Paul Oakenfold’s Perfecto Documentary – Urban Rebel PR Interview
On Thursday 19th June, London’s Sanctum Hotel in Soho hosted an intimate screening of ‘Perfecto: How Dance Music Changed the World.’ A landmark new documentary celebrating 35 years of one of electronic music’s most iconic imprints, it saw industry professionals gather with media and Perfecto family for a special evening, where we also spoke to label head Paul Oakenfold.
Recently premiered as part of the debut Cine International Film Festival, the film charts the rise and cultural impact of Paul Oakenfold’s trailblazing Perfecto Records – a label that didn’t just shape the soundtrack of a generation, but helped define the very DNA of global club culture. “We started off as a small dance label and has dance music grew, we grew with it. We’re still an indie label, with over 10 million records sold. It’s a scene we’ve seen develop and grow and Perfecto will grow with the scene, and provide a home for any artist around the world.“
Since its inception in 1989, Perfecto has grown to become a internationally acclaimed brand that includes events, streetwear, a globally syndicated radio show and of course a much loved record label that over the last 35 years has released music from the likes of David Guetta, Tiësto, Carl Cox, Marc Almond, Pharrell Williams, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Ice Cube, Nelly Furtado, Grace and many more, but it’s a particular Grace track that Oakenfold feels sums up Perfecto the best. “I’d have to go with ‘Not Over Yet’ with Grace, as the title sums it up – It’s not over yet! That was one of our biggest hits.”
It’s not just the music that Perfecto have given to the electronic world, but events also. “Standout moments, I’d say – the first Perfecto University tour. Mount Everest is up there. Stonehenge too.” As Paul reflects, he also expresses where he would love to take the sound next. “Antarctica, to bring attention to a very serious situation: global warming“.
So where will Perfecto be in the next 35 years? As the industry grows and changes, Perfecto has adapted too whilst still staying true to its original sound. “It’s a scene we’ve seen develop and grow and Perfecto will grow with the scene and provide a home for any artist around the world.”
The full documentary ‘Perfecto: How Dance Music Changed the World‘ will be available to stream later this year.