Watt, who also co-founded the English indie-pop duo Everything but the Girl in 1982, started Buzzin’ Fly in 2003. Over the last decade, the label has put out records by Justin Martin, Pete Heller, and many others, as well as Watt himself.
Buzzin’ Fly will for now remain in existence as an archive label, to keep the back catalog in print, and will also release some retrospective packages via digital media. Strange Feeling, the label’s less beat-driven subsidiary, will continue to release any new material from Watt’s partner and ex-bandmate Tracey Thorn.
According to a statement on the label’s website,
“I loved every minute,” says label boss and founder Ben Watt, “but all good things come to an end. It simply feels like the right moment. Buzzin’ Fly was born out of my commitment to the culture of DJing and helping young artists, but these days I am edging away from it towards other challenges – a new book I’m writing, research for another one, and a long-planned solo music project.
“At heart I have always been a creative person – whether as a writer or musician – as opposed to a business person, and after ten years in clubs and in the office I need time again to focus fully on my own stuff rather than other people’s.”