Owsla

Owsla
Parent companyWarner Music Group
FoundedAugust 17, 2011 (2011-08-17)
FounderSkrillex
StatusActive[citation needed]
Distributor(s)Atlantic Records[1]
Genre
Country of originUnited States
LocationLos Angeles, California
Official websiteowsla.com

Owsla (stylized in all caps) is an American record label and creative collective.[6][7] It was founded by Skrillex, Tim Smith, Kathryn Frazier, and Clayton Blaha in 2011.[8] Skrillex announced the label on August 17, 2011. The label's first release was Porter Robinson's Spitfire.[9]

The name "Owsla" is a reference to Richard Adams' fantasy novel Watership Down, in which it refers to the governing caste in a society of anthropomorphic rabbits.[10]

History

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In 2012, Owsla launched a monthly subscription, The Nest, with benefits including early access to Owsla releases.[11] In 2013, Bromance Records partnered up with Owsla to create an American branch titled Bromance US with releases from Gesaffelstein, Illangelo, Brodinski and LOUISAHHH!!!.[12] A year later, Owsla launched the Nestivus Charity Campaign, a series of holiday initiatives with all proceeds going to the international music nonprofit, Bridges for Music.[13]

On September 18, 2016, Owsla celebrated five years of establishment with a party in Los Angeles. In a video published by Owsla, Skrillex spoke about the establishment.[14] He said "I make music 'cause I love music and it all starts from there. And I surround myself with good people that I believe in as well. I think it’s important to create your family."[6] The General Manager of Owsla, Blaise DeAngelo asserted that Skrillex previously, like many other artists, had issues with record labels, implying that it caused him to create his own. Owsla was described as a label started for electronic music artists who "couldn’t get good label deals or resources and support they needed."[15]

Porter Robinson's Spitfire was the label's debut release. Releases that followed, such as Zedd’s Shave It, Gesaffelstein’s Aleph and What So Not’s Jaguar, were described as prominent.[15] Owsla Head of A&R Chris Morris explained that "In order for an artist to be signed, there has to be that passion from the top down," asserting that it is an "artist-driven" company.[16] On May 5, 2017, Owsla released an annual compilation album, Howsla.[17][18] It was described by Pitchfork as "a focused take that’s largely modeled on bassline house, a style from the northern UK that’s distinguished by greasy low-end melodies, hard-thwacked drums, and a slippery, skippy sense of swing."[19] Subsidiaries of Owsla include Nest HQ, a website dedicated to giving exposure to electronic music artists and Owsla Goods, a 'fashion wing'.[20]

Key people

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  • Sonny Moore (Skrillex) – founder, chief executive officer[15]
  • Tim Smith – co-founder, artist manager[15][21]
  • Kathryn Frazier – co-founder, publicist[15][21]
  • Clayton Blaha – co-founder, director of artists and repertoire (A&R)[15][21]
  • Chris Morris – head of A&R[16]
  • Blaise DeAngelo – former general manager[15]

