In this industry, it’s important to recognize the badass women who’re running some of the best independent labels out there. Although Women’s History Month falls in March, these ladies rock the industry every day, every month, and every year without fail. 🔥 Here are some of the best women owned labels you absolutely need to know about…
Women Owned Labels You Should Know About In 2022
Play Me Records
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Founded by Reid Speed, Play Me Records is a multi-genre, full frequency range bass music. Reid Speed is recognized worldwide as a highly skilled drum & bass DJ as well as a pioneer of the multi-genre bass music movement. From her start at legendary NYC drum & bass store/label Breakbeat Science to founding her own labels Play Me Records and Play Me Too, she has remained a fan favorite DJ, a chart topping producer, and was seen as an instrumental player in the development of the North American Bass Music sound.
She’s known for dropping blistering multi-genre sets that have inspired a generation of female DJs. With her keen ear, Play Me has become a launchpad for more hot new artists than any other label of its kind, helping to kickstart the careers of the likes of Dillon Francis, Must Die, Figure, Bare, Singularity, Cyberoptics, and many more. Reid is one of the few old skool DJs who opened the door for women and who continues to set the standard high for female DJs in EDM.
Bright Antenna Records
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Founded by writer Tiffanie DeBartolo in 2007, Bright Antenna Records is an independent record label located in Mill Valley, CA. The label specializes in the alternative rock, indie pop/rock, rock music scene and they also have their own online store.
Cafe Rooster Records
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This independent label is owned by the effortlessly cool Sally Jaye Smithwick. Passionate about the art of the craft, she deeply supports her fellow Nashville artists within their growing community. Conjured up in Nashville, TN, Cafe Rooster Records offers a welcoming home to genres spanning across Americana, Rock n Roll, Punk Rock and the more unique sounds that don’t quite fit in with the status quo. Their collective of artists includes Ladies Gun Club, The Minks, Blackfoot Gypsies and more.
Saddest Factory Records
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Created by the epic Phoebe Bridgers, Saddest Factory Records is an independent label looking to promote undiscovered artists across all genres. Inspired by the nonexistent label she always dreamed of when she was first starting out, she created Saddest Factory Records be everything independent, nonconforming musicians ever wanted.
APOCALIPSIS
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APOCALIPSIS is a record label celebrating works by those ni de aquí/ni de allá, led by RIOBAMBA. RIOBAMBA is a member of techno-feminist booking agency DISCWOMAN’s roster. As APOCALIPSIS’ founder, RIOBAMBA co-produced Boiler Room’s first reggaetón showcase, and solidifed music education partnerships with The Loisaida Center, Abrons Arts Center, and Sonic Arts for All, as well as a Brooklyn juvenile detention center.
Arrowhawk Records
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Founded in 2013, ARROWHAWK is a woman owned, run, and independently funded record label based in Athens, GA. Our mission is to help artists on the fringe find a wider audience that connects with their music, and provide infrastructure and support to bring their ideas to fruition. They specialize in consulting with artists who are considering starting their own label, need help building a release plan to self-release smartly, or need help marketing and promoting their music.
In addition, their lessons in distribution, e-commerce, email marketing, direct-to-consumer marketing, media relations, tour marketing, label and project-management, and social media marketing are top-notch and perfect for anyone looking to expand their knowledge of the industry.
VP Records
Created by Patricia Chin and her late husband Vincent “Randy” Chin, VP Records is an independent Caribbean-owned record label that has been making waves for years. With offices in New York City, Miami, London, Kingston, Tokyo, Johannesburg and Rio de Janeiro, VP Records is known for releasing music by notable artists in reggae, dancehall and soca.
“Ms. Pat’s life stands out as an immigrant success story, blazing a trail of excellence in entrepreneurship which has inspired many other Jamaicans to pursue similar dreams in their adopted homeland… Ms. Pat is, without doubt, a cultural icon, whose life is one of fusion with reggae music for more than six decades.” says an interview with CarribeanLife.com
VP Records has been awarded Billboard’s “Best Independent Label” for two consecutive years (2002 and 2003),[2] and has received the award for “Best Reggae Imprint Label” for three consecutive years. VP was also nominated for Best Independent Reggae Label at the 2003 Billboard Hip-Hop and R&B awards, and had been mentioned and featured in publications such as Vibe magazine, New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Billboard, and Time magazine.
In Conclusion…
We can’t ignore the lack of gender equality all industries, not only the music industry, possess. As female artists continue to yearn and hustle for a change, labels like these are changing the name of the game. These women owned labels stand for more than just equality. They stand as an example for others to step up, speak up and support change.
We applaud them and all the other organizations led by women who take no shit and spread inclusivity and love throughout everything they do. ⚡️
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