somebedroomdj, Jun 14, 2008
This label stands as a testament to the influence the midwest had on the worldwide hardcore/experimental scene. You know that Venetian Snares guy who's been fucking your mind for the past decade or so? Well, before he was "discovered" by Planet Mu and blew up, HOTF already knew the score and had given him his first vinyl appearance about two years before. And that right there is what was so great about this label: they took chances on talent that the rest of world hadn't yet seen.
Not worrying about releasing safe, commercially viable music allowed some really groundbreaking and interesting music to bubble up to the surface. There is a very personal feel as well, with releases being hand painted and things like that. The Snares records are classics no matter who you ask, but there are some other really great records here. The Premium Crack, ASQ and Blasphenaut records are good examples.
The way they would release these obscure artists that most people had never heard of is kind of like when you were 5 years old and your mom made you take that cough syrup that you weren't real sure about: she knew it would be better for you in the end and, if you trusted her, you'd find that out for yourself.
Respect to History Of The Future and all of the other Midwest labels who refused to play it safe.
