#jazzmasterfunk

[bantugandolf]

The Evolution of Far Yards Recordings; South Africa: An almost decade of House Music Excellence

Introduction

In the ever-evolving world of electronic music, Far Yards stands as a beacon of innovation and quality. Established in 2010 through soundcloud releases, the label quickly carved out a niche in the House music scene. By 2014, Far Yards had secured professional distribution, which significantly broadened its reach and influence. The label continued to release music until 2022, after which it transitioned to providing remastering and redistribution services. This biography details the label's journey, discography, roster of artists, and the comprehensive services it offered.

Founding and Early Years (2010-2014)

Far Yards was formally founded in 2010 by a duo of passionate DJs and producers who shared a vision of creating a platform that celebrated and pushed the boundaries of House music; Gift Mzizi & Bantu Mchunu. The early years were marked by a series of innovative releases that quickly garnered attention within the electronic music community. These formative years laid the groundwork for the label's future success.

Professional Distribution and Expansion (2014)

The year 2014 marked a significant milestone for Far Yards as it secured professional global distribution deals. This development allowed the label to reach a global audience and attract a diverse array of artists. The professional distribution not only elevated the label’s profile but also enabled it to diversify its musical offerings, incorporating various sub-genres of electronic music.

Discography

Far Yards boasts a rich and diverse discography that spans multiple sub-genres of electronic music. Key releases include:

2014: Naomi & Angelo by Khirbet Qeiyafa - A groundbreaking release that set the tone for the label's innovative approach to House music.

2014: Blind Mushroom/Mute Onions by M21 & Khirbet Qeiyafa - A critically acclaimed project that showcased the label's ability to blend traditional House elements with modern sounds.

2022: YEH-SU by M21 & Khirbet Qeiyafa - A genre-defying album that incorporated Deep House, Dub Ambient, and Balearic influences.

2019: Aziel by Knate Koti - A Downtempo and Dub Tech masterpiece that demonstrated the label's versatility.

2022: Before Time, Time Before by M21 & Khirbet Qeiyafa - The final release before the label transitioned to remastering services, featuring a compilation of the best tracks from the past decade.

Artists and Producers

Far Yards was home to a roster of versatile and talented artists and producers. Notable artists included:

M21: Known for their soulful Deep House tracks, M21 was instrumental in shaping the label's early sound.

Khirbet Qeiyafa: An experimental artist who brought Dub Ambient soundscapes to the label, pushing the boundaries of electronic music.

Mandla Jamela (Guest): A pioneer in the Dub, Balearic, Lo Fi, Minimal, House scene, Mandla Jamela provided serene and introspective tracks that became fan favorites.

Jazz Master Funk (Guest): A Downtempo and Dub Tech artist known for their innovative and genre-defying productions.

Mastering and Audio Engineering Services

The label’s commitment to quality was evident in its in house mastering and audio engineering services. Utilizing cutting-edge technology and skilled engineers, Far Yards ensured that every release met the highest standards of sound quality. This attention to detail not only enhanced the listening experience but also set the label apart in the competitive electronic music market.

Global Marketing and Distribution

Far Yards excelled in global marketing and distribution, leveraging strategic partnerships to ensure their releases reached a worldwide audience. The label employed innovative marketing campaigns, including social media promotions, collaborations with influencers, and targeted advertising, to build a strong global presence. Their distribution network spanned major digital platforms, minor physical record stores, and international markets, ensuring that their music was accessible to fans everywhere.

Music and Label Management Services

In addition to its primary functions, Far Yards offered comprehensive music and label management services. These included:

Artist Development: Providing mentorship and guidance to artists, helping them refine their craft and develop their careers.

A&R (Artist and Repertoire) Management: Identifying and nurturing new talent, ensuring the label's roster remained fresh and innovative.

Strategic Planning: Offering business and marketing strategies tailored to each artist's needs, maximizing their potential and reach.

Publishing and Licensing: Managing the rights and royalties of the music, ensuring artists received fair compensation and exposure through various media channels.

Tour and Event Management: Coordinating live performances and tours, creating opportunities for inhouse artists to connect with their fans and expand their audience.

Cessation of Operations (2022)

In 2022, after a decade of influential releases and significant contributions to the electronic music landscape, Far Yards announced the cessation of its operations with well over 360 tracks from in house producers and 120 from Guests. The decision marked the end of an era for the label, which had become a cornerstone in the ungergriund electronic music community in South Africa. Despite stopping new music production, the label pivoted to focus on remastering and redistribution services.

Remastering and Redistribution Services

Post-2022, Far Yards utilized its extensive experience and deep understanding of electronic music to offer high-quality remastering and redistribution services. This pivot ensured the label's rich catalog remained accessible and continued to resonate with both new and longtime listeners. By enhancing the sound quality of existing tracks and redistributing them across various platforms, Far Yards maintained its influence in the music industry.

Key Elements of Far Yards Label Success

Innovation: Constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible within House music and its sub-genres.

Community Engagement: Building a loyal fanbase through live events, social media interactions, and exclusive releases.

Quality Control: Ensuring all releases meet high standards of audio excellence through professional mastering and engineering.

Global Reach: Effective use of distribution networks and marketing strategies to reach international audiences. Our partnership allowed DSP distribution to over 190 stores in streaming and downloading methods.

Artist Support: Comprehensive services that help artists grow and succeed in their careers, from development to tour management.

Conclusion

From its inception in 2010 to its operational transformation in 2022, Far Yards made a lasting impact on the electronic music scene. Its journey from a House music innovator to a multifaceted label exploring various genres showcased its commitment to quality and innovation. Even after ceasing new releases, the label's pivot to remastering and redistribution services ensured that its musical legacy would endure, continuing to inspire and influence the world of electronic music.

Forever thankful.