Inspired by the likes of Factory Records (“They were such a mess, they didn’t sell out but the kids know the history,” says Diplo) Mad Decent is clawing indie labels into the digital age. Headed up by the swaggering, Grammy-nominated 29-year-old, Diplo’s label was one of the first to collaborate with Serato and is now unleashing a laser-bass-air-horn Mad Decent iPhone app. “I think music is recession proof. People always got to dance and get it in. Even if they get fired. In fact, it might be a little more inspiring. I’m just trying to keep this Mad Decent boat floatin’ to the sun.”

Send us a picture/video that summarises your view of modern life, and explain why?



Do you think the recession has helped or hindered your creativity? Why?
I think music is recession proof. People always gotta dance and get it in. Even if they get fired. In fact, it might be a little more inspiring. I’m just trying to keep this Mad Decent boat floatin’ to the sun, and stay on course.

Music for a revolution - what song sums up your attitude?
Look how many views it has. If the Gummys wanted to, they can command more people than the population of the UK with that fanbase…


That’s’ a cool one too.


What other period inspires you the most, and why?
When they first invented hipster as a word in the 40’s and 50’s for white, jazz cracker smoker kids with sunglasses. Could have been on Hype Machine first. Or maybe like downtown Manhattan in the 80’s to see that whole Bronx verses the downtown, new wave CBGBs park jam shit goin’ on. Or maybe Egyptian pyramid days. I bet that was mad fun (if you weren’t a slave).

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