Power Tools was established in July 2001, by London DJ and producer Ant. Back then the label was part of the Kinetec Records/Infectious Distribution camp. Sales proved the label had established itself nicely within the first year, until the unfortunate collapse of Infectious Distribution in 2002. Power Tools was effectively out of business. But, in April 2003, almost a year since the last release with Infectious (PT 011 “Chainsaw Massacre”), the Stay Up Forever Collective took the label on board, and with distribution from Amato, Power Tools returned to the shelves with Powertools012 “Ain’t No Stoppin’ This”.

Although its roots lie firmly within the “Acid Techno” camp, Power Tools has, and continues to take the “acid” sound further with a fresher, more updated approach to the music. Most releases feature heavy techno loops forming the main drive. Varied styles of synths and effects tend to replace the 303’s and cleverly programmed breakdowns and arrangements all define the label for what it is, a powerful tool for DJ’s that is guaranteed to provoke a crowd reaction. As with most labels that are owned and run by the main featuring artist(s), in this case, Ant, a greater sense of freedom to create a more personal feel of music can be obtained.

Ant uses Power Tools as a platform to achieve this, which helps to create the defining style of the label. As many artists will know, releasing material for other labels may involve a compromise, or a slight change of musical style.

As the label provides the opportunity for Ant to release a more personal style of techno, he has carefully chosen who to work with when writing for Power Tools, selecting other DJ’s and producers who have a like-minded approach to the music, such as Chris Liberator, James Kinetec, Kenichi Niwayama and Sterling Moss.

Now firmly established with the Stay Up Forever Collective and Amato Distribution, the label will still continue to produce essential DJ tools from Ant and a host of other artists, national and international, always maintaining and evolving the unique and particular sound that Power Tools is known for.