Contributing Writer
London talent ABEL opens a new chapter with the launch of her imprint, Laundry Label, debuting it with her single ‘Slow Steady’. After carving out a name with her infectious sets and rising global profile, she’s creating a home for feel-good house and fresh talent in unconventional spaces. Today, we sit down with ABEL to talk about her journey, the vision behind her label and her plans for the future.
2025 has been a big year for you with appearances at KOKO, Gallery Club, Fabric, and Zamna Tulum, alongside releases on labels like Circus, Nervous and Bedrock Records. How does it feel looking back on the year?
Well I was pregnant most of the year which certainly put a twist on things! I’ve still been very non-stop but I’ve had to pick and choose shows more carefully. Funnily enough, it was exactly what I needed and where I’m headed is even clearer now and I feel more driven than ever.
You’re not just a DJ and producer, but also a songwriter and vocalist — how do those different sides of your artistry come together when you’re creating music?
I started out almost ten years ago top lining and writing full length songs to instrumentals for other artists. Once I started my own artist project and got more into the production side of things, this took a back seat and I’m probably more focused on club records and simpler vocal hooks these days. I still do write songs though and I find writing and recording them in my studio is a great way to escape. It’s also a cool opportunity to collaborate with artists who perhaps wouldn’t have approached me otherwise in such early stages of my career.
As someone who sings on your own tracks, do you find that being a vocalist changes the way you connect with the crowd compared to when you’re purely DJing?
I prefer the “if you know you know” approach with my vocals. Doing a live set is not a priority for me at the moment, maybe one day though.
When you’re creating music, do you think more in terms of emotions, movement, or storytelling — and how do those elements guide your process?
I envisage exactly what I would want to hear on the dancefloor and that guides me. Sometimes this will unfold into a story, sometimes it’s a simple hook and an unrelenting groove. The record needs to stir an emotion within me and transport me somewhere else when I’m sitting in the studio. Then I know I’m on to something.
Your sound has been described as hypnotic and immersive, but also rooted in groove and energy. How would you personally define the essence of the sound of ‘ABEL’?
I like to find the perfect combination of darkness and light. It’s deep, driving and vibrant and yes it definitely hits the spot in terms of groove and energy.
You’ve recently collaborated with Kadosh, Cristina Lazic and Cameron Jack and have more exciting partnerships in the pipeline. What do you look for when choosing collaborators?
Choosing collaborators, I need to love the artist and love their sound. For example I teamed up with Cristina Lazic as I adore her as an artist and a person. I love her minimal sound and we compliment each other well. We put out a release on her own label La Zic and one on Bedrock with Francesco Mami, two seriously talented Italians! Cristina and I have a lot in common, we’re both mums working our butts off in the industry. It’s not easy out there but we support each other through the ups and the downs and have a serious giggle sharing stories of mad experiences along the way.
The London scene has played a big role in your journey so far. What makes the city’s underground unique to you, and how has it influenced your music?
There are some really special venues in London where the crowds roar with passion and really settle in for a journey. London folk know how to have a good night. They don’t mess about. In the past few months I’ve had the pleasure of; a 4 hour set in the theatre at KOKO, my return to Fabric, playing Gallery Club with Damian Lazarus and Unlocked with Adam Ten. Shows in my hometown always hit the spot. The underground is solid here as you have great freedom to develop your sound because the crowds are so receptive and the characters behind the scenes are really supportive and dedicated to the scene.
Beyond the studio and the clubs, it feels like you’re preparing to open a new chapter in your career. What can you tell us about what’s coming up later this year? What can fans expect?
I’ve just launched my new label LAUNDRY LABEL with Mixmag LAB from a launderette during ADE. It went OFF! The label will release music from myself and my favourite artists, as well as hosting a party series from launderettes across the world.
With the label now in motion, what kind of sonic identity do you imagine defining LAUNDRY LABEL? Is it an extension of your own sound, or something that opens up a new lane entirely?
The sound is hypnotic, groove driven house and indie dance. Records that have punch to them but are uplifting and combine emotion and energy. I often make darker wonky records but this is more on the “banger” side of things. An outlet for deep driving yet joyful music that keeps you moving and can often surprise you.
As you start shaping the first wave of releases, what are you looking for in artists you might sign or champion through LAUNDRY LABEL? What tells you someone fits the world you’re building?
Good people who play good music. Unique artists who excite me and who’s records immediately prick my ears. I want to build a family and a network of like minded artists who can all support each other in this WILD industry.
With releases across respected imprints and a busy tour schedule, what’s the bigger picture for ABEL — what are you hoping to build over the next couple of years?
I can’t wait to build my library of releases. To keep evolving my sound and to build a community of cool, dynamic and good spirited people to share music and moments with (through LAUNDRY LABEL). To feel like I’m ‘breaking through’ after so many years of hard work. To keep travelling the world on this brilliant adventure, meeting so many amazing characters and laughing along the way.
Lastly, if your upcoming projects had a visual identity or atmosphere, like a film scene or an artwork, how would you describe them?
Oh some of dark sultry psychedelic launderette I guess? Industrial but warm. Dimly lit but inviting. Smoke, red neon and an open door enticing you in…
Follow ABEL
Instagram – Soundcloud
