Rekabet Records

Based in London, UK, Rekabet Records is an independent record label founded in 2006.

Origins

The artists first released on the label included Simon Mastrantone and NeatPeople. Rekabet gained accolade off the back of the media buzz resonating around their demos; XFM's John Kennedy was a fan, particularly of NeatPeople, making them Artists in Residence, as well as Simon Mastrantone, respectively. The label was also given favourable reviews six months prior to its first physical release (their unofficial debut actually being the download-only, "Standing Next To Rose") by magazines such as Dazed & Confused. NeatPeople, in the run-up to the release of 7" single, "Baby I'm Bored", supported The Bluetones on their UK tour. The upbeat single was a resoundingly successful first official outing for the label, with both Steve Lamacq and Zane Lowe showing their support with radio rotation. Simon Mastrantone's debut mini-album spawned an unexpected hit; the promotional video of lead track, "Sing a Song of Petulance" gaining airplay on MTV Two's show 120 Minutes (UK TV series).

Progression

NeatPeople, the more commercially viable of the label's roster, further excelled in their fortunes by time of the release of their second single, "Carry You Upward". The increasing attention around the group gained them coverage by NME, and their promotional video made the MTV playlist. At the time of signing to Rekabet, NeatPeople were initially contracted to former Blur manager and owner of Food Records, Andy Ross' management company, Bossmusic. Although still signed to the label, they have since parted company with Ross, shortly before their indefinite hiatus, announced in mid-2007. The label parted company with Simon Mastrantone in September 2007.

Present Day

Rekabet has since moved on from being a solely indie rock-oriented label, to fit in genres such as hip hop & drum and bass, notably taking on the rap group's A.M.M.O; a favourite of Ras Kwame, and Rhyme Asylum, considered the ones-to-watch by many respected moguls within hip hop worldwide. Operations are also expanding to Turkey, where a connection has been formed between Rekabet and Mor ve Ötesi's label, Rakun, on a licensing basis for the UK.

Releases