Seeping out of the depths of Sheffield, a metropolitan borough in South Yorkshire, England, comes Evans — DJ and producer riding high on the treacherous and booming wave of house music; and purveyor of this week’s Lovecast Episode. Evans’ caliber is evident as one of his tracks is featured on Supernature’s 2013 compilation album ‘Kolors,’ which also includes tunes from quite a few Mi4L fāvs and previous Lovecast guests: Dance Spirit, Maher Daniel, Gab Rhome, Jon Charnis, Balcazar & Sordo, and Jonny Cruz. Have you heard of Dilate Records? That’s the work of Evans as well — it’s a hot to trot label with an extensive roster of artists right up our alley, including: Adam Shelton, Droog, Inxec, wAFF, Greg Pidcock, Waifs & Strays, System of Survival, jozif, Death on the Balcony, PillowTalk, Ataxia, Signal Flow, disCerN, Low Tide, and Miguel Puente. Whew! With all these familiar names and the hustle involved to produce music and run a label, Evans seems to be perfect for Music is 4 Lovers and an intrinsic fit for our Lovecast series. Enjoy!

Interview with Evans:

Where are you from and what are your musical upbringings?

I’m from Sheffield, UK. From a young age I always listened to music and as I got older, found a love for house and techno. From the 90s up to now I’ve been lucky enough to go to some of the best clubs and parties in the UK and the rest of the world.

Can you tell us how you got mixed up in this crazy world of electronic music?

My parents were both big into music, so I grew up listening to electronic artists such as Kraftwerk, Depeche Mode, Human League, Primal Scream and even Moodymann! I think when you start liking something as big as music, it becomes more and more a part of your life. I remember getting an old Casio keyboard and from then on became more and more interested. 10 years down the line I’m writing and producing music of my own.

Can you tell us a little about the city you live in now and the scene there?

Sheffield is still an amazing place for music, even after most of the major clubs shut down. The city has amazing up and coming artists in the music industry, and really good warehouse style raves dotted around. If I can recommend any, I would say PFTP, Hope Works, Huddle, and Delve Deeper are doing great things for Sheffield at the moment.

You are the head of Dilate Records. Can you tell us a little about your label and what was the catalyst for you to start your own label?

Owning a record label has always been something I’ve wanted to do. When I started writing music 5 years ago, my aim was just to get a record signed. As things progressed I started signing my tracks to labels, which were releasing quality music and I wanted to be involved with. After a success of hitting some of the best record labels in the world and building up contacts throughout the industry I decided to create my own.

You have a roster of amazing artists on your label. How do you manage to keep the integrity level so high with the music you release?

The label has always had a real family feel to it, but at the same time making sure that the artists and music quality are our main priority. I couldn’t begin to tell you how many good friends in the industry have helped me out along the way with one thing or another — making Dilate Records the kind of label it is today.

What do you have planned in the coming months musically both for yourself and the label?

Ive just signed a great track to good friend who owns Akbal Music, and I’m waiting for confirmation on an EP I’ve just finished for another major label, which I’m pleased about.

For Dilate — we have my own track Evans – 0.12 coming out end of November with remixes from Raxon and Pattern Drama, which I’m very excited about! I’ve also just received an amazing track from Deaf Pillow and another from Low Tide which will both be remixed and released as 0.13 in January and 0.14 in March.

What advice would you give to someone sending you music?

Always make sure the email looks presentable. Make sure you have all the details of your previous releases on there. Do your research on the label sound and what direction it’s going in. Always send 320 mp3 files or even WAV files if requested, so that the tracks can be tested.

Who are some of your favorite producers/labels right now?

There are some really good artists and labels around, some new and some old. Culprit has to be one of my favorite labels, the Droog guys are doing a great job with that sound. Boso, Ellum, Innervisions, Tsuba, Life & Death, Connaisseur are all right up there for me with quality of sound and production. As for the artist, I’m really liking Fur Coat, Maceo Plex, Dixon, Ten Walls, Few Nolder and Gardens Of God.

Can you tell us s little about this mix?

The mix has a great blend of electronic music from house through to techno; featuring tracks from friends far and wide across the music industry. I’m trying to capture something that reflects what I’m like as an artist and label owner that will still sound fresh years down the line.

Drink of Choice?

JD & Coke

– jams & sand