Label Lounge: James Dexter on a decade of Inermu and the story behind ‘Here Now’
- Undrtone Blog
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Ten years into Inermu, James Dexter finds himself in a rare position. His imprint feels stable and self-assured at a time when the minimal and deep tech world keeps shifting. The anniversary arrives alongside his debut album Here Now, creating a moment that sums up what the label has stood for since the beginning.
Ask him what kept Inermu consistent, and he answers without hesitation. “When I’m signing records, I always ask myself — is it unique, is it groovy, and will I still want to play it in ten years’ time?” That filter has shaped the catalogue from the early days through to the present. It explains why Inermu never drifted from its identity even as the surrounding scene changed pace.
The label started with far simpler intentions. “Honestly, when I first started the label, it was just an outlet for my own music. Some of the stuff I was making didn’t quite fit with other labels, but I believed in it and wanted to get it out there.” What grew from that small idea became something much wider. Inermu began working with emerging talents, well-known artists, and people who shaped the deeper end of the international house scene.
James always kept the process organic. “Sometimes it comes through existing connections and mutual support, other times it’s new artists sending demos. I’m always checking the inbox for new artists who are making great music but might not have had many releases or support.” That approach explains how names like ANOTR, Chris Stussy, Djebali, Tuccillo and Mihai Popoviciu ended up on the roster while newcomers still found room to shine.
Here Now arrives with perfect timing. “Creatively, it felt like the right moment to put together my first album — but it also lined up perfectly with the ten-year anniversary.” The project captures the full spectrum of his sound. He wanted it to be complete, layered, and reflective of his evolution. “The album is a proper reflection of me as an artist: deep tracks, groovy ones, and a few more upbeat moments too.”
His personal favourite, Reese’s Groove, sits at the centre of the release. “There’s just something about the groove and the sounds I’ve used in that track — it really captures what I’m about as an artist.” You hear that same instinct across Feels, Sunday Service, Back To The Sunshine and the rest of the record. Every track moves with intent. Nothing feels rushed.
Running a label for a decade brings its own lessons. “Space between releases can actually be a good thing. You don’t need to put something out just for the sake of it. Giving music time to breathe builds anticipation and lets people sit with the release.” That thought shaped the approach to the album and the plans that follow.
The ten-year celebration at fabric London marked a high point. “Celebrating at fabric was amazing. It’s my favourite club in London, and somewhere I’ve been going since I first started clubbing. We’ve done a number of Inermu showcases there now, so it felt like the perfect place to celebrate.” With Janeret, Jack Swift, Parsec and Farzala joining him, it underlined the imprint’s impact on the capital.
The wider sound is shifting. “Yeah, things have definitely sped up in the last couple of years — the tempo, the energy, the way people release music. I think we’ll see it slow down again and become moodier and more underground.” Inermu does not follow trends. “I focus on individuality of the artists,” he says. That consistency allows the label to evolve without losing its centre.
Physical culture still plays a role. “Digital releases make the music more accessible, but that’s also why I started Inermu Wax. It gives me a space to put out the deeper, more underground stuff for the vinyl collectors.” That balance mirrors the way DJs connect with his music in the club and online.
His advice to anyone thinking about starting a label now is simple. “Have your first few releases planned out before launching. You only get one shot at a first impression.” Looking ahead, he plans to let the album breathe. “No more releases this year. But 2026 will bring more music from me and other artists, plus more Inermu showcases.” A decade in, the vision feels as steady as ever.