Adelaide is set to lose one of its most active local independent record labels when Pilot Records wraps up its four year run, but not before a string of fitting farewells.

Officially launched in April 2012 by musicians Ben Smith and Dave Brewer, the label’s roster swiftly grew to include some prescient local signings from Adelaide’s electronic scene. Among its earliest releases was Oisima’s breakthrough EP Goddess, and since then the Pilot discography has clocked up records from Menagerie, Ride Into The Sun, Question Question and Smith and Brewer’s band Urtekk.

“As was always the case, ‘Pilot’ Records was that of beginnings – a place to start, to learn, to dip toes into the unknown and to emerge on the other side with just that little bit more wealth of musical-world experience,” the pair explain to ripitup.com.au. “It’s an ideal that has been lived both by and through the label via its collaborations, events, local artist releases and festivals.”

The label’s latest release, Menagerie’s The Letting Go

From the outset the label’s focus on events has also helped attract a solid following, with its mini-festival PilotFest curating some high-calibre South Australian lineups over the years culminating in a huge twin stage celebration at Adelaide Festival Centre’s Space Theatre in 2014. A collaboration with WOMADelaide has also helped contribute to a booming local electronic presence at the festival’s Electrolounge stage, something due to continue this year with acts like Problems, Zeequil and Datakae.

The pair were also among the first crop of local industry movers and shakers to be recognised and mentored as part of the State Government’s Robert Stigwood Fellowship program in its inaugural year.

PilotFest 2014 at Space Theatre

But, after all that, the time to quit while they’re ahead and move on to other projects has arrived. Luckily fans will be able to enjoy one last PilotFest as part of the Adelaide Fringe. Taking over Lotus Lounge on Sunday, February 21, the twin-stage festival will feature some of the producers and DJs who helped make Pilot Records’ contribution to the Adelaide scene resonate so sharply. Expect huge sets from the likes of Oisima, Luke Million, Phil Rogers, How Green and more.

After that, they’ll officially put the label to bed with its final release The Reverse Happens, the long-awaited debut long-player from Adelaide producer How Green who will preview the new record at PilotFest 2016.

It’ll be a bittersweet goodbye to a project that’s injected plenty of energy into Adelaide’s music scene, but at least we’ll have something to remember it by.

PilotFest hits Lotus Lounge on Sunday, February 21, tickets via Adelaide Fringe

RIP 2012 - 2016

PilotFest 2016 lineup

Phil Rogers
ted Empleton
How Green
Hans
No Birds
Lenin
Eric The Falcon
Sam Walker
Ocky
Luke Million (DJ set)
Oisima (DJ set)
Ezee G
Troy J Been
Brettski

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