Astralwerks

Last updated

Astralwerks
Astralwerks logo.svg
Parent company EMI (1993–2013)
Universal Music Group (2013–present)
Founded1993 (1993)
FounderBrian Long
Distributor(s)
Genre Electronic
Country of originUnited States
Location Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Official website astralwerks.com

Astralwerks (or Astralwerks Records) is an American record label primarily focused on electronic music that is now owned by Universal Music Group. Its material is distributed via Capitol Music Group in the United States. The label was founded in 1993 and, in its early years, featured prominent British acts like The Future Sound of London, Fatboy Slim and The Chemical Brothers. In recent years, its roster has expanded to include acts like Halsey, Marshmello, Porter Robinson, Illenium, Zhu and numerous others. In 2018, Astralwerks' headquarters were moved from its original home of New York City to Los Angeles. [1]

Contents

History

Astralwerks was founded in New York City in July 1993 [2] by Brian Long as an electronic and dance imprint of Caroline Records. [3] Long had previously helped curate an electronic music compilation that was released on Caroline called Excursions in Ambience. [2] Caroline's parent company, Virgin Records, sold the label to Thorn EMI soon after Astralwerks' foundation. [4] The first album released on Astralwerks was Tales of Ephidrina by Amorphous Androgynous, an alter ego of The Future Sound of London. In 1994, Peter Wohelski was brought on as the head of A&R. Wohelski is credited with discovering the Chemical Brothers and bringing them into the Astralwerks fold. Their 1995 debut studio album, Exit Planet Dust , sold 750,000 copies in the United States. [3] The duo's 1997 follow-up, Dig Your Own Hole , reached number 14 on the Billboard 200 chart. [2]

Other albums released under Astralwerks in its first five years included Seefeel's Quique (1994), Soul Oddity's Soul Oddity (1996), μ-Ziq's Lunatic Harness (1997), Photek's Modus Operandi (1997), [2] and Fatboy Slim's You've Come a Long Way, Baby (1998), among many others. [5] 1999 saw the releases of Basement Jaxx's Remedy [2] and Cassius' 1999 , the latter of which had three singles peak in the top 30 of the U.S. Dance chart. [5] That year, Peter Wohelski also left his position as general manager of the label [6] and was replaced by Errol Kolosine. [7] In the early 2000s, Astralwerks releases included Air's 2001 album, 10 000 Hz Legend (which reached number 88 on the Billboard 200) and the 2003 re-issue of Motorbass' Pansoul . [2] In 2005, the label released Kraftwerk's first live album, Minimum-Maximum , and a Brian Eno compilation called, More Music for Films . [5]

In 2007, EMI reorganized its distribution arm, which ultimately saw Glenn Mendlinger take over for Errol Kolosine as the label's general manager. [8] In 2009, the label released David Guetta's One Love . The lead single off that album, "When Love Takes Over," would go on to win a Grammy Award. In 2012, the label released Swedish House Mafia's Until Now which featured the single "Don't You Worry Child." The album reached number 14 on the Billboard 200 while the single made it to number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. [5]

That year, the Universal Music Group (UMG) purchased EMI, bringing Astralwerks under UMG control where it remains today. [9] As part of the corporate restructuring, Astralwerks became an imprint under the Capitol Music Group. [10] In 2013, the label signed both Porter Robinson [11] and Deadmau5 (along with his Mau5trap imprint). [12] The following year, Astralwerks signed singer Halsey to a record deal. [13] Also that year, Robinson released his debut studio album, Worlds [14] and Deadmau5 also released his Astralwerks debut, While(1<2) . [15] Halsey's debut studio album, Badlands , came in 2015 and peaked at number 2 on the Billboard 200. Her 2017 follow-up, Hopeless Fountain Kingdom , would top the chart. [16]

