Date Signed: June 2012
Label: Dim Mak Records
Type of Music: Dance / Electronic
Management: Matthew Stuart / ATM
Booking: Joel Zimmerman / WME
Legal: NA
Publicity: John Ochoa / Mitch Schneider Organization, 14724 Ventura Blvd., Ste. 500, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403, 818-380-0400 ext. 231, [email protected]
Web: http://facebook.com/useproxy
A&R: Steve Akoi / Dim Mak Records
Russian beat maker Proxy first shook listeners with his own label, Mako Records. When Tiga’s ship, Turbo Recordings, caught wind of his massive sound through Myspace in 2006, they snatched up the Eastern sensation. With that deal handling distribution in all territories except America, they needed to fill the gap.
Dim Mak, Steve Akoi’s label, closed that space. While Turbo executed the deal, Proxy had zero qualms about the agreement. “I trust the guys at Turbo, as they have my best interests at heart,” the producer enthuses.
“Luck plays a factor, but you have to make your own luck!”
A level of mutual admiration further aided in smoothing over any potential tensions. “Steve Akoi is a fan, which makes things much easier,” offers Proxy, whose album, Music From the Eastblock Jungles, hit on Nov. 6th. “He is a man I have great respect for. He made a great label with his signings and the team there is superb.” Proxy reports that the negotiations were basic and fair to both sides. “When you are dealing with good people, good things happen,” he muses.
As far as bringing his sound Stateside is concerned, Proxy didn’t worry. “America is a great place to tour and be,” he insists. “The crowds are always superb and up for the party.” While it’s still early to declare the move a financial windfall, the agreement has brought him much attention and the label’s backing has allowed him to tour in serious fashion.
Most importantly, aligning with a label that specializes in his genre was key. “Luck plays a factor, too,” he advises, “but you have to make your own luck!”
The second installment of Proxy’s Music From the Eastblock Jungles became available Feb. 11th.
——Andy Kaufmann
