Introducing: Insert Blank Records

A record label and art collective run by a group of friends.

"Everything we craft is made with love, care and affection. No bangers, but anthems."

Insert Blank Records is Arthur van der Hoek, Bart van der Ven, Cors Francken, Ian Young, Jasper Werij, Maurits Baas, Milo Mooi Wilten, Michiel Thompson, Maurijn Wieringa.

---

Michiel

What exactly is Insert Blank Records and how did you guys come up with the idea?

Michiel: Insert Blank Records is a record label first and an art collective second. We have a team of nine people who all have different qualities. We started the label because we were all making music and figured it would be nice to have a platform to release it ourselves, without having any creative limitations.

How did you all meet and what kind of role does every single person play?

We have all known each other for a really long time. Most of us know each other from high school and some of us even met in elementary school. Everyone has their own task. Because most of us do creative studies, the division of work wasn’t very difficult. Our team consists of sound designers, musicians, editors, a visual team and executives.

Did this pandemic have anything to do with the creation of the label? Are you potentially on the lookout for beginning solo artists that are currently stuck at home?

I think we had all been playing around with the idea of starting a collective for a while, but the pandemic certainly gave us the time we needed to actually work it out. And yes, we are always looking for new artists. Whether they are beginning solo artists or veteran music ensembles, we love to hear it all!

You have already released two EPs with Insert Blank. Can you share a little bit more about the artists you are currently working with?

All the artists we are currently working with are artists from within the collective. We figured we would first release some of our own work, to see how running a record label works and to learn the basics. So far, we have released Jappies' X and my very own Pit Stop EP. But we have also received a fair amount of music from artists outside of the Insert Blank family, so that's exciting!

I have seen KIEFF live a few times, and it’s quite interesting to see what has been released by the individual members through IBR. Can you maybe share a bit more about the difference in making music together as KIEFF and these new solo projects?

I think the biggest difference is that with KIEFF, we write everything together and we all play fixed instruments. We can get into a room and play together until we have a song. We know what we are doing and what we are good at. For me, working on my own means I can do anything I want. I can make a techno record or an 80s pop song. There is a certain playfulness and freedom to it.

When I heard Jappies' X for the first time I was really amazed! I had been playing in a band with him for a couple of years and I had never heard him play anything like that.

Is there anything you guys are working on right now behind the scenes that people should look out for?

What happens behind the scenes is unfortunately still a secret. But yes, there is some really cool content being released very soon.

---

Follow Insert Blank Records:

@insertblankrecords

insertblankrecords@gmail.com