The Leaf Label

Over the course of the next few weeks, Boring Machines will be teaming up with Yorkshire based label Leaf to bring you previews and mp3's of their latest releases....

The Leaf Label was formed in 1995, by Tony Morely and started by releasing hand-stamped 12'' records. The label has since gone on to become one of the most interesting music staples out there right now. Fierciely independent and incredibly innovative, Leaf has had some landmark releases over the last decade.

Kieran Hebden's (aka Four Tet) first recorded piece was featured on the label's 1998 compilation, "Invisible Soundtracks Vol. 3", while critically acclaimed albums from the likes of Japanese electronica producer, Susumu Yokota, can be found on this imprint. Leaf prides itself on its expansive roster, spanning a galaxy of genres and musicians from all corners of the globe.

Morely founded Leaf to find artists that are pioneering and constantly innovating. Each artist on the Leaf roster are not stylistically linked, but they are "bound together with understanding of aesthetics and a strong mark of individuality and timelessness".

I first came across Leaf in Autumn 2002, when A Small Good Thing's, "A Mighty Stillness" track (video above), was featured on The Wire Magazine's celebratory 20th anniversary double CD. This track encompasses everything that is great about Leaf. The innovation, the individuality and desire to release some of the most captivating music on the planet.

Visit Leaf's website and myspace here to join their wonderful world. Leaf label artists will follow this post soon. There is also an amazing download section, featuring tracks from all of their previous releases, here.

I would like to thank Ben @ Leaf for all his help.