The Rurals

DS3 talk to One of the UK's finest, the Rurals about their highly infectious deep soulful grooves the bright future of their label.

The interview

DS3:

Andy, you started your musical career-playing guitar in a funk rock band, what made you suddenly change direction from funk rock to making Deep House records?

ANDY COMPTON:

Well, my last gig with the band was at a illegal festival called "castlemorton" in the early 90's, the gig was a disaster! I was snapping strings and crazy travellers were chucking beer and all sorts! It was a nightmare! Afterwards I went for a walk and stumbled across the D.I.Y tent, which had a great vibe kicking off in it....I sat there all night and watched the sun come up, I decided I wanted to be involved in this kinda music!

DS3:

Your 1st label was set up in 1994 (Rural Promotions) and your current label Peng has now been running since 1999 and has consistently put out superb Deep Soulful grooves, are you happy with the current success what is next for the label?

ANDY COMPTON:

Things with peng are fine! We had problems when our distributor went bankrupt late last year owing nearly half a years sales, but we've just recovered...we're going to be using a specialist funk/soul distributor now, called "Timewarp", things will go a lot smoother! we're always working on our online shop as well. This year we're going to be concentrating on the new rurals LP and other peng compilations.

DS3:

You have an instantly recognisable sound, and people could be mistaken to think you come from San Fran not from Devon, who have been your major influences?

ANDY COMPTON:

Most influences come from soul/funk greats like Marvin Gaye, Roy Ayres, George Benson, etc. House music wise I've always been a fan of Roy Davis and the Chicago vibe.

DS3:

For me Marie 'Tweek' has the sweetest most infectious voice in Deep house, how did you come about meeting?

ANDY COMPTON:

We were introduced to each other by a lady called Jan, who used to run the local record shop in Exeter, she's got a lot to answer for! Now we're married with a sprog!

DS3:

Are there any artists you would give your right arm to work with, or any interesting collaborations in the pipeline?

ANDY COMPTON:

Ummm, yes, got some great projects planned but I can't say until they're finalized, I don't want to tempt fate!

DS3:

In 2002 'Emotional Feelings' was released was in my top 3 albums of the year, as you manage to go across the soul spectrum from Down-tempo grooves to Deep House Jazzy beats, what is next on the cards for 'The Rurals'?

ANDY COMPTON:

Well, we have "Songs of the Soul Soother" out soon, it's a peng compilation with mainly downtempo rurals songs, other songs are from John Plays Special. For spring we have the next Rurals lp entitled "messages"....

DS3:

I can't go through a set without dropping at least one Rurals track, as I'm hooked on the sound, are you performing anywhere in the UK in the Near future?

ANDY COMPTON:

We play at the Thekla in Bristol quite often, otherwise it's a bit quiet for the uk, I've played more gigs in LA than I have done in London! I think the problem could be because we don't live in London, it's quite a hard scene to break into, I don't mind though, I'm happy in the studio!

DS3:

Your most successful record to date has to be 'Lush' I remember Louie Vega dropping it at the Southport Weekender 32. What goes through your mind when someone of that calibre drops one of your productions?

ANDY COMPTON:

Yes, it's great to hear the top dudes are playing it! It always helps moral, and sales!

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