Not Without Friends Launch Their Own Imprint

not without friends—the trio of Melbourne/Naarm-based DJs, Luke Alessi, William Kiss, and Jordan Brando—have launched their career with their debut single, which is being released through their own self-titled imprint.

While record labels are in charge of tasks such as publishing, manufacturing, distribution, marketing, and promotion, imprints have no formal legal business structure and operate under the umbrella of record labels. By launching their own imprint, not without friends are taking control of their artistic journey, which works well as their formation is all about celebrating connection, collaboration, and creative freedom.

According to a press release, the trio’s imprint will allow them to have complete creative control over their music, as well as a platform to release songs on their own terms. It’s a liberating move from a group that thrives with their DIY ethos and bold vision.

Marking their debut release on the not without friends imprint, the trio have dropped the fun new single without u.

The single captures the spirit of the group in just a few minutes. It’s a bright, euphoric, and enjoyable song—like their project—that was born in a makeshift studio at a grandparent’s house on the coast.

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not without friends recalled of the recording, “speakers on the coffee table, synths on the floor, laptop on the couch.”

They added, “We wanted to write something that soundtracked the Aussie summer ahead. This project is about fun, friendship, and not giving a f*ck. We like the tune, we hope you do too.”

Check out without u below.

Despite only being a year into their career, not without friends have amassed support from Barry Can’t Swim, DJ Seinfeld, Malugi, Chloé Caillet, Arielle Free, Chris Lake, Danny Howard, and Patrick Mason.

They’ve also made waves with clever pop-up shows, utilising never-before-used spaces like Heide Sculpture Park in Melbourne. Taking their music internationally, last week, they opened for RÜFÜS DU SOL at Crystal Palace Park in London.