Kid Fonque & Jullian Gomes Announce New Record Label, Stay True Sounds

Welcome to Kid Fonque and Jullian Gomes Stay True Sounds

It’s official! Two industry heavyweights, Kid Fonque and Jullian Gomes have teamed up to establish a brand new record label that they’ve called Stay True Sounds.

Combining their industry experience and skills, the establishment of Stay True Sounds can be seen as the natural progression of a concrete working relationship that’s been built over several years. 

When talking about Stay True Sounds, the pair battle to contain their excitement. “Each of us brings something different to the table” explains Gomes, “creating a label together really feels like the next logical step. It’s the right time to do our own thing and not feel limited by anything. Locally I couldn’t imagine doing it with anyone else.”

Frequent collaborators, Kid Fonque played a pivotal role in launching Jullian Gomes' career in his previous role as label manager of iconic imprint Soul Candi Records.  At the time Gomes was releasing with his cousin Michael G as G.Family, and their album Deep House Chronicles Vol.6 - Break the Silence was nominated in the category Best Dance Album at the 2011 SAMAs.

Gomes went on to release the award-winning anthem “Love Song 28” as a solo artist on Soul Candi and worked closely with Kid Fonque on the popular music video. The track proved to be career landmark and global recognition for Gomes followed.

The announcement of the new label follows several months of discussions and planning. Fans can look forward to Jullian Gomes’ debut solo album and a collaborative album from Kid Fonque and UK-based producer D-Malice. The label will be releasing material from Cuebur, Bruce Loko, Melo B Jones and Black Widow however the pair are keeping the label’s other signings hush-hush for the time being. “We are picking up singles, but it’s all for next year” explains Fonque. 

Anyone who has spent a moderate amount of time on dancefloors in South Africa will be familiar with these accomplished industry players. DJ turned producer Kid Fonque is one of the scene’s most enduring and respected figures. He builds on a productive career in the industry that spans two decades - working his way from the ground up in CD stores before moving into distribution then assuming the lead at the iconic Soul Candi Records. His deep understanding of the industry’s inner-workings will be crucial to the label’s operations. 

A masterful DJ who can melt house, hip hop, broken beats and bass together, Kid Fonque is known for his long-running event series. “I have always seen my monthly #2sidesofthebeat events as a platform to showcase new talent” he says, “and my goal is for Stay True Sounds to do the same thing on a global level.”

Summarising Jullian Gomes’ long list of career achievements is no small task.  One of the most sought-after DJ/producers in the country, a Red Bull Music Academy alumni and a globetrotting DJ whose mesmerising music has taken him all over the globe - including places as far afield as Japan. Hailing from Pretoria, Gomes is now firmly established as one of the new leaders of South Africa’s trending house music industry. His skills in the studio have seen him collaborate with the likes of Atjazz, Osunlade and Black Coffee not to mention having his music signed and released by the world’s most respected house music labels.

The formation of Stay True Sounds signals a new chapter for two dedicated audiophiles and for the local music industry. It’s apparent that the partnership is underpinned by a healthy respect for one another and that their different but over-lapping music preferences will come through abundantly. 

Gomes and Fonque are hard at work bringing all the elements together for the label’s launch. Local graphic artist Jaco Haasbroek was commissioned to design the label’s logo and Gomes and Fonque have crafted a new track which they’ll be giving away for free. This musical gift is titled ‘Stay True’ in honour of the new label. 

The Official Stay True Sounds launch event takes place on Friday 27 November at Kitchener’s in Braamfontein.  Cuebur, Bruce Loko, Melo B Jones & Black Widow will play alongside Kid Fonque and Jullian Gomes.

Connect with Stay True Sounds: 

Twitter: twitter.com/StayTrueSounds

Facebook: www.facebook.com/StayTrueSounds/ 

Instagram: instagram.com/staytruesounds/

Web: staytruesounds.com/