MW 61-70

mw061 - mw070 - headz 2

Catalogue releases MW061-MW070 continued Mo' Wax's established approach of combining diverse musical output with distinctive artist-led visual presentation. Sleeve artwork during this period drew from a wide range of creative influences, including graphic design, illustration, photography and contemporary art. As with the preceding catalogue sequences, the Mo' Wax logo became increasingly understated, often appearing only as a discreet branding element while the artwork itself took centre stage.

A broad selection of formats was issued throughout this period, including 7-inch singles, 10-inch releases, 12-inch singles, CD editions and box sets. The continued use of multiple formats reflected the label's commitment to collectors, DJs and audiophiles, while also allowing releases to be presented in increasingly creative and ambitious ways.

Musically, this period demonstrates both the growing influence of the Headz brand and the continued importance of DJ Shadow within the Mo' Wax story. Following the success of the original Headz compilations, the series expanded with Headz 2, reinforcing Mo' Wax's position at the centre of the emerging instrumental hip-hop, downtempo and electronic music scenes. More than simply a compilation series, Headz had become a defining statement of the label's musical identity, bringing together established artists and new talent under a banner that was increasingly recognised worldwide.

DJ Shadow continued to be the label's most influential and visible artist during this period. Building on the critical and commercial success of Endtroducing....., his releases remained central to the Mo' Wax catalogue and helped attract new audiences to the label. Shadow's innovative approach to sampling, production and composition had become synonymous with the Mo' Wax sound, and his growing international reputation further strengthened the label's profile during a period of significant expansion.

This era is also notable for introducing some of the label's most innovative and collectible vinyl formats. MW069L was issued as a sealed, one-sided clear vinyl 12-inch limited edition, representing one of the first examples of Mo' Wax treating the physical record itself as an art object rather than simply a music carrier. The release challenged conventional expectations of record packaging and presentation, reinforcing the label's reputation for experimentation and attention to detail.

Further innovation followed with MW070, a one-sided promotional release featuring a full Pointman etching on the reverse side. The use of etched artwork transformed the unused side of the record into a visual canvas, creating a striking fusion of graphic design and vinyl manufacturing. These releases marked the beginning of a design approach that would become increasingly popular across independent and electronic music labels in subsequent years.

The introduction of etched and speciality vinyl releases demonstrated Mo' Wax's growing focus on collectability and presentation. By treating records as desirable artefacts in their own right, the label strengthened its reputation among collectors and further blurred the boundaries between music packaging, graphic design and contemporary art.

Collectively, MW061-MW070 represents a period in which Mo' Wax consolidated its position as one of the most influential independent labels of the decade. The continued success of the Headz series, the dominance of DJ Shadow's output, and an increasing emphasis on innovative packaging and premium vinyl formats combined to create one of the strongest and most distinctive eras in the label's history.