Today we’d like to introduce you to Jarrett Van Ollefen.
Hi Jarrett, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
Urban Hell Audio is an electronic music record label established in November 2022 that puts out and promotes drum and bass music. Drum and bass is a style of dance music that is very popular in the UK and all across Europe, but only has small followings centered in major cities across the US – New York, Los Angeles, etc. Urban Hell Audio is a collective of producers and DJs looking to spread this type of music across the country, and eventually to the entire world, from our own humble perspective here in the US. There are producers on the team from all over the States, as well as in Austria, Australia, Canada, and the UK. Urban Hell Audio, even after three months of existence, is global and the music is heard worldwide- UHA’s music has even been featured on live streams in the UK!
I have been passionate about drum and bass music for over a decade- it just really clicks with me. I’ve loved electronic music all of my life, and the underground culture of drum and bass music and raves really drew me in. I have wanted to have my own record label for years and years. I have been producing music for many years on my laptop and had received good feedback from the few people I had shown it to, but always thought of it as a hobby and nothing more. Eventually, through websites like Facebook and Reddit, I connected with enough people to form a sort of “collective” of producers and DJs, and I decided to ultimately form Urban Hell Audio.
I made a Soundcloud at the end of November 2022 and uploaded a few tracks. I made a Facebook, and Instagram, and began reaching out to people. Soon, I created a Discord chat for all of the producers that I had met, and we all started to become friends. I started putting up tracks on our Soundcloud, promoting them through social media, and offering them all up as free downloads. Urban Hell Audio is all about putting music out, and showcasing underground producers that have a massive amount of talent. Urban Hell Audio would be nothing without the crew behind it. Although it is my label and brand overall, my team is what really makes this all happen. I have such a talented crew behind me, and I am very grateful. We learn from each other and help each other improve. The label exists to help artists develop their skills and gain popularity by putting out great music that is promoted by a down-to-earth kind of label.
My next move with the label is to put on events, play shows, and promote the music further. I would like to have our music on streaming websites so it can be heard by even more people. My goal is to spread my love of drum and bass with others, with the help of an amazing team behind me. Making money one day wouldn’t hurt, but for now, this is all done for the love of the music. I would love to see you out in the crowd at our next show.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I really had no clue what to do or how to start a “record label” at first. It really was just me figuring things out along the way, and meeting people that had the same vision as me. I mentioned earlier that Urban Hell Audio is nothing without the entire team behind it. I have met people who can do graphic design, audio mastering, sound design, and promotion. I really couldn’t have figured this thing out without them so I really need to give them credit.
I am still learning and the label is still in its infancy, but the passion behind all of the producers (along with my own) is very strong. There will always be people that do not believe in you or do not think that your pursuits are worthy. It is important for me to remember that I do this because I love the music that I put out but not everyone will feel the same. And that is ok.
It is difficult to navigate the world of music. I don’t know what the next few months hold for us, but planning events and multiple releases brings me a great deal of anxiety in the best way possible. I’m sure there will be many bumps along the road, even if the label becomes more established. I am prepared to take on anything that is thrown my way.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I make drum and bass music. It’s an aggressive form of dance music that is primarily focused on heavy, deep basslines and loud, punchy, chaotic drums. It’s a very diverse genre of music that most people do not know much about. It’s really fantastic and it’s my favorite type of music. This kind of music is different than any other kind of music I’ve heard.
It has such a great rhythm and the bass feels great when you are out listening to it love on a good system. The US doesn’t have a huge drum and bass scene – so Urban Hell Audio is trying to change that. I am very passionate about this type of music, as is my team, and I think that we can really make this sound more popular in the US.
Any big plans?
I am looking to put our releases on major streaming sites like Spotify, Apple Music, etc… it is just a matter of funds and resources right now.
I will be making T-shirts and different types of merch with our brand that will be available for anyone who is interested. I have plenty of stickers that I have made and sent out all over the world. I plan to make Urban Hell Audio as much of a brand as it is a record label- I want it to be something that people will be proud to represent.
I aim to be putting on events and playing shows by Summer/Fall 2023, and within the next year or so have a roster of artists to play all over the US. The ultimate goal is to play worldwide in places like Belgium and the UK where this music is very popular.
I just want to spread the love that I have for this music to others!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @urbanhellaudio
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088059139213
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@urbanhellaudio
- SoundCloud: soundcloud.com/urbanhellaudio
- Other: https://linktr.ee/urbanhellaudio
Image Credits
Zach Murphy, Adam Robinson, Meridian, and Danny Schwartz
