Because Music, one of the leading European independent label groups, behind acts such as Christine and the Queens, Major Lazer, Justice, Metronomy and Shygirl, has entered an exclusive partnership with David and Stephen Dewaele – AKA SOULWAX / 2MANYDJS – to create a new joint venture for the next phase of their label DEEWEE.

Because will provide marketing and promotional muscle, with DEEWEE utilising Because’s robust infrastructure to develop their artists’ profiles as well as the label’s own brand. Because will digitally distribute DEEWEE directly via Merlin-agreed deals, with global physical distribution through Virgin Music Label & Artist Services.

The joint venture will cover all future releases and first out of the traps is ‘Foundations’, a 27-track compilation album featuring three exclusive new songs. ‘Foundations’ is DEEWEE’s 50th release and will capture the label’s history to date, with tracks united by hands-on artistry and the sonic craftsmanship of the Dewaele brothers themselves. Released on May 7 on triple vinyl (as well as 2CD and digitally), DEEWEE’s art directors Ill-Studio have created a gorgeous artefact that collectors will love.

Accompanying the announcement of the compilation is one of the exclusive tracks and the brand new single from Belgium-Caribbean artist Charlotte Adigery. “Bear With Me (and I’ll stand bare before you)” is a song about both isolation and connection. With fractured disco production and soul-baring lyrics, it’s a beautiful statement of life in this strangest of eras and Adigéry’s first new music since her critically acclaimed 2019 breakout EP Zandoli.

With over two decades in dance music and a slew of remixes under their belts, the DEEWEE label is named after the Grammy-nominated brothers’ studio built in their hometown of Ghent, conceived of to bring their musical friends from around the world to work and collaborate together. “This idea of having a building," explains Stephen, "gave us the idea of, OK we could do this label, but everything on it has to go through this mixing desk, through our hands, and we have to be involved from the beginning. It was never going to just be someone sends us a demo and asks us to release it!".

Emmanuel de Buretel, Because Music founder & CEO, commented on the JV: “What David & Stephen have created with the label extends beyond any other model – they have built (literally and figuratively) an original and highly creative space, one that prioritises artistry and provides a unique, familial home for artists in which to experiment and develop under their guiding hand providing great production and experience. Because Music shares similar values in terms of prioritising creativity and artist development and so we see this as a very natural collaboration and look forward to building success together.”