No doubt at all saying that each of us has got at least one West End piece of wax on its own collection, over a few generations. From 1970's post disco/funk fans with artists like say Taana Gardner to todays lovers of deep house grooves with people like Soulstation, Jihad Muhammed, Arnold Jarvis, Hollis P. Monroe or most recently DJ Oji & Una. Launched by former Paradise Garage co owner Mel Cheren in the mid 70's, West End has now been run by Kevin Hedge of Blaze for a bit more than two years. We've managed to have his impressions in the middle of those many things that he's recently or is to put out in this period time.

The circumstances (as a reminder) that has led you to be in charge of West End…

My becoming president and part owner of West End records came about
because of my deep respect and love for the contibutions and the man,
Mel Cheren. He is truly an inspiration.

The way you've seen the label since day one. What did it represent for you ?

West End to me has always been about soulful music that you can dance to. Or like Uncle Mel always says "Danceble R&B".

Its biggest sale so far ?

Our biggest selling record to date is "Heartbeat" by Taana Gardner. It sold about 1.2 million units and still continues to sell.

Its biggest one under the Blaze's Era ?

Our most selling record under my term has been "Don't Say Love" by Soul Switch feat. M'lisa Morgan it has sold about 3000 units. Which shows a big difference in the business from of 1979 to 2004.

A few words about recent signatures ?

Oji

DJ Oji is a talented producer out of Baltimore. This song appeal to me because of its' strong lyric and energetic track. Those elements added with powerful vocals delivered by Una make me proud to have released this record.

Elliot Venegas

Elliot is a up and coming DJ/producer out of NY. His use of rithym and samples makes me drop this track anytime and anywhere I play.

Joi

Joi is a pure artist. He writes, sings and produces all his tracks. I love his spirit. He makes the kind of music that you can listen to over and over and find a reason to love it more and more.

Jihad Muhammed

Jihad Muhammed is what I am most proud at West End. He represents
the future of our culture. He has allowed us to do what is of most importance, introduce the world to new sounds.

People you'd like to work with ?

I would like for us to be a breaking ground for the new sounds in our scene. Giving the up and coming artist and producers an outlet.

Do you receive lots of demos ? Incl. from overseas ?

Yes, we get demos from everywhere.

Your forthcoming projects ?

The project I really looking forward to releasing is the "West End International Music Search 2K3" compilation album. It features tracks from new producers and artists from around the globe. I hope this project gets the attention it deserves.

Anything new in the pipeline with Marty Thomas ?

Marty is pursuing a theatrical career right now.

The names to watch out on a global scale ?

A good up and coming producer is a DJ named Ian Friday. He has helped us with producing the 'Found Love' album.

How is it to run a label nowadays ?

Running a label is like being a father. I have the responsibility of making sure the company is growing and is healthy. It's a lot of fun and
I love challenges.

What has changed ?

I can't really say how it has changed. I can only listen to the stories of what it use to be like…

The arrival of new technologies (free downloads, mp3)…

I'm proud that we (West End) were the first small independent dance
label to sell its' catalog in the mp3 format. I feel this is the most convenient and cost effect way to buy and sell music.

What are the answers facing them ?

The biggest problem facing digital distribution is the banking economics. Can the credit card clearance companies deal more effectivly with micro payments or will record companies and digital stores have to increase the prices.

The future of promotion techniques ?

I feel that when most DJs become more tech savy, mp3 promos will be
the standard. It is more economical than the current promo tools.

The future of vinyl ?

There will always be people who, myself included, love the sound of vinyl. It will never completly go away.

What could be West End's motto ?

Motto at West End is to be a company that adds value to life.

V/A : Found Love – A Blaze CD mix compilation (West End)

More info : westendrecords.com