The Rurals

The backbone of The Rurals, Andy Compton, began his musical career back in 89 playing guitar in a funk rock band (based in Nottingham). He left to pursue dance music following the now infamous Castle Morton gig, where he stumbled across the DIY tent and fell in love with deep house. After parting with his band he went back to his roots in the South West, this is when the Rural vibe all started to happen!

After organizing and playing some crazy all night parties in rural locations, booking quality DJs from all over the UK, Andy decided to join a local DJ agency. At the same time he also teamed up with Pete Morris, a top keyboard player who had just moved back from Leicester, between them they hired a local studio and started buying equipment. Soon they had enough material for their first release Space Funk E.P.

Playing out at gigs in the Warehouse Plymouth they met resident DJs Matt C and Dean Westcott, who were soon interested in the Rural vibe and joined them in the studio recording under the name "Rainbow Garden" and "Greenbelt". The results of this were sent on tape to numerous people, DIY were first to reply securing The Groove Orchard E.P.

Following this release The Rurals wanted to record under their own label so they hooked up with the guys at Ideal and formed The Rurals/Idealabel. A few sweaty years, 11 x 12"E.Ps and 1 L.P later they finally formed their own record label Peng. And with the help of new in house vocalist Marie, who added her sweet soul vocals to the Rural sound to give it a unique quality.

The Rurals label "PENG" started in February of '99 and is their main outlet for the new soul/jazz sound they've created, some other labels they've released on are LARGE (Chicago), SOCIETY HILL (Philadelphia), VIVA (Seattle), SEASONS (L.A), D.I.Y. (UK), 8TH DAY (UK), HOUSE AFRIKA (EMI South Africa, HED KANDI/JAZZ FM (Deeper and Beach House compilations.)