Moving Furniture Records: A Sonic Exploration from the Heart of Amsterdam
Founded in October 2008 by the visionary Sietse van Erve, Moving Furniture Records emerged from a desire to champion the often-underrepresented realms of experimental electronic music. Based in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, the label has cultivated a distinct identity by meticulously curating a catalog that delves deep into the nuanced landscapes of drones, experimental ambient textures, minimalist soundscapes, the intricate world of microtonal compositions, and the evocative power of field recordings. While these genres form the core of their sonic explorations, Moving Furniture Records maintains an open-minded approach, embracing music that pushes boundaries and defies easy categorization within the broader spectrum of experimental sound.
The driving force behind Moving Furniture Records is undoubtedly Sietse van Erve, himself a respected sound artist operating under the moniker Orphax. His deep understanding and passion for these sonic territories permeate the label’s selections, fostering a cohesive and discerning artistic vision. This personal connection to the music likely contributes to the label’s commitment to both established pioneers and emerging voices within the experimental scene.
Moving Furniture Records proudly showcases a diverse roster of artists, bridging the gap between renowned figures and promising new talent. The catalog features releases from influential musicians such as Frans de Waard, known for his prolific output in sound art and experimental music; the formidable collaboration of Gareth Davis (clarinet) and the legendary noise artist Merzbow; the immersive soundscapes of BJNilsen; and the meticulously crafted sonic tapestries of Machinefabriek. Alongside these established names, the label actively supports and introduces fresh perspectives through artists like Find Hope In Darkness, known for their atmospheric and introspective soundscapes; Zeno van den Broek, exploring unique sonic architectures; Bas van Huizen, delving into minimalist and textural explorations; the collaborative project Rose & Sandy; and the distinctive sonic world of Haarvöl. This commitment to nurturing new talent underscores the label’s role as a vital platform for the evolution of experimental electronic music.
In 2018, Moving Furniture Records further solidified its dedication to specific areas within experimental sound with the launch of its sublabel, Eliane Tapes. This imprint serves as a focused platform dedicated to music directly inspired by or resonating with the groundbreaking work of the iconic composer Eliane Radigue. Known for her profound and extended drone-based compositions, Radigue’s influence is palpable in the sonic explorations of Eliane Tapes. The inaugural release on this sublabel was by the acclaimed artist Kassel Jaeger, setting a high standard for the label’s commitment to deep listening and immersive sonic experiences. The initial plans for Eliane Tapes hinted at a continued exploration of this specific aesthetic, promising further releases in 2018 and 2019 that delve into the rich territory pioneered by Radigue.
In 2019 Moving Furniture Records launched the Contemporary Series, a sister label focusing on Contemporary Music.
Beyond their recorded output, Moving Furniture Records played an active role in the Amsterdam music scene by organizing concerts from 2011 to 2024. Primarily hosted at the intimate and forward-thinking venue De Ruimte, their events also graced other notable spaces such as OCCII and STEIM, known for their support of experimental and unconventional artistic expressions. These concerts provided a vital platform for the artists on their roster and the broader experimental music community in Amsterdam. While regular concert organization has ceased, Moving Furniture Records continues to host an annual festival, a testament to their enduring commitment to live performance within their specific sonic realm. It’s important to note their clear communication regarding performance inquiries for this festival, emphasizing that they will proactively reach out to artists they wish to feature.
Moving Furniture Records’ dedication extends beyond the purely auditory. Their commitment to physical releases – often in thoughtfully designed packaging – suggests an appreciation for the tangible experience of music and a connection to the traditions of independent labels. The visual aesthetic of their releases often complements the sonic content, reflecting the meticulous and considered nature of the music itself.
In essence, Moving Furniture Records is more than just a label; it’s a curatorial project driven by a genuine passion for challenging sonic boundaries. It serves as a vital conduit for both established and emerging artists exploring the outer reaches of electronic music, fostering a community around shared sonic explorations and a deep appreciation for the power of sound in its most experimental and evocative forms. Their dedication to specific subgenres, highlighted by the Eliane Tapes imprint, further underscores their commitment to fostering focused and meaningful contributions to the landscape of contemporary experimental music.
