Interview: Patrick Gibin
Today, we have the pleasure of sitting down with Patrick Gibin, a multifaceted artist whose impact on the music scene has been nothing short of transformative. Known for his deep love of soul/funk, boogie, and house music, Patrick is not only a talented selector and producer but also the founder of Mother Tongue Records, a label that has quickly become a beacon for quality and innovation in the music world. As Mother Tongue celebrates its 5th anniversary this year, we're excited to delve into Patrick's journey, the evolution of the label, and what the future holds for this creative powerhouse.
Welcome Patrick, how have you been? Patrick: All good thanks, busy! How did it all start? Can you take us back to the beginning of your musical journey? Patrick: I’d say that discovering dance music and clubs in my teens was when music completely took over my life. I’ll never forget the first time I really understood what DJing was all about—I was about 17, and my dad drove me and a friend to a club called Mazoom/Le Plaisir, about half an hour from my hometown Verona. Paul 'Trouble' Anderson was DJing that night - his energy and connection with the dance floor was just something else, that blew my mind. But back then, it wasn’t about becoming a DJ; I just wanted to dance, soak it all in, and explore this new world that had opened up. Every weekend, literally, I’d travel around Italy to different clubs, collecting flyers from the nights and buying mixtapes from DJs, plus having family in London was a game-changer too —I could visit often, and that broadened my musical world in so many ways. After finishing college, I actually lived in London briefly, and that’s when my obsession with buying records really took off. I remember spending entire afternoons in records shops (Vinyl Junkies in Soho and Music & Video Exchange in Notting Hill were two of my top spots at the time). It took years of listening and trying to mix records in my mom’s basement before I felt ready to share music with others. What were some of the first records or artists that influenced you as a DJ and producer? Patrick: Well one of the first records that had everything for me was Stevie Wonder’s “Do I Do”, I mean there’s not much to say right? My love for boogie tunes started early, and the record that opened that door for me was Howard Johnson’s “So Fine.” That’s how I got into Kashif/Mighty M Productions and that whole 80’s sweetness. Then there’s Roy Ayers obviously, George Clinton, and his endless side projects—too many to list! I think you get the picture. When it comes to DJing, as already said, Paul Trouble Anderson stands out as my first true inspiration. I remember playing a mixtape I bought from him over and over in my car, and one track that really stuck with me was 'Life Goes On' by Louie Vega and Arnold Jarvis. Classic! On both the DJ and production side, I’ve gotta shout out: Dego and Kaidi (quite impossible that I don’t play at least one of their productions when djing), Theo Parrish (his residency at Plastic People in London was seminal, to say the least, there was a time when I used to go every 1st Saturday of the month), Marcellus Pittman (Boogie!) Ron Trent, Joe Claussell (Legends), and of course, my man Volcov. I’ve discovered so many tracks through him it’s ridiculous (Volcovpedia lol).
Born in the UK, based in Verona. Why did you make the move to Italy? And why Verona? Patrick: My mom’s English, and my dad’s Italian. They met in England when my dad went there to study English and ended up staying with my grandparents. I came to Italy just before starting elementary school, and we moved to Verona because my dad was finishing his studies and working there. So, Verona became home from a pretty young age. What inspired the creation of Mother Tongue Records? How did you come up with the name? Patrick: The inspiration to start Mother Tongue came from conversations with close friends and family—people like Ornella from Sounds Familiar, Enrico/Volcov, and Andrea, Mattia, Carlo and Pietro, my current partners. We kept talking about the need for a space that could bring together vinyl pressing, distribution, and a label—a hub for a community of independent music lovers who needed a place that shared their values. As for the name, 'Mother Tongue' reflects the idea of 'speaking the same language in music.' We understand the challenges of releasing music independently and the needs of independent artists and labels. Mother Tongue is all about being ‘artist-centred d and artist-controlled,' which allows us to build strong, long-term relationships based on trust. The name actually came from Everyday, an advertising agency run by my wife, Camilla. So yeah, it’s all a family affair! Who’s behind Mother Tongue Records? How did you guys meet? Patrick: There are five of us behind Mother Tongue, and we’ve been friends for ages. We used to organize events in our hometown at this old Italian villa called Roots: it was there that we got to invite many of the artists we work with today. In a way, Mother Tongue is the natural growth of a seed that was always there. Our team has since expanded with people who’ve fully embraced the cause—big ups to Gary, Max, Edo, and Susanna!
How do you discover and select artists for the label? Is there a specific genre or style of music that you focus on, or do you aim to be eclectic? Patrick: Discovering new music today is potentially easy and very accessible, but the real challenge is being in the right mindset to stay receptive—especially for me since I’m exposed to so much music every day. Actively searching for music is definitely important, but it also helps to be in an environment where you can connect with people who are on the same wavelength.As for A&R at the label, I wouldn’t say being eclectic is a goal, but we certainly don’t set genre limitations either, though we do try to have a recognizable direction musically. I think this is crucial today, and that’s true for both the label and the distribution side of Mother Tongue. If I had to sum it up in one word, it would be ‘Soulful’. Mother Tongue Records is known for its vinyl releases. What are your thoughts on the future of physical media in the music industry? Patrick: I believe vinyl will always be the preferred physical medium for music. It’s a niche, but one of those things that will always have a following and a unique charm, tied to the craft and dedication involved in producing it. This is especially true in the world of independent music—having your own music pressed onto a physical format is irreplaceable for an artist, just like buying a record in a shop is for a music lover. I also think that younger generations, in an increasingly digital world, will play a key role in keeping this culture alive. Could you have ever started Mother Tongue Records in the UK? Patrick: I suppose so yes, but the right people were here in Verona so the UK wasn’t an option. I think it’s key to surround yourself with people you trust, who understand and share the same vision and purpose..especially when you invest your life and everything you have into doing what you love. How do you envision Mother Tongue evolving over the next five years? Patrick: I see Mother Tongue expanding its community by broadening the range of services we offer to support the music and the artists we work with. The goal is to become a go-to hub for independent artists and labels, where we not only handle vinyl pressing and physical distribution, but also digital distribution, content creation to help push the music that comes through us, and support with licensing and advice on the best ways to present their music to the world. What advice would you give to someone looking to start their own independent record label? Patrick: Play the long game and don’t rush it. Start with at least 2 or 3 releases in the pipeline; keeping a steady release pace is key. It takes time to get things rolling and figure out your musical direction. Make sure you carve out the time to really dive into your work, listen, study, and most of all, take it seriously! Looking back at 5 years of Mother Tongue Records, what are some of your most memorable moments? Patrick: There are so many moments that I’ll never forget, but at the top of the list has to be pressing our first record in February 2019. That was a huge milestone. However, I’d say the greatest satisfaction comes from two things: working with artists and labels that have always been pillars in our scene, and being a platform for new and upcoming artists and labels, making it easier for them to release their music. This is exactly what I was looking for personally but never found—a place where artists are truly at the center, run by people who understand what it means to release music independently. What is your favorite record to play in front of a crowd at the moment? Patrick: An edited version of Quango “Frantic Moment” (Boogie mix). Looking ahead, what can we expect from Mother Tongue Records and Patrick Gibin in the future? Patrick: Funny enough I haven’t released a record on the label yet, so that’s in the works! Plenty of music, exciting projects & collabs coming, keep an eye out! Thanks for the inspiring conversation, Patrick! ________ Editor: Levy Duym
