Minorie is a newly founded Groningen-based experimental folk label run by Michiel Klein (Lewsberg, Goldbrum, Sweet Tongue, JSCA). The first two releases are by Annelies Monsseré and Venediktos Templeboom.Â
skug: You recently started your own label …
Michiel Klein: It started with the idea of starting a concert series here in Groningen. I organized DIY concerts in Rotterdam for years when I lived there, but at some point, I was done with it, a bit burned out in that respect. After not having organized any concerts for a few years and after I moved back to Groningen, it eventually started to itch again. The idea immediately was to combine it with a label. I think they can feed and strengthen each other. As equal parts, where the concerts revolve around the moment and the physical experience while the releases remain accessible for longer and everyone can experience it on their own terms and at their own chosen moments.
The label is called Minorie.
It is a reference to »The Two Sisters«, a murder ballad from the 18th century. I got to know the song years ago through Pentangle who recorded a version with the title »Cruel Sister« and released it in 1970 on their album of the same name. It is one of my favourite albums from that time. For me it represents both the traditions in folk music and the unique and contemporary twist that I think is essential. The dark and tragic atmosphere and theme of the song also appeal to me.
What kind of music do you want to release on Minorie?
With Minorie I want to explore the interface between folk and experimental music. The tension between the past and the contemporary or modern, between tradition and innovation. I am not so much concerned with genre conventions and breaking them, but with a certain approach and intention. In addition, it is nice to have a framework and identity as a label, both for myself and for the listener.
There are currently two releases on Minorie: Annelies Monseré and Venediktos Tempelboom.
Both were high on my list to be the first to invite for a performance and therefore also for a release on the label. I am glad that it worked out with both of them. Annelies Monseré performed in Vera Groningen in March and Venediktos Tempelboom in June. I am a big fan of both artists. I knew that Annelies has made quite a few EPs over the years. The format naturally generates less attention than a long player, they are often seen as snacks while that is not always the case. In fact, some artists have released their best work as EPs. I think »Nest« is an example of a very strong EP that, in my opinion, should receive some new attention and appreciation. Originally released on vinyl by Morc, it has now been given a second life on cassette. »Huys Opnamen« by Venediktos Tempelboom is a slightly different case. This release is a selection from Home Recordings 2019–2020 that he himself put online a few years ago, without paying much attention to it. That release has been cast in a new form and released in a new context on Minorie. From a kind of audio dump or reference work to a full-fledged album with a specific selection, order and tension arc. Whether it has an added value compared to the original release, people can decide for themselves, but personally I am very happy with this form of »Huys Opnamen«.
What are your further future plans with the label?
The next two releases will be by Roxane Métayer and Marijn Filius. Roxane will perform in Vera Groningen in September, just like De Vlaamse Primitieven. She is a multidisciplinary artist who works with drawings, sculptures and video for which she often makes the soundtracks herself. It is a selection from these soundtracks that will be released on cassette by Minorie. Marijn Filius is a guitarist from Arnhem who I invited to play during the first edition of Minorie. We had met shortly before through a mutual friend. I was not familiar with his music at the time, and I was pleasantly surprised by what I heard. We then distilled an album together from a number of his recent improvisations. »Als de Nachtwind Die Fluistert Door De Spichtige Halmen Der Duingras« will be released this fall on tape and digital formats. In 2025, two more concerts are planned in Vera Groningen. On September 10 with Roxane Métayer and De Vlaamse Primitieven and on October 15 with Lukas de Clerk and Soccer Committee. In addition, there are concrete plans to organize Minorie concert evenings in De Doelen in Rotterdam in the short term.
