DIY platform Earful of Wax shares third V/A release

DIY music platform, label and event series Earful of Wax has shared the latest instalment of its ‘Earful of Wavs’ V/A.

For its third edition, the London-based crew have welcomed producers from both the UK and overseas – Dreamrdreamr, Dubrunner and SCG, Dyslecta, Ila Brugal, Kikelomo, Mixtress, Silent Era, SMIFF, Sylvere, Toura and Yas Raven – onto the 12-tracker.

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Across the record, no stone is left unturned: there’s deep four-to-the-floor, intriguing synth lines over breaks, wobbly UK techno, percussive bass and baile funk vocals, UK rap samples, hardcore, dancehall techno and infusions of grime.

“I decided to launch a digital arm to the label in 2022, off the back of rising vinyl costs post Brexit, extra tax for EU customers and cost of living in general; wax off, wavs on if you like,” jokes founder Maxwell Martini. “‘Earful of Wavs is now on its third edition; this one includes two freebies for Earful of Wax’s fifth Year.

“For whatever reason, I’m not a label that gets sent loads of demos, the only two which lead to a release are from GoodMostlyBad (EOWAVS01) and Yas Reven. Not receiving lots of demos is fine – I think the series is becoming reputable for its curation, so it’s worth the six months work to get it perfect. Some tracks have been the result of over two years of me nagging. I think this is what makes it as rewarding as it is — alongside releasing the early work from the likes of Kikelomo, Jay Carder, Amaliah, NIKS, Eich, ex.sses, Mixtress and Ila Brugal, to having Toumba & SIM on the label and putting out remixes from the Zenker Brothers, Low End Activist, Cressida and James Bangura.

“I’m unsure how long the series lasts – I want to return to wax one day – but for now, we’ll continue showcasing the label’s sound through talented emerging producers, from the UK and overseas, with the odd special guest remixer thrown in for good measure.”

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“Earful of Wax feels like that go-to, accessible label for rising producers with a UK leaning club sound,” adds Yas Reven. “I first reached out to Max in 2023 so I’m super happy to have Beyond 100% on this year’s project.”

‘Earful of Wavs Vol.3’ is available now, check it out here.

Niamh Ingram is Mixmag’s Weekend Editor, follow her on Instagram