Words: Theo Thompson, Photos: Orson Salha & Anushka Holding
In the world of underground music, few labels have made as much of an impact in just five short years as that which we have seen in EC2A. Founded by Yanis Koudjo, the label has grown into a vital force, not just known for its innovative sound, but for its dedication to creating a community where artists and supporters, ‘the pirates,’ can thrive together. This year, EC2A marks a significant milestone: its 5th anniversary, a celebration that came to life with the much-anticipated party at Bristol Underground. But this isn’t just about a celebration of five years, it’s about the spirit that’s driven EC2A from its very inception.
Yanis, who started his journey into music promotion as a young teenager, always had a deep desire to create, a desire that would lead him to build something much more than just a label. “I got into it through promoting 16-plus events when I was about 15, 16… I just wanted to do it myself,” he recalls. This hands-on approach set the tone for EC2A, a label that I see focus not just solely on the music but rather refreshingly the people behind the music. “It’s not just about the DJ… it’s about everyone in the ecosystem: the people that go, the security, the sound tech, the bar staff… that understanding shapes the label.” From its humble beginnings, EC2A‘s reach now extends far beyond its base in Bristol, with artists and ‘pirates’ spanning continents.
The name ‘EC2A’ carries a sense of history and intentionality. It is a subtle tribute to the iconic Plastic People in Shoreditch, “Plastic People, which is the club my dad was involved with, was in Shoreditch, EC2A on Curtain Road… EC2A as a name is not like such an obvious, direct reference, it’s subtle,” he shares. This nuanced connection reflects Yanis’ creative ethos; an appreciation for roots while embracing the future.
At its core, EC2A is about more than just music, it’s about building something sustainable, inclusive and empowering. And as much as Yanis has shaped this vision, he’s been careful to build a team that shares in his commitment to community. Liv Dashy, both mother of BadBitchDubz and an integral member of the EC2A team, echoes this sentiment when speaking about her own journey with the label: “I was surprised when I came, how much of the community aspect there was… you can have a label that’s full of up-and-coming talent and make it successful… it’s not headsy driven.” Liv, who has championed gender diversity and inclusivity within EC2A, highlights the label’s focus on nurturing artists rather than gatekeeping them: “We don’t want to gatekeep artists… we want to build others with and around us. We work with artists that we see potential in. And then naturally if that comes with the right nurturing, they just flourish into some of the biggest artists.”
Diversity is something EC2A embraces deeply, but it’s not just a buzzword or marketing strategy. For Yanis, it’s about genuine representation, not tokenism. “The music should do the talking… don’t scream about diversity, just do it.” This philosophy drives the label’s work, with gender diversity being a key focus. As Liv puts it, “Gender diversity is a big part of my role right now, and sometimes you have to tip the balance in the other direction to make up for the years when women and people of colour weren’t included. Reaching 50% doesn’t automatically make it fair; we’ve got to make up for lost time.” This commitment to diversity goes beyond gender, extending to the wide variety of sounds and cultures EC2A supports, crafting a platform where artists from all backgrounds can thrive.
The community-driven approach that EC2A has cultivated is also a powerful tool for mentorship. Hayliegh, who plays a key role in artist management as well as the events side of the label, shares how Yanis’ mentorship has helped many artists grow. “He believes in them… he spots talent… he really has a good ear for that.” This commitment to nurturing new talent has led to the emergence of ground breaking artists like Yemz, ESC and Skeptic, all of whom have found a supportive home at EC2A. Yanis’ approach is about empowerment, not control. He is there to guide and support, not to dictate. As Hayliegh put it just hours before ‘5 years at The Underground’, “What he’s built… selling out Bristol… like this is going to go mad… the releases coming are mental.”
Another key theme Yanis spoke so passionately on is that of the rejection of gatekeeping. The underground scene, once a space of inclusion and exploration, has often been overshadowed by exclusivity, with certain figures and cliques controlling who gets in. “When I was growing up, the vibe felt very gatekeeper-y… it’s funny now to see people who were once dismissive now blaming the scene,” Yanis reflects. EC2A, however, stands firmly against this mentality. As Liv points out, “The underground has become very headsy and I mean we [EC2A] are not headsy driven at all. And like, I think people really like that.” By fostering an open, welcoming environment, EC2A has created a space where anyone with passion and drive can find a home.
As the label celebrates its 5-year anniversary, the sense of community is palpable, with everyone coming together to honour what has been built. “Everyone on the lineup; it’s all homies first and foremost. It’s all people that came up at a similar time,” Yanis says, reflecting on the relationships that have defined EC2A. This sense of camaraderie extends to the people behind the scenes, like Hayliegh, who have seen first-hand how EC2A’s unique approach has changed the way artists interact with the industry. “It really supports emerging talent… and then in turn enables them to grow,” she says of the label’s role in providing a platform for artists to make their mark.
Looking to the future, Yanis is focused on continuing to push the boundaries, both musically and culturally. “Honestly, I’d like to see youngsters doing what I’m doing, feeling like there’s nothing stopping them from following their own path,” he says. “From a label perspective, just keep on doing what we’re doing, but with bigger budgets and more scope, so we can keep pushing the message and doing bigger things.” EC2A’s message is clear: it’s about community, diversity and supporting one another while growing together. “As long as we can maintain growth and offer opportunities to emerging artists, that’s the goal – continuing to be the driving force that pushes culture forward.” As EC2A moves forward, it remains firmly rooted in its pillars of authenticity, inclusivity and creativity that have made it such a special part of the underground scene.
The party at Bristol Underground was a celebration of more than just the label’s anniversary. It was a testament to everything EC2A stands for: the people, the music and the vibrant community that continues to flourish. For Yanis, Liv, Hayliegh and the whole EC2A family, the adventure is only starting to unfold. This is merely the beginning of something much bigger.
