by SCOTT C

It wasn’t that long ago that Montreal’s Bombay Records was able to prove that a local label could achieve international recognition and respect, and contribute quality house tracks to an already massive dance music industry. Armed with open ears and a clear vision of what it takes to bring Montreal sounds to the world, Patrick Dream and Mike Meurin’s new label, Mile End Records, aims to build on the success of Bombay (with which Dream was involved) and take the varied musical productions of this city to brand new heights.

The first in a series of compilations on Mile End is Chez Nous: Montreal House Vol. 1, a CD compiled and mixed by Dream and Meurin, featuring the sounds of Sean Kosa, Fred Everything, Miguel Graça, Nicola Torriero and more. The label launches Everybody, the debut by Shane Philips, at the same time. The Mirror spoke to Dream right here in Montreal.

Mirror: As a result of working Bombay, both as a businessman and a producer, you’ve been behind many Montreal house music releases over the years. How is Mile End different, and what insight, based on past experience, are you bringing to this new venture?

Patrick Dream: As you may or may not know, about a year ago I sold Bombay and resigned as director. With Bombay, I wanted to learn the back end of the business—management, agency stuff, PR and a lot of the technical things involved in getting releases ready and out. It was a collaborative effort, but I eventually became an army of one. When I got on board with Mile End, Kirk Coleman and Mike Meurin already had the ball rolling, doing the research for a label.

M: So they approached you based on what you had already done?

PD: When we sat down, they asked for a few tips and pitfalls to avoid when starting a label, and I really liked what was coming together with them. We had a mutual respect and they could appreciate my experience, so we decided to collaborate.

M: How did the concept of Mile End Records come about?

PD: That was something that I had thought up a while ago and put on the shelf. I wanted something that would represent where I was now, as opposed to Bombay. I started to focus on the more creative side of things, and my own productions, instead of chasing invoices and constructing marketing plans. I run back and forth between my office and my studio, wearing both hats.

M: How many volumes of Montreal house are you guys sitting on?

PD: This is the first, but we want to keep the story one that is told by Montrealers, but not necessarily through house music. We want to explore all good music in this city and avoid being pigeonholed. That’s the great thing about Mile End Records—we’re free to explore everything from Sean Kosa’s electro to a more acoustic side with guys like Shane Philips. If you just present great music, it appeals to everyone.

Double CD launch with Shane Philips and Patrick Dream at Lion d’Or on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 7 p.m., $5

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