2018–present: Relaunch and relocation

In 2018, it was announced that Astralwerks would move from New York City to its current home base of Los Angeles. [1] Glenn Mendlinger also stepped down as general manager [17] and was replaced by Toby Andrews. [18] In September 2018, the label announced that it had "relaunched" with a spate of new signings and a new staff at their Los Angeles offices. The new signings included Axwell & Ingrosso and Illenium. Marshmello, another recent Astralwerks signee, released the song "Happier" featuring Bastille which reached number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped several Billboard charts. [19] In October 2018, the label partnered with gaming personality Ninja on a compilation album [20] that was released in December and featured original songs from Tycho, Alesso, and 3lau, among others. [21] In 2021, Astralwerks and Blue Note Records collaborated on a series of jazz/electronica albums titled Bluewerks. [22]

In 2023, it was announced that AstralWerks would enter into a partnership with SIZE Records, distributing all of the label's future recordings in addition to handling its back catalog prior to the distribution deal. [23] [24]

Discography

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jeff D'Agostino</span> American singer

Jeff D'Agostino is an American actor, singer, songwriter, and musician; professionally known as the recording artist Oekiin. After becoming an established TV and film actor, D'Agostino began a career in music. He signed to Rock Mafia Records in 2011, and was signed to Interscope Records by Co-Founder and former Chairman/C.E.O Jimmy Iovine in 2012. He has collaborated on songs with artist/producer Timbaland and DJ/producer Illenium.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Deadmau5</span> Canadian music producer and DJ (born 1981)

Joel Thomas Zimmerman, known professionally as deadmau5, is a Canadian electronic music producer and DJ. He mainly produces progressive house and electro house music, though he also produces and DJs other genres of electronic music, including techno under the alias Testpilot. Zimmerman has received seven Grammy Award nominations for his work.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Strobe (instrumental)</span> 2009 single by Deadmau5

"Strobe" is an instrumental by Canadian electronic music producer Deadmau5. It was released as the sixth and final single from his fourth studio album, For Lack of a Better Name, on 3 September 2009. It charted at numbers 128 and 13 on the UK Singles Chart and UK Dance Chart. The track featured on Deadmau5's greatest hits album, 5 Years of Mau5; a live version was featured on the iTunes version of Album Title Goes Here; and an orchestral version was featured on Where's the Drop?.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Porter Robinson</span> American electronic musician (born 1992)

Porter Weston Robinson is an American DJ and electronic music producer. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, and raised in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Robinson began producing electronic music during his adolescence. He signed to Skrillex's record label OWSLA at the age of 18 and released the extended play Spitfire in 2011. He appeared on Billboard's 21 Under 21 list in 2012.

Mau5trap is a Canadian independent record label founded in 2007 by electronic music producer Deadmau5. The label was formerly a vanity label, hosting releases through labels such as Ultra Music, Virgin Records, and Astralwerks.

<i>While(1 Is Less Than 2)</i> 2014 studio album by Deadmau5

While(1<2) is the seventh studio album by Canadian electronic music producer Deadmau5, released on June 17, 2014 by Mau5trap, Virgin EMI and Astralwerks, his only album to be released by the latter.

<i>Worlds</i> (Porter Robinson album) 2014 studio album by Porter Robinson

Worlds is the debut studio album by the American electronic music producer Porter Robinson, released on August 12, 2014, by Astralwerks. Initially known for his heavier bass-centric production, Robinson became increasingly dissatisfied with the electronic dance music (EDM) genre, believing it limited his artistic expression. In 2012, Robinson released his first song with a greater emphasis on melody, "Language", and decided thereafter to prioritize aesthetic and emotional qualities in his work. He was inspired by media that evoked nostalgia for his childhood, and wrote music integrating elements taken from anime, films, and sounds from 1990s video games.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Colleen D'Agostino</span> American musician and singer-songwriter

Colleen Marie D'Agostino is an American musician and singer-songwriter from Simi Valley, California. In 2005, while attending San Diego State University she formed The Material. They released their first EP entitled Tomorrow on September 1, 2007. After six years recording and touring with The Material, Colleen started an electropop side project called With Beating Hearts. The first With Beating Hearts EP was released on October 11, 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Attlas</span> Musical artist

