>> I Records
bio: After a lengthy conversation in 1993, childhood friends Joseph Ventola and George Calle decided the time was right for the creation of a collaborative musical venture in their hometown of Newark, NJ. Inspired by the 1980’s electro, hip hop and house music scenes, Ventola, a university graduate student and Calle, a long time DJ, conceptualized a record label with a singular focus…simply "the release of innovative music". With this in mind the two quickly acquired office space and put plans into motion. Shortly thereafter "i Records" was born. Their business plan was elementary with a central mission statement, "expose intuitive, innovative and influential artists via outlets all over the world concentrating more on music and less on pretense." Needless to say response was quick and effortless, as many were ready for what "i Records" served up. The label’s first release, a 5 track compilation entitled the "First Avenue EP" sold out three pressings and the duo soon realized there was no looking back. Such early success paved the way for the collaboration with Todd Edwards, and to his first major label release, "Saved My Life" (London/FFRR). This single created a torrent of activity and became one of the larger building blocks in the foundation of the UK garage scene. Understanding that the label was rapidly building something of value it quickly launched into action and signed its’ second success, Somore "I Refuse". Soon after its’ release on XL Recordings the label further developed UK roots and formalized the signing of releases from England’s own Tuff Jam. This helped formally cement the label’s place in history as the primary American source fueling the UK underground garage scene.
In 1995 the duo took on new life and brought the label into a fresh direction. Combining elements of jazz, house, funk and electronica, "i Records" began working closely with local area artists to develop a new sound. This lead to the signing of Kevin Yost. What followed was a string of Yost successes, including "One Starry Night", a record considered by many as the best house genre recording of 1997. This release rapidly grew into powerful alliances with various European labels and gave birth to Kevin Yost’s debut album. Aptly titled "One Starry Night", it was an outrageous success selling over 100,000 units worldwide and quickly making Yost the recognized jazz-house master. Not intent on resting at such an active point, "i Records" changed management style and took up the reigns, focusing on a consistent release schedule and developing dedicated artists such as Richard Les Crees. This alliance grew into the label’s newfound interest in world music and a string of classic releases from Les Crees including "Paradise" and "La La La". As "i" continued to progress it began signing artists on the worldwide basis and began featuring music from various countries including Sweden, Canada, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, & France. Its’ success has also given birth to various sister labels including the quite successful Plate Records and Even Up Recordings.
Over a decade and 200+ releases later, the label has featured everything from abstract downtempo to main room electronica, from UK garage to deep spiritual house, from ethic world style to pumped up nu-perscussion. To this day "i Records" continues to define new genres of music, always delving deep into the soul and a rising above all industry adversity whilst staying focused on its’ original musical mission, "innovation".
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