Hip-hop/electronica producer and musician RJD2 has started a new record label, RJ'S ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS, which is distributed worldwide through the Orchard. The Columbus, Ohio-born artist is known for his psychedelic trip-hop and winning collaborations with indie rappers such as Copywrite, MF DOOM, Cunninlynguists and many, many others. It only follows, then, that the first release by RJ’S ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS is by RJ himself. RJD2 recently acquired his first three albums (2002's Dead Ringer, 2003's The Horror EP and 2004's Since We Last Spoke) for his new label, and on August 18, he digitally released three B-sides and rarities compilations (Your Face Or Your Kneecaps, In Rare Form, and Things Go Better Instrumentals), all of which had previously been released on Bustown Pride. As if he weren't busy enough, RDJ2 has also announced a box set, which is due October 20, to commemorate close to ten years in the business. (Well, 2002 – 2010.) "The box set idea came about when we decided to reissue the vinyl versions of Dead Ringer and SWLS," he tells CMJ. "It blossomed into a box set with the exclusive EP and such. After those are out, we are off and running with strictly new material, which there will be a fair amount of. Most notably my next solo album." So, what exactly does this box set include? It will feature the full-length LP versions of Dead Ringer, The Horror EP (a first-time vinyl release), Since We Last Spoke and The Tin Foil Hat EP (with seven new, unreleased songs included), as well as a hand silk-screened, signed and numbered poster, an exclusive download card and the box itself, which is a beautifully printed work of art. So despite all the extra work, it still seems that managing one's own label is still ultimately very rewarding. "The 'working for yourself' part is great," says RJD2. "I'm having some late nights, though. It's all very gratifying, though. It kind of feels like this is the way its supposed to be. I'm gaining a much more organic insight into what it takes to release an album." www.myspace.com/rjd2
