Hardleaders Biography

Kickin succeeded in re-affirming it's roots in breakbeat with the unveiling of the drum & bass imprint, Hardleaders, late in 1994. It grew from the early releases of drum & bass with Capone (aka Dillinja) and Souljah (aka Lemon D) which originally came out on Kickin's Conqueror label. Within a relatively small set of releases, the label quickly established itself at the cutting edge of the drum & bass scene. This reputation grew and was maintained through unfaltering support both from pirates and most of the music's leading dj's; Grooverider, Bryan Gee, Peshay and Randall among them. Perhaps Hardleaders most impressive achievement however is in building the label through works of previously unknown producers, with label manager Carl Collins allowing fresh signings such as A-sides, Tech Level 2, Parameter II, etc. through on the basis of their merits as opposed to fitting into any constraints based on the labels back catalogue. These tracks are then supported through releases from some of the music's elite, all operating under pseudonyms.

The label has also brought new artists to the fold through compilation projects, with consistency being the key. The artists associated with the label range from Kosheen's Decoder, Capone, Souljah and Lemon D right through to Total Science, Manifest, Venom and Greg Packer. With supremely confident and well executed releases to their name, in addition to compilations and artist long players including Souljah, Capone and Decoder, the label seem set to continue in their mission of delivering first class drum & bass for some time to come.

Venom's thoughts as to musical direction summarise the label's continuing philosophy - "Hardleaders is an outlet for my more aggressive, hard style of tracks - whilst still allowing me to be experimental."