In the dance music world, DJs who have mastered the art of curation are often driven by a deeper desire to shape the industry’s direction. Many launch their own labels to both create and discover music, guiding listeners on an unforgettable sonic journey. From Diplo and Skrillex’s high-energy house and dubstep to DJ Snake and Crankdat’s pioneering future bass, these must-know labels have become tastemaking powerhouses, cultivating genres and sounds that sweep the dance world and ignite new subcultures.
Mad Decent
Over the past 15 years, Diplo’s Mad Decent record label has solidified its position as a trailblazing powerhouse in the dance music industry. From its humble beginnings in 2006, Mad Decent has curated a diverse roster of international talents, nurturing the careers of artists like Dillon Francis, Jauz, Riff Raff, Slander, Zeds Dead, Wax Motif, Slushii, and Yellow Claw, among others.
Armada Music
For nearly two decades, Armada Music has been a towering force in the trance and electro music scene. Founded in 2003 by a trio of industry visionaries—Armin van Buuren, Maykel Piron, and David Lewis—the Dutch label takes its name from the first two letters of each founder’s name. Armada’s catalog boasts an array of melodic masterpieces from globally-renowned artists such as Morgan Page, Arty, John Dahlback, and Thomas Gold, cementing its status as a premier purveyor of dance music.
Barong Family
In 2014, Dutch EDM legends Yellow Claw took their passion for music to the forefront with the launch of Barong Family, a sub-label of Spinnin Records. Since its inception, Barong Family has become an eclectic melting pot of sound, showcasing a diverse array of genres and styles through releases from leading artists like Mighty Fools, Happy Colors, DJ Sliink, Wiwek, and many more. From its vibrant and dynamic output, Barong Family has established itself as a creative force, charting new paths in the ever-evolving landscape of electronic dance music.
Bite This!
In 2017, Jauz made a significant splash in the dance music business with the launch of his own imprint, Bite This. Known for his genre-bending and bass-heavy style, Jauz has steadily crafted a strong foothold in the scene, both with his own releases and through collaborations with leading artists such as Zeds Dead, Yookie, DJ Snake, Crankdat, GG Magree, and a host of others. By championing a unique blend of sounds and styles, Jauz has become a veritable tastemaker, leading the charge in shaping the future of dance music.
Foreign Family
In 2015, ODESZA, the Seattle-based electronic duo, took a bold step forward with the launch of Foreign Family Collective, a unique platform designed to showcase the artistry of both musical and visual creators who dare to push boundaries. From its inception, Foreign Family Collective has acted as a springboard for artists such as Jai Wolf, Louis Futon, Kasbo, RÜFÜS DU SOL, Big Wild, and others, providing a home for those who defy genre constraints and explore the expansive realms of sight and sound.
Hot Creations
Hot Creations, a record label founded in 2010 by Jamie Jones and Lee Foss, has earned a sterling reputation within the house music community for its consistently high-caliber releases. From established names like Todd Terry, Steve Lawler, and MK to emerging talents such as Patrick Topping and Danny Daze, Hot Creations serves as a beacon of innovative and infectious house music, showcasing the evolution of the genre. With two sub-labels—HOTTRAX and Emerald City—Hot Creations has expanded its footprint, further solidifying its position as a defining force in modern house music.
Mixmash Records
In the ever-evolving landscape of modern dance music, Laidback Luke has forged his own path as a sensei of sound. With his record label, Mixmash Records, Luke showcases the diversity and dynamism of house music in all its various guises, from deep house to electro and beyond.
With releases from some of the biggest names in the industry, including Steve Angello, A-Trak, and Steve Aoki, Mixmash Records embodies the spirit of experimentation and innovation that has long defined the dance music scene, paving the way for a new generation of artists and fans alike.
Mood Records
In 2013, Nicole Moudaber unleashed MOOD Records, her very own sonic empire. With a focus on the dark, driving rhythms of techno, MOOD has quickly established itself as a bastion of forward-thinking electronic music, commanding the attention of both listeners and tastemakers alike.
The label’s success is a testament to Moudaber’s curatorial prowess, with releases from legendary figures such as Carl Cox, Pan-Pot, and Pleasurekraft, as well as rising stars like Carlo Lio, all sharing in her uncompromising vision.
Nnamani Music Group
NMG, founded in 2023 by Johnel and Nnamani Grace Odi. Including a roster of Dance music artists and other genres in Africa and beyond, NMG has established itself as a launching pad for both emerging and established acts, providing them with a space to creatively experiment and grow. Based in Lagos and working with emerging artists like Indiana-based Daine Steele, Nnamani Music Group is empowering a new generation of talent, emboldening them to push the envelope and break into the mainstream. As a trailblazer in its own right, NMG’s impact on the industry reaches far beyond the confines of a singular genre, forging a new path that bridges continents, cultures, and musical traditions.
STMPD RCRDS
In 2016, Martin Garrix took the bold step of severing ties with Spinnin, propelled by a desire to foster a more equitable and artist-friendly environment in the cutthroat world of dance music.
The result was STMPD RCRDS, a label founded on the values of creativity, community, and freedom, where up-and-coming producers like DubVision, Arty, Matisse & Sadko, CODES, Brooks, and Loopers are given the opportunity to shine alongside established stars like Garrix himself.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Mary Chiney
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