Struggles and setbacks in the production of 'Resurgence': The turbulent journey behind the 7-CD Post-Punk collection from 133 Bands
The 'Resurgence' compilation, a 7CD post-punk/coldwave/synth boxset, marks a significant achievement for the labels Spleen+ and Alfa Matrix. This ambitious project, launched by Alfa Matrix in late 2022, aims to celebrate the resurgence of the cold wave, post-punk, and minimal synth musical movements.
**A Diverse and Representative Selection**
The creation of 'Resurgence' involved careful selection and curation of artists to ensure a diverse and representative sample of the post-punk and related genres. Stéphane Froidcoeur, also known as Stef Coldheart, a prominent figure in the dark music scene, played a role in scouting new talents and recommending bands for the compilation.
**Overcoming Challenges**
The production of 'Resurgence' was not without its hurdles. The project faced numerous unforeseen challenges, including a fire and electrical breakdown at the manufacturing plant, which led to further complications when parts of the job were outsourced to unreliable subcontractors. Additionally, there were serious print quality issues that necessitated reprinting parts of the box to meet the desired quality standards. These setbacks, combined with the logistical challenges of managing a large-scale project, proved frustrating for the team involved.
**A Well-Received Compilation**
Despite these challenges, the final product has been well-received by fans and featured artists alike, with many expressing positive sentiments about the compilation. The box set is available as a physical release or digital download via Bandcamp, but it will not be available on major streaming platforms like Spotify.
**The Companion Booklet**
The 'Resurgence' compilation is housed in a luxurious vinyl-sized box and includes a 28-page book of rare interviews and scene reflections. The book features insights from over 30 leading figures of the post-punk scene, including renowned producers like John Fryer and Jean-Marc Lederman, label managers, journalists, and iconic artists. The inclusion of the booklet was important to create a physical product that recreates the mood and takes some distance from the current digitalization of art and music.
First signings to Spleen+ included The Ultimate Dreamers, Hanging Freud, The Names, and The Breath of Life. Other potential candidates for a release on Spleen+ include IMJudas, Lovelorn Dolls, Star Industry, and Noemi Aurora. The Spleen+ label aims to offer a focused approach to supporting artists playing this kind of sound and reaching out to a boiling sub-scene.
The 'Resurgence' compilation spans a wide array of styles, including classic guitar-driven post-punk, goth rock, coldwave, dark synth, ethereal wave, and EBM. With 133 post-punk, cold wave, and synth artists from across the globe, 'Resurgence' offers an expansive listening experience that truly encapsulates the spirit of the post-punk and coldwave scenes.
The 'Resurgence' compilation, not only showcases a wide variety of music styles such as darksynth, ethereal wave, and EBM, but also includes an accompanying companion booklet that features insights from prominent figures in the post-punk scene, highlighting the integration of lifestyle, technology, and entertainment within the music scene.
The production process of 'Resurgence', while facing significant challenges like fires, electrical breakdowns, and print quality issues, ultimately proved successful, resulting in a physical release that embodies the rich diversity and representative nature of the post-punk and related genres, pioneered by artists like Stef Coldheart.
