Junior doctor by day, record label founder and DJ/producer by night, Eben Rees talks to Francesca Gardner about how Cardiff-based collective Haŵs are helping raise money for artists and producers affected during lockdown.
The Viral Syndicate digital compilation series was set up by your label, Haŵs, to help support artists financially during the COVID-19 outbreak. Where did the idea come from?
It came about after seeing first hand the chaos caused from having to cancel and reschedule upcoming events. After realising that artists and DJs within the scene, many of whom rely on music as their main source of income, would face some serious financial difficulties over the next few months, we figured that the best way to support these artists financially was to use our platform to release their music. All profits have directly funded the artists involved. Some have even decided to have their share of the profits donated to a charity of choice, which is really moving to see. Having the opportunity to share some pretty cool music with the rest of the world to enjoy is a bonus too!
It’s done amazingly well, raising a total of £3,000 for the artists involved or their charity of choice. Number 6 was the last compilation in the series – will there be similar to follow?
We couldn’t be happier with how it’s gone – the support we’ve received has been immense, and the artists are so appreciative. In the grand scheme of things, it’s not a huge amount of money, but I like to think that we’ve made a small difference giving back to the artists that make our scene what it is today. For now, though, we’ll be turning our attention to our official label and vinyl releases. Although the Viral Syndicate series has been super fun and rewarding, it’s also been pretty time consuming and we need to concentrate on other projects. That’s not to say we won’t revisit the series in the future.
What’s the reaction been like online?
Great so far, just based on the amount of people who’ve listened and purchased music from the compilation. I think part of the reason it’s done well is because we managed to keep the series quite varied. At the end of the day, if it’s good music and it makes us dance, it’s a yes for us. Nothing else really matters.
Supporting upcoming and local artists seems to be a central part of what you do. Was Viral Syndicate an opportunity to showcase any new producers as well as new tracks?
Absolutely. We’ve always been dead set on keeping things local and between friends. Most of the artists who’ve already released on our label are people we’ve met along the way or have known for many years. So, although over half the artists involved in the compilation were friends of ours, we also had the opportunity to ‘meet’ and showcase music by some talented new faces. The underground music scene is just one big family. It’s all about being connected and helping each other out.
Do you have a favourite track from the series? Or is that too hard to answer?
Oh, gosh. I think I can speak on behalf of the rest of us, we avoid answering these kinds of questions at all costs. It’s just too hard to pick! But, if I really had to, I think I’d go for Viewpoints’ track, Badu, on the second compilation. I can’t wait to hear this one on a huge soundsystem once things settle down – shout out to Gethin for producing the masterpiece.
You’re a junior doctor. What do you think we need to learn most from the pandemic?
Well, it’s been a pretty crazy experience and I could talk about this all day, but, as a whole, I think it’s really tested the principles and values that we share. I hope we can learn from this lesson to mitigate global challenges like climate change together. And if we could all be a bit nicer to one another too, that’d be great.
Has music helped you during this period? How about others around you, such as friends, family, or patients you’ve spoken to?
Music has always been my go-to in life, as it is to many of us. I think it’s something we all turn to, for whatever reason, in one way or another. I had a very touching experience whilst looking after a patient suffering from COVID-19 a short while ago. She requested to listen to one of her favourite songs before she passed away. Without sounding too cliché, it really has shown how powerful and important music really is.
How have the recent UK government lockdown measures affected Haŵs? What do you think the outcome of this will be for Cardiff’s music scene?
To be honest, we’re doing just fine over here. Sure, we’ll miss out on throwing a few events we had in the pipeline, but it’s been an absolute disaster for all the artists who have lost their main source of income, and all the festivals and promoters who work tirelessly all year round on their projects that keep our scene afloat.
Cardiff’s nightlife has suffered so much over the past few years, with multiple clubs and small independent venues closing, and lack of attendance to events across the city. It’s more important than ever to support independent music venues in our capital once we return to normality, or, simply put, there will be no music scene for us to enjoy.
Looking forward, what is the first music event or venue you want to go to, or artist you’d like to see, once lockdown measures are lifted?
Anywhere with good music and good company will do. Nothing beats dancing away to music that makes the end of your nose itch with all your mates around you on the dancefloor. I can’t wait.
Haŵs’ Viral Syndicate digital compilation series is available to buy here. All proceeds will directly fund the artists involved or go towards a charity of their choice.
Words: Francesca Gardner