Jake Records
Jake Records is an independent record label.
History
The Seattle-basede indie label was founded in January 2008 by entertainment industry executive Scott Thomas. His extensive work in radio and music production lead to the creation of the label, when he realized that major labels were taking less chances on new and underdeveloped talent. With recent advances making audio production more accessible to artists everywhere and the rise of digitally distributed music, Thomas felt that some of the cost-prohibitive barriers to running a successful record label had been removed. Jake Records VP Dan Diaz was added to the team early on. Diaz's skill in developing Artists and nurturing talent is known throughout the industry and his skills both behind the scenes and behind the mixing board as a producer were considered a great addition to Jake Records.
The first artist signed to the label was Northern California based rapper and radio personality Jiggy. His debut album "Jiggy" was released by the label in March of 2008. The album has had steady sales and the first single, "Irresistible" received airplay on dozens of radio stations. Shortly after the release of the Jiggy album, Thomas reunited with longtime friend Shock G, frontman for the multi-platinum group Digital Underground. The group was signed to the label, and released their final studio album "..Cuz A d.u. Party Don't Stop!" in May of 2008, which has had strong physical unit and digital sales. In October of 2008 the label re-released the 2004 solo album from Shock G "Fear Of A Mixed Planet" as a "Bonus EDition" with new tracks. In July 2008, Jake Records signed longtime Digital Underground tourmates Element. Their "Variety Pak" album released in December 2008. Also in October of 2008, the label announced its first imprint project, taking on distribution and marketing for Killer Groove, Inc. the production company founded by Hip Hop pioneer Almight Kay Gee of The Cold Crush Brothers. The first release under that partnership was the debut album "Unexpected" from renowned Reggae/Dancehall producer Dainjamental, which hit stores in March of 2009.
Reaching deeper into the extended Digital Underground family, the label also announced the signing of longtime Digital Underground member Esinchill. His first album is said to be due in early summer 2009.
The label continues to grow and expand its Business operations. It has launched an online radio station promoting its artists, and recently announced the addition of VP Shawn Cagle to the staff for music promotions and licensing work. The label has also expanded distribution by joining the Myspace music program.
Current Artists
- Jiggy
- Digital Underground
- Shock G
- Deuce Maxwell
- Draztic
- Not 4 Nothin
- T-Beezy
- Diamond Dolo
- Alyssa Page
- Dainjamental
- 4-4 Water
- At All Costs
- Element
- The Moonshine Bandits
- AP
- Myrical Child
- Tre-P
- Westside Bugg
- Esinchill
- BINC
- J Slie & Studiogang
- Jay Smith Biatch
- You Are The Science I Am The Faith
Former Artists
- Chepo
- South Drama
- The Ex Box Boys
- Ruckus
External links
References
- Mobile Beat Magazine, August 2008, "Jake Records Joins IRIS Distribution's Elite Roster of Top Independent Labels"
- Yahoo News Online, "Jake Records Signs Hip Hop Group Element"
- Hip Hop Press, "Hip Hop Legend Kay Gee of The Cold Crush Brothers Signs Imprint Deal With Jake Records"
- NewsGuide.us, "Jake Records Signs Hip Hop Recording Artist Esinchill"
See also
- List of record labels