Jeff Hartford, better known by his stage name Attlas, is a Canadian DJ, electronic music producer and musician. Hartford is known for his progressive house and electronica releases on the electronic label mau5trap and has often appeared the label's We are Friends album series. He has released three albums, five extended plays, and several other singles and has received two Juno Award nominations over the course of his career. He is also half of the group Sun Lo with Richard Walters.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rezz</span> Ukrainian–Canadian DJ and record producer

Isabelle Rezazadeh, who is known by her stage name Rezz, is a Ukrainian–Canadian DJ and record producer from Niagara Falls, Ontario.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Let Go (Deadmau5 song)</span> 2016 single by Deadmau5 featuring Grabbitz

"Let Go" is a song by Canadian electronic music producer Deadmau5, featuring vocals from American producer Grabbitz. It was released as the second and final single from his eighth studio album W:/2016Album/. It was released exclusively on his record label Mau5trap on November 18, 2016.

Patrick Cybulski, known by his stage name K?d, is an American electronic musician and DJ. He is known for his single "Lose Myself", which charted on the US Billboard Dance/Mix Show Airplay at #40, as well as his single "Distance", which peaked at #16 on the aforementioned chart. He is also known for his remixes of popular electronic songs, most significantly "Doin' It Right" by Daft Punk and "Renaissance" by Steve James.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rezz discography</span>

Ukrainian–Canadian record producer and DJ Rezz has released four studio albums, five extended plays (EPs), and 38 singles. Her 2015 debut EP was released through Owsla's subsidiary Nest HQ. Afterwards, her music was released through the independent record label mau5trap, her own HypnoVizion Records, and most recently RCA Records.

The following is a comprehensive list of releases from Canadian independent record label Mau5trap.

<i>Wheres the Drop?</i> 2018 compilation album by Deadmau5

Where's the Drop? is an orchestral compilation album by Canadian electronic music producer Deadmau5. The album comprises re-imagined orchestral arrangements of his previous work, in collaboration with Gregory Reveret. It was released through Mau5trap, initially exclusively on the music streaming service Tidal on March 30, 2018. The album was released on other digital download services and on vinyl on June 29, 2018. A remix album, containing remixes of the tracks by various other artists, entitled Here's the Drop!, was released on October 4, 2019.

<i>Mau5ville: Level 1</i> 2018 EP / compilation album by Deadmau5

Mau5ville: Level 1 is an extended play (EP) and compilation album by Canadian electronic music producer Deadmau5. It was released on July 13, 2018, through his record label Mau5trap. The release features "Monophobia", a collaboration with Australian singer and musician Rob Swire, with remixes, as well as original songs by DJs Getter and GTA. Two follow-up EPs, Mau5ville: Level 2 and Mau5ville: Level 3, were released in November 2018 and February 2019 respectively.

<i>Ascend</i> (Illenium album) 2019 studio album by Illenium

Ascend is the third studio album by American DJ and music producer Illenium, released on August 16, 2019, through Astralwerks, making it his major-label debut and his only album on the label. The album features six singles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tinlicker</span> Dutch electronic music duo

Tinlicker is a Dutch electronic music group from Utrecht comprising Micha Heyboer and Jordi van Achthoven. Formed in 2012, they have released music on labels such as Anjunadeep, mau5trap, Astralwerks, and Armada. They have played festivals including Mysteryland, Creamfields, Tomorrowland, and Ultra.

i_o (musician) American DJ and record producer (1990–2022)

Garrett Falls Lockhart, known professionally by his stage name i_o, was an American techno DJ and record producer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rezzmau5</span> Canadian electronic music duo

Rezzmau5 is a Canadian electronic music supergroup composed of musicians Rezz and Deadmau5.

