Twenty-eight year old Milo Cordell is the founder of loved-up, London based punk label, Merok Records. The label that introduced Crystal Castles to Europe and released Klaxons second single, Atlantis to Interzone, Milo’s impeccable taste has transformed Merok into a powerhouse of the underground and beyond. Milo is also one half of pink-noise band, The Big Pink. “Running a label always seemed like the one thing I could do both naturally and well. I’ve always been inspired by labels with a strong sense of ambition and DIY. Merok is literally just a representation of my taste. I like music that has balls.”

Name a person or organisation that shares your DIY ethos, and explain why.
Stiff Records – I think they might have shared a similar love and nonchalance.

Send us a picture/video that summarises your view of modern life, and explain why.
This is Elvis Presley’s first guitar. Not much else to say.


Do you think the recession has helped or hindered your creativity? Why?
Haven’t even thought about it. Merok is basically a charity if not that, then a non-profit organisation at least. We cater for people who make, buy, borrow, steal music at whatever cost. Recession or no recession.

Music for a revolution - what song sums up your attitude?
Where Eagles Dare - Misfits

What other period inspires you the most, and why?
Downtown ’81. Because I wasn’t there.

Read more of the YCE feature here.