“Disabilities are so vast and unique to every individual. People have different wants, needs, access needs, learning abilities, physical abilities and so much more. Therefore, like you would in real life, we will be working with our artists on an individual basis. Everyone deserves their chance at succeeding. We are not expecting the artists we work with to be the same. We understand that disabilities are complex. We are here to support, whatever that looks like for that specific person.”
An exciting new label has launched this month: Optivus Music, a not-for-profit multi-genre label that wants to give space, a voice and break down barriers for all artists with disabilities. All proceeds from the label will go to relevant causes, with the Child Brain Injury Trust being the first charity of their focus.
Kicking off with Miss Medik‘s beautiful string-surged deep dnb track Just A Thought on September 5, the label was founded by London-based producer Nick Gillet-Hayman. Best known in music as Rid Production or Rid, Nick’s music has been released on the likes of Holographic Audio, DNBB and Liquid Flow. However these accomplishments were unimaginable back in 2012 when Nick suffered a brain injury which has led to numerous health challenges including being blind in one eye and deaf in one ear. He also has epilepsy and experiences fatigue and forgetfullness.
“It’s not just about what is happening or happened to me physically,” explains Nick. “It’s the knock on effect my injury has had on my life, my family and my friends. Day to day, new challenges arise, but I work hard with the love and support from my family and friends to overcome these challenges and move forward in the best way possible.”
For Nick music has been a powerful healer. He explains how producing, DJing and listening has been a significant light at the end of the tunnel and a consistent source of catharsism and escapsim during the darkest of times. Now he wishes to share that light with all other artists who live with any kind of disability, citing that there are few – if any – labels sharing the same meaningful objective.
“I’m fed up with there being few platforms specifically for disabled producers and artists in dance music,” states Nick. “There are big movements and campaigns around diversity, and yet disabilities rarely get a mention. We are seeing amazing initiatives for female DJs and producers, people of colour, the LGBT+ community, which is all fantastic, but not a lot is being said for disabled people. It seems like a problem too big and complex to face. As I come from a place of understanding, I see it now as an opportunity to make this change and to spearhead this initiative.”
This initiative is inclusive of all disabilities from visible conditions that are physical or sensory, to other invisble disabilities which aren’t quite so evident to others, such as cognotive or neurological. For Optivus Music the mission is about removing any stigma, breaking down barriers and levelling the playing field.
“We know of a few disabled people in the scene who haven’t felt comfortable sharing that they have a disability. From autism to brain injuries, we know that people feel the stigma, and are scared to share in case they are pigeonholed, ridiculed or that it will ruin their reputation,” he explains. “We don’t believe that people should have to share their disabilities, but we want to create a world where they want to. Where they can openly celebrate what makes them unique and in turn, give hope to others who will take inspiration from their path.”
Miss Medik is the first artist to take inspiration from this. Her single Just A Thought has been the launch release and has given her space to explain her own unique perspective and experience as a performing artist with Austism Spectrum Disorder.
“As soon as I learned about Optivus Music I knew I wanted to be a part of it,” she explains. “I think there are many misconceptions about disabled people and what our limitations are, so for a label to be showcasing disabilities of all kinds is amazing. I also love that all proceeds go to charity. People in the industry are very outgoing, which I find really intimidating, as I look like everyone else, but life is full of these extra hurdles that can make keeping going in this industry exhausting. Being part of Optivus has made me feel like I can relax a little as it shines a light on the different abilities of different people.”
Next up for Optivus Music will be a single by Rid Productions. Plenty more across all genres can be expected and the label is current encouraging demos from any artist who lives with a disability. You can submit them directly to Nick on optivusmusic@gmail.com “We’re open to any dance music genre!” Nick grins. “We’re not pigeon-holing anyone. So long as it’s got a good beat and a banging bassline, send it our way!”
A good beat, a banging bassline, a serious message and the start of a positive and highly inclusive movement. As the wider world is wrapped up in intensely divisive discourse, once again rave culture and music cuts above the noise and reminds us of what’s important in life – empathy, equality, understanding and unity.
““One voice is quiet but together we will be heard!” exclaims Nick. “We have a great outlook on life, and it’s time people saw the world through our eyes.”
The time is now. We’re really excited to see Optivus Music launch and wish them the best of luck. Follow them for updates and stay tuned for more 1 More Thing editorial support on Nick, Optivus Music and their releases in the future.
Miss Medik – Just A Thought is out now
Find out more about Optivus Music
Follow on Instagram: Optivus Music / Rid Productions / Miss Medik
