Label Focus is a new series hosted by the extended Melodic Distraction family that deep dives into the life and times of the labels that have defined the sound of modern music.

From the creation of the label to the development of their sound to the present day, our community look back at the record labels that have had a notable impact on their life.

This Label Focus show is a 100% Hessle Audio mix, taking in over 15 years of UK dance music in the space of an hour.

Founded in 2007 by three friends that met at university in Leeds, Hessle Audio has given a platform to a huge range of producers, from James Blake to Anz, Blawan to Shanti Celeste, Beatrice Dillon to Joy Orbison. Those three friends are best known as Ben UFO, Pangaea and Pearson Sound.

Born from the community that formed around their 'Rufage' Sub.fm radio show and club night (which was named after a classic Loefah dubstep tune), Hessle Audio quickly established itself as one of the UK's most consistent dance music record labels. With an unpredictable edge from one release to the next, and the simplicity of the Hessle Audio branding showing no hints as to what style, form or vibe the music would take, Hessle Audio's contribution to the dance music scene from 2007 onwards is as vital as it is hard to pin down.

Through the hour-long journey through some of the label's best-known cuts, our host Kieran tries to define the label's through line that ties everything together, with help from his friend James, with whom he learned how to beatmatch and mix with the help of early Hessle Audio releases.