Dusky and the Foundation of 17 Steps

When Nick Harriman and Alfie Granger-Howell, the London-based duo known as Dusky, launched their record label 17 Steps in 2014, it was a move that felt both natural and necessary. For years, Dusky had been honing a sound that blended house, garage, and techno, resonating deeply with club-goers and electronic music fans worldwide. Yet, as their reputation grew, they found themselves craving a space that would not only accommodate their own evolving work but also allow them to spotlight new artists who shared their vision.

17 Steps began as a platform for Dusky’s own releases, offering them greater control over their creative output and timelines. At the time, they were known for standout tracks like “Careless” and “Flo Jam,” which had solidified their place in both mainstream and underground scenes. However, they soon saw potential to expand 17 Steps beyond just their music. They wanted the label to represent the range of styles that inspired them from their earliest days listening to pirate radio in London, including house, garage, and breakbeat.

Since its inception, 17 Steps has showcased artists from across the spectrum of electronic music, releasing tracks from names like Nathan Micay, LTJ Bukem, Interplanetary Criminal, and Kassian. Dusky carefully selects each artist, balancing contributions from emerging talents with releases by established figures in the scene. This model has allowed the label to gain a reputation for quality and experimentation without straying too far from its foundational sound.

What makes 17 Steps unique in the crowded landscape of independent labels is Dusky’s commitment to creating a balance between past and present. With reissues like “Flo Jam” and collaborations on genre-focused projects, the label continues to explore Dusky’s own garage and house roots while embracing new influences from their favorite contemporary artists.

Today, 17 Steps has become a recognized platform for quality releases within electronic music. For Dusky, the label has been both a creative outlet and a meaningful way to contribute to the music community, reflecting their growth from Camden teens with a love for pirate radio to established artists with an eye on the future. In this way, 17 Steps serves not only as a record label but also as a tribute to the sounds and scenes that shaped Dusky and continue to influence their work.