Through this alignment, the two labels will continue to operate independently with their own release strategies, roster focus and brand vision.
What comes as a landmark strategic move for two of drum & bass music’s most sonically trusted and culturally significant labels, Flexout Audio and Sofa Sound Bristol, have officially announced a strategic alignment. This historic partnership brings both revered drum & bass imprints under a unified operational structure, while firmly preserving the creative independence and distinct identity that have made each label so respected within the underground circuit.
The move has been spearheaded by Marcel, better known to many as KRÆK, alongside Tom Bassi and DLR, label bosses of Flexout Audio and Sofa Sound Bristol, who together have laid the groundwork for what is already being seen as one of the most significant independent label partnerships in contemporary bass music. The best aspect of the move is the fact that it is far from a conventional corporate acquisition that risks diluting the underground ethos and is more of a forward-thinking response to navigate the evolving landscape of the independent music industry.
By combining their backend resources, both labels can now navigate distribution, marketing, and administrative demands with far greater efficiency and collective power. This operational synergy liberates the creative minds behind the music, allowing them to focus entirely on curation and talent scouting. Both camps have made it unequivocally clear that there will be no blending of their musical directions. Flexout will remain the definitive home for its deep, rolling, and forward-thinking sound, while Sofa Sound will continue to champion its signature raw, gritty, and fiercely stripped-back Bristol aesthetic.
That commitment to artistic integrity has been a recurring theme from both sides since the announcement. The alignment is about creating a stronger support system that allows each imprint to operate more effectively without homogenizing sound or reshaping creative direction. The partnership also arrives at a moment of strong momentum for releases for both labels.
Flexout Audio has maintained an especially packed and high-impact release schedule in the past few months, delivering standout offerings like the ‘Powder VIP’ by Amoss, the heavyweight ‘Funk Knows,’ and the long-awaited ‘Cosmic Carnival’ LP from TeeBee during the latter half of 2025. Meanwhile, Sofa Sound Bristol has continued to solidify its place as one of the genre’s most respected tastemaker labels through a steady stream of uncompromising releases. Recent output includes the acclaimed Sofa Sound 2025 compilation, spotlighting key tracks from artists including DLR, Molecular, Genic and Leaf.
At a time when independent labels are facing increasing pressure from shifting industry economics, evolving consumption habits and oversaturated digital spaces, this strategic alignment represents something larger than a simple business decision.
With an exciting new chapter now underway for both labels and their wider artist families, we sat down for an exclusive, in-depth conversation with Marcel to explore the creative spark behind the merger, the complex operational thought process that made it a reality, and his definitive vision for leading both labels into a bold, sustainable future.
TFword: What ultimately sparked the decision to bring Flexout Audio and Sofa Sound Bristol under one operational umbrella?
MARCEL: “Tom and I have both known James (DLR) for nearly 15 years, so we’ve always maintained a really strong connection. James actually saw the evolution of Flexout firsthand when Tom and I first joined forces. Let’s face it: in the current climate, running a small independent label is increasingly complex. It just felt like a logical step to combine our collective knowledge and expertise under one roof to create a more efficient, streamlined organisation. By consolidating the operational side, the logistics and the admin. I can help free up creative minds like Tom and James to focus entirely on the music.”
TF: Both labels have had strong recent runs of releases; did this momentum make now the right time for the transition?
MARCEL: “Absolutely. Speaking from an investment standpoint, it is crucial to back a thriving organisation rather than a “sinking ship.” When I first invested in Flexout, I saw massive potential, and Tom has completely proven me right by doing an incredible job managing the label and A&R. James is equally masterful at building a brand that resonates deeply with the community. Joining forces while both imprints are at their peak allows us to take that collective momentum to a whole new level.”
TF: You’ve stressed that both labels will remain creatively independent; how important was it to make that clear from the outset?
MARCEL: “For me, and for all of us, this was completely non-negotiable. Both Flexout and Sofa Sound have distinct visual and sonic identities that the community has come to love. We absolutely didn’t want this to feel like a corporate “merger” where the lines blur. We wanted to provide a shared backbone that protects their independence. The fans need to know that the “Sofa Sound” and the “Flexout Sound” aren’t changing. They are just being better supported behind the scenes.”
TF: What does “one team behind them” practically mean for artists, releases and communication going forward?
MARCEL: “It means our artists now have a powerhouse team all pulling in the exact same direction. We treat every single release with an immense amount of care and seriousness. Practically speaking, it means better communication, more robust release strategies, and a unique advantage where we can share resources and data across the board to ensure every record reaches its maximum potential.”
TF: Has the current landscape of drum & bass influenced the need to become more refined and intentional with curation?
MARCEL: “To be honest, we don’t spend much time worrying about the general “landscape” of the scene. Both Flexout and Sofa Sound have always been (sub)genre-defining labels. We aren’t following trends; we are busy curating our own sound. Our goal is to stay intentional by simply continuing to sign music that we genuinely love and that fits the high standards Tom, James, and I have set over the years.”
TF: Are there any sounds or directions either label is especially excited to explore over the next couple of years?
MARCEL: “Flexout has always been a broad church, largely thanks to Tom’s A&R style. We naturally move between soulful liquid, minimal techy tracks, harder-edged tech, and experimental sounds. Right now, we are particularly excited to keep exploring the 140 BPM space. We’ve touched on UK Garage and Dubstep before, and we have some very exciting 140 tracks coming down the pipe this year that I can’t wait for people to hear.”
TF: Both labels have strong communities around them. How important has that sense of trust and loyalty been in making this move possible?
MARCEL: “The community is the heartbeat of both imprints, and this move would have been impossible without their trust. Loyalty in the D&B scene isn’t given; it’s earned over years of consistent, quality output. I view this operational shift as a way to honor that trust by ensuring the labels stay healthy and productive for the long term. Moving forward, we plan to bridge the gap between the labels and the audience even further. Whether through more immersive events, better direct-to-fan communication, or community-focused projects, we want our listeners to feel like they are part of the journey with us, not just observers.”
TF: Without revealing too much, what can listeners expect from the next phase of releases from both imprints?
MARCEL: “I can comfortably say the release schedule is looking incredibly strong. Expect a lot of high-grade music that pushes the boundaries of what both labels represent. “TeeBee 2.0″ is something we’re particularly excited to reveal soon!”
Further announcements regarding forthcoming releases, events and initiatives will be made in the coming months.
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