References

  1. 1 2 "Toby Andrews named GM of Astralwerks as label moves to Los Angeles". Music Business Worldwide. March 27, 2018. Retrieved May 28, 2021.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Sherburne, Philip (July 30, 2013). "20 Werks of Wonder: Two Decades of Astralwerks". Spin. Retrieved April 10, 2019.
  3. 1 2 Matos, Michaelangelo (August 18, 2011). "How The Major Labels Sold 'Electronica' To America". NPR. Retrieved April 10, 2019.
  4. ↑ Down, Buck E. (February 7, 2019). "MUSIC: Combine to be honored with Lifetime Award". VEER Magazine. Retrieved April 10, 2019.
  5. 1 2 3 4 "The 20 Most Important Artists on Astralwerks". Complex. August 6, 2013. Retrieved April 10, 2019.
  6. ↑ Echlin, Hobey (April 28, 1999). "pitch'd". Metro Times. Retrieved April 10, 2019.
  7. ↑ Siegler, Dylan (June 12, 1999). "Astralwerks' Chemical Brothers Aim Beyond Dancefloor". Billboard. Retrieved April 10, 2019.
  8. ↑ Gallo, Phil (February 2, 2007). "Caroline faces changes". Variety. Retrieved April 10, 2019.
  9. ↑ Ingham, Tim (December 6, 2016). "Steve Barnett on running Capitol: 'Your faith has to be greater than your fear'". Music Business Worldwide. Retrieved April 10, 2019.
  10. ↑ Lewis, Randy (February 3, 2015). "A revitalized Capitol Records forges a new path forward". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved April 10, 2019.
  11. ↑ Caruso, Chris (November 15, 2013). "Porter Robinson Signs Worldwide Deal with Astralwerks". DJ Times. Retrieved April 10, 2019.
  12. ↑ McCarthy, Zel (October 14, 2013). "Astralwerks Signs Deadmau5, mau5trap Imprint". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved April 10, 2019.
  13. ↑ "Halsey Signs to Astralwerks". Music Connection. August 1, 2014. Retrieved April 10, 2019.
  14. ↑ Brown, Harley (June 30, 2014). "'I Expected a Backlash': Porter Robinson Talks 'Virtual' Music, Denouncing EDM, and Online Games". Billboard. Retrieved April 10, 2019.
  15. ↑ Staples, Derek (June 22, 2014). "deadmau5 – while(1<2)". Consequence of Sound. Retrieved April 10, 2019.
  16. ↑ Caulfield, Keith (June 11, 2017). "Halsey Earns First No. 1 Album on Billboard 200 Chart With 'Hopeless Fountain Kingdom'". Billboard. Retrieved April 10, 2019.
  17. ↑ Newman, Melinda (February 23, 2018). "Legendary NYC Dance Label Astralwerks Headed to LA; GM Glenn Mendlinger To Depart (Exclusive)". Billboard. Retrieved April 10, 2019.
  18. ↑ Manthey, Aric M. (March 30, 2018). "Astralwerks Finds New Manager to Oversee Label". EDM.com. Retrieved April 10, 2019.
  19. ↑ Bein, Kat (September 11, 2018). "Acclaimed Label Astralwerks Relaunches With New Team, Major Signings". Billboard. Retrieved April 10, 2019.
  20. ↑ Bein, Kat (October 26, 2018). "Ninja Partners With Astralwerks to Release Upcoming 'Ninjawerks' Album". Billboard. Retrieved April 10, 2019.
  21. ↑ "Ninja and Astralwerks Reveal Full Tracklist for Ninjawerks Compilation". EDM.com. December 10, 2018. Retrieved April 10, 2019.
  22. ↑ Paul, Larisha (February 26, 2021). "Astralwerks And Blue Note Records Launch 'Bluewerks' Series". uDiscover Music. Retrieved June 2, 2021.
  23. ↑ Bain, Katie (July 20, 2023). "Steve Angello's SIZE Records Enters Into Partnership With Astralwerks". Billboard. Retrieved September 14, 2023.
  24. ↑ Belisle, Alex (July 22, 2023). "Steve Angello's SIZE Records Partner Up With Astralwerks". EDMTunes. Retrieved September 14, 2023.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.