One World Music

16 January 2008 by Em

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As part of our new feature focus on record labels, Soulshine takes a look at One World Music, and interviews its founder, DJ Leigh Wood.

Interview – Leigh Wood

Can you explain your position at One World Music, and what that entails on a day-to-day basis?

I created the label in 2002 and manage it on a day-to-day basis. Responsibilities can involve pretty much everything, from creating the product (that includes my own compilations as well as working with artists), to organising the promotion, marketing and distribution of each release.

I also license our product to overseas labels and have set up a separate publishing division this year to promote our music internationally.

What’s the idea behind One World.. what is your aim as a label?

The vision of the label is to bring together music from around the world in a way where people, cultures and technology can converge, producing unique sonic creations that highlight music is the one true universal language. Our brand is all about unity through diversity.

How did you get the label started? What was your first release?

First release was Zen Connection, which is now up to volume 4. I happened to share some office at the time with New World Music who are a traditional relaxation label.

One day had the idea of trawling through their catalogue to find a few tracks and mixing them with my own chill-out material to see if I could produce something distinctive. From this Zen Connection was born and the rest as they say is history.

Perhaps more than many other labels, One World has a very broad scope when finding music for compilations: it’s not as if you’re focusing on one small music scene. How do you go about finding tracks and artists to be included?

I try to keep an open mind at all times and not judge. Whether I’m receiving music from a renowned independent label or direct from an unknown artist is irrelevant, as my focus is purely on the quality of the music.

I feel fortunate to live in a time where I can communicate with artists and receive music from any corner of the globe at the click of a button. It’s allowed my compilations to be extremely diverse and unique.

What is your background pre-One World, where did you get your music grounding?

I began djing in the UK over 20 years ago at the ripe old age of 14 and have always been around music in one capacity or another.

In the 90s I worked for Pulse Music where I helped launch Australia’s first monthly CD compilations for DJs. I also introduced the BPM series, which at the time were Australia’s first monthly Dance compilations.

There are a few misconceptions about what goes into running a label.. In your opinion, what are the realities that people should be aware of if they want to work at an independent label? What skills do you think would be important for the job?

The music industry has changed so much in recent times that the biggest skill these days is trying to keep up with developments and finding ways in which to reach your market.

If I had to offer advice is to focus on your strengths and surround yourself with people who give you balance and compliment these strengths.

What comes next for One World Music?

We’ve just released a new album by Australian duo Audio Shaman called ‘Welcome Traveller’ which is doing well.

I’m also just finishing off something quite different which is a modern day mantra compilation.

The festival season has just begun so we intend to get plenty of One World presence happening throughout the coming months with myself, Audio Shaman, Amanaska and Oka appearing live at various festivals around the country.