynamic force in the industry, constantly evolving and adapting while staying true to its roots in exploring the frontiers of electronic music. As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, Planet Mu is still going strong, helping to shape the future of electronic music.