Artists

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Releases

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Two Major Labels Reportedly In Discussions To Acquire Spinnin' Records". Your EDM. 12 May 2017. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  2. ^ "Make Your Mark: Owsla- The Mothership". Relentless Beats. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  3. ^ "Owsla Announces House-Focused Compilation Howsla, Drops Chris Lake's "I Want You" - NEST HQ". NEST HQ. 2017-03-22. Archived from the original on 2018-01-30. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  4. ^ a b By808sJake. "The 25 Best Songs on Owsla, So Far". Complex. Retrieved 2018-01-30.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  5. ^ "Label Spotlight | Owsla". Onlythebeat.com. 2013-05-10. Archived from the original on April 26, 2014. Retrieved 2018-01-30.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  6. ^ a b Billboard (2016-09-21). "Skrillex's Owsla Label Celebrates With Los Angeles Rager in Honor of 5-Year Anniversary". Billboard. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  7. ^ "Skrillex Announces Launch of Owsla Label". Billboard. 2011-06-07. Archived from the original on 2013-02-15. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  8. ^ "Skrillex, Owsla Label Announce The Nest: Subscription-Based Imprint". Billboard. Archived from the original on 2018-05-17. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  9. ^ "Label Focus: Owsla - Blog". Mixmag. 2016-09-14. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  10. ^ "The Origins of 10 Iconic Names in Dance Music". EDM.com. 2016-02-04. Archived from the original on 2017-12-23. Retrieved 2016-11-03.
  11. ^ "Owsla Will Take You To The Mountain: A Deeper Look at Skrillex's Winning Streak". RaverRafting. 22 February 2013. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  12. ^ Dessa, Kate (2013-07-18). "Bromance Records Launches American Branch via Owsla". Earmilk. Retrieved 2018-03-02.
  13. ^ Billboard (2014-12-18). "Skrillex's Owsla Label Launches Nestivus Charity Campaign". Billboard. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  14. ^ "OWSLA unveils five-year anniversary recap video". We Rave You. 2016-09-23. Retrieved 2019-06-28.
  15. ^ a b c d e f g Cunningham, Katie (2016-09-21). "Why Owsla could be the most important label in dance music right now". Inthemix.junkee.com. Archived from the original on September 26, 2016. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  16. ^ a b Leight, Elias (2016-12-08). "Skrillex's Owsla, Known for Big Beats, Branches Out With Singer-Songwriter Mark Johns". Vogue. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  17. ^ "Owsla begins to roll out new house compilation 'Howsla' with new Chris Lake video". Dancing Astronaut. 2017-03-22. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  18. ^ "Skrillex and Chris Lake team up for house compliation [sic] HOWSLA". We Rave You. 2017-05-10. Retrieved 2019-06-28.
  19. ^ Philip Sherburne (2017-05-04). "Various Artists: Howsla Album Review". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on 2018-11-12. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  20. ^ Billboard (2016-12-20). "Owsla GM Blaise DeAngelo Talks Label's Five Year Mark & Moving Beyond Music". Billboard. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  21. ^ a b c "Best Label: Owsla". DJMag.com. 2017-06-28. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  22. ^ AC Slater Returns To Owsla (2015-07-31). "AC Slater Returns To Owsla". Wegotthiscovered.com. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  23. ^ By808sJake. "ALESIA Further Advances France's "New Order" on Their New Owsla Release". Complex. Retrieved 2018-01-30.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  24. ^ "Owsla Artist Aryay Stands Up to Violence, Honors 556 Murdered in 2016". EDM.com. Archived from the original on 2018-01-30. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  25. ^ "Barely Alive Resurface on Owsla". Bassrush. 2017-02-14. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  26. ^ BWW News Desk (2016-10-25). "Basecamp Unveils New IN STONE EP via Owsla". Broadwayworld.com. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  27. ^ "Bassnectar and ATLiens make their OWSLA debuts with 'Interlock'". 17 March 2017.
  28. ^ a b c d e "Owsla - The 15 Best EDM Labels Right Now". Complex. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  29. ^ Matthew Strauss (2019-01-16). "Skrillex's Label OWSLA Announces Worldwide Broadcast Comp, Shares Bixel Boys & Poupon Video". Pitchfork. Retrieved 2019-07-29.
  30. ^ Photography: Thomas Uribe. "Premiere: Blood Diamonds - Apex". Dummy Mag. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  31. ^ "josh pan ditches electronic stylings on debut joint album, 'This Car Needs Some Wheels' with Dylan Brady". Dancing Astronaut. 2019-03-20. Retrieved 2019-07-29.
  32. ^ "Skrillex Signs Duo 'Carmada' After Only Hearing One Track". EDM.com. 2014-12-15. Archived from the original on 2018-01-30. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  33. ^ Khal. "Crookers - "Ghetto Guetta"". Complex. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  34. ^ "David Heartbreak & J Trick Bring The "House Party" To Owsla Spring Comp - NEST HQ". NEST HQ. 2015-03-20. Archived from the original on 2018-01-31. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  35. ^ Ireland, David. "EDM News - Hang Out With Destructo To Celebrate The Release Of His New EP On Skrillex's Owsla Imprint - Magnetic Magazine". Magneticmag.com. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  36. ^ Cliff, Aimee (2016-08-23). "DJ Sliink And Skrillex On How Jersey Club Brought Them Together". The Fader. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  37. ^ "Dog Blood - "Middle Finger" - The 25 Best Songs on Owsla, So Far". Complex. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  38. ^ "Ekali joins the Owsla family - EARMILK". EARMILK. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  39. ^ "Elohim - Connect by ELOHIM - Listen to music". m.soundcloud.com. Retrieved April 17, 2019.
  40. ^ "Etnik – Artists". www.insomniac.com. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  41. ^ "Figure - Horns of the Apocalypse EP (Owsla)". Your EDM. 2016-01-29. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  42. ^ "Skrillex Reunites With From First to Last, His Former Band, on New Track "Make War"". pitchfork.com.
  43. ^ "Skrillex's Owsla Unleashes Free Exclusive Music From Zedd, Dillon Francis & More". Your EDM. 2014-07-24. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  44. ^ "Salvatore Ganacci returns with another dramatic Tomorrowland set". We Rave You. 30 July 2018. Retrieved 2019-06-28.
  45. ^ "Gesaffelstein – Pursuit (Official Music Video) *Not Safe For Work*". YourEDM. 2013-06-17. Retrieved 2019-07-29.
  46. ^ Billboard (2016-11-03). "Getter Dishes on Face-Melting Music Videos and 'Radical Dude!' EP". Billboard. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  47. ^ Billboard (2016-08-16). "Ghastly Talks Owsla, Metal, and Not Getting Comfortable". Billboard. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  48. ^ Jess GentileMar 25 2014, 12:00am (2014-03-25). "HeartsRevolution Has an Ice Cream Truck Made of One Million Swarovski Crystals - Thump". Thump.vice.com. Retrieved 2018-01-30.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  49. ^ Krystal Rodriguez (May 12, 2017). "Hundred Waters and Skrillex's New Team-Up Will Make You Feel Better - Thump". Thump.vice.com. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  50. ^ "I Am Legion - Make Those Move [Owsla]". Your EDM. 16 July 2013. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  51. ^ "Monsta On Signing To Skrillex's Owsla Label, Dubstep, and Moby?". Village Voice. 2012-10-24. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  52. ^ "Owsla After Dark Part I - Jack Beats - NEST HQ". NEST HQ. 2013-08-22. Archived from the original on 2018-01-31. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  53. ^ Corban Goble (2015-03-05). "Various Artists: Skrillex and Diplo Present Jack Ü Album Review". Pitchfork. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  54. ^ Billboard (2015-07-15). "Meet Mark Johns: The Newest Member of Skrillex's Owsla Imprint". Billboard. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  55. ^ "A New Track From JOYRYDE's High-Octane Owsla EP Is Here, "I WARE HOUSE" - NEST HQ". NEST HQ. 2017-02-21. Archived from the original on 2019-03-26. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  56. ^ "The Juggernaut - Chinese Finger Trap". Thissongslaps.com. 2013-04-20. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  57. ^ Ezra MarcusApr 6 2017, 9:17pm (2017-04-06). "Owsla's Anna Lunoe, Wuki, and Valentino Khan Team Up like Voltron for Walloping New Track - Thump". Thump.vice.com. Retrieved 2018-01-30.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  58. ^ "Kill Paris to Release 'To A New Earth' EP on Owsla". Relentless Beats. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  59. ^ "Album Review: Kill The Noise 'OCCULT CLASSIC' [Owsla] - NEST HQ". NEST HQ. 2015-10-09. Archived from the original on 2018-01-30. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  60. ^ Billboard (2017-03-22). "Chris Lake Talks 'I Want You,' Owsla House Compilation 'Howsla,' and the Future of American House: Exclusive". Billboard. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  61. ^ "NGHTMRE and LOUDPVCK's New Single for OWSLA Might Be the Hardest Song You Hear All Year - Thump". thump.vice.com.
  62. ^ "Anna Lunoe Goes All Out On New Single "Radioactive"". We Got This Covered. 2016-09-16. Retrieved 2019-07-29.
  63. ^ "The M Machine - Superflat [Owsla]". Your EDM. 2016-03-10. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  64. ^ Billboard (2016-11-29). "Marshmello Launches New 'Ritual' Merch Line With Owsla". Billboard. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  65. ^ Billboard (2013-03-25). "Alex Metric Talks About His Owsla Single, 'Ilium': Watch Here". Billboard. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  66. ^ "Owsla Artist Mija Sits for Tasteful, Gothy Playboy Shoot - Thump". Thump.vice.com. 2016-02-02. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  67. ^ "Raised by the Owsla Family: The rise of Milo & Otis". Dancing Astronaut. 2014-09-10. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  68. ^ Dabrye (27 May 2014). "Stream Moody Good's genre-hopping debut in full, forthcoming on Owsla and MTA Records - FACT Magazine: Music News, New Music". Factmag.com. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  69. ^ Stauffer, Bryan (2013-08-05). "Bart B More & The Napoleon Saga". Lessthan3.com. Archived from the original on 2018-01-31. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  70. ^ Sophia (2014-08-14). "MUST DIE! Announces New LP For Owsla". Edmsauce.com. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  71. ^ "Interview + MiniMix: OddKidOut - NEST HQ". 26 April 2018. Archived from the original on 16 May 2018. Retrieved 15 May 2018.
  72. ^ "Owsla Signee josh pan Discusses his Opus Remix of "It G Ma" - NEST HQ". NEST HQ. 2016-02-09. Archived from the original on 2018-01-30. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  73. ^ "Pennybirdrabbit "For Love EP" [Owsla/Big Beat]". Your EDM. 13 February 2014. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  74. ^ "Phonat - "Ride the Prejudice" - The 25 Best Songs on Owsla, So Far". Complex. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  75. ^ "Phuture Doom LP [Owsla]". Your EDM. 6 November 2013. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  76. ^ Khal. "Premiere: Point Point f/ San Holo "Smile On Your Face"". Complex. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  77. ^ "Rell The Soundbender & B!tch Be Cool - Diablo House". Dancing Astronaut. 2017-10-27. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  78. ^ "Dream - "This Isn't House" - The 25 Best Songs on Owsla, So Far". Complex. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  79. ^ a b "Skrillex signs Rusko to his Owsla record label". NME. 2013-06-05. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  80. ^ "Seven Lions - Serpent Of Old [Owsla]". Your EDM. 17 November 2013. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  81. ^ "Noisecontrollers & Showtek - Get Loose (Owsla) • Harderstate - Hardstyle & Hardcore Forum". Harderstate.com. 28 December 2012. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  82. ^ "Skrillex Chops & Screws Renaissance Synths For Sirah's 'Deadbeat': Listen". Billboard. 2017-09-29. Retrieved 2019-07-29.
  83. ^ "Skream ft. Sam Frank - "Anticipate" - The 25 Best Songs on Owsla, So Far". Complex. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  84. ^ "EDM Wishes Skrillex A Very Happy 30th Birthday". Your EDM. 16 January 2018. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  85. ^ "Skrillex's Latest Episode Of Owsla Radio Features Snails, What So Not & More". Your EDM. 2017-06-08. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  86. ^ Almeida, Nicole (27 January 2017). "Striving for More: A Conversation with Star Slinger". Atwood Magazine. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  87. ^ "TC Tightens His Grip On The Dance Floor With 'Get Down Low EP'". Your EDM. 26 November 2013. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  88. ^ Byanonymous superhero. "Teddy Killerz - "Teddy Massacre"". Complex. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  89. ^ "Tennyson Release New Single "Cry Bird" + Announce Uh Oh! EP On Owsla". Runthetrap.com. 2017-09-01. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  90. ^ Tregoning, Jack (2012-02-10). "Nick Thayer releases new EP on Skrillex's label Owsla". Inthemix.junkee.com. Archived from the original on January 30, 2018. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  91. ^ "Torro Torro's "Make A Move" Gets Remixed by Skrillex, Habstrakt, & Star Slinger x Mark Johns - NEST HQ". 8 January 2016. Archived from the original on 12 July 2018. Retrieved 12 July 2018.
  92. ^ "Skrillex & TroyBoi Unleash Their Massive "WARLORDZ" Collaboration". YourEDM. 2019-06-21. Retrieved 2019-07-29.
  93. ^ ""Favor" with Vindata + Skrillex + NSTASIA Sounds Unlike Any Owsla Collab, Ever [LISTEN]". Your EDM. 8 August 2017. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  94. ^ "OWSLA Comes Back Strong: Signs Virtual Riot & Releases Salvatore Ganacci Music Video". Riverbeats.life. 18 April 2019. Retrieved 2019-04-18.
  95. ^ "Check Out What So Not on Owsla After Dark". Your EDM. 21 February 2014. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  96. ^ "Wiwek Releases Two New Tracks On Owsla [VIDEOS]". Your EDM. 7 February 2017. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  97. ^ Rob Fitzpatrick (7 July 2014). "Yogi: 'My music smells of freshly baked bread' | Music". The Guardian